Ergonomics 101

~Computer screen should be at eye level. Not looking up or down. (Keeps tension off neck)

~Forearms should be at a slight angle w/ the hands slightly lower then your elbows. You should think of this when positioning your keyboard. (This keeps the tension/ stress off the shoulders)

~Knees slightly lower than the hips. (This keeps tension off of the lower back.

~Be sure to have a good lumbar support. (They put them in our automobiles, why do we ignore their importance's at work?)

~The best chairs have a movable seat and arm rest so you can raise or lower them so that you can set your space up to your height.

10 Steps to Wellness

1) Eat well. Take Supplements. Drink 8 or more glasses of water each day!
This step is 101 of Wellness speak. Eat well means exactly that. Eat a balanced breakfast. It literally takes 5 minutes. Don't miss this most important meal of the day. Prepare in advance for lunch. Don't take the easy way out and go the fast food route. Take your supplements. Everyone needs a multivitamin-multi mineral. Ask your doctor for recommendations. Lately, water is vital to health. Do whatever it takes to get approximately half your body weight in ounces of water. 200 pounds, 100 ounces. The math is easy. Just do it!
2) Exercise and Stretch.
There are dozens of resources that can help, from trainers at the gym to exercise books to fitness experts.
3) Create a Mission Statement and Live Life on Purpose!
Creating your own mission statement is among one of the most important things you can do. There are several resources to turn to for help. Seven Habits of Highly Effective People is one. Please take the time to complete this and get going on the path towards creating the habits of wellness. This step alone can change your life!
4) Rest and Renewal.
Getting to bed on time will go a long way in making tomorrow a day that starts on purpose. Beginning sleep after 11:00 PM guarantees less quality sleep for most of us.
5) Financial Margin.
Spend less than you make! Need help making a budget? Then get some! Creating margin in this area of your life is vital. Having financial stress can lead to an imbalance in the work, family, sleep model. It will force you to work more, sleep less, and spend less time with your family! Not a very good recipe for wellness.
6) Annual and Other Physical Exams.
Men, if you're over 40, start getting an annual prostate exam. Women, if you're 18 or older, start getting an annual breast exam and pap smears.
7) Break Your Bad Habits and Replace Them with Something Better!
Stop doing things that you absolutely know were detrimental for your health! But you need to replace them with something better. For example, if you have a problem with eating late night snacks, replace the snacks with carrots or celery sticks. Also, a nice walk in the evening breaks up the routine and gets you on a new path with every effort!
8) Kiss Your Spouse Before Work.
Research shows that this simple act can add seven years to your life!
9) Serve Others.
It's amazing how our problems seem to fade when we start helping others with theirs. A wise person once said that if we put every one's troubles into a big pile and were told to pick some troubles, we'd pick our own again. You never know freedom until you start to know freedom from self-indulgence and self-obsession. What ever your gift is, find a way to serve others by using it. You'll be absolutely amazed by how energized you feel when you do!
10) Get Adjust Regularly.
Your doctor of Chiropractic fits into the wellness plan like a hand in a glove. Keep your frame fit in advance. Remember, "an ounce of protection" is the mantra of the Wellness Lifestyle!

Article Courtesy of the Chiropractor's Wellness Magazine

Evidence Based Care

While most people are aware that scientific research supports the use of chiropractic for conditions related to muscles and bones (musculoskeletal conditions such as neck pain, headaches, and back pain), many are not aware of research revealing that, because chiropractic care influences the nervous system activity, it may help prevent a plethora of other conditions.

In a just published study, researchers used technology called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to induce changes in nervous system activity known as “motor evoked potentials”. By monitoring this process in 72 volunteers while they received chiropractic care, the scientists determined that chiropractic adjustments alter the effects of corticospinal excitability on motor neuron activity of the nerves that supply the paraspinal muscles around the spine (J manipulative Physiol Therapy 2008;31:258-70). This study was done as a follow up to a study in 2002 that showed that chiropractic adjustments to the spine influenced nerves going to structures far away from the spine as well
(J Manpulative Physiol Therapy 2002;25:1-9).

While chiropractors have always witnessed the benefits of chiropractic care in their patients, research like this is now beginning to prove that chiropractic adjustments impact the nervous system. It is the impact on the nervous system that subsequently helps patients feel better, move better and experience better health naturally.

By creating optimal nervous system flow, the chiropractic adjustment influences structures in the body far away from the spine, such as organs. In this way, chiropractic care may help prevent a wide array of conditions such as:

~Colic
~Asthma
~Acid Reflux
~Restless Legs Syndrome
~Infertility

If you have tried everything else and still don’t feel good, maybe it is time you give chiropractic care a chance. Problems with the nerves exiting your spine just might be the answer to your unanswered questions!

New York Chiropractic Yankees

The New York Yankees and chiropractic have been in the new the past few weeks thanks to major-league baseball player Johnny Damon. In more recent news, the New York Times reported earlier this week that the Yankees would be hiring a team chiropractor, apparently on the advice of Johnny Damon.

There were several articles circulating in the news about Johnny Damon and the chiropractor care he has been receiving in Orlando, Florida. According to Damon, his chiropractor is amazing. The New York Yankees left field ballplayer hopes his chiropractic care will translate into better results on the field, not only for himself, but for his team.

This wouldn't be the first time the New York Yankees have utilized the team chiropractor. Back in May of 1934, a magazine for the National Chiropractic Association featured a front page photo of New York Yankees team chiropractor (Dr.Painter) working with a ballplayer, with Babe Ruth watching on. I don't know if there's any truth of this, but I once heard that at the time, the New York Yankees asked the New York Daily News to keep quiet about the Yankees having a team chiropractor, which was from the 1920s to 1930s (at this time chiropractic care was illegal in New York). Apparently, they wanted to maintain a competitive edge by keeping the chiropractic care a secret. Perhaps coincidentally, the Yankees recorded their best season ever (1927-World Champions) and won four World Championships (1923, 1927-1928, 1932) during the time of Dr. Erie Painter, chiropractor.

According to various new reports, Johnny Damon has not spent a single day on baseball's disabled list during his lengthy playing career. Planet Chiropractic would like to recognize and congratulate Johny Damon, the New York Yankees management, and the entire Yankees management, and the entire Yankees organization, for their continued support and utilization of chiropractic care in the field of professional athletics.

You can visit the official Johnny Damon website at johnnydamon.com to view his bio, long list of awards and records, as well as some very impressive statistics.

Christmas in November

From November 2nd-December 18th The Back Doctors will be taking canned goods and toy, clothing, and other gift donations to distribute to an under-privileged family in the Reno area.

For any donations equal to or greater than $25.00, the doctors will offer to donate their time and services to any friends or family members who are in need of chiropractic care. Donations will qualify friends and family to take advantage of a no cost consultation and examination, including X-rays!

The following is what each family member has requested. We will make sure to update this daily as gifts are being brought in. You can also make a cash donation.

Mom: Clothing, pants and work clothes (suits) size 9/11. Shirt size Lg. Heels or boots size 8. Gift cards to Burlington/Walmart/Target.

Son, 7 years old: Spiderman sheets/comforter set. Lego's. Books (Spongebob or cartoons). So far we have received 2 Spiderman books: Animal Attack, Fiercest Foes.

Daughter, 9 years old: CD's ( Lady Gaga). Jeans size 10 in girls. Long sleeve shirts size 10 or medium. Bratz toys. Books (Goosebumps). So far we have gotten the following 6 Goosebump books: Help! We have strange powers!, The streets of panic park, and Welcome to camp slither, Ghost Beach, Escape from Horrorland, and The Streets of Panic Park.

Son, 1 year old: Baby bottles. Diaper bag. Clothing size 1T. Age appropriate toys. Board books for toddlers.

Donate to a good cause and give the gift of health!

Flu Season and Boosting Your Immune System

Our immune system protects us from the flu, as well as any other infectious disease, and strives to get us all well again when we do fall ill. That immune system, like every other system in the body, is coordinated and controlled by a nervous system. Specific Chiropractic care allows for a properly functioning, healthier nervous system, something a pill or vaccine falls short of.

Chiropractic's effect on the immune system, along with it's effect on specific secondary symptomatology is notable, according to recent research. Even though you are not "sick", your body may be acquiring misalignment's of the spine (subluxations-see last week's blog) that cause interruptions in your nervous system. This interrupts your entire body's function, most importantly this winter, your immune system. A specific chiropractic adjustment restores the alignment of your vertebrae, removing nervous system interference and allowing restoration of the flow of energy & information from your brain to the rest of your body.

Research show regular chiropractic checkups can not only relieve pain & daily ailments, but also prevent disease & chronic health issues. Ronald Pero, Ph.D, chief of cancer prevention research at New York's Preventative Medicine Institute and professor of medicine at New York University, performed research concluding significant immune boosting effects of chiropractic care. His 3 year study resulted in patients under chiropractic care for 5 years having a 200% greater immunity than people who had not received chiropractic care, and 400% greater immune competence than people with cancer and other serious diseases. The immune system superiority of those under chiropractic care did not diminish with age. Dr. Pero states, "I have never seen a group other than this chiropractic group to experience a 200% increase over the normal patients. This is why it is so dramatically important. We have never seen such a positive improvement in a research group".

What is a Subluxation?

Doctors of chiropractic refer to problem areas as subluxations. Subluxations occur when bones in the spinal column move out of their normal alignment. As a result, several things happen. First, there is a decrease in motion of the spinal joint. You may notice that you aren't as flexible and don't have as many ranges of motion that you used to have. When a bone is misaligned, it can put pressure on the nerves surrounding it. You may start to experience pain and discomfort. These nerves control your body and tell it how to work, so over time, the nerve will not work as effectively as it should and other problems could arise. Subluxations can affect your muscle function and your soft tissues as well. Subluxations are a danger to your health because they cause abnormal function of the spine and body. Subluxations are caused by physical traumas (exercising, auto accidents, birth trauma, etc.), emotional stress, and chemical stress (smoking, drinking, poor diet, environment toxins, etc.). Subluxations can be found in newborns to seniors which is exactly why anyone of any age should be checked for subluxations and be treated with specific chiropractic adjustments.

Effects of a subluxation:

The nervous system controls the function of every part of the human body. Sever a nerve and the organs will no longer function. Irritate a nerve and those organs will not function as well as they should. The end result can be health problems depending upon which nerve is irritated. The chart shows a list of symptoms with their general relationship to the spine. In reality, the spine is much more complex than what is shown. Gonstead chiropractors can affect these symptoms by removing nerve pressure and allowing for more normal control.

What Makes Us So Special?

Chiropractic has come a long way since David D.Palmer gave his first adjustment in 1889 in Davenport, Iowa. Today, there are many methods used by chiropractors to correct spinal misalignments, joint dysfunctions and subluxation complexes. Many techniques are identified by the name of the person who was most instrumental in their development. Interestingly enough, one of the most advanced and scientific methods is a technique called:
The Gonstead System
Gonstead procedures are the result of extensive clinical research by Clarence S.Gonstead, founder of the world famous Gonstead Clinic of Chiropractic in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin and his associates. Doctor Gonstead’s fifty-five years of continuous practice and over four million chiropractic adjustments resulted in the most complete method of biomechanical analysis available for use by today’s doctors of chiropractic. So why don’t all chiropractors use this technique? Because the analysis takes more time and mastering the art of delivering a specific adjustment takes a LOT of practice and dedication.
The “Gonstead Chiropractor”
The Gonstead Chiropractor goes beyond what many chiropractors consider a spinal assessment by conducting a thorough analysis of your spine using five criteria to detect the presence of the vertebral subluxation complex.
Visualization – Visualization is a way to cross reference all the other findings. Your chiropractor is an expert in looking for subtle changes in your posture and movement which could indicate any problems.
Instrumentation – The instrument of choice in the Gonstead System is the Nervoscope. The Nervoscope detects uneven distributions of heat along the spine which can be indicative of inflammation and nerve pressure. This instrument is guided down the length of your back and feels like two fingers gliding down each side of your spine.
Static Palpation – This is simply the process of feeling (or palpating) your spine in a stationary (or static) position. Your chiropractor will feel for the presence of swelling (or edema), tenderness and any abnormal texture or tightness in the muscles and other tissues of your back.
Motion Palpation – This process involves feeling the spine while moving and bending it at various angles. This enables the chiropractor to determine how easily or difficult each segment in your spine moves in different directions.
X-Ray Analysis – x-ray films enable your doctor to visualize the entire structure of your spine. This is helpful in evaluating posture, joint and disc integrity, vertebral misalignments and ruling out any pathologies, or recent fractures that may be present or contributing to the patient’s condition. These full-spine radiographs are taken in the standing, weight-bearing position to fully substantiate the examination findings.
The Gonstead Adjustment
After a complete analysis, the Gonstead chiropractor is ready to deliver any necessary adjustments. The focus of the Gonstead adjustment is to be as specific, precise and accurate as possible, addressing only the problem areas (areas of subluxation). Great care is taken to ensure a bio-mechanically correct position and precise thrust to provide the most accurate and painless adjustment possible. It is the goal of your Gonstead doctor to restore and maintain optimal health by locating and correcting any interference to the nervous system caused by vertebral subluxation.

For more information on the Gonstead System please visit http://www.gonsteadseminar.com.

Amanda's Personal Chiropractic Experience

Before working for the Back Doctor's I did not have much knowledge of Chiropractic care. Just like our new patients I had a consultation, exam, and full spinal x-ray. I let Dr. Amanda know that I suffered from severe migraine headaches. I would get migraines at least every two weeks, sometimes as often as once a week. The pain they caused was almost unbearable. I saw a doctor in Alaska regarding my migraines and they prescribed me to a type of painkiller. The painkillers would work temporarily but the pain would always come back, so I stopped taking them. Since following the treatment plan Dr. Amanda gave me, I have not had one migraine. Not only have my migraines gone away, but I rarely even get mild head aches anymore. This is the first time in years that I have gone almost two months without a migraine!

Meet Our Morning Front Office Girl

My name is Amanda Huebner. I am 23 years old, and was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska. My parents still reside in Anchorage. I moved to Reno on July 1st, 2009. I have one brother who also lives here in Reno. I am currently a student at Truckee Meadows Community College, and plan on transferring to UNR in the spring of 2010. I am pursuing a degree in Special Education. I have recently started to train for triathlons, and competed in my first one in May, and look forward to competing in more in the Reno area. Growing up in Alaska, I really enjoyed fishing and camping in the summer, and snowboarding and snowmobiling n the winter. I also enjoy playing the piano, and have been playing for 16 years. I really enjoy trying new things, and plan on taking up karate, and downhill skiing this winter. I am really enjoying living in Reno, and look forward to everything it has to offer. I am especially looking forward to a much milder winter than what I am used to.

Meet Our Afternoon Front Office Girl

Hi! My name is Tiffany Reeser. I am new to the Reno area; I was recently married and moved here in March of 2009 with my husband, Jake, and Dachshund puppy, Hannah. I am very excited to get to know people in the area and become a part of the community. In my spare time I love to rock climb, hike, swim, and venture to unfamiliar shops and restaurants. Before moving to Reno I lived in the San Francisco Bay Area for over 22 years! In the Bay Area I began going to school for Nursing; I am planning to continue my education at Truckee Meadows Community College, and to later transfer to UNR. My ultimate career goal is to become an R.N. here in Nevada and give back to the medical community in Reno. For the last 4 years I worked at a chiropractic office in California, I'm very excited to be working at The Back Doctors, continuing to spread knowledge of the benefits of chiropractic to those around me!