Wellness Tip: Dealing with Osteoarthritis

Article courtesy of American Chiropractic Association

For decades, osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease, has been considered a part of aging. Recent research points out, however, that older people don’t have to suffer from osteoarthritic pain. And, surprisingly, people much younger than 65 can develop osteoarthritis.

What Is Osteoarthritis?
• Osteoarthritis affects the cartilage—slippery tissue on the ends of bones that meet in a joint. Normally, cartilage helps bones glide over one another. In a patient with osteoarthritis, however, the cartilage is broken down and eventually wears away. As a result, instead of gliding, bones rub against each other, causing pain, swelling and loss of motion.
• Although the majority of patients with osteoarthritis are 65 and older, recent research shows that osteoarthritis is not a by-product of aging. Family history of osteoarthritis, being overweight, lack of exercise and prior joint injuries are suggested risk factors.
• Osteoarthritis is diagnosed through a combination of clinical history, patient examination and X-rays. Other tests, such as drawing fluid from the joint, are sometimes used.

What Are Signs of Osteoarthritis?
• Steady or intermittent joint pain
• Joint stiffness after sitting, sleeping or otherwise not moving for a long time
• Swelling or tenderness in the joints
• A crunching feeling or the sound of bones rubbing against each other

Should Osteoarthritis Patients Exercise?
• Exercise is one of the best forms of osteoarthritis treatment and prevention. It strengthens the muscular support around the joints and improves and maintains joint mobility and function.
• Exercise helps control weight and improve the patient’s mood and outlook.
• Low-impact or non-weight-bearing activities, such as walking, stationary training, and light weight training, work best for patients with osteoarthritis.
• Strengthening exercises help tone the key muscle groups that relate to the function of the joints that may be weakened by the degeneration.
• If you are overweight, start exercising carefully, so as not to put too much stress on the knee and ankle joints.
• Stair climbing, water aerobics, Theraband workouts and similar exercises will help to keep the joints mobile without straining them.
• When exercising, learn to read the body’s signals and know when to stop, slow down or rest.

How Can Your Doctor of Chiropractic Help?
• Doctors of chiropractic, by the nature of their work, can detect the earliest degenerative changes in the joints. They see the impact of degenerative changes in the spine, as well as in the hips, knees and other weight-bearing joints.
• Doctors of chiropractic are also trained to relieve the pain and improve joint function through natural therapies, such as chiropractic manipulation, trigger-point therapy or some massage techniques.
• Doctors of chiropractic can provide exercise counseling, helping you choose exercises that are best for you. If a sore or swollen joint prevents you from exercising, talk to your doctor of chiropractic about other drug-free pain-relief options, such as applying heat or cold to the affected area.
• Your doctor of chiropractic can help you choose proper supplements that play important roles in osteoarthritis prevention and treatment.

What Supplements May Be Helpful?
• Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are the two most popular and most researched supplements. When taken over a period of time, they tend to reduce pain and increase function, especially with knee osteoarthritis, and may also slow progression of the disease.
• To choose the proper supplement, consult your doctor of chiropractic. Studies used 1,500 mg per day of glucosamine and 1,200 mg per day of chondroitin sulfate. If you use a different dosage, the effect will be different.
• Unlike the quick effect of medications, it usually takes several weeks before you feel pain relief or improvement in function when taking a supplement.
• Supplements may not be for everyone. Chondroitin sulfate may interfere with anticoagulant medications. In addition, the supplements haven’t been studied in pregnant women, so these women should not take glucosamine and chondroitin.

Dr. Whidden is a former U.S. Navy pilot turned chiropractor in Destin, Florida. Emerald Coast Chiropractic, finding solutions to today’s health care issues, Who’s YOUR Chiropractor?

Ken Whidden, DC
Emerald Coast Chiropractic

Turning a Breech Baby Using Chiropractic

If you are an expecting mother and are facing a possible breech presentation at delivery, there is a safe, effective way to allow the baby to turn in the “head down” position for childbirth.  The Webster Technique, discovered by Dr. Larry Webster, is a specific chiropractic adjustment for pregnant mothers.  Formerly known as Webster’s “In-Utero Constraint Technique” or “Webster’s Breech Turning Technique,” the Webster Technique was developed by Dr. Webster in 1978.  It is a chiropractic technique designed to relieve intrauterine constraint and help to convert breech presentations to cephalic presentation.

Intrauterine constraint is defined as any forces external to the developing fetus that obstructs the normal movement of the fetus. Intrauterine constraint can prevent the developing fetus from attaining a head down vertex position and achieving a vaginal birth, resulting in cesarean section delivery. Today, nearly 13% of all cesarean deliveries performed are due to breech presentation.

The Webster Technique is a chiropractic means of decreasing the number of caesareans for breech presentation.  The Webster Technique is defined as a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment that reduces interference to the nerve system and facilitates biomechanical balance in pelvic structures, muscles and ligaments. This has been shown to reduce the effects of intrauterine constraint, allowing the baby to get into the best possible position for birth.

The Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics reported in the July/August 2002 issue an 82% success rate of babies turning head down when doctors of chiropractic used the Webster Technique.  Further, the results from the study suggest that it may be beneficial to perform the Webster Technique as early as the 8th month of pregnancy when a woman has a breech presentation.

To summarize, if you have a breech baby and are concerned about the possibility of a cesarean, the Webster Technique is a safe and effective treatment.

Dr. Whidden is a former U.S. Navy pilot turned chiropractor in Destin, Florida. Emerald Coast Chiropractic, finding solutions to today’s health care issues, Who’s YOUR Chiropractor?

Ken Whidden, DC
Emerald Coast Chiropractic

Crude Oil Getting Closer to Destin

Crude Oil and Your Health

The oil has gotten closer to the beautiful beaches of Destin, Florida, so it is important to understand the potential toxic effects and take appropriate steps to reduce exposure and harm.  While it is not here yet, and we are still hoping for a miracle cleanup effort, we should be prepared to preserve our health as much as possible.

Crude oil is a complex mixture of chemicals that have varying abilities to be absorbed into the body through the skin, lungs, and during digestion of food and water. Most components of crude oil enter the bloodstream rapidly when they are inhaled or swallowed.

Chemicals in crude oil and dispersants can cause a wide range of health effects in people and wildlife, depending on the level of exposure and susceptibility.  Crude oil has many highly toxic chemical ingredients that can damage every system in the body.  Dispersant chemicals can affect many of the same organs.

The US EPA website that lists dispersant ingredients provides the following advice to workers:

“People working with dispersants are strongly advised to use a half face filter mask or an air-supplied breathing apparatus to protect their noses, throats & lungs,  they should wear nitrile or PVC gloves, coveralls, boots, and chemical splash goggles to keep dispersants off skin and out of their eyes. “

Crude oil contains many chemicals that can irritate the skin and mucous membranes on contact.  Irritant effects can range from slight reddening to burning, swelling (edema), pain, and permanent skin damage.   Commonly reported effects of acute exposure to crude oil through inhalation or ingestion include difficulty breathing, headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and other central nervous system effects.

Some people especially susceptible to harm are:

- those with pre-existing serious health conditions

- infants, children, and unborn babies

- pregnant women, especially those carrying multiple babies

- people working or living in conditions that impose health stresses, including exposures to other toxic chemicals

The best way to help preserve your health is to avoid contact with crude oil and dispersants as much as possible.  If you have contact with tar balls, wash the area of contact thoroughly with soap and water.

Dr. Whidden is a former U.S. Navy pilot turned chiropractor in Destin, Florida. Emerald Coast Chiropractic, finding solutions to today’s health care issues, Who’s YOUR Chiropractor?

Ken Whidden, DC
Emerald Coast Chiropractic

School sports physicals in Destin

One service our practice provides but many people are unaware of are the performance of pre-participation sports physicals.  A student must have a physical evaluation each year and be certified as being physically fit to participate in interscholastic athletic programs.  Not everyone considers bringing their child in for a sports physical, but we are a great choice for this function.    The annual physical evaluation must be administered either by a licensed physician, a licensed osteopathic physician, a licensed chiropractic physician, a licensed physician assistant, or a certified advanced registered nurse practitioner.

Dr. Whidden has completed training and certification through the American Chiropractic Board of  Sports Physicians (ACBSP), so we do have advanced training in  interscholastic sports examination and injury treatment.  We routinely perform physical evaluations as required by the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) prior to participation in interscholastic sports activities.

Please bring your pre-participation physical forms filled out prior to your appointment.  Download FHSAA Pre-participation physical forms

Dr. Whidden is a former U.S. Navy pilot turned chiropractor in Destin, Florida. Emerald Coast Chiropractic, finding solutions to today’s health care issues, Who’s YOUR Chiropractor?

Ken Whidden, DC
Emerald Coast Chiropractic

Chiropractic care and colicky babies

We had a case of colicky baby come in to the office yesterday with very satisfactory and hopefully long lasting results.  The mother had been referred to us by her pediatrician and was unsure what we could do to help.  The infant was having daily crying spells of approximately 6 hours at a time with no evident problems.  The baby was screaming loudly once he woke up from his nap.  While adjusting him using only fingertip pressure, the baby relaxed, stopped crying, opened his eyes and just looked around.

Infantile colic is the term commonly used to describe an otherwise healthy infant who exhibits persistent, forceful crying for no apparent reason. The crying usually persists for several hours each day and is usually evident at least five days in each week. Parents’ attempts to comfort the infant by holding and rocking the child, changing the diaper or by offering nourishment have little or no effect on the condition. The affected infant will have a tense, rumbling abdomen, with knees flexed, tight paraspinal musculature and will emit an excessive amount of gas. Occasionally the head and neck will be arched backwards.

Colic affects about 20 percent of all infants with symptoms most commonly occurring at one to four weeks of age and ending spontaneously at around three to four months. The cause of this condition has not been precisely determined, although many infants have been shown to respond well to chiropractic care.

Research studies into the effects of spinal adjustments for infants with colic have shown excellent results. The most significant study of this condition showed satisfactory improvement in over 90 percent of the infants who received chiropractic care.

Dr. Whidden is a former U.S. Navy pilot turned chiropractor in Destin, Florida. Emerald Coast Chiropractic, finding solutions to today’s health care issues, Who’s YOUR Chiropractor?

Ken Whidden, DC
Emerald Coast Chiropractic

Chiropractic and Massage in Destin, Florida

Since the employment of massage therapy in our chiropractic clinic in Destin, Florida,  the combination treatment of chiropractic care and massage therapy has been very successful.   Our typical protocol when using both chiropractic and massage consists of the evaluation and treatment by Destin chiropractor, Dr. Ken Whidden.  The chiropractic office treatment can consist of various physiotherapeutic modalities such as electrical muscle stimulation, stretching exercises, ultrasound, cold laser, diathermy, hot packs and traction,  prior to the actual adjustment.  This is typically followed by a deep tissue massage addressing the specific area of complaint.   Our results have been great overall with patient satisfaction being graded very high.

We have been able to take care of serious athletes, fitness enthusiasts, weekend warriors, acute pain patients and people who just want to feel and perform better in their daily lives.  Part of living a wellness lifestyle is taking care of the body we were given.  If the body is working better and more functionally fit, it is better equipped to deal with the stresses of living in the 21st century.  With all the recent talk about health care, it is necessary for everyone to take charge of their own preventative health care strategy.  No one cares about your health more than you do.

Most people are unaware that they may have massage therapy benefits associated with their health insurance.  All it takes is a telephone call to the insurance company to verify benefits and to better inform the patient what their out of pocket costs may be.

Dr. Whidden is a former U.S. Navy pilot turned chiropractor in Destin, Florida. Emerald Coast Chiropractic, finding solutions to today’s health care issues, Who’s YOUR Chiropractor?

Ken Whidden, DC
Emerald Coast Chiropractic

Pull Your Weeds, Not Your Back, When Gardening

This article reprinted courtesy of the American Chiropractic Association.

As springtime approaches, weather warms up and leaves turn green, many people will spend more time outside planting bulbs, mowing the lawn and pulling weeds. Gardening can provide a great workout, but with all the bending, twisting, reaching and pulling, your body may not be ready for exercise of the garden variety.

Gardening can be enjoyable, but it is important to stretch your muscles before reaching for your gardening tools. The back, upper legs, shoulders, and wrists are all major muscle groups affected when using your green thumb.

A warm-up and cool-down period is as important in gardening as it is for any other physical activity,” said Dr. Scott Bautch of the American Chiropractic Association’s (ACA) Council on Occupational Health. “Performing simple stretches during these periods will help alleviate injuries, pain and stiffness.”

To make gardening as fun and enjoyable as possible, it is important to prepare your body for this type of physical activity. The following stretches will help to alleviate muscle pain after a day spent in your garden.

Garden Fitness Stretches

• Before stretching for any activity, breathe in and out, slowly and rythmically; do not bounce or jerk your body, and stretch as far and as comfortably as you can. Do not follow the no pain, no gain rule. Stretching should not be painful. o While sitting, prop your heel on a stool or step, keeping the knees straight. Lean forward until you feel a stretch in the back of the thigh, or the hamstring muscle. Hold this position for 15 seconds. Do this once more and repeat with the other leg.
• Stand up, balance yourself, and grab the front of your ankle from behind. Pull your heel towards your buttocks and hold the position for 15 seconds. Do this again and repeat with the other leg.
• While standing, weave your fingers together above your head with the palms up. Lean to one side for 10 seconds, then to the other. Repeat this stretch three times.
• Do the “Hug your best friend.” Wrap your arms around yourself and rotate to one side, stretching as far as you can comfortably go. Hold for 10 seconds and reverse. Repeat two or three times.

Finally, be aware of your body technique, body form and correct posture while gardening. Kneel, don’t bend, and alternate your stance and movements as often as possible to keep the muscles and body balanced.

When the Bulbs Are Planted…
If you already feel muscle aches and pains and did not complete the warm-up and cool-down stretches, there are ways to alleviate the discomfort. Apply a cold pack on the area of pain for the first 48 hours or apply a heat pack after 48 hours, and consider chiropractic care.

Dr. Whidden is a former U.S. Navy pilot turned chiropractor in Destin, Florida. Emerald Coast Chiropractic, finding solutions to today’s health care issues, Who’s YOUR Chiropractor?

Ken Whidden, DC
Emerald Coast Chiropractic

Introduction to Massage Therapy in Destin, Florida

At Emerald Coast Chiropractic in Destin, Florida, we employ the use of licensed massage therapists to enhance the results that we can achieve.  Massage Therapy is the manual manipulation of muscles and soft tissue by applying pressure to the body with the intention of positively affecting the health and well being of the client or patient.

Benefits of Massage Include:
• Massage is very effective in the relief of pain and discomfort, whether due to a particular health disorder or to chronic stress.
• Massage increases blood circulation and lymphatic circulation, which helps remove waste and toxins from muscles.
• Massage seems to cause a decrease in blood pressure and heart rate due to reflex effects through the sympathetic nervous system. Reflex effects include muscle relaxation, relief of spasms and cramps and increased range of motion.
• A decrease in anxiety, tension and fatigue, along with the enhancement of a general sense of well-being is also a benefit of receiving a massage.

According to a 1998 article in the New England Journal of Medicine, massage therapy is estimated to be the third most prevalent type of alternative medical treatment sought by Americans—following Chiropractic and relaxation techniques.

In many countries massage is an integral and important part of the health care system, with massage therapists working alongside doctors.    In China, medical doctors perform massage therapy on their patients.

Some people may be unaware that their health insurance may cover massage therapy in some instances.     Your results in our office are important to us as well as to you.  Chiropractic care and massage therapy work synergistically  to achieve superior results.

Dr. Whidden is a former U.S. Navy pilot turned chiropractor in Destin, Florida. Emerald Coast Chiropractic, finding solutions to today’s health care issues, Who’s YOUR Chiropractor?

Ken Whidden, DC
Emerald Coast Chiropractic

A Destin Chiropractor’s Take on Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It involves pain and inflammation of a thick band of tissue, called the plantar fascia, which runs across the bottom of your foot — connecting your heel bone to your toes.

Plantar fasciitis causes stabbing pain that usually occurs with your very first steps in the morning. Once your foot limbers up, the pain of plantar fasciitis normally decreases, but it may return after long periods of standing or after getting up from a seated position.

Plantar fasciitis is particularly common in runners. People who are overweight, women who are pregnant and those who wear shoes with inadequate support are at a higher risk of plantar fasciitis.

In most cases, the pain associated with plantar fasciitis:

• Develops gradually
• Affects just one foot, although it can occur in both feet simultaneously
• Is worst with the first few steps after awakening, although it also can be triggered by long periods of standing or getting up from a seated position
• Feels like a sharp pain in the heel of your foot

Factors that may increase your risk of developing plantar fasciitis include:

• Age. Plantar fasciitis is most common between the ages of 40 and 60.
• Sex. Women are more likely than men to develop plantar fasciitis.
• Certain types of exercise. Activities that place a lot of stress on your heel and attached tissue — such as long-distance running, ballet dancing and dance aerobics — can contribute to an earlier onset of plantar fasciitis.
• Faulty foot mechanics. Being flat-footed, having a high arch or even having an abnormal pattern of walking can adversely affect the way weight is distributed when you’re standing, putting added stress on the plantar fascia.
• Obesity. Excess pounds put extra stress on your plantar fascia.
• Occupations that keep you on your feet. People with occupations that require a lot of walking or standing on hard surfaces — such as factory workers, teachers and waitresses — can damage their plantar fascia.
• Improper shoes. Shoes that are thin soled, loose, or lack arch support or the ability to absorb shock don’t protect your feet. If you regularly wear shoes with high heels, your Achilles tendon — which is attached to your heel — can contract and shorten, causing strain on the tissue around your heel.

Conservative therapy of plantar fasciitis consists of stretching, chiropractic adjustments of the foot, shoe inserts(orthotics), night splints, and taping.  More invasive methods of treatment can be surgery, corticosteroids, NSAIDS, casting, and extracorporeal shock wave therapy.

Here at Emerald Coast Chiropractic, we have had great results with the conservative care of plantar fasciitis.  It consists of adjustments, soft tissue manipulation, stretching, taping and orthotics.

Dr. Whidden is a former U.S. Navy pilot turned chiropractor in Destin, Florida. Emerald Coast Chiropractic, finding solutions to today’s health care issues, Who’s YOUR Chiropractor?

Ken Whidden, DC
Emerald Coast Chiropractic

10 Potholes That Can Wreck Your Auto Injury Claim in Destin, Florida

The following is a list of mistakes that an auto accident victim can make to sabotage their own auto injury claim.  The list is summarized from the book written by Fort Walton Beach, Florida attorney and former Florida Highway Patrolman Coy H. Browning.  You can obtain the entire book by emailing his office at CarAccidentBook@BrowningLawFirm.com or call his office at 850-864-4384.

Failure to document everything that happened after the accident – You need to document everything you can including photographs of damage and physical injuries

Missing the statute of limitations (4 years for an auto accident in Florida ) – Once you have been injured in an auto accident in Florida, the law gives you  four years to either commence a lawsuit or settle your claim with the insurance company.

Not seeking medical treatment or having gaps in treatment – There is nothing an insurance company loves more than a claimant who either failed to seek medical treatment at all, or did so half-heartedly.  In addition, some symptoms may appears weeks or months after an auto accident.

Giving too much information to the other party’s insurance company – After your auto accident, the at-fault driver’s insurance company will almost certainly try to contact you.  Their goal is to poke holes in your case and minimize your claim

Failing to consult a lawyer – Studies have shown that insurance claimants who hire attorneys recover more on their claims than those who go without legal representation.

Not hiring the right lawyer – Just because you consult a lawyer does not mean that you have to hire that particular lawyer.  Choosing a lawyer is a major life decision, and you want to make sure you choose wisely

Exaggerating your injuries – The best way to preserve your credibility is to be honest with everyone about everything.  If you exaggerate the extent of your injuries to the professionals helping you, then they cannot help you.

Not being truthful about past injuries or accidents – Past relevant information may include any past accidents, preexisting health conditions, a criminal record, and any drug or alcohol problems in your past.  Your lawyer needs to know about these things so he can prepare the best strategy for your case.

Not being aware of lien holders prior to settlement – Providers of medical services are entitled to recover their expenses from the settlement amount.  You need to account for them when determining what amount you are willing to settle for.

Not having uninsured/underinsured insurance on your policy – If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may be held responsible for a majority of expenses incurred.

It has been my experience that if a person injured in an auto accident seeks treatment for their injuries quickly, their recovery can be much quicker and with greater results.

Dr. Whidden is a former U.S. Navy pilot turned chiropractor in Destin, Florida. Emerald Coast Chiropractic, finding solutions to today’s health care issues, Who’s YOUR Chiropractor?

Ken Whidden, DC
Emerald Coast Chiropractic

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