Showing posts with label chiropractor yankton. Show all posts
Showing posts with label chiropractor yankton. Show all posts

Friday, December 6, 2019

Smart Pulse Digital Analysis | Dr. Brian Olson | Yankton Chiropractor

Smart Pulse Digital Pulse analysis is a early detection device for cardiovascular disease.  Detect cardiovascular disease before symptoms occur and treat with simple nutritional protocols to stop and reverse cardiovascular disease.  Visit www.olsonchiropractic.com for more information.

Friday, June 22, 2018

Low Back Pain: Who Will Respond Best To Care?

Low Back Pain:  Who Will Respond Best To Care?

Is it possible to identify which low back pain patients might experience the
most benefit from spinal manipulation combined with exercise? In a 2011 study,
researchers identified which patients might respond best to this combination of
care and which patients might need a more aggressive approach.

Directional preference (DP) describes a situation in which it feels better for
the patient to move in one direction versus another. For example, if a patient
feels worse bending forwards (which is quite common) and feels better bending
backwards, then “extension-biased exercises” are preferred.

If leg pain is present, the DP that reduces or eliminates the leg pain (called
centralization, or CEN) is the exercise-biased direction, and it’s important to
avoid any exercise that increases leg pain (peripheralization).

In the study, which involved 584 patients with low back pain, the researchers
found that 60% of the participants had a DP and of those patients, 60% had CEN.
The researchers found that the patients with a DP that reduced CEN responded the
best to care (in this case, spinal manipulation combined with exercise) in
regards to improved pain and function. On the other hand, the patients who had
no DP experienced the least overall improvement.

The value of using a classification system like this allows a doctor of
chiropractic to determine which exercises will help each individual LBP patient
the most.  It also provides them with the ability to identify those most likely
to respond favorably and those patients who may need a more comprehensive
treatment.

So, if you feel best bending backwards and/or leg pain lessens, the preferred
exercises include bending backwards (extension) from standing, prone press-ups
(“saggy” push-ups) or hugging a gym ball, and/or extending your back over a gym
ball or a stack of large pillows. Of course, there are many additional exercises
but ANY position that reduces LBP and/or leg pain will help.

 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 or headaches, we would be honored to render our services. Visit http://www.olsonchiropracticcenter.com for more information.

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Why Does My Back Hurt? Part 2


Last month, we discussed common causes of back pain including mattresses, shoes, diet, exercise, and posture. Here are some additional considerations…
6. OFFICE CHAIR: Because of vast differences between people’s height, weight, body type, and preference, it’s difficult—if not impossible—to find a one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to office chairs! In the ideal world, the option to sit, stand, walk, and stretch as needed would be perfect but this simply is not reality! Low back pain (LBP) from sitting is common due to the excess pressure it places on the joints and disks (the “shock-absorbers” of the spine). Here are some remedies: 1) Find a chair that FITS YOU. 2) Get up and move at least once every hour (set the timer on your smartphone as a reminder). 3) Place the computer monitor directly in front of you and keyboard/mouse so the elbows bend only 90°. 4) Keep your feet on the floor at your desk (use an upside down box if you have short legs). 5) Perform “in the chair” stretches when your timer goes off!
7. BODY TYPE: We’ve discussed obesity as an obvious cause of back pain, but other factors are important as well. A very common cause of back pain for women is breast size. Here, the topic of a supportive bra is important, as carrying more weight in front of you adds additional stress on the back and shoulders.
8. SHOULDER BAGS: Back pain can be caused and/or perpetuated by a heavy purse, bag, briefcase, and even a thick wallet in the back pocket! To keep your eyes level, your body has to compensate and assume a less-than-ideal posture that may place unnecessary stress on your back! So before leaving the house today, CLEAN OUT that bag and/or put your wallet in a front pocket and lessen the load on your spine!
9. SMOKING: Smoking can reduce the amount of oxygen that reaches your cells, which can cause them to function at a less than optimal state. You’ve perhaps heard that a conscientious back surgeon will NEVER operate on a smokers’ back due to both the prolonged healing time and subsequent bad outcomes. So in addition to giving your heart, lungs, and those around you a break, if you want your lower back to heal, STOP SMOKING! Studies also show smokers are TWICE as likely to develop LBP compared with non-smokers, so quit. Better yet, DON’T START in the first place!
10. STRESS & DEPRESSION: Remember, “health” is a balance between structure, chemistry, and mental factors. Stress increases muscle tightness and alters posture in a way that can lead to or exacerbate existing LBP. Exercise, meditate, eat smart, and resolve your differences with family members and friends to minimize this problem! When needed, your doctor of chiropractic can refer you for counseling!
11. ERGONOMICS: How we “fit” into our job, lifting properly, workstation set up, work pace, and work stressors ALL play into LBP management. Have an assessment to see what can be fixed!

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.

Saturday, October 3, 2015

What Can I Do To Stop A Migraine?


Migraines can be life-altering! They can stop us from being able to enjoy a child’s piano recital, participate in family events, go to work, or simply do household chores! Wouldn’t it be nice to have ways to self-manage these miserable, often disabling headaches? Here are some options!
1. RELAXATION THERAPY: Search for a calm environment, turn off the lights (photophobia, or light sensitivity, is a common migraine complaint), minimize sound/noise (due to “hyperacusis”), and sleep if possible. Monitor the room temperature and/or use hot/cold compresses to the head and/or neck regions to relax tight muscles (heat) and reduce pain and swelling (cold). Similarly, a warm shower or bath can have similar beneficial effects.
2. SLEEP WELL: Migraines can interfere with falling asleep, they can wake you up during the night, and they are often triggered by NOT getting a good night’s sleep. To improve your sleep quality: a) Establish regular sleeping hours. Wake up and go to bed at consistent times every day, including weekends. b) Keep daytime naps short (20-30 min. max). c) “Unwind” at the end of the day – try soothing music, a warm bath, or reading a favorite book (avoid suspenseful movies). d) Don’t eat/drink too much before bedtime as heavy meals, caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol can interfere with sleep. e) Don’t exercise intensely before bedtime (stretching is fine). f) Eliminate distractions in the bedroom, including TV and bringing work to bed. Close the bedroom door and use a fan to muffle out distracting noises. g) If you take any medications, check for known side effects, as many contain caffeine or other stimulants that can interfere with sleep – including some meds that treat migraines! Talk to your doctor and pharmacist!
3. EAT WELL: Be consistent about when you eat and don’t skip meals (fasting increases the risk for migraine). Keep a food journal to figure out your migraine triggers and avoid foods that commonly trigger migraines like chocolate, aged cheeses, caffeine, and alcohol. Try eliminating these and see how you feel!
4. EXERCISE REGULARLY:  This is MOST IMPORTANT for migraine management as it facilitates sleep cycles and stimulates the release of endorphins and enkephlins that help block pain. It also helps fight obesity, which is another risk factor for headaches.
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 or headaches, we would be honored to render our services. Visit http://www.olsonchiropracticcenter.com for more information.

Thursday, October 1, 2015

Why Does My Back Hurt? | Yankton Chiropractor


It’s been said that if you haven’t had back pain, just wait, because (statistically) some day you will! The following list is a list of “causes” that can be easily “fixed” to reduce your risk for a back pain episode.
1. MATTRESS: Which type of mattress is best? The “short answer”: there is no single mattress (style or type) for all people, primarily due to body type, size, gender, and what “feels good.” TRY laying on a variety of mattresses (for several minutes on your back and sides) and check out the difference between coiled, inner springs, foam (of different densities), air, waterbeds, etc. The thickness of a mattress can vary from 7 to 18 inches (~17-45 cm) deep. Avoid mattresses that feel like you’re sleeping in a hammock! A “good” mattress should maintain your natural spinal curves when lying on your sides or back (avoid stomach sleeping in most cases). Try placing a pillow between the knees and “hug” a pillow when side sleeping, as it can act like a “kick stand” and prevent you from rolling onto your stomach. If your budget is tight, you can “cheat” by placing a piece of plywood between the mattress and box spring as a short-term fix.
2. SHOES: Look at the bottom of your favorite pair of shoes and check out the “wear pattern.” If you have worn out soles or heels, you are way overdue for a new pair or a “re-sole” by your local shoe cobbler! If you work on your feet, then it’s even more important for both managing and preventing LBP!
3. DIET: A poor diet leads to obesity, which is a MAJOR cause of LBP. Consider the Paleo or Mediterranean Diet and STAY AWAY from fast food! Identify the two or three “food abuses” you have embraced and eliminate them – things with empty calories like soda, ice cream, chips… you get the picture! Keeping your BMI (Body Mass Index) between 20 and 25 is the goal! Positive “side-effects” include increased longevity, better overall health, and an improved quality of life!
4. EXERCISE: The most effective self-help approach to LBP management is exercise. Studies show those who exercise regularly hurt less, see doctors less, have a higher quality of life, and just feel better! This dovetails with diet in keeping your weight in check as well. Think of hamstring stretches and core strengthening as important LBP managers – USE PROPER TECHNIQUE AND FORM; YOUR DOCTOR OF CHIROPRACTIC CAN GUIDE YOU IN THIS PROCESS!
5. POSTURE: Another important “self-help” trick of the trade is to avoid sitting slumped over with an extreme forward head carriage positions. Remember that every inch your head pokes forwards places an additional ten pounds (~4.5 kg) of load on your upper back muscles to keep your head upright, and sitting slumped increases the load on your entire back!
We have only scratched the surface of some COMMON causes and/or contributors of back pain. Stay tuned next month as we continue this important conversation!
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.  For more information visit www.olsonchiropracticcenter.com

Saturday, September 19, 2015

Is Sitting Bad For My Back?

Is Sitting Bad For My Back?
A major manufacturer of workstations reports that 86% of work computer users have to sit all day, and when they do rise from sitting, more than half (56%) use food as the excuse to get up and move. In addition to sitting at work, for meals, and commuting to/from work, 36% sit another one to two hours watching TV, 10% sit one to two hours for gaming, 25% sit one to two hours for reading/lounging, and 29% use their home computer for one to two hours. In summary, the average American sits for thirteen hours a day and sleep for eight hours. That’s a total of 21 hours a day off their feet!
The manufacturer’s survey also notes 93% of work computer users don’t know what “Sitting Disease” is but 74% believe that sitting too much can lead to an early death. “Sitting Disease” represents the ill-effects of an overly sedentary lifestyle and includes conditions like “metabolic syndrome” (obesity and diabetes), which is rapidly becoming more prevalent, especially in the young – even in adolescence and teenagers! Recently, the American Medical Association (AMA) adopted a policy encouraging employers, employees, and others to sit less citing the many risks associated with sitting including (but not limited to): diabetes, cancer, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. Standing is SO MUCH BETTER as it burns more calories than sitting, tones muscles, improves posture, increases blood flow, reduces blood sugar, and improves metabolism. Standing is frequently overlooked as “an exercise” and it’s both simple and easy to do!
So, what about the low back and sitting? You guessed it – sitting is hard on the back! The pressure inside of our disks, those “shock absorbers” that lie between each vertebra in our spine (22 disks in total) is higher when we sit compared with simply standing or lying down. It’s estimated that when we lay down, the pressure on our disks is the lowest at 25mm. When lying on one side, it increases to 75mm, standing increases disk pressure to 100mm, and bending over from standing pushes disk pressure to 220mm. When we sit with good posture, our disk pressure may reach 140mm but that can increase to 190mm with poor posture. To help relieve the pressure on our disks, experts recommend: 1) Getting up periodically and standing; 2) Sitting back in your chair and avoiding slouched positions; 3) Placing a lumbar roll (about the size of your forearm) behind the low back and chair/car seat; and 4) Changing your position frequently when sitting.
Because certain low back conditions “favor” one position over another, these “rules” may need modification. For example, most herniated disk patients prefer low back extension while bending over or slouching hurts. In those with lumbar sprain/strains, bending forwards usually feels good and extension hurts. Modifying your position to the one that is most comfortable is perhaps the best advice.
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 or call 605-665-2434 for more information.

Friday, September 18, 2015

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression
Dr. Brian Olson, Yankton chiropractor, offers non-surgical spinal decompression therapy for disc related neck and low back pain.  Honest, effective, and affordable decompression therapy.
Visit www.olsonchiropracticcenter.com for more info or call 605-665-2434.

Saturday, March 1, 2014

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.

Friday, February 28, 2014

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.

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

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.

Monday, February 17, 2014

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.