The Many Faces of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) was first reported in the late 1800’s and the first
surgery was noted in 1933. In the beginning, CTS surgery was rarely performed,
reportedly because the nerve pinch was present somewhere before the median nerve
reached the wrist or carpal tunnel. In brief, possible compression sites include
the cervical nerve roots (C5-7), the brachial plexus, thoracic outlet, above the
elbow, in the proximal and/or mid forearm, and finally at the wrist / carpal
tunnel.
Estimating the frequency of CTS is challenging due to the fact that the pinch or
entrapment may include more than one area before the wrist resulting in double
and multiple crush syndromes. One European study reported the incidence of CTS
at 5.8% in women and 0.6% in men while another reported 3.4% in the United
States. Even the causation of CTS is all over the board. For example, the annual
incidence of CTS in automobile workers ranges between 1-10%, while in a fish
processing plant, it was reported to be as high as 73%! To make this even more
challenging, the cause of CTS is commonly associated with other conditions such
as diabetes and pregnancy. In diabetics, CTS ranges between 14% and 30% and
those who are pregnant have a 2% incidence. Even harder to report is the
incidence of median nerve pinching proximal to the wrist as this ranges between
as little as 1% to as high as 75% for pronator tunnel syndrome in already
symptomatic women. Gender is also a factor as women are reported to be four
times more likely to develop CTS than men. If there is NO other condition
associated with CTS, the term “idiopathic” is applied, and this reportedly
occurs 43% of the time.
Another issue making CTS a challenge to diagnose is the many risk factors
associated with it, and sometimes studies are published that contradict one
another about the possible risk factors. There are studies that report CTS is
more likely to occur with conditions including: 1) Jobs or activities associated
with wrist flexion or extension; 2) Hysterectomy without ovary removal; 3)
Obesity; and 4) Varicosities in men. Some studies indicate risk criteria such
as: 1) Use of birth control pills; 2) Age at menopause; 3) Diabetes; 4) Thyroid
dysfunction; 5) Rheumatism; 6) Typing; and, 7) Pinch grasping. One study
reported the highest incidence to occur in those with previous wrist fracture
(Colles’ fracture), and common conditions included rheumatoid arthritis,
hormonal agents or ovary removal, diabetes, and pregnancy. Another study
reported obesity and hypothyroid as being risk factors, but not all studies
support that theory. Certain medications have been reported to be associated
with higher CTS risk including: 1) Insulin, 2) Sulfonylureas (diabetes meds); 3)
Metformin; and 4) Thyroxin.
As doctors of chiropractic, we perform a thorough history, examination, and
offer MANY non-surgical, non-pharmaceutical ways of treating CTS. Some of these
approaches include: 1) Joint and soft tissue manipulation of the neck, shoulder,
elbow, forearm, wrist, and hand; 2) Wrist splinting, especially at night; 3)
Vitamin B6 and anti-inflammatory nutrients; 4) Home exercises for the neck, arm
and hand; 5) Work station / ergonomic evaluations; 6) Dietary counseling for
various conditions listed previously; 7) Co-management with primary care,
rheumatology, neurology, orthopedics, and others.
We realize you have a choice in whom you consider for your health care provision
and we sincerely appreciate your trust in choosing our service for those needs. 
If you, a friend, or family member requires care for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, we
would be honored to render our services.  Visit http://www.olsonchiropracticcenter.com for more information.

The "Aging" Lower Back - Part 1

Low back pain (LBP) can arise from many causes. Nearly everyone has or will
suffer from LBP at some point in time, though it is most common in the
30-year-old to 50-year-old group and it affects men and women equally. However,
what about the elderly population and low back pain? Let’s discuss back pain
unique to the geriatric population…
We’ve all heard of the “wear and tear” factor as it applies to clothing,
automobiles, shoes, and tires, but it affects our bones and joints too! A
condition that none of us can fully avoid is called osteoarthritis (OA). OA is
the “wear and tear” factor on our joints, particularly the smooth covering
called hyaline cartilage located on the surfaces of all moving joints. It’s the
shiny, silky smooth surface that we’ve all seen at the end of a chicken leg when
we separate it from the thigh. Osteoarthritis is the wearing away of that shiny,
smooth surface and it can eventually progress to “bone-on-bone” contact where
little to no movement is left in the affected joint. Bone spurs can also occur
and be another potential generator of back pain. OA is NOT diagnosed by a blood
or lab test but rather by an accurate history, physical examination, and
ultimately, an x-ray. However, when the low back is affected by OA, it may not
even hurt! Yes, in some cases, there may be a significant amount of OA on an
x-ray and that patient may not have significant problems. Or the opposite can
occur and some patients with very little arthritis can have a lot of back
trouble. It’s FREQUENTLY very confusing. The “take-home” message with OA is
that, in and of itself, it does not always generate pain. This is why the
history, physical examination, and the response to treatment (chiropractic
adjustments, exercise, and possibly some lifestyle changes in diet and activity)
are MORE important than the amount of arthritis found on the x-rays. Ultimately,
we will ALL get OA sooner or later. It’s usually a slow, gradual process that
may slowly change our activity level. Ironically, KEEP MOVING is the best advice
we can give to the patient with OA.
There are a number of conditions associated with OA that affect the spine and
respond well to chiropractic treatment. Degenerative disk disease (DDD) is one
of those conditions found in association with OA. In fact, another name for OA
is “degenerative joint disease” (DJD)! The normal anatomy of the intervertebral
disk (IVD) consists of a thick, tough outer layer of fibroelastic cartilage and
a central “nucleus” that is more liquid-like and allows the IVD to function like
a shock absorber. As we age, the water content gradually “dries up” and the
shock absorbing quality is lost.
As chiropractors, we address OA (DJD) and DDD with a number of HIGHLY EFFECTIVE
treatments but most important (in many cases) is the use of spinal manipulation
or adjustments. “Exercising the joint” with manipulation and mobilization
reduces the tightness and stiffness associated with OA and DDD. Exercises are
also important and can give the OA/DDD patient a way of controlling this
condition on their own. Diet, activity modification/encouragement, and periodic
adjustments help a lot! Next month, we will continue this discussion!
We realize you have a choice in whom you consider for your health care provision
and we sincerely appreciate your trust in choosing our service for those needs. 
If you, a friend, or family member requires care for back pain, we would be
honored to render our services. Visit http://www.olsonchiropracticcenter.com for more information.

Chiropractic and Neck Pain in Children | Yankton Chiropractor | Brian Olson SD

Children have been treated by chiropractors for spinal problems ever since
chiropractic was founded in 1895, and neck pain is no exception. Neck pain is
surprisingly common in kids, though not quite as common as it is in adults,
reaching a similar occurrence rate by age 18. Studies conducted in the United
States and in other countries report similar findings, leaving one to conclude
there is a high prevalence of neck pain in kids all over the world. There are
many causes of neck pain with a few being unique to children and some that could
be a warning sign of something dangerous, such as meningitis. But far more
commonly, neck pain in kids is NOT dangerous. Let’s take a look!
Looking at neck and shoulder pain in high-school-aged students, 931 males
between 16 and 19 years of age were surveyed. More than two out of five students
(44.3%) had recurrent neck and shoulder pain more than once a week with an
overall prevalence of 79.1%. THAT’S A LOT! The study reported the student’s
average sitting time was 10.2 hours a day, 59% did NOT sit up straight, and
11.9% reported that they stretched their neck and shoulders regularly throughout
the day. Students with recurrent neck and shoulder pain also reported frequent
fatigue and depressed moods. Looking specifically at 1,122 backpack-using
adolescents, 74.4% were classified as having back or neck pain. When compared to
non- or low use backpackers, there was nearly a two times greater likelihood of
having back/neck pain! Also, females and those with a large body mass index
(overweight) were also significantly associated with back/neck pain. Lastly,
they found when compared to adolescents with no back/neck pain, those with pain
carried significantly heavier backpacks.
Another common cause of neck pain in adolescents is a condition called
torticollis or, “wry neck.” This is basically a muscle spasm of certain neck
muscles that rotate and extend the head from the neutral / normal position,
often described as being “stuck” in this position. Though there are several
types of torticollis, it can be triggered by almost anything including a change
in weather, sleeping in a draft, following an infection like a cold or flu,
maintaining a faulty prolonged posture, certain types of medications, and many
others. Some studies describe torticollis as usually improving within one to
four weeks, but in the hands of a chiropractor, it usually takes two to three
days for the acute pain to subside and one week to completely finish the job! Of
course, this varies depending on the case. Infants can be born with “congenital
torticollis,” which occurs in 0.3 to 2.0% of newborns. Here too, chiropractic is
VERY effective.
We realize you have a choice in whom you consider for your health care provision
and we sincerely appreciate your trust in choosing our service for those needs. 
If you, a friend, or family member requires care for neck pain, we would be
honored to render our services.  Visit http://www.olsonchiropracticenter.com for more
information.

Low Back Manipulation - How Does it Work? | Yankton Chiropractor | Brian Olson DC

Low back pain (LBP) is such a common problem that if you haven’t suffered from
it yet, you probably will eventually. Here are a few facts to consider:  1) LBP
affects men and women equally; 2) It is most common between ages 30-50; 3)
Sedentary (non-active) lifestyles contribute a lot to causation; 4) Too much or
too little exercise can result in LBP; 5) A BMI around 25 is “ideal” for weight
management, which helps prevent LBP; 6) Causes of LBP include lifestyle
(activity level), genetics – including, but not limited to, weight and
osteoarthritis; 7) Occupation; 8) Exercise habits, and the list can go on and
on. Let’s next look at how an adjustment is done.
When spinal manipulation is performed in the low-back region, the patient is
often placed in a side lying position with the upper leg flexed towards the
chest and the bottom leg kept straight. The bottom shoulder is pulled forwards
and the upper shoulder is rotated backwards at the same time the low back area
receives that the manipulation is rotated forwards. This produces a twisting
type of motion that is well within the normal range of joint motion. When the
adjustment is made, a “high velocity” (or quick), “low amplitude” (a short
distance of movement) thrust is delivered often resulting in “cavitation” (the
crack or, release of gases). So, WHY do we do this?
Most studies show that when there is back pain, there is inflammation. In fact,
inflammation is found in most disease processes that occur both within and
outside the musculoskeletal system. We know that when we control inflammation,
pain usually subsides. That is why the use of “PRICE” (Protect, Rest, Ice,
Compress, Elevate) works well for most muscle/joint painful conditions. We have
also learned that IF we can avoid cortisone and non-steroidal drugs (like
aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, etc.), tissues heal quicker and better, so these
SHOULD BE AVOIDED! If you didn’t know that, check out:
 http://www.benthamscience.com/open/torehj/articles/V006/1TOREHJ.pdf
Please see our prior discussions on the use of anti-inflammatory herbs and diets
that are MUCH safer than non-steroidal drugs! But what does spinal manipulation
DO in reference to inflammation?
Different things occur physiologically during a spinal adjustment or
manipulation. We know that the mechanical receptors located in muscles, muscle
tendons, ligaments, and joint capsules are stimulated and this results in muscle
relaxation (reduced spasm or tightness), increased measurable range of motion,
and a decrease in pain. A recent study also reported that inflammatory markers
(CRP and interleukin-6) measured in a blood test, NORMALIZED after a series of
nine chiropractic low back manipulations! So, NOT ONLY do spinal adjustments
give immediate improvements in pain, flexibility, and muscle relaxation, they
also REDUCE INFLAMMATION without the use of any pharmaceuticals!
So, let’s review what manipulation does for your low back pain: 1) Pain
reduction; 2) Improved flexibility – now you can put on your socks with less
pain and strain; 3) Improved functions and activities of daily living like
sitting more comfortably, getting in or out of your car, bending over to feed
the cat, etc.; 4) Improved sleep quality; and 5) Faster healing time by actually
reducing the inflammatory markers in the blood! If you have LBP, PLEASE don’t
delay – make that appointment TODAY!
We realize you have a choice in whom you consider for your health care provision
and we sincerely appreciate your trust in choosing our service for those needs. 
If you, a friend, or family member requires care for back pain, we would be
honored to render our services.  Visit http://www.olsonchiropracticcenter.com for more information.

Intersegmental Traction Video | Yankton Chiropractor | Brian Olson DC

http://www.olsonchiropracticcenter.com
605-665-2434

Intersegmental Traction | Yankton Chiropractor | Brian Olson DC

Intersegmental Traction is a particularly useful and effective therapy to treat and help prevent painful muscle spasms and muscle guarding specifically in spinal muscles.

Back Muscles

The back is a marvelous wonder.  There are many muscles in your back used singly or in combination to achieve a tremendous range of motion (forward flexion, lateral flexion, rotation, and extension).   In your core muscles there are small muscles (semispinalis, intertransversarii, interspinus, Rotatores, etc) connecting one vertebrae to the next and there are the muscles of the Erector Spinae (Iliocostalis, Longissimus, and Spinalis) which are longer and connect different sections together.  When fatigued, or affected by accident, injury, or repetitive stress, these muscles can spasm and can lead to chronic muscle guarding.

Vetebral Discs

In between the vertebrae there are shock absorbing structures called vertebral discs.  The outer layer of a vertebral disc (like the dough of a jelly donut) is comprised of multiple layers of annulus fibrosus which is a very tough fiber.  The inside of the disc contains nucleous pulposus (the jelly) which is really very jelly-like and contains about 90% water.
The vertebral discs cushion the vertebrae from movement and act as a shock absorber during more strenuous movements like walking or running.
When Back muscles are tight and spasming they can pull vertebrae out of alignment (because the muscles are attached to the vertebrae and they shorten during a spasm).  When vertebrae are out of alignment they may cause the vertebral disc to be displaced or in severe cases rupture which may lead to mild to severe pain.

Intersegmental Traction

Intersegmnetal traction is a great intervention.  Intersegmental traction is delivered through the use of a traction table.  It is a table that you lay down on (on your back) and there are rollers just underneath the surface of the table.  These rollers are adjusted for your condition and weight to gently and specifically elongate and stretch your spinal joints and muscles.  This benefits in reduction and prevention of muscle spasm and begins to reestablish normal range of motion for your spinal joints (each vertebrae).  When your muscles become more relaxed and vertebrae begin to move normally your vertebral discs now have their normal space and can return to their normal position and functioning.  This also helps to prevent abnormal wear and tear on the vertebral discs and vertebrae which in turn prevent further injury and reduce the arthritis process.  Visit http://www.olsonchiropracticcenter.com for more information.

Why Does My Neck Hurt So Much But My Car Only Got A Dent? | Yankton Chiropractor | Brian Olson DC

Whiplash pain can be much different from other types of injuries. When a car
accident is severe, the pain will come on right away. If the injury produces a
mild or moderate sprain, sometimes it takes a few days for the pain and
inflammation to reach its maximum. Sometimes it is stiffness that is the
prominent symptom and the patient notices this in the first few weeks after the
accident. The delay in pain is often seen in low speed collisions where
typically there is very less damage to the vehicles.
There are a lot of factors that determine the extent of injury following a low
speed whiplash. One of these is the neck posture prior to impact. Was the head
turned? This can occur if the patient was looking at the rear view mirror during
the collision. Low speed collisions can occur in parking lots. If the patient
was turned to see if a space was clear, this can make a simple trauma result in
a significant injury.
Besides the position of the patient prior to the collision, the speed and amount
of vehicle damage are sometimes good criteria for the severity of the trauma.
However, it may not be in many cases because of crumple zones. Cars are built
with crumple zones. These areas are crushed during the collision and absorb the
energy of impact. In some low speed collisions, there is less crumple and more
of the force is transmitted to the occupants. This is but one reason why vehicle
damage won’t always equate with the spinal damage.
Another factor in whiplash is whether the head-rest was properly positioned. A
proper headrest should be close to the back of the head and its high point
slightly above the top of the head. The reason for the high position is that in
a rear-end collision, the patient who is being hit will rise slightly with
impact. If the headrest is too low, then the neck will bend around it like a
fulcrum causing even more injury. The same thing happens if the seat is reclined
too far and the head whips backwards before hitting the headrest.
Because symptoms can come on slowly and minor vehicle damage is not a good
indicator of injury, a thorough examination is required. It is important to be
checked by a competent health care provider after any motor vehicle collision.
Visit http://www.olsonchiropracticcenter.com for more information.

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome | Yankton Chiroprator | Brian Olson Dc

http://www.olsonchiropracticcenter.com
605-665-2434
Dr. Olson, Yankton, SD chiropractor describes symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.

What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome | Yankton Chiropractor | Brian Olson DC

http://www.olsonchiropracticcenter.com
605-665-2434
Dr. Olson explains what carpal tunnel syndrome is.

Fibromyalgia Dietary Consideration #2 | Yankton Chiropractor | Brian Olson DC

Fibromyalgia (FM) management must include dietary considerations, just ask ANY
FM sufferer! Last month, we concentrated on the types of foods that reduce
inflammation, but the question remains, what foods should we go out of our way
to avoid? In other words, what should we NOT eat (and why)? Let’s take a look!  
As we all know, it’s MUCH EASIER to simply grab a cookie, a chocolate bar, or go
through the drive-through at McDonald’s and eat on the fly. This has become “the
rule” for many of us as we trim down our meal times to fit in other tasks. We
seem to have our priorities mixed up and have become preoccupied in our busy
lives using the excuse that “…eating simply takes too long.”  
The “avoid” list starts with stop eating junk food. It’s like pollution to our
body as it clogs and clutters up our digestive system and the absorbed
by-products include “bad” fat like trans-fats & saturated fats that can damage
the heart. These fats are found in highly processed foods, red meats, and
high-fat processed meats like bacon and sausage. Many of these meats are also
high in salt, another “no-no” for heart health reasons, particularly for those
with high blood pressure. Other sources of saturated fat include lamb, pork,
lard, butter, cream, whole milk, and high-fat cheese. Some plant sources of
saturated fat include coconut oil, cocoa butter, palm oil, and palm kernel oil.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 2005 Dietary Guidelines recommends that
adults get 20-35% of their calories from fats. At a minimum, we need at least
10% of our calories from fat.  
Other foods to avoid are white flour-based foods such as bread and pasta. This
is primarily because white flour is derived from grains which are gluten rich
(wheat, oats, barley, rye) and as we discussed last month, very inflammatory to
our body! Simply avoiding gluten can be the nucleus of a great diet with
benefits like increased energy, less mental fog, and weight loss without really
trying! Sugar is also found in many products that we like eating. It’s found in
juices, soda, pastries, candy, most desserts, as well as pre-sweetened cereals.
Even ketchup has sugar in it! Another “bad guy” comes from the nightshade family
of plants that includes tomatoes, eggplant, potatoes (but NOT sweet potatoes),
sweet and hot peppers, ground cherries (a small orange fruit similar to a
tomato), and Goji berries. These plants contain a chemical alkaloid called
solanine that triggers pain in some people.  
Weight reduction is another way to reduce pain and inflammation. If your Body
Mass Index is over 25, (“Google” a BMI calculator and check yours) then you may
need to lose weight! There are MANY diets one can follow, but to keep it simple
embrace one approach first and see what kind of results you get. Try the “Paleo
diet” as it is a gluten-free approach. The Mediterranean diet is similar and
then there is the Aitkin’s Diet, the Zone Diet, etc., etc. Try eliminating the
three most abused unhealthy foods in your diet (like soda, ice cream, chocolate,
etc.) as that too can yield great results. Make sure your thyroid is working
properly if you can’t lose weight with these approaches. Simply put, foods high
in sugar, saturated fat, and white flour cause overactivity of our immune system
which can lead to joint and muscle pain, fatigue, and damage to blood vessels.  
Eliminating these foods and eating the foods discussed last month is good for
all of us, not JUST those suffering from fibromyalgia!  
If you, a friend or family member requires care for Fibromyalgia, we sincerely
appreciate the trust and confidence shown by choosing our services!  Visit
http://www.olsonchiropracticcenter.com for more information.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: More "Fun Facts!" | Yankton Chiropractor | Brian Olson DC

Did you know that Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) can affect anyone? None of us are
immune to developing CTS as roughly 1 out of 20 of us will develop CTS in our
lifetime! This month, let’s look at some of the risk factors for developing CTS.

1)  Race: Caucasians carry the greatest risk of developing CTS.
2)  Gender: Women are three times more likely than men to develop CTS. This may
be because female wrists are smaller and shaped a little differently than male
wrists, but hormonal differences are probably the most important reason for this
variance.
3)  Pregnancy: Up to 62% of pregnant women develop CTS. This is thought to be
due to the excess fluid retention that normally occurs during pregnancy and most
likely stems from the elevation in hormone levels that NORMALLY occurs during
pregnancy. The prevalence in the first, second, and third trimesters is 11%,
26%, and 63%, respectively, thus supporting the fact that the risk increases
with the length of the pregnancy. Though CTS usually resolves after giving
birth, symptoms can continue for as long as three years following delivery!
4)  Birth Control Pill (BCP): The use of BCPs increases CTS risk due to an
increase in hormonal levels similar to the CTS risk increase during pregnancy.
5)  Occupational: Workers in highly repetitive, hand-intensive occupations (such
as line work, sewing, finishing, meat processing, poultry or fish packing) have
a higher rate of developing CTS.
6)  Injury to the wrist or hand: An obvious example is a wrist fracture from a
slip and fall, sports injury, or blunt trauma like a car accident. When there is
a direct pinch on the median nerve, nerve damage can occur quite quickly, and as
a result, the onset of symptoms can be very fast. Less obvious injuries, which
usually have significantly slower onsets, include repetitive motion injuries,
often referred to as “cumulative trauma disorders” and include a group of
conditions such as tendonitis, sprain/strain, bursitis, and other types of soft
tissue injuries.
7)  Certain conditions: Nerve damaging conditions that can cause CTS include
diabetes and alcoholism. Other conditions that can contribute and/or cause CTS
include menopause, obesity, thyroid disorders, kidney failure, and more.
8)  Inflammatory conditions: These include several types of arthritis such as
rheumatoid, lupus, and others. Osteoarthritis is technically NOT an
“inflammatory” condition but it can cause CTS by compressing the median nerve
via a bone spur formed within the carpal tunnel.
9)  Faulty work stations: A job site has A LOT to do with whether or not a
person develops CTS. Though jobs that require fast, repetitive movements pose
the greatest risk (see #5 above), other work-related factors that may be
controllable can also significantly contribute to the development of CTS. Some
of these include the shape of tools such as screwdriver handles shaped like a
gun (pistol) which allow for better alignment of the wrist than a “normal”
straight screwdriver handle. Another is a power tool that may have too much
vibration or torques too hard at the end of a cycle. A handle that is too
cold/hard (e.g., metal handle) or that may be too large for the worker’s hand is
an additional factor to consider. Positioning the work so that the wrists can
stay straight vs. bent can be VERY helpful. In fact, if some of these
“ergonomic” factors are not fixed, CTS can be next to impossible to remedy.
Also, poor posture in the back, neck, and the rest of the body can result in
compensatory faulty postures elsewhere. Look in a mirror and poke your chin out
towards the mirror. Now look at your shoulders. See how they roll forward and
feel the strain in your upper back and neck? Keep your chin tucked in, NOT out.
This can make a BIG difference in your posture!
We realize you have a choice in whom you consider for your health care provision
and we sincerely appreciate your trust in choosing our service for those needs. 
If you, a friend, or family member requires care for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, we
would be honored to render our services.  Visit http://www.olsonchiropracticcenter.com
for more information.

Low Back "ON-THE-GO" Exercises (Part 2) | Yankton Chiropractor | Brian Olson DC

Low back pain (LBP) is a reality in most of our lives at one point or another.
It can range from being a “nag” to being totally disabling. Let’s look at some
exercises for the low back that can be done from a STANDING position so that
they can be: 1) Performed in public (without drawing too much attention) and 2)
Repeated every one to two hours with the objective to AVOID LBP from gradually
getting out of control (STOP the “vicious cycle” so LBP stays “self-managed”).  
RULES: 1) DON’T do any exercise that creates SHARP pain; 2) Stay within
“reasonable” pain boundaries; 3) DO these multiple times a day WHEN you feel
tight, stiff, sore (take 10-30 sec. every hour rather than 15 min. twice a day).
 
STANDING LOW BACK EXERCISE OPTIONS:
1)  STANDING HAMSTRING / GROIN STRETCH: 1) Place your heel on a chair/bench. 2)
Arch your low back until you feel a “draw” or pull in the back of the leg. 3)
Bend your ankle towards you – feel the pull in your calf). 4) If needed, bend
forwards or bend the support leg knee for additional stretch. 5) Hold for 3-10
seconds or until it feels loose. 6) ROTATE your body to the opposite side until
you feel the pull in your groin and hold 3-10 sec. 7) Switch legs!
2)  STANDING BACK EXTENSIONS: 1) Place the backs of your hands on your low back.
2) Slowly arch the lower back over your hands – stop if you feel pinch/sharp
pain. 3) Release the pressure and re-apply multiple times. 4) Hold for 3-10
seconds or, until it feels loose. 5) REVERSE and bend over to touch your toes
and hold until you feel loose.
3)  STANDING HIP FLEXOR STRETCH: 1) Stand straddled with one leg behind the
other. 2) Rotate your back leg hip forwards (try to line up the left with the
right so the pelvis is square). 3) Tuck in your pelvis (flatten the curve in the
low back). 4) Bend backwards until the pull in the groin increases. 5) Hold for
3-10 seconds or, until it feels “loose.” 6) REPEAT on the opposite side.  
Remember, DO these MANY times a day (at least once every hour). We have many
others as well (ask us)!  
We realize you have a choice in whom you consider for your health care provision
and we sincerely appreciate your trust in choosing our service for those needs. 
If you, a friend, or family member requires care for back pain, we would be
honored to render our services. Visit http://www.olsonchiropracticcenter.com for more information.

Chiropractic and Sinus Headaches | Yankton Chiropractor | Brian Olson DC

Sinus headaches refer to pain in the head typically in and around the face. Most
of us are knowledgeable about two of our four sinuses: the frontal (forehead)
and maxillary (our “cheek bones”). The other two sinuses (called ethmoid and
sphenoid) are much less understood. As chiropractors, many patients ask us about
sinus problems, as all of us have had a stuffy nose due to a cold and have felt
this pain in our face and head. Those of us who have suffered from sinus
infections REALLY know how painful sinusitis can get! This month, let’s take a
look at our sinuses and what we can do to self-manage the problem.
First, an anatomy lesson… As stated above, there are four paired, or sets, of
sinuses in our head: Maxillary: Pain/pressure in the cheekbones, sometimes
referring pain to the teeth. These drain sideways (if you lay on your side, the
side “up” drains down into the downside maxillary sinus and into the nose).
Frontal: Pain/pressure in the forehead. These drain downward (when we’re
upright, looking straight ahead). Ethmoidal: Pain/pressure between and/or behind
the eyes. These drain when we lean forwards. Sphenoidal: Cause pain/pressure
behind the eyes, top of the head and/or back of the head (which can be extreme).
These drain best when lying face pointing down towards the floor, but they can
be stubborn to drain!
Sinusitis, or rhinosinusitis, by definition is an inflammation of the sinus
lining (mucous membrane) and is classified as follows: Acute – a new infection
which can last up to four weeks and are divided into two types: severe and
non-severe; Recurrent acute – four or more separate acute episodes within one
year; Subacute – an infection lasting 4-12 weeks; Chronic infections lasting >12
weeks; and Acute exacerbation of chronic sinusitis – recurring bouts of chronic
sinusitis.
One cause of sinusitis can include an “URI” (upper respiratory tract infections)
most often in the form of a virus (such as rhinovirus—there are over 99 types
have been identified, or better known as “the common cold”). Bacteria can also
cause a sinus infection. These infections tend to last longer and can follow a
viral infection. A third cause is a fungal infection. These are more common in
diabetic and other immune deficient patients. Chemical irritants such as
cigarette smoke and chlorine fumes can also trigger sinusitis. Chronic sinusitis
can be caused by anything that irritates the sinuses for >12 weeks (viruses,
bacteria, environmental irritants, tooth infections, and more). Allergies are
also a common cause of sinusitis whether they are environmental and/or
food/chemical induced.
Chiropractic care for sinusitis includes primarily symptomatic care with sinus
drainage techniques such as facial and cranial bone manipulation/mobilization,
lymphatic pump and drainage techniques, instruction in self-stretch of the
sinuses (such as an outward pull of the cheek bones in different positions of
the head), nutritional counseling (such as 1000mg of vitamin C every 2-4 hours)
and anti-inflammatory herbs and vitamins (see prior Health Updates), cervical
and mid-back manipulation, training in nasal saline rinsing (Nasaline, Nettie
Pot), moist heat (towels, steam), and of course, chicken soup! Co-management
with your primary care doc may be needed at times, if medications are warranted.

We realize you have a choice in whom you consider for your health care provision
and we sincerely appreciate your trust in choosing our service for those needs. 
If you, a friend, or family member requires care for headaches, we would be
honored to render our services.  Visit http://www.olsonchiropracticcenter.com for more information.

Subluxation and Chiropractic | Yankton Chiropractor | Brian Olson DC

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Get To Know Chiropractic | Yankton Chiropractor | Brian Olson DC

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One Thing You Need To Know To Lose Weight | Yankton Chiropractor | Brian Olson DC

Dr. Olson, Yankton, SD chiropractor explains the one thing you need to know in order to lose weight.
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Yankton Chiropractor | Olson Chiropractic Center | Brian Olson DC

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Chiropractic Cartoon | Yankton Chiropractor | Brian Olson DC

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Weight Loss Yankton | Olson Chiropractic Center | Brian Olson DC

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Your Spine Is Like A Fuse Box | Yankton Chiropractor | Brian Olson DC

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Unnecessary Back Surgeries | Olson Chiropractic Center | Yankton Chiropractor

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Olson Chiropractic Center | Yankton, SD | Brian Olson DC

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IonCleanse Detoxification | Yankton Chiropractor | Olson Chiropractic Center

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Acupuncture Needle Electric Stimulation | Yankton Chiropractor | Brian Olson DC

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Massage Yankton | Olson Chiropractic Center | Brian Olson DC

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CTS, Exercise, and Chiropractic | Yankton Chiropractor | Brian Olson, DC

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a condition characterized by numbness, tingling,
and/or pain located on the palm side of the wrist, hand and into the index,
third, and half of the ring finger. It’s caused by pressure exerted on the
median nerve as it passes through the “tunnel” located in the wrist. The “floor”
of the tunnel is a ligament while the “walls” are made up of eight small carpal
bones that lock together in the shape of a tunnel. There are nine tendons
(tendons attach muscles to bones allowing us to move our fingers), sheaths
covering the tendons, blood vessels, and the median nerve that ALL travel
through the tunnel, so it’s packed pretty tight. ANYTHING that increases the
size of any of these structures or anything “extra” that shouldn’t be there can
increase the pressure inside the tunnel, pinch the median nerve, and result in
the classic numb/tingling symptoms that wake people up at night, or interfere
with work or driving.

In the Unites States (US), about 1 out of 20 people will suffer from CTS.
Caucasians have the highest incidence rate and women are affected more than men
by a 3:1 ratio between ages of 45-60 years old. Only 10% of the reported cases
of CTS are under 30 years old. Occupational CTS (as of 2010) affects 8% of US
workers with 24% attributed to manufacturing industry jobs. This equates to
approximately 3.1 million cases of work-related CTS in 2010. The risk of
developing CTS increases with age, diabetes, hypothyroid, pregnancy, taking
birth control pills, having an inflammatory arthritis, being obese, pinched
nerves in the neck, thoracic outlet, elbow, and others. Therefore, managing CTS
requires a thorough evaluation in order to assure accuracy in the diagnosis.
With this background information, let’s look at the question, WHAT CAN YOU DO TO
HELP CTS? One answer is, don’t age – good luck with that! In addition to keeping
your weight under control, exercise can be VERY effective and YOU can be in
charge of that process, but we have to teach you the exercises.

1)  The Carpal Stretch (“nerve gliding”): Place your palm on the wall near
shoulder height with the fingers pointing down at the floor and press the palm
of the hand flat on the wall. Lastly, reach across with the opposite hand and
pull your thumb back off of the wall and hold for 5-15 seconds.
2)  The Wrist Extensor Stretch: Do the same as #1 but place the back of the hand
on the wall in front of you, again fingers pointing downward. Here, there is no
need to stretch the thumb.
3)  The “Bear Claw”: Make a fist and then open up the hand. Keep the small
finger joints flexed while extending the knuckles at the base of each finger
straight (not bent). Repeat 5-10x.
4)  Putty Squeeze: Simply squeeze putty in your hand for two to five minutes
until fatigued.
5)  Yoga has been shown to reduce pain and improve grip strength in CTS
patients!
Now the question, “…can these exercises prevent surgery?” The answer is “maybe.”
They certainly help in some cases, but a multi-dimensional treatment plan is the
BEST approach. This includes:  1) Chiropractic manipulation of the hand, wrist,
elbow, shoulder, and neck; 2) Soft tissue “release” techniques of the muscles in
the forearm, upper arm, shoulder, and neck; 3) Cock-up wrist splint to be used
at night, and in some cases, at times during the day; 4) Ergonomic management of
your work station or situation (to minimize repetitive insult to the area); 5)
Nutritional support that may include an anti-inflammatory diet and nutrients
(vitamins, minerals, herbs, etc.), and 6) Managing any contributing conditions
like diabetes, hypothyroid, and/or the others. Here’s the GOOD NEWS:
CHIROPRACTIC can manage these six steps, though some cases will require
co-management with primary care and/or specialist.

We realize you have a choice in whom you consider for your health care provision
and we sincerely appreciate your trust in choosing our service for those needs.
If you, a friend, or family member requires care for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, we
would be honored to render our services.  Visit www.olsonchiropracticcenter.com for more information.

Low Back "ON-THE-GO" Exercises (Part 1) | Yankton Chiropractor | Brian Olson DC

Low back pain (LBP) is a reality in most of our lives at one point or another.
It can range from being a “nag” to being totally disabling. Let’s look at some
exercises for the low back that can be done from a SITTING position so that they
can be: 1) Performed in public (without drawing too much attention) and 2)
Repeated every one to two hours with the objective to AVOID LBP from gradually
getting out of control (STOP the “vicious cycle” so LBP stays “self-managed”).
RULES: 1) DON’T do any exercise that creates SHARP pain; 2) Stay within
“reasonable” pain boundaries; 3) DO these multiple times a day WHEN you feel
tight, stiff, sore (take 10-30 sec. every hour rather than 15 min. twice a day).

SITTING LOW BACK EXERCISE OPTIONS:
1)  SITTING BEND OVERS: 1) Slowly bend forward from a seated position and
attempt to reach the floor; 2) Spread the knees as needed to allow for a full
range of motion; 3) Hold for 3-10 seconds or until it feels “loose.” 4) Do the
opposite – sit and arch your low back as far back as is comfortable. Repeat
frequently for short hold-times – make it “fit” your time limitations/schedule!
2)  SITTING HIP / BACK STRETCH: 1) Cross your leg; 2) Raise the knee to the
opposite shoulder; 3) Arch the lower back until you feel an increase stretch in
your buttocks; 4) Twist your trunk to the side the knee is raised; 5) Move your
knee up/down and around to “feel” for the tightest “knots” and “work” them
loose; 6) Modify by bending forward 7) REPEAT on the opposite side.
3)  SITTING TRUNK ROTATIONS: 1) Slowly twist your shoulders and trunk to one
side while keeping your knees straight; 2) Reach back and pull for additional
stretch if comfortable; 3) Hold for 3-10 seconds or, until it feels “loose;” 4)
REPEAT on the opposite side.
Remember, DO these MANY times a day (at least once every hour). We have many
others as well (ask us)!

We realize you have a choice in whom you consider for your health care provision
and we sincerely appreciate your trust in choosing our service for those needs.
If you, a friend, or family member requires care for back pain, we would be
honored to render our services.  Visit www.olsonchiropracticcenter.com for more information.

What Kind of Headache Do I Have Part 2 | Yankton Chiropractor | Brian Olson DC

Last month, we discussed three types of headaches: Tension Headache (the most
common), Cluster Headaches (a vascular headache – less common, short duration
but REALLY painful), and Sinus Headaches. Migraine headaches were discussed the
month before last. In keeping with the theme, ONE more headache type will be
discussed: Rebound Headaches, followed by anti-inflammatory herbal remedies, and
finally, “Headache Triggers.”

Rebound headaches are the result of pain killer overuse. Of course, one would
think of pain killers like aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), or ibuprofen
(Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, etc.) as well as many prescription drugs as being
“friendly” and commonly reached for when a headache or any other ache or pain
occurs. But, as the old saying goes, “…too much of a good thing can be bad!”
These culprits, instead of helping, can actually hurt you! One theory for the
cause of rebound headaches is that too much of these meds can cause the brain to
shift into an excited state that triggers the headache. Another theory is that
these headaches result from too sudden of a drop of the medicine in the
bloodstream, which would only occur if the medication was being taken at a high
dose for a relatively long period of time. According to the Migraine Research
Foundation, EVERY 10 SECONDS, someone in the United States goes to the emergency
room with a migraine or headache due to the intense pain, severe nausea or
dehydration, drug interactions, or side effects from headache medications! DON’T
BE ONE OF THEM!!!

As mentioned last month, PLEASE FIRST try an anti-inflammatory herb like ginger
(Zingiber officinale), turmeric (Curcuma longa), Feverfew, passionflower
(Passiflora alata), Peppermint (menthe piperita), ginko (ginko biloba), caffeine
(Coffea Arabica), black or green tea, Valerian (Valeriana officinalis),
Coriander Seed (Coriandrum sativum), Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis), Lavender Oil
(Lavandula angustifolia), Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), Lime or Linden
(Tilia spp.), horseradish (Armoracia rusticana), honeysuckle (Lonicera
japonica), and more!

So what triggers headaches? Here are a few of the more commonly researched
triggers: weight [in females, a BMI of 30 (mild obesity) = 35% greater risk, and
BMI of 40 (“severe obesity”) = 80%]; personality (traits such as rigidity,
reserve, and obsessivity); “let-down” or weekend headaches (breaking your
routine, like staying in bed until noon); odors and fumes (e.g., fresh paint);
dehydration (drink water AND eat fruits / veggies to get more water); skipping
meals (hunger is a common trigger); physical exertion (certain sports like
running, weight lifting); too much caffeine (small amounts help, but too much
can trigger headaches); inactivity (sedentary lifestyles trigger – 30 min./day
cardio, 5x/week is ideal); sleep deprivation (those averaging six hours have
more frequent & severe headaches); and certain foods like red wine, beer, MSG,
chocolate, aged cheese, sauerkraut, and processed meats like pepperoni, ham, and
salami. Foods that can reduce headaches include those high in magnesium—spinach,
tofu, oat bran, barely, fish oil, olive oil, white beans, sunflower, and pumpkin
seeds. In addition to GOOD CHIROPRACTIC CARE, headache management requires a
multidimensional approach for best results!

We realize you have a choice in whom you consider for your health care provision
and we sincerely appreciate your trust in choosing our service for those needs.
If you, a friend, or family member requires care for headaches, we would be
honored to render our services.  Visit www.olsonchiropracticcenter.com for more information.