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Sitka Chiropractic Newsletter for February 2016

 
You're In Good Company!
Most Sitka Back Pain Sufferers Don't Need Back Surgery...
 
So when do you seek medical help? When you hurt! And what's the most common cause of pain in adults? Low back pain! It's the second condition that gets patients to see doctors. In one study, the average age of low back pain care hospitalizations was 47.8 years with only 3.1% of those patients having a surgical procedure. (1) That's a low percent fortunately, leaving 97% of patients needing non-operative care. Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka offers Sitka chiropractic care that is non-operative and relieving for Sitka back pain. 
 
...and 6 Weeks of Conservative Care are Recommended Before Back Surgery  
 
Patients with leg pain, weakness and paresthesias due to lumbar spine disc herniations do well and improve with non-operative care. Researchers write thatback surgery as an intervention is reserved for those patients who have severe or progressive motor deficit or symptomatology of bowel or bladder control loss. (3) So that's where your Sitka chiropractor comes into play! Chiropractic's strength is non-operative care for those suffering with back pain and related leg pain radiculopathy, and Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka’s forte is relieving non-operative care of Sitka back pain and neck pain.  
 
 

Stretching Reduces Inflammation...

Stretching connective tissue starts a series of events that help reduce inflammation when it's just starting. Stretching reduces inflammatory lesion thickness and the neutrophil (white blood cells that fight off infection) count and increases resolvin (a pro-resolving mediator that promotes inflammation reduction) levels. (2) So stretching connective tissue that's been damaged helps that tissue heal more quickly, and Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka’s Sitka chiropractic manipulative care via Cox Technic spinal manipulation stretches gently and safely. Check it out! 
 

... and Spinal Manipulation is Positive for Pain Reduction

Spinal manipulation, particularly the type that involves low velocity passive oscillatory movement, positively affects the central nervous system to reduce spine pain among other positive effects like improved balance and posture, reduced stiffness, and improved muscle function. (4) The chiropractic spinal manipulation Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka uses is called Cox Technic which is just that low velocity passive oscillatory movement that can produce positive effects like these for our Sitka back pain patients!   
 
 

Degenerated Discs Are Missing Glycosaminoglycan...

Sick discs - protruded discsextruded discsdegenerated discs - show lower levels of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content. And these discs will show this loss biochemically before they show it on imaging. (5) So what is GAG?  It's the building block of white fibrocartilage of the disc, essential for a healthy disc. It attracts fluid into the disc to keep it healthy and able to do its job. Do you know how healthy your discs are? If you have back pain, your discs are likely missing GAG. Let's talk at your next Sitka chiropractic visit about how to improve those GAG levels with spinal nutrition
 
...and Chondroitin Sulfate Which Is Glycosaminoglycan
 
Using spectrometry testing, researchers correlate the amount of degeneration of low back discs and their levels of metabolites like chondroitin sulfate. What's chondroitin sulfate? It's glycosaminoglycan (GAG). Lower levels of chondroitin sulfate biochemically correlate with more degeneration on imaging studies. (6) So again, let's add the element of supplementation to your Sitka chiropractic treatment plan to feed your discs the nutrients they crave to be healthy! 

Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka looks forward to seeing you at your next Sitka chiropractic visit! Thank you for trusting your health and your painful spine to our Sitka chiropractic practice. 

"This information and website content is not intended to diagnose, guarantee results, or recommend specific treatment or activity. It is designed to educate and inform only. Please consult your physician for a thorough examination leading to a diagnosis and well-planned treatment strategy. See more details on the DISCLAIMER page. Content is reviewed by Dr. James M. Cox I."