December 2007 - Vol 2, Issue 12
In This Issue
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Greetings!

Welcome to the Sauganash Wellness Center newsletter. We'll be passing along tips about back and body health, as well as sharing news about the office. Please let us know what you think and what kind of information we can provide here that would be useful to you and your family. Also, email or call with any questions you may have!

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Happy Holidays!

Dr. Deanna and Rachel wish you and your family a very happy and healthy Holiday Season!
wrist x-ray
Do you have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)? You may if you have one or more of the following: tingling and numbness in the hand, fingers and wrist; pain so intense that it awakens you at night and similar symptoms in the upper arm, elbow, shoulder or neck.


Millions of people now suffer from CTS and increasing numbers of them are seeking chiropractic care. Why? The chiropractic process of relieving the spine and nerve-damaging vertebral subluxation complex strengthens your body. You will have more energy and may better deal with all conditions - CTS included.

WHERE IS THE CARPAL TUNNEL?

You won't find this tunnel on any map - it's in your wrist. Your carpal (wrist) bones form a tunnel-like structure - the carpal tunnel - through which pass nine tendons and one nerve - the median nerve. CTS (also called occupational neuritis, partial thenar atrophy and median neuritis) occurs when the median nerve is irritated. CTS is so common it was called the "occupational disease of the 1990's."

WHO GETS CTS?

People who do repetitive tasks - stay at home moms, executive assistants, meat cutters, assembly line workers, carpenters, musicians, computer users are among the many. Also, fractures or falls on the hand, and poorly designed and/or vibrating hand tools may damage the palm of the hand and cause CTS. Other causes are rheumatoid or osteoarthritis, Paget's bone disease, multiple myeloma, acromegaly and gout. IT is often found in pregnant women, women who use birth control pills or individuals who have an underactive thyroid.

THE MEDICAL APPROACH

The medical approach tries to relieve the pain by wrist immobilization, ice or drugs. If the symptoms persist, corticosteroids may be injected into the crease in the hand near the wrist which may provide relief but has a high relapse rate (and many side effects).

Surgery may be resorted to with hand surgeons performing hundreds of thousands operations a year for CTS. Recovery from such surgery may take from 6 months to 10 years. The limitations of standard medical care led the late Robert Mendelsohn, M.D. to state, "Since the medical treatment for this condition is so often unsatisfactory, I have for years been recommending that my patients consult experts in muscle and joint therapy."

YOUR SPINE AND CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME

The relationship between spinal health and carpal tunnel syndrome has been documented by a number of individuals who found spinal nerve root irritation in patients who had CTS symptoms. Others have found that nerve compression in the neck can block the flow of nutrients to the nerves in the wrist, making it more susceptible to injury (this is called double crush syndrome).

Not surprisingly, when 1,000 carpal tunnel syndrome cases were investigated, it was found that a large number of those suffering from CTS had neck arthritis.

THE CHIROPRACTIC APPROACH

Anyone suffering from CTS should see a chiropractor to ensure that his/her spinal column is free from nerve pressure between the arms and wrists and the nerves in the neck. The musicians, computer operators and other workers who suffer from CTS are not only using their wrists in their tasks - the neck is also involved. Altered spinal movements may be creating strain on the neck to cause or aggravate the condition.

For over a hundred years, doctors of chiropractic have been adjusting patients' spines to better balance their vertebral columns. During this period, chiropractors have observed that some patients have been relieved of classic carpal tunnel symptoms after spinal adjustments.

Massage therapy may also play an important role in the relief of CTS. Relaxing the muscles in the neck, upper arm, forearm and wrist can help relieve pressure on the nerves as well as allow your chiropractic adjustment to be easier and last longer.

CONCLUSION

In light of what's known about CTS, anyone suffering from it should see a chiropractor to ensure that their spine is free of vertebral subluxations. A chiropractic spinal adjustment may make the difference between a pain-free wrist or surgery!

POSTSCRIPT

No matter what disease or condition you have, you can benefit from a healthy spine. Spinal health can be as important for your overall healing as proper nutrition. Are you and your family carrying the vertebral subluxation complex in your spines? Only a chiropractic spinal checkup can tell.

Among the many things contributing to your health: the quality of air, food and water you take in; how you handle emotional stress; your inherited weaknesses and strengths; your use of drugs; exercise; and relaxation - a healthy spine is absolutely essential. In some people it is a major factor and can make the difference between a life of health, strength and vitality or a life of disease, weakness and disability.

A healthy spine can improve your life - see your chiropractor for periodic spinal checkups.

(Adapted from Koren Publishing)
Come in, give us a call or email us and find out how our chiropractic and massage treatments can reduce pain and enhance your health. We apply a range of approaches -- from physical rehabilitation to nutritional counseling to acupuncture -- to address problem areas, treat injuries or encourage overall wellness. Give us a call at 773.283.4470 or email us at [email protected] to make an appointment.
CLICK HERE for your chance to win a
FREE ONE-HOUR MASSAGE!

At the end of each month we will select one lucky winner at random to win a one-hour massage at Sauganash Wellness Center.

One entry per day per person. GOOD LUCK!

Free Aromatherapy Treatment with Your First Massage Session
Take care of your body in the new year with a massage and a get a complimentary aromatherapy treatment ($10 value). A layering of essentials oils -- such as lemongrass, cypress, helichrysum -- open the senses, alleviate stress and improve your mood. Offer good for first time massage clients. Call or email for your appointment today. Mention you saw this offer in the newsletter!



Massage Gift Certificates Available!

Massages make great gifts!
60-minute massage gift certificates are $75.00
30-minute massage gift certificates are $50.00

Massage packages available:
Buy 5 one-hour massages GET ONE FREE!
- or-
Buy 6 half-hour massages GET ONE FREE!

Sincerely,


Dr. Deanna Minkler
Rachel Shaffer, LMT
Sauganash Wellness Center

phone: 773.283.4470
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