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

Dr Ken Whidden, Destin chiropractor, Emerald Coast 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

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

Dr Ken Whidden, Destin chiropractor, Emerald Coast Chiropractic

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

Dr Ken Whidden, Destin chiropractor, Emerald Coast Chiropractic

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

Dr Ken Whidden, Destin chiropractor, Emerald Coast Chiropractic

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

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