Tag Archive for: Jeff Stripling

Miss Keri’s Bike Crash and This Week’s 1-Page Health News

Our awesome office manager Keri (my kids call her Miss Keri) was run off of the Cherry Creek bike trail and into a concrete half wall this weekend. Another cyclist was going too fast in the other direction, was too far over to his left, and basically forced Keri to choose between colliding with him or scraping the wall.

She chose the wall and this morning is sporting a nasty wound on her right arm. Of course, this guy didn’t bother to stop (maybe he was on his way to do Rocket Surgery). The message- be careful out there. A whole lot of morons are legally loose on our streets.

Of course, Miss Keri is tough as nails and never misses work, so she’s here today- bandaged up & ready to help you.

Here’s this week’s 1-Page Health News.

Mental Attitude: Get Your Sleep! Older adults with poor sleep habits have an altered immune system response to stress that may increase their risk for mental and physical health problems. Stress leads to significantly larger increases in a marker of inflammation in poor sleepers compared to good sleepers; a marker associated with poor health outcomes and death. Poor sleepers report more depressive symptoms, more loneliness and more global perceived stress relative to good sleepers. As people age, a gradual decline in the immune system occurs, along with an increase in inflammation. Heightened inflammation increases the risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other illnesses, as well as psychiatric problems. American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, March 2012

Health Alert: Slow Down — You Move Too Fast? People who are considered ambitious, attend the best colleges and universities, have prestigious careers and earn high salaries don’t necessarily lead more successful lives. Ambition has its positive effects (in terms of career success, it certainly does) but ambitious people are only slightly happier than their less- ambitious counterparts and they actually live somewhat shorter lives. Journal of Applied Psychology, March 2012 Diet: Fish Oil. Six weeks of supplementation with fish oil significantly increased lean mass and decreased fat mass in test subjects. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, October 2010

Exercise: Good Reasons. Exercise helps you maintain proper muscle balance, reduces the rate and severity of medical complications associated with hypertension, helps alleviate menstrual symptoms and lowers your heart rate response to submaximal physical exertion. Surgeon General’s Report on Physical Activity and Health, 1996

Chiropractic: Adjustment or Microdiskectomy for Sciatica? 60% of patients with sciatica (symptoms of unilateral lumbar radiculopathy secondary to lumbar disk herniation at L3-4, L4-5, or L5-S1) who had failed other medical management (patients must have failed at least 3 months of nonoperative management including treatment with analgesics, lifestyle modification, physiotherapy, massage therapy, and/or acupuncture) benefited from spinal manipulation to the same degree as if they underwent surgical intervention. JMPT, October 2010

Wellness/Prevention: Dark Chocolate Good For The Heart. A flavonoid called epicatechin, found in dark chocolate, enhances mitochondria structure in people with advanced heart failure and type 2 diabetes. Mitochondria are cellular structures that provide the energy a cell requires in order to move, divide, and contract. Both heart failure and type 2 diabetes impair these cells, resulting in abnormalities in skeletal muscle. In individuals with diabetes and heart failure, these abnormalities in the heart and skeletal muscle cause decreased functional capacity, resulting in difficulty walking even short distances, shortness of breath, and a lack of energy. Clinical and Translational Science, March 2012

Quote: “Common sense is the collection of prejudices acquired by age eighteen.” ~ Albert Einstein

Neck Pain: Manipulation vs. Mobilization – What’s Better?

Does mobilization (MOB) get less, the same, or better results when compared to spinal manipulative therapy (SMT)? To answer this question, let’s first discuss the difference between the two treatment approaches.

Mobilization (MOB) of the spine can be “technically” defined as a “low velocity, low amplitude” force applied to the tissues of the cervical spine (or any joint of the body, but we’ll focus on the cervical region). This means a slow, rhythmic movement is applied to a joint or muscle using various methods such as stretching.

Spinal Manipulative Therapy (SMT) can be defined as a “high velocity, low amplitude” type of force applied to joint which is often accompanied by a audible release or “crack,” which is the release of gas (nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide).

Some joints “cavitate” or “crack” while others are less likely to release the gas. Studies that date back to the 1940s report an immediate improvement in a joint’s range of motion occurs when the joint cavitates. Many people instinctively stretch their own neck to the point of release, which typically, “…feels good.” This can become a habit and usually is not a big problem. However, in some cases, it can lead to joint hypermobility and ligament laxity.

As a rule, if only a gentle stretch is required to produce the cavitation/crack, it’s typically “safe” verses the person who uses higher levels of force by grabbing their own head and twisting it beyond the normal tissue stretch boundaries. The later is more likely to result in damage to the ligaments (tissue that strongly holds bone to bone) and therefore, should be avoided.

Since SMT is usually applied in a very specific location (where the joint is fixated or “stuck”, or, partially displaced), it’s obviously BEST to utilize chiropractic, as we chiropractors do this many times a day (for years or even decades) and we know where to apply it and can judge the amount of force to utilize, especially the neck where there are many delicate structures.

Back to the question: Which is better, MOB or SMT? Or, are they equals in the quest of rid of neck pain? A recent study of over 100 patients with “mechanical neck pain” (strain/sprain)  showed that those who received SMT had a significantly better response than the MOB group as measured by a pain scale, a disability scale and 2 tests that measure function!

In our clinic (Denver Chiropractic Center) we’ve found that the best approach uses BOTH. Mobilization in the form of Active Release Technique combined with safe and gentle (never forced) adjustments get better results in a shorter time frame. It all starts with the initial exam, so call us to schedule yours – 303.300.0424.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome treatment at Denver Chiropractic Center – How can our Active Release Techniques (ART) treatment help you?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a very common problem. The American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) reported that in 2007, there were 330,000 carpal tunnel release surgeries performed. (WHOA!) The main reason to have the surgery is to “open up” the tunnel. That is, the transverse carpal ligament or “floor” of the tunnel is released so the contents inside the tunnel are able to move more freely, reducing the pressure inside the tunnel.

Essentially, this is the goal of any treatment (surgical or not): improving the depth of the tunnel, thus reducing the pressure from inside the tunnel allowing the tendons to slide better as the muscles on the palm-side forearm contract to move the nine tendons that pass through the tunnel and attach to the fingers and thumb.

However, there are non-surgical methods for reducing the pressure within the tunnel that should be first attempted as surgery is always reported to be the “…last resort” for good reason. There can be surgical complications, the effects may be only partial, and there is an average of 30% grip strength loss following the transverse ligament surgical release. So, the question is, how can chiropractic approaches reduce the pressure inside the carpal tunnel without somehow changing the length of the transverse carpal ligament?

By going beyond traditional chiropractic care and using Active Release Techniques (ART), we can often release the transverse carpal ligament by hand, taking pressure off of the nerve and relieving symptoms. We can also address possible muscular entrapment sites for the median nerve, like the pronator teres muscle. These muscular entrapments mimic Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, but can be easily released with ART treatment. In the last 15 years, we’ve helped literally hundreds of patients avoid carpal tunnel surgery by using Active Release Techniques. We don’t claim to have a 100% success rate, as some cases do require surgery. But we believe it’s best to try us first and see what we can do.

The use of a night splint to keep the wrist in a straight or slightly “cocked-up” position is also highly beneficial as the pressure inside the tunnel goes up as much as 6-8x when CTS is present when the wrist bends.

If you, a friend or family member require care for CTS, we would be happy to help. Just call 303.300.0424 to set up your first appointment.

This week’s 1-page newsletter from the Chiropractors @ Denver Chiropractic Center

I don’t know about you, but I love spring weather here. On Sunday I was slaving away in the heat hauling dirt out of the garden, and today I needed boots to get through the parking lot. Ah, spring. Love it.

As outdoor sports season is ramping up, just remember we’re here for you if something starts hurting. If you happen to ride the Cherry Creek Trail you may see the Denver Chiropractic Center bike jersey, so make sure you say hi!

I (Glenn) will be on vacation next week, so if you’ve been thinking about coming in, give us a call. Dr. Stripling will be here covering for me next week (and seeing his patients as well). My kids are in a year-round school, so they get a 3-week spring break. Can you imagine?

And here’s this week’s health news for you. 


Mental Attitude: Memory and Stress. Anyone who has ever experienced chronic stress knows it can take a toll on both your emotions and your ability to think clearly.Researchers have discovered a neural mechanism that directly links repeated stress with impaired memory. This study also provides critical insight into why stressresponses can act as a trigger for mental illnesses. Neuron, March 2012

Diet: Rosemary Essential Oil On My Mind? Blood levels of a rosemary oilcomponent correlate with improved cognitive performance. Results indicate, for thefirst time in human subjects, that concentration of 1,8-cineole in the blood is relatedto an individual’s cognitive performance, with higher concentrations resulting inimproved performance. Both speed and accuracy were improved, suggesting thatthe relationship is not describing a speed-accuracy trade off. Therapeutic Advancesin Psychopharmacology, March 2012


Exercise: Yoga And Stress. Yoga may be effective for stress-related psychologicaland medical conditions such as depression, anxiety, high blood pressure andcardiac disease. The theory could be used to develop specific mind-body practicesfor the prevention and treatment of these conditions in conjunction with standardtreatments. Medical Hypotheses, March 2012


Wellness/Prevention: Irregular Heartbeat? An irregular heartbeat, atrial fibrillation, is a strong predictor of cognitive decline and the loss of independence in daily activities in older people at risk of cardiovascular disease. This is just another good reason to maintain your heart health and get checked to prevent heart problems. (note – Glenn will have more to say about heart health soon, having just found out his cholesterol was 259 and some early plaquing has developed in his left carotid artery.) Canadian Medical Association Journal, March 2012


Quote: “The more serious the illness, the more important it is for you to fight back,mobilizing all your resources – spiritual, emotional, intellectual, and physical.” ~Norman Cousins

The Whiplash Syndrome: Posture and Exercise

Whiplash can result from a number of causes, not just from motor vehicle accidents.  A fall on the ice or a slippery floor, from a sports related injury, or even at the county fair on one of those rides that throws you around can result in the same type of injury. Whiplash occurs when the head is literally “whipped” either forwards and backwards or from side to side. It can include hitting the head but often does not.

Symptoms vary considerably and therefore the term, “whiplash associated disorders” or WAD has been adopted, based on the clinical presentation of the patient and on the specific tissues injured. Common symptoms include neck pain, loss of motion, headache and sometimes arm pain or numbness resulting in difficulty driving, working, sleeping and concentrating.

Active Release Techniques and adjustments of the neck can be highly effective in the treatment of whiplash associated disorder, and hence, Chiropractic is often the recommended first order of treatment for patients suffering from this condition. We have previously discussed the steps involved when presenting to a chiropractic clinic, from taking a detailed history and performing a thorough physical examination, and well as the many types of treatment options that exist.

Exercise is one of the most important forms of treatment as they can and should be performed multiple times a day as directed by us, so that a return to normal function with no pain can occur as quickly as possible. Presented here are a few VERY EFFECTIVE exercises that we frequently give to patients suffering from WAD:

1 Posture Correction A. Arch the back.

B. Retract the shoulders and tuck in the chin. Hold for 10-30 sec. & repeat.
2 Chin Retractions A. Sit properly.

B. Place your finger next to the chin.

C. Retract head & hold 10 sec. & repeat.
3 Neck Strength

Exercises

 A. Rotate RT using 10% Max.

B. Repeat to LT hold 5 sec.

 Repeat this moving the head Forwards, backwards, & sideways in a similar way!*
  • For #3, ALWAYS apply a push or resistance with your hand through the FULL range of comfortable motion in that plane. That means, in one direction let the head “win” (like in arm wrestling) and when moving in the opposite direction, let the hand “win,” (but don’t let up pushing with the head).  In other words, you are ALWAYS resisting against the movement in both directions moving as far as you can in both directions.

We work with patients who’ve been in car accidents and work accidents, and accept all auto insurance, including Med Pay. We also take most major health insurance plans. Are treatment plans are focused on solving the problem, not extending the case. If you’re suffering from accident injuries, call us today at 303.300.0424. We can help.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: 3 Great Exercises!

Because carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is technically a tendonitis that happens to be near a nerve (the median nerve), one treatment option for CTS is to manage the tendonitis and by doing so, the pressure on the median nerve will resolve. Also, because the movement of the hand and wrist are controlled by opposite functioning muscles (that is, when we flex the wrist and fingers, the palm side tendons are doing the job and when we extend the wrist/fingers, the back of the forearm and hand tendons are doing the work), these opposite functioning actions need to be balanced. Moreover, if the muscles on one side of the forearm are tight and inflamed, very often so are the muscles on the opposite side.

Therefore, an exercise program for the forearm and hand should include BOTH sides, not just the flexor or palm side of the forearm/hand where the carpal tunnel is located.  Perform these exercises multiple times a day for 3-10 second hold times. You can modify #2 and #3 by NOT using the opposite hand to pull but rather, simply make the movement without the opposite hand assisting in the stretch. That way, you can perform BOTH at the same time IF your time is short (such as when performing these during a busy work day, for example).

1 Thumb Stretch A. Grab your thumb in a fist

B. Bend wrist down to feel the stretch in the thumb & wrist.
2 Carpal Stretch A. Place the palm flat on wall, fingers point down (elbow straight).

B. Reach across and pull the thumb back. Feel pull on palm side forearm.
3 Extensor Stretch A. Make a fist (elbow straight).

B. Reach under and pull back on the fist. Feel the pull on the top forearm.

Feel for the stretch where the arrows are pointing – it should be a “good” hurt/stretch!

Active Release Techniques is one of the most effective conservative treatment options for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Dr. Hyman has been hired by large corporations to treat and prevent CTS, saving literally hundreds of people from potential surgeries. If you have the symptoms of CTS, call us 303.300.0424. We can help.

Denver kidney donor to be first to run Leadville 100 & This Week’s 1-Page Newsletter

On National Donor Day, Dr. Jeff Stripling announced his goal to run 100 miles on behalf of all living organ donors. What follows is a recent press release from the American Transplant Foundation, and then This Week’s 1 Page Newsletter…

(DENVER, CO) – Being a living kidney donor will not stop Denver chiropractor Jeff Stripling from running 100 miles. In fact, it is what drives him forward

Dr. Stripling donated a kidney to his father in 2009. Today – National Donor Day – he announced his goal to be the first known living organ donor to run the Leadville 100 Mile Ultramarathon in August “on behalf of all living organ donors.

“Running 100 miles through the high Rockies will be tough, but that’s no because I’m a kidney donor. I want to shatter the misconception that you are limiting yourself if you donate an organ,” said Dr. Stripling.

“Being a live donor has proved to be the proudest moment of my life, and has enabled me to see my father healthy and enjoying retirement. Many people thought I would be limiting my own quality of life, but since I donated, my quality of life has only improved.”

To help other people become living donors, Dr. Stripling plans to raise funds for American Transplant Foundation’s Patient Assistance Program, which awards financial grants to offset expenses for living donors, such as travel costs to the surgery or time away from work during their recovery.

“We want people to understand that living organ donation is a viable option, and that it’s critical to reduce the transplant waiting list, especially for those who need a kidney,” said Kyle Pietari of the American Transplant Foundation. “Over 90,000 Americans are waiting for a new kidney. Most people don’t realize that the medical complication rate for live kidney donors is less than 1%. We are proud to work with Dr. Stripling and other living donors to raise awareness about this. They are truly heroes.”

“As a doctor, I understand that my body only needs one kidney. I can still workout, play sports, and attempt to run 100 miles. My father needed the other kidney much more than I do,” said Stripling.

The American Transplant Foundation is a national nonprofit organization that works to increase the donation of organs and tissue to reduce the growing list of men, women and children who are awaiting a lifesaving transplant.

Here’s this Week’s 1-Page Newsletter…

Mental Attitude: Emotions Not On My Sleeve? Contrary to what many scientists think, all people do not have the same set of biologically “basic” emotions and those emotions are not automatically expressed on the face. People do not scowl only when they’re angry or pout only when they’re sad. For example, people do a lot of things when they’re angry, sometimes they yell and sometimes they smile. Current Directions in Psychological Science, Jan 2012

Health Alert: Ten Ways To Decrease Cancer Risk 1.) Max BMI of 25; 2.) 5 or more servings of fruits & veggies daily; 3.) 7 or more portions of complex carbs daily; 4.) decrease processed foods & refined sugars; 5.) limit alcoholic drinks to 1/day for women and 2/day for men; 6.) limit red meat to no more than 3 oz daily; 7.) decrease fatty foods, particularly animal fats; 8.) limit intake of salted foods & use of salt in cooking; 9.) eliminate tobacco use; 10.) practice sun safety/recognize skin changes. American Cancer Society.

Diet: Soy And Hot Flash. According to a placebo-controlled study, daily doses of a soy germ-based nutritional supplement containing S-equol decreased menopausal symptoms 59%, including significantly reducing hot flash frequency after 12 weeks. It is believed that S-equol, produced from the isoflavone daidzein during the fermentation of soy germ, interacts with specific estrogen receptors to promote the improvement in menopausal symptoms. Journal of Women’s Health, Jan 2012.

Exercise: Colds And Exercise. Different levels of exercise can significantly increase or decrease your chances of catching a cold. If you tend to be a couch potato, then you will catch 2-3 colds per year, on average. Regular moderate exercise can reduce the risk of catching cold-like infections by 33% (this effect has been shown to be the result of the cumulative effect of exercise leading to long-term improvement in immunity). Prolonged strenuous exercise, such as marathons, can make an individual more susceptible to catching colds. We are constantly exposed to viruses, but it is our immune system that determines whether we get sick or not. Association for Science Education Conference, Jan 2012

Wellness/Prevention: Cancer Rates Dropping. In the last 20 years, one million deaths from cancer have been avoided. From 1990-2008, death rates dropped 23% in males and 15% in females. A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, Jan 2012

Quote: “There are no rules here – we’re trying to accomplish something.” ~Thomas A. Edison

Weekly 1-Page Newsletter for the week of 1/30/2012

Mental Attitude: Do Video Games Enhance Cognitive Abilities? In a recent study, it was demonstrated that there is little solid evidence that games enhance cognition at all. On the other hand, it may be the people who have these enhanced abilities are more likely to play video games. Frontiers in Psychology, Dec 2011

Health Alert: Diabetes Worldwide! There are 366 million diabetics worldwide and 4.6 million die each year from the disease. In the US, 8.3% or 25.8 million children and adults have diabetes, with 79 million having prediabetes. Diabetes Atlas, Nov 2011 & American Diabetes Association, 2011

Diet: Remember Cholesterol. High cholesterol levels may be associated with a greater incidence of brain plaques, a marker for Alzheimer’s disease. Neurology, Sept 2011

Exercise: Wide Waists Trim Lifespan. Since the mid-1970s, when Harvard published “The Nurses Study,” we’ve been told women with waists over 40 inches raised their risk of early death by 40% vs. women who maintained waists in the 26-27 inch measure. Pounds add up. Studies show that obesity is starting earlier than ever. 18% of children ages 12-18 are reported as being obese and 66% of baby boomers (81 million born between 1946-1964) are either obese or overweight. New England Journal of Medicine, Sept 2011

Chiropractic: Chiropractic and the NFL. All 32 teams in the National Football League offer their players and personnel chiropractic physician services for both managing and preventing injuries. Most have Active Release Techniques providers. Professional Football Chiropractic Society

Wellness/Prevention: Too Much Booze, You Lose. Men are more likely to binge drink than women. Research shows that drinking even a small amount of alcohol increases cancer risks, though moderate amounts of alcohol can show cardiovascular benefits that outweigh such risks. Men can play it safe by having no more than two alcoholic drinks per day. University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Nov 2011

Quote: “A revolution is coming – a revolution which will be peaceful if we are wise enough; compassionate if we care enough; successful if we are fortunate enough – but a revolution which is coming whether we will it or not. We can affect its character, we cannot alter its inevitability.” ~ President John F. Kennedy

Guess who’s doing the Leadville 100 Trail Run and this week’s 1-Page Newsletter

No, it’s not me (Glenn). But Dr. Jeff Stripling, my esteemed colleague here at Denver Chiropractic Center will be there on August 18 / 19. Dr. Stripling donated a kidney to his dad a few years ago, and will be racing in Leadville to raise money and awareness for transplant research. Stay tuned for more info on this remarkable guy and this remarkable challenge.

Here’s this week’s 1-page newsletter:


Mental Attitude: A Good Laugh. When we laugh heartily among friends, we exhale repeatedly without drawing breath. This physical effort leaves usexhausted and triggers the release of protective endorphins, one of the complex neuropeptide chemicals of the brain that regulate pain and promote feelings of well-being. Watching 15 minutes of comedy in the company of others can increase your pain threshold by an average of 10%. Laughter is 30 times more likely to happen when we are with others than when we are alone.Proceedings of the Royal Society, Dec 2011


Health Alert: Antibiotic Resistance. Overexposure to antibiotics has longbeen a concern in the medical community, most specifically the development of antibiotic resistant infections as a result of repeated use. Ophthalmologic antibiotics have been found to promote antimicrobial resistance too, prompting a call from Vanderbilt Eye Institute physicians to be more judicial in the administration of certain classes of antibiotics. Archives of Ophthalmology, Dec 2011


Diet: Protect Your Bones. A calorie-restricted diet higher in protein (mostlyfrom dairy foods) and lower in carbohydrates, coupled with daily exercise, demonstrated a major positive impact on bone health. Bone health improvements were particularly evident due to the diet’s high density of bone-supporting nutrients, such as calcium, vitamin D and dairy-based protein.Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, Dec 2011


Exercise: It’s Harder To Run As You Age. Runners who find it more difficult to run as they age can make the experience easier on themselves by adding strength training and flexibility exercises to their fitness routine. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, Dec 2011


Chiropractic: Bad Posture. Asymmetries in posture and motion can causetethering, the adverse prolonged stretching of the central nervous system. This can result in spinal cord ischemia (lack of blood flow) and consequently motor, sensory, and autonomic neurological dysfunction. Tethering of the spinal cord has been linked to demylenating diseases, such as multiple sclerosis. Koch, 2002


Wellness/Prevention: Cancer Prevention In Your 50s. Cancer is more likely to show up in men over 50 years old. That’s why the majority of cancer screening exams begin at age 50. Finding and treating cancer as early as possible is one of the best ways to beat this disease. In the case of prostate cancer (the most common cancer in men), treating the disease at an early stage means men may be less likely to experience long-term side effects, like impotence. University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Nov 2011


Quote: “Money cannot buy health.” ~ Dorothy Parker

Here are some facts about back pain that you’ll find interesting…

  • An estimated 80% of the US population will experience back pain at one time in their lives.
  • Most back pain is mechanical in nature – related to the muscles and ligaments – as opposed to a bulging disc.
  • Some researchers state that up to 30% of Americans have bulging discs in their low backs –with no symptoms.
  • A recent study by Blue Cross of Tennessee found that costs for episodes of Low Back Pain care initiated with a chiropractor were almost 40% less than episodes initiated with an MD.
  • Our combination of Active Release Techniques, chiropractic adjustments, and stretching/strengthening exercises can get back pain sufferers feeling better quickly, usually in 6-8 treatments over 3-4 weeks.

At Denver Chiropractic Center, we have over 13 years of experience treating patients with back pain. If you or someone you care about is suffering from back pain, call us. We can help you get better quickly. We accept most major health insurance plans and do all the paperwork for you. We also offer affordable care for patients without insurance. Don’t wait- call us today. 303.300.0424. More info at denverback.com.