Dr Ken Whidden, Destin chiropractor, Emerald Coast Chiropractic

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

Dr Ken Whidden, Destin chiropractor, Emerald Coast Chiropractic

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

Exciting news from Destin, Florida!  Personal trainer Colleen Riddle has a newly released DVD series to help counteract the weight gain from pregnancy that some women have a hard time getting rid of.

The New Mommy Makeover is a proven postnatal weight-loss DVD series, that features numerous 30-minute workouts. These workouts strengthen and tone your entire body, with special focus on the core muscles weakened by pregnancy. A step by step nutritional plan, designed especially for post pregnancy, is also included to accelerate weight loss. With the New Mommy Makeover system you will notice increased energy levels, less stress, and a fit and firmer you.

New Mommy Makeover is a result-proven, realistic approach to help you lose weight and counter the effects of pregnancy.The DVDs include multiple fresh workouts that allow you to advance at your own pace, leaving you confident and successful!

Check out her new workout and lifestyle change series.

Dr Ken Whidden, Destin chiropractor, Emerald Coast Chiropractic

Ear infections (otitis media) are the most common cause of pediatric visits, and subsequent antibiotic use during the first two years of a child’s life. In the U.S., the cost of the medical and surgical treatment of otitis has been estimated to be between three and four billion dollars annually.  While a majority of parents take their suffering child to the pediatrician for another round of antibiotics, there is another alternative that can be very effective.

Otitis media is a complication of the common cold, sinusitis, or a sore throat, developing once normal resistance to infection has been lost.  Just as mental or emotional stress impairs the immune function, physical stress on the central nervous system lowers our resistance to disease.  The physical structure of the child’s eustachian tubes can prevent the ear from draining properly, especially if there is some misalignment in the child’s cervical spine.  The aforementioned misalignment could be the result of the birth process itself.

Use of antibiotic therapy for treatment of otitis media has become quite controversial. Research shows that antibiotic treatment of otitis media is no more effective than a placebo. It also can increase the risk of re-occurrence (Cantekin, 1994).  It has been shown that the type of antibiotic therapy used does not influence recovery from otitis media, or the length of time for which it was given. Those who received no antibiotics at all had improved rates of recovery (Froom et al., 1990).

It has been found that 93 percent of all episodes of otitis media treated improved with chiropractic care. Seventy-five percent of the cases improved in 10 days or less, and 43 percent with only one or two adjustment (Froehle, 1996).

A visit to the chiropractor can be a safe, effective way to eliminate or reduce the frequency of these occurrences and far more cost effective if one considers the more invasive method of inserting tubes in the ear.

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

Do I Need Orthotics?

One of the questions I ask when a person comes in to the office with chronic or recurrent low back pain is, do you have foot or knee pain?  Why you ask?  What do my feet have to do with my low back?  Maybe they mean a lot more than you think.  Your feet form the foundation for your pelvis and spine.  If your pelvis is level, your spine will tend to be straighter and more stable.

From the time you learn to walk, your feet assume three crucial functions: they support your body whenever you stand, walk, or run; they assist you in achieving movement from one place to another; and they help protect your bones and soft tissues from damaging shock stress as you move. Being overweight, having minor structural defects in the feet, or injuries — all of these factors can contribute to additional foot and body stress. So even though one-quarter of all the bones in your body are ina your feet, having to perform these three strenuous tasks day after day can (and often does) lead to some type of foot and/or body problem. It’s not too surprising to learn, therefore, that by the age of twenty, nearly 80% of us have some kind of foot problem, and by age forty almost everyone does.

• A loss of arch height will cause a flattening and rolling in of the foot— this is termed pronation. Because everything is connected, the bones of the leg also inwardly rotate.
• Excessive rotation of the bones of the leg (tibia and femur) will cause unnecessary stresses on the knee as well as twisting of the pelvis and spine. If the pronation is more prevalent on one side, there can be a resultant unleveling of the pelvis and a functional scoliosis.
• Tilting of the pelvis places tension on muscles and connective tissues, which can eventually lead to chronic back problems.
• High levels of heel-strike shock can result from breakdown of the body’s natural “shock absorbers.” The shock wave then transmits up the kinetic chain causing painful symptoms all the way up to the head, slowed recovery of leg and spine injuries, and aggravation of other conditions.

If your feet are over-pronated or you have fallen arches, your foot will roll toward your big toe.  This change in structure of your feet can cause bunions, knee pain and hip pain.  If your feet are experiencing pain, it changes the way you walk, stand and move.  You will tend to favor the painful foot and cause hip pain on the opposite side.   Wearing Spinal Pelvic Stabilizers inside your shoes is similar to placing a shim beneath the leg of a wobbly table: it adds support to eliminate unwanted motion in the entire structure.

If you have foot problems or think you could benefit from shoe orthotics, give our office a call for an evaluation to determine if orthotics are for you.

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

When a person comes to my office to be seen, they are normally motivated by pain. Pain is not necessarily a bad thing. Pain informs you that something is wrong and needs attention. If you are experiencing pain you can choose to ignore it and hope it will go away, take medications and hope it will go away or do something about it. Pain is a symptom, you can choose to treat the symptom and wait it out or you can determine the cause and correct it. There are times when the body can use a little chemical help with the use of medications and/or herbs. Most people are aware prescription medications have associated side effects with them, just listen to the disclaimer during drug commercials on TV.

The role of chiropractic in this scenario is to help correct structural misalignments in the spine and surrounding skeletal extremities to allow the proper function of the body. While there are limitations to what a chiropractor can do, if the structural parts of the body are intact, it is highly likely a chiropractor can help. Chiropractors are primary care physicians and can refer you to the proper specialist if needed.

People frequently state, “I didn’t know you worked on ______” (fill in the blank with anything) The human body is a system of inter-related parts that affect the adjoining parts. For instance, structural problems with the feet affect the gait, which in turn affects the knees, hips and pelvis. Structural problems in any part of the body can affect the movement and performance of athletes which explains why most top level athletes have a chiropractor as part of their training staff.

Chiropractors work to improve your health and well being while improving the overall functionality of your entire body. There are over 200 techniques that can be used accomplish this task. If you are not responding to the technique being used, it may be time to shake things up and try something different.

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

At Emerald Coast Chiropractic we’ve started a new year with the urge to make some lifestyle modifications in order to make our lives healthier and wealthier now and into the future.  We have made a short list of ten things we are doing and you also can do to enhance your life in 2010.  While we value seeing our patients on a regular basis to help them maintain their health, we seek to empower you to make the most of your adjustments.

1. Exercise More When given the opportunity, take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator.  You burn five times more calories than taking the elevator.  Exercise is key in enhancing your health and relieving the stress of everyday life.
2. Eat Less When you go out to eat in a restaurant, ask for a “to go” box when you receive your food.  Cut the portion in half and put one half in the box.  You then enjoy your meal and you have something for lunch tomorrow, effectively making your own “two for one” special.
3. Walk More When you drive to the store, instead of driving around and around the parking lot or waiting for someone to leave their parking spot, go ahead and park where you have to walk a few steps.  You’ll likely get into the store quicker and save a little gas also.
4. Drink More Water Try to increase your water intake throughout the day.  Try substituting water at least once instead of some sugary beverage.  If you don’t like to drink plain water, add lemons or limes.  This makes it taste better and makes you want to drink more of it.  You can also try to eat more water rich foods, such as fruits like watermelon, which is 92% water by weight.
5. Eat More Quality Food Make an attempt to include more fresh fruits and vegetables and reduce the amount of processed foods in your diet this year.  If your meal comes sealed in a plastic package, it is processed.
6. Get Your Finances in Order Now, more than ever, is the time to refocus and get back on track with your money.  Take a financial education and budgeting course such as Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University to help you get things organized and back on track.
7. Exercise Your Brain Invest in yourself and nourish your brain by reading a new book, learn a new skill or take a class.  The average millionaire reads a book a month, but most of us haven’t read a non-fiction book cover to cover since high school.
8. Connect with Others Spend time with positive people who enhance your life.  A strong support system will buffer you from the negative effects of stress.  Try volunteering in your local community to “pay it forward”.  Try exercise activities with other members of you family to strengthen those bonds while creating better health.
9. Reduce Caffeine and Sugar The temporary “highs” caffeine and sugar provide often end with a crash in mood and energy. By reducing the amount of coffee, soft drinks, chocolate, and sugar snacks in your diet, you’ll feel more relaxed and you’ll sleep better.
10. Get Quality Rest Speaking of sleep, make sleep a priority by keeping a consistent sleep (bedtime) and wake schedule, including weekends.  Wake up everyday at the same time, and make some quiet time for yourself.  Sleep debt is the effect of not getting enough rest and sleep; a large debt causes mental, emotional, and physical fatigue.  Your body does the greatest amount of healing and regeneration during sleep.

These are just a few things that can be changed and become new lifestyle habits to enhance and improve your health in 2010.  New, better habits don’t have to cost a lot in either time or money.

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 FDA has approved cold laser treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome and has been used internationally for the last 18 years to treat soft tissue injuries, back pain, neck pain, arthritis, TMJ (temporal mandibular joint of jaw joint) pain, tendonitis, plantar fascitis (pain in tissues on the bottom of the foot), shoulder and elbow conditions, sports injuries as well as repetitive movement strains and overuse injuries.

The therapeutic benefits of laser therapy:

Rapid cell grow – LLLT accelerates cellular reproduction and growth for faster wound healing i.e. Sports injuries, and repetitive movement injuries.

Faster wound healing – LLLT stimulates fibroblast development and accelerates collagen synthesis in damaged tissues. Collagen is the essential protein used to repair damaged tissue. It is the substance that holds cells together and has a high degree of elasticity i.e. Soft tissue injuries, sports injuries, and overuse injuries.

LLLT Increases metabolic activity – Causing higher outputs of specific enzymes, greater oxygen and food particle loads for cells thus causing greater production of ATP (energy).  ATP is the major carrier of energy to all cells. Increases in ATP allow cells to accept nutrients faster and get rid of waste products faster by increasing the energy level in the cell resulting in faster and better wound healing i.e. Soft tissue injuries, sports injuries, arthritis and overuse injuries.

Reduced fibrous tissue formation – LLLT reduces formation of scar tissue. By increasing collagen production less scar tissue is formed at the damaged site. Scar tissue has little elasticity i.e. Sports injuries, soft tissue injuries, and repetitive movement strains and overuse injuries.

Anti-inflammatory action – Cold Laser or LLLT helps to reduce swelling to offer enhanced joint mobility following injury i.e. Sports injuries, soft tissue injuries, arthritis and tendonitis.

Increased lymphatic system activity – Edema, which is the swelling or natural splinting process of the body, has two basic components. The first is the liquid part, which can be evacuated by the blood system. The second is comprised of proteins, which have to be evacuated by the lymphatic system. Research has shown that the lymph vessel diameter and the flow of the lymph system can be doubled with the use of laser therapy. The venous diameter and the arterial diameters can also be increased. This means that both parts of edema (liquid and protein) can be evacuated at a much faster rate to relieve swelling and thus reducing pain as well i.e. Sport injuries, soft tissue injuries, and overuse injuries.

Increased phagocytosis – The process of cleaning up dead or degenerated cells i.e. Sports injuries, soft tissue injuries, arthritis, tendonitis, and shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, and ankle injuries for the purpose “clean up.”Clean up must take place before healing can occur.

Reduce the excitability of nervous tissue – Laser light speeds nerve cell processes, which may decrease numbness, associated with certain conditions. The photons of light energy enter the body as negative ions. This calls upon the body to send positive ions like calcium and others to go the area being treated. These ions assist in firing the nerves thereby relieving pain i.e. Arthritis, soft tissue injuries, sports injuries and tendonitis.

Low lever laser therapy is not harmful. Cold lasers have been used for tissue stimulation have insufficient strength to damage cells. 30 years of clinical use have shown no adverse effects.

We have had great results employing the use of cold laser along with other modalities in order to speed up the healing process.

For more information on Cold Laser Therapy in Destin, check out our website page on Cold Laser.

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, Emerald Coast Chiropractic

This article courtesy of the American Chiropractic Association.  www.acatoday.org

Headaches are more common in adults, although they can develop at any time in life. Approximately 4 out of 5 children have headaches at some point, but most are benign and self-resolving. In fact, many adults who suffer from headaches report having the first headache in childhood.

Headache symptoms usually begin gradually. In fact, the sudden onset of severe headache may signify a serious problem and requires immediate medical attention. Common headache is often described as achy, dull or throbbing pain. It typically begins at the base of the skull/upper part of the neck and may radiate into the eye(s), the temple, or other locations. Headaches may be felt on one or both sides of the head. Often loud noises or bright lights may make them worse. Some patients may become nauseated or experience odd smells, sounds, or sights before and during the headache attack.

How Is a Headache Evaluated?

Early diagnosis and treatment are important in identifying a serious underlying cause for your headache. In most cases, an in-depth history and physical examination can help determine if your symptoms are related to an easily treated problem, or if it is more serious.

Your doctor can use other tests that reproduce the symptoms of your headache to help develop a specific management plan for your condition, or refer you to another health care provider. X-rays, laboratory tests and even advanced imaging studies like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be necessary. Your doctor may ask you to complete a headache diary, recording:

• day and time of the headache
• headache location
• what the headache feels like
• what you were doing when the headache began
• how long the headache lasts
• what makes it feel better or worse
• anything else you notice before, during, or after the attacks

What Is the Treatment for Headaches?

Headache treatment is cause-related. Doctors of chiropractic often treat patients with tension-type headaches and headaches caused by problems with the joints and muscles in the neck, as well.

Joint manipulation and mobilization of the neck, along with stretching and strengthening exercises, have been demonstrated to be effective in the treatment of this type of headache.

Massage and other forms of soft-tissue treatment can sometimes be helpful.

Scientists are also investigating other therapies, such as acupuncture, to prevent and treat this disorder. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, can be used for an occasional headache, but not for long-term headache management.

More serious causes of headache require aggressive treatment, and your doctor of chiropractic can assist you in finding a medical headache specialist.  The majority of patients with headache recover completely after treatment. Unfortunately, the recurrence rate is relatively high, particularly with tension-type headache. If you have any questions or concerns about headache, feel free to discuss them with your doctor or chiropractic.

What Causes Headaches?

Headaches can be primary and secondary. Primary headaches do not result from some other health condition.

The most common type of primary headache is caused by problems with the neck muscles. Changes in the blood vessels inside the skull usually cause migraines. Other common types of headache include “cluster” headaches—headaches grouped together over weeks at a time; sinus headaches, associated with allergies and/or sinus infection; and headaches from poor vision.

Secondary headache results from some other cause or condition—head injury, concussion, blood vessel problems, or high blood pressure—or from side effects of some medications, infections in the head or sinuses or elsewhere in the body. Rare headache causes include tumors, aneurysms and other abnormal growths inside the skull, and toxic substances in the blood. Certain foods, such as monosodium glutamate (MSG), a food flavor enhancer, may cause headaches, as well.

How Can Headaches Be Prevented?

Muscle-tension headaches can often be avoided by maintaining proper posture and neck movements while performing your normal activities. You should:

• Avoid slouching
• Avoid reading with your neck bent forward
• Keep your computer monitor at eye level
• Take frequent breaks from reading and working on the computer.
• Try a low-fat, high-complex carbohydrate diet. A recent study demonstrated that such a diet can dramatically lower the frequency, intensity, and\duration of migraine headaches.

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