Although flat feet is a common deformity it is not to be ignored (Bresnahan, 2020). Every step on a deformed foot leads to excessive tissue strain and further joint damage (Bresnahan, 2020).
Foot and ankle specialists know that sooner or later, flat and misaligned feet will slowly lead to other pathologies within the foot and ankle and structures. We are told to take 10,000 steps a day, to keep healthy (Bresnahan, 2020). On a foot that is not working as it should, this can cause many problems. The stability and alignment of the foot is very important because the foot is the foundation to the upright body (Bresnahan, 2020). Failure to identify and treat foot and ankle instability and misalignment will lead to long-term tissue pathology (Bresnahan, 2020). For example tissue strain leads to pain, increased deformity, and eventually decreased activity level (Bresnahan, 2020). The body’s metabolic rate decreases as a result which leads to other health risks such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease (Bresnahan, 2020). Visible signs to look out for:
Flat feet can lead to:
What you can do:
Chiropractic. As chiropractors we deal with the alignment of bony structures to help the movement of these bones in order to remove any nerve interference from the central nervous system. Based on a study done by Niazi, 201,5 that has shown that when we as chiropractors adjust subluxations, we improve strength, we prevent fatigue and we change the way the brain drives our muscles. Pediatric flatfeet should not be ignored or downplayed. The sooner effective treatment is prescribed, the less damage will occur to other parts of the body. When possible, a more conservative corrective procedure should be performed prior to irreversible, joint destructive options. References: Bresnahan, P. J., & Juanto, M. A. (2020). Pediatric Flatfeet-A Disease Entity That Demands Greater Attention and Treatment. Frontiers in pediatrics, 8, 19. https://doi.org/10.3389/fped.2020.00019Niazi, I. K., Türker, K. S., Flavel, S., Kinget, M., Duehr, J., & Haavik, H. (2015). Changes in H-reflex and V-waves following spinal manipulation. Experimental brain research, 233(4),1165–1173. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00221-014-4193-5
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Stress in today’s society is not getting any lower. We have previously talked about how chiropractic care can assist in the management of stress levels. (1-2) This time we want to expand on what we covered last time by also giving you a simple breathing exercise to assist in self-management of your stress levels.
A common way of measuring the body’s response to stress, as well as overall wellbeing, is heart rate variability (HRV). It is often assumed that heart rate should be rather constant, but is in fact, quite the opposite, a higher variability is associated with better health. Our HRV also will be impacted by mood and mental wellbeing, especially depression and anxiety have a large negative impact. (3-4) So, “How on earth does breathing help?” I hear you ask. Well, a study published this year has started to give us this answer. They found that by regulating your breathing with rhythmic breathing or 6 breaths per minute had positive impacts on HRV. By holding to 6 breaths per minute it is hypothesised that you can impact your autonomic nervous system, and gas exchange efficiency (how well you absorb oxygen from the air). (3-4) Another study from 2019 reported that using breathing techniques such as these helped in improving decision making as well as reducing stress levels. (5-6) A simple breathing exercise to realign the body and brain is this: 1. Slowly inhale through your nose to a count of 4. 2. Hold your breath for the count of 4. 3. Exhale slowly through your mouth to a count of 4 or more. Repeat this until you feel your heart rate slow down and your body begin to calm. It really can be that simple!
Rehabilitation of Back Pain Paediatric
There is a significant proportion of children and adolescents that experience thoracic spine pain and low back pain (1). It can decrease the overall quality of life, especially if it is unattended and progresses to be chronic (2). Do you or a loved one experience back pain? This is an important article that could make the world of difference to you. “In a systemic review it was reported that the annual prevalence of low back pain in children and adolescents is 33.6%” (1) Most spinal pain (neck and back pain) episodes for children and adolescents are relatively brief. However, 31% would have a recurrence of spinal pain over one year. Up to 25% have three or more episodes over one year, and approximately 13% reported to have episodes lasting five or more weeks (3,4). Spinal pain can limit physical activity for the younger population, whether it be at home, school, sports and all the extracurricular activities, which would lead to numerous long term consequences and reduced quality of life(5). There is a recent research article, where they did a mixed studies systematic review of rehabilitation of back pain in the paediatric population. A part of it looked at ten quantitative studies, which included 8 randomised clinical trials and 2 non-randomised clinical trials, and one qualitative study. Evidence was found that in adolescents with low back pain, spinal adjustments plus exercise may be associated with a greater likelihood of experiencing clinically important pain reduction versus exercise alone (6). Though more studies and research would be needed to further substantiate these findings, initial findings is quite positive. If you want to find out if chiropractic may help manage spinal pain for you or your loved ones, have a chat with one of our chiropractors to see how they can assist. “It’s important to manage and rehabilitate the body as soon as possible and not allow issues to become chronic” 1. Calvo-Munoz I, Gomez-Conesa A, Sanchez-Meca J. Prevalence of low back pain in children and adolescents: a meta-analysis. BMC Pediatr. 2013;13:14. 2. Schopflocher D, Taenzer P, Jovey R. The prevalence of chronic pain in Canada. Pain Res Manag [Internet]. 2011 [cited 2019 Jan 31];16(6):445–50. 3. Dissing KB, Hestbaek L, Hartvigsen J, Williams C, Kamper S, Boyle E, et al. Spinal pain in Danish school children - how often and how long? The CHAMPS Study-DK. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2017;18(1):67. 4. Santos VS, Leite MN, Camargo BIA, Saragiotto BT, Kamper SJ, Yamato TP. Three in Every 10 School-aged Children in Brazil Report Back Pain in Any Given Year: 12-Month Prospective Cohort Study of Prevalence, Incidence, and Prognosis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2022;52(8):554–62. 5. Manansala, C., Passmore, S., Pohlman, K., Toth, A. and Olin, G., 2019. Change in young people's spine pain following chiropractic care at a publicly funded healthcare facility in Canada. Complementary therapies in clinical practice, 35, pp.301-307. 6. Yu, H., Southerst, D., Wong, J.J., Verville, L., Connell, G., Ead, L., Mior, S., Hestbaek, L., Swain, M., Brunton, G. and Shearer, H.M., 2024. Rehabilitation of back pain in the pediatric population: a mixed studies systematic review. Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, 32(1), p.14. Breathing is a fundamental aspect of life, but how often do we consider the way we breathe? Nose breathing and mouth breathing can have distinct impacts on our overall health and well-being. Understanding the differences is important to optimizing our respiratory function, posture, and even sleep quality.
Nose Breathing: Nose breathing involves inhaling and exhaling through the nasal passages. The nose serves several essential functions in the breathing process.
Some of the health implications mouth breathing contributes to include:
References
What are Primitive Reflexes?
Babies in the womb and newborns do not have a fully developed ability to make decisions. Several reflexes develop to help a baby to grow properly and safely. Reflexes help in the birthing process, with breastfeeding and gripping onto things. Examples of these reflexes include Moro, Juvenile Suck, Rooting, Palmar, Asymmetrical Tonic Neck, Spinal Galant and few more…. What is Retained Neonatal Reflexes (RNR)? As a baby matures and grows, these reflexes are no longer needed. They should take a “back seat” as higher order brain control takes control. Those reflexes should “go away” as the baby grows at certain age. However, issues such as birth trauma and various factors that lead to developmental restrictions can cause those reflexes to remain dominant. Consequently, the nervous system will automatically react inappropriately and undesirably in certain situations. Signs of RNR? There are many signs of RNR. Some are “soft”, some are “hard”, many are often overlooked because perhaps it’s just “part of life” or “part of growing up” or “that’s just how he/she is”. Below are some of the signs of RNR:
What can be done about it? Chiropractic care helps in regulating the nervous system by promoting balance, ensuring the system to not be “overactive” or “underactive”. It removes signal interference for the brain and body to communicate appropriately which can affect coordination and motor functions. Specific RNR techniques and exercises can also be applied to integrate RNR. If you are curious about RNR on whether or not it is affecting your kids and perhaps even you! Book in a consult with us! Reference:
Headache disorders in 2019 ranked 14th among global causes of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) counting all ages and all genders.(1) The World Health Organization reported headache disorders are among the most common disorders of the nervous system and many of these don’t get diagnosed appropriately.(2) Clinically, people who have acute headache often get a better outcome versus people who have chronic headache. The better outcome is believed to be a result of early intervention.
More known causes of headache include stress, infection, trauma and injuries. Headache is common after concussion; especially headaches experienced post car accident or injuries in contact sport. Furthermore, abnormal muscle tension around the head and neck region could be to blame. Headache can often be a result from bad posture, prolonged period of inactivity or an inappropriate fit of your pillow. Spinal manipulation including chiropractic care is recommended in migraine sufferers’ and in cases where headaches are originated from the cervical (neck) region.(3) There are some lesser known causes of chronic headaches we often see in practice. We know identifying the cause of a headache is the foundation to a resolution! These are 3 tips that not many people think that can contribute to headaches. 1. Dehydration With less water intake, the concentration of toxins (metabolic waste) within our body goes up, think about alcohol consumption! This can create general hypertonicity (high tone) in human body and sometimes leads to headaches. 2. Lack of sleep A study in 2011 suggested lack of sleep is linked to more painful headaches due to the decrease in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.(4) REM sleep is believed to be helpful in long term memories, learning and mood regulation. This study found lack of sleep increase the chronic inflammation, reducing pain threshold; especially for headache. 3. Vitamin B2 Vitamin B group plays an important role in supporting a healthy nervous system. Gut bacteria can produce a small amount of Vitamin B2 but far from enough for a suggested daily intake. As the human body doesn’t store vitamins, dietary intake becomes the main source for our body. In a recent systematic review, supplementation of Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is found to significantly reduce migraine days, duration and pain intensity.(5) These are great tips to stay away from headaches, there are many more reasons that can cause a headache, some can be life threatening. Newly developed headache should be taken seriously and it is recommended to consult your health professional/s. If you or your loved ones experience chronic headache, give us a call and see how we can help manage your concerns! Reference 1. Steiner T, Stovner L, Jensen R, Uluduz D, Katsarava Z. Migraine remains second among the world’s causes of disability, and first among young women: findings from GBD2019. BioMed Central; 2020. p. 1-4. 2. Organisation WH. Headache Disorder 2016 [updated 8 April 2016. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/headache-disorders. 3. Bryans R, Descarreaux M, Duranleau M, Marcoux H, Potter B, Ruegg R, et al. Evidence-based guidelines for the chiropractic treatment of adults with headache. Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics. 2011;34(5):274-89. 4. Durham P, Garrrett F, Hawkins J, Hayden J, Campos J. REM sleep deprivation promotes sustained levels of proteins implicated in peripheral and central sensitization of trigeminal nerves: role in pain chronification. The Journal of Pain. 2011;12(4):P31. 5. Chen Y-S, Lee H-F, Tsai C-H, Hsu Y-Y, Fang C-J, Chen C-J, et al. Effect of Vitamin B2 supplementation on migraine prophylaxis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutritional Neuroscience. 2021:1-12. There is mounting evidence for the positive effect of chiropractic adjustments to shift your autonomic system which may help you manage stress and boost your mood.
Chiropractic care has been shown to have an impact on our autonomic nervous system comprising of both sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. These systems are vital for regulating normal function of our bodies including our stress response to external stimuli. Interestingly, parasympathetic stimulation is also considered an effective therapy for major depression as it releases various chemicals and hormones such as neurotrophins which are essential for anti-depressive therapies, as well as brain-derived neurotrophic factor and nerve growth factor.(1) Many studies have explored chiropractic cranial and vertebral adjustments, and spinal manipulative therapy in relation to autonomic functions. The parasympathetic nervous system arises from the cell bodies of cranial nerves III, VII, IX, X, and XI in the brainstem and from the second, third, and fourth sacral segments of the spinal cord. The cell bodies of the sympathetic fibers are in the lateral horns of the spinal cord of segments T1 through L2.(2) The parasympathetic nervous system is related to the upper cervical region, so a cervical manipulation or adjustment results in a parasympathetic response (lowering of heart beat, reduction of blood pressure, pupil constriction), whereas manual adjustment of spinal regions with significant sympathetic innervation, i.e. the upper thoracic and lumbar regions, produces a sympathetic response (heart beat stimulation, blood pressure increase, pupil dilation).(1) Several studies have been done observing the change in the autonomic nervous system after an adjustment by measuring the heart rate variability (HRV) before and after manipulation showing a clear shift to parasympathetic predominance due to the change in HRV values post adjustment.(3) In a different study, Diastolic pressure was observed (indicating a sympathetic response) which dropped significantly post-adjustment among those receiving cervical adjustments, accompanied by a moderate clinical effect (0.50). Pulse pressure increased significantly among those receiving cervical adjustments, accompanied by a large effect size (0.82), suggesting that cervical adjustments may result in parasympathetic responses, whereas thoracic adjustments result in sympathetic responses.(2) More research is needed in this area- however these early findings are exciting! If you or you know anyone who is interested in this give us a call for a consult! References 1. Kiani AK, Maltese PE, Dautaj A, Paolacci S, Kurti D, Picotti PM, et al. Neurobiological basis of chiropractic manipulative treatment of the spine in the care of major depression. Acta Biomed. 2020;91(13-s):e2020006. 2. Welch A, Boone R. Sympathetic and parasympathetic responses to specific diversified adjustments to chiropractic vertebral subluxations of the cervical and thoracic spine. Journal of chiropractic medicine. 2008;7(3):86-93. 3. Roy RA, Boucher JP, Comtois AS. Heart rate variability modulation after manipulation in pain-free patients vs patients in pain. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2009;32(4):277-86. Ankle pain can be commonly related to back issues due to our body’s compensatory mechanisms, it also of course may be a result of injury. A common diagnosis of ankle pain is Achilles’ tendinopathy which is located at the back of your foot. The Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in the body, and serves as the conjoined tendon for the calve muscles consisting of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles.(1)
Causes are multi-factorial, with both extrinsic and intrinsic risk factors likely contributing. Extrinsic risk factors include training errors, increased training volume or physical activity, environmental variables or improper footwear. Intrinsic risk factors to consider include abnormal ankle dorsiflexion range of motion, abnormal subtalar joint range of motion, decreased ankle plantar flexion strength, increased foot pronation, increasing age, and genetic factors. Co-morbidities of obesity, hypertension, hypercholesteremia, and diabetes can also contribute, and the presence of systemic inflammatory disease.(2) In a recent study completed this year, the application of lumbar spine manipulation may help manage improvements in Achilles’ tendinopathy. Improvement in all outcome measures was noted 6-months post intervention. Outcome measures indicated substantial improvements in both the patient's pain and disability. The patient was able to perform activities of daily living without difficulties, suggesting higher level of function and quality of life at 6-months post initial evaluation.(3) Beyond strictly manipulating a location of dysfunction, it was believed that improving lumbar mobility would improve gait mechanics by decreasing compensation. The patient was able to perform more heel raises with less pain reported, and with improved pain values noted at the Achilles tendon. Joint mobilization and manipulation were utilized in addition to eccentric exercise, with immediate improvements in symptoms and function noted, which were maintained at discharge (12 weeks) and follow-up (nine months). Healing may take several months in chronic conditions and may partially be due to the lack of vascularity to the tendon. Initial conservative treatment measures should begin with relative rest and activity modification to provide pain relief and time for the tendon to heal.(2) According to recent literature Chiropractic mamangement appears to be a safe and effective intervention in the rehabilitation of chronic tendinopathic dysfunction.(1) If you would also like to talk about in shoe foot support have a chat to one of our Doctors of Chiropractic. REFERENCES 1. Jayaseelan DJ, Kecman M, Alcorn D, Sault JD. Manual therapy and eccentric exercise in the management of Achilles tendinopathy. J Man Manip Ther. 2017;25(2):106-14. 2. Papa JA. Conservative management of Achilles Tendinopathy: a case report. J Can Chiropr Assoc. 2012;56(3):216-24. 3. Savva C, Kleitou M, Efstathiou M, Korakakis V, Stasinopoulos D, Karayiannis C. The effect of lumbar spine manipulation on pain and disability in Achilles tendinopathy. A case report. Journal of bodywork and movement therapies. 2021;26:214-9. In the pursuit of a healthy and active lifestyle, building muscle strength is often hailed for its aesthetic benefits and the boost it provides to overall fitness. However, an equally crucial yet sometimes overlooked advantage of stronger muscles is their role in injury prevention. Whether you're an athlete, a weekend warrior, or someone simply looking to enhance your physical well-being, understanding how muscle strength can shield you from injuries is key to a sustainable fitness journey.
Strong muscles contribute significantly to joint stability. When muscles around a joint are well-developed, they provide better support, reducing the risk of sprains and dislocations. For instance, strong quadriceps and hamstrings help stabilise the knee, which is vital for everyone. Stronger muscles contribute to better body mechanics and movement patterns. This means that with enhanced muscle strength, you're less likely to perform movements incorrectly or inefficiently, which is a common cause of injury. Building muscle strength also improves neuromuscular coordination and balance. Strong muscles and a well-tuned neuromuscular system allow for more precise and controlled movements. This is particularly beneficial in preventing falls and related injuries, which are a major concern, especially as we age. In the unfortunate event of an injury, having a strong muscular foundation can significantly speed up the recovery process. Muscles that are in good condition tend to heal more quickly and efficiently. Additionally, strong muscles around an injured area can help compensate for temporary weakness or instability during the rehabilitation period. Chiropractic impact on muscle strength A randomise controlled trial in 2020 has investigated whether chiropractic care influences strength, balance, and/or endurance in active-duty United States military personnel with low back pain.(1) The result was rather predictable. The mean maximum pulling strength in the chiropractic group increased by 5.08 kgs and decreased by 7.43 kgs in the wait-list control group. The chiropractic group also showed significant improvement in core muscles endurance and better balance with eyes closed compared to the control group. Another randomised clinical trial looked at hand grip strength in national level Judo athletes pre and post adjustments, the difference in hand grip strength after adjustment are up to 17% improvement after 3 treatments.(2) Practical Tips for Building Muscle Strength To reap the injury-prevention benefits of stronger muscles, incorporating strength training into your regular fitness routine is essential. Here are a few practical tips: 1. Consistency is Key: Engage in strength training exercises at least two to three times per week. 2. Balanced Approach: Focus on building strength in all major muscle groups to ensure balanced support across your body. 3. Proper Form: Always prioritise proper form and technique to maximise effectiveness and reduce injury risk during workouts. 4. Rest and Recovery: Allow adequate time for muscles to recover between sessions to prevent overtraining and injury. 5. See your Chiropractor: Your Chiropractor can often treat and help manage your injuries, as well as help mmanage your nervous system to be healthy and in tune. By understanding and leveraging the protective benefits of stronger muscles, you can enhance your athletic performance, maintain an active lifestyle, and most importantly, keep injuries at bay. If you are interested in how chiropractic care could help improve your overall well-being and injury prevention, talk to one of our chiropractors for more information and tips! Reference 1. Vining R, Long CR, Minkalis A, Gudavalli MR, Xia T, Walter J, et al. Effects of Chiropractic Care on Strength, Balance, and Endurance in Active-Duty US Military Personnel with Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2020;26(7):592-601. 2. Botelho MB, Andrade BB. Effect of cervical spine manipulative therapy on judo athletes' grip strength. Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics. 2012;35(1):38-44. Including but not limited to prozac, zoloft, celexa, lexapro …
Did you know that 10-20% of women will present with a major depressive disorder during pregnancy and the immediate postpartum period and 5 to 13% of these women will be treated with an SSRI. Through research, SSRIs have been shown to cross the placenta. Especially during the 3rd trimester which leads to an increased risk in SSRI withdrawal like syndrome in the newborn. The symptoms are as follows:
So what can you do? Its important you weigh up all options and research yourself to understand the risks. However sometimes you have to do what you need to do, because the other option could be worse for you. If you must use these during pregnancy then pregnant women exposed to any SSRI in early pregnancy can ask to be offered options through regular ultrasound examination and fetal echocardiography to detect the presence of birth defects. At Sprouting Health we all practice using Neuro Emotional technique which can help make manage your stress physiology. We are here to help you at any step in your journey of pregnancy and life. Please talk to the team about this if it interests you. References: Alwan, S., Friedman, J. M., & Chambers, C. (2016). Safety of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors in Pregnancy: A Review of Current Evidence. CNS drugs, 30(6), 499–515. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40263-016-0338-3 Lugo-Candelas, C., Cha, J., Hong, S., Bastidas, V., Weissman, M., Fifer, W. P., Myers, M., Talati, A., Bansal, R., Peterson, B. S., Monk, C., Gingrich, J. A., & Posner, J. (2018). Associations Between Brain Structure and Connectivity in Infants and Exposure to Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors During Pregnancy. JAMA pediatrics, 172(6), 525–533. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2017.5227 |
AuthorBlogs by the team at Sprouting Health Archives
July 2024
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