Colorectal Cancer:
I haven't been on in a while due to family issues.  My stepson, who graduates medical school on Friday, was diagnosed in March with stage 4 colorectal cancer so our lives have been somewhat hectic.  He is undergoing chemotherapy at University Medical Center in Lubbock under Dr. Cobos.  We are hoping he will do well with the chemo and start his anesthesiology residency at Cleveland Clinic in Ohio in the fall.

As a health tip, chronic constipation and especially with rectal pain is something you need to pay attention to.  I had an elderly patient who also had severe rectal area pain and had been to several doctors.  I asked him if he had a colonoscopy-no.  I told him to get one right away and sure enough rectal cancer.  The typical age is 50-75 years, sedentary lifestyle, eats lots of red meat, sedentary lifestyle, and smokes and drinks.  Irritable bowel/Chron's Disease also increase the risk.  My step son is 30 and does none of the above.  He hardly had any symptoms.  Oh, yeah.  Make them palpate your abdomen if you ever have this issue and pursue it if not getting satisfactory results or explanations.  It took an ER doc who actually palpated his abdomen and a CT-scan to identify his.

Other News:

• I've been appointed to the Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners (TBCE) by Governor Perry.  I've been placed on the enforcement committee which means pretty regular trips to Austin once a month. 
• Attended the chiropractic orthopedic symposium in Las Vegas in April.  Had a chance to see singing ventriloquist Terry Fator perform-great show and I highly recommend it.  Marty and her son found a young people cancer symposium there as well which was very valuable to both.
• My 2nd article on upper extremity nerve entrapments should be coming out soon.

Office Hours: 
No change in the office hours right now.  However, I'm an appointed Worker's Compensation Designated Doctor and will be traveling to adjoining counties to perform exams for injured workers.  I'm doing them on Thursdays and Saturdays only so I never know when I'll be in the office on those days.  A call will save you a wasted trip if I'm out doing exams.

Spring Blog

It's been a busy spring for me and I have not been able to get on to post anything.  I just completed a 3 day seminar on impairment rating and will be doing worker's compensation evaluations for the state once I pass the exam.  One of my articles was published on 2/23/13 in Chiropractic Economics on median nerve entrapments and the other on radial and ulnar entrapments is pending publication.  I'm working on a Mind Map review book for chiropractic orthopedics boards and a martial arts book.  I'm also teaching an online class on health sciences and a noon martial arts class two days a week. 

Health News:

• Locally, there has been a 13.2% increase in Motor Vehicle Accidents in the area.
• The Mediterranean diet is considered one of the most heart healthy dies out there.  It's also a sensible way to lose weight.
• Fenugreek, used as season in the Middle East and Egypt, has good evidence supporting its ability to lower blood sugar after a meal.  It may also increase good cholesterol (HDL) and lower bad triglycerides.  Some studies have also found it may help with acid reflux.  With diabetes reaching epidemic proportions, controlling blood sugar is important.
• Pradaxa (digibatran), a new blood thinner, may be more effective and safer than warfarin.
• Intense acupuncture is promising for Bell's Palsy rehabilitation.
• Medical futures:  3D printing may be a booming business area.  They have already been able to print an ear.

Of the Future:  Jogging the brain.  Given the social, technological, ecological, economic, and political environment of today, what scenarios do you see playing out in the future?  5 years? 10 years?  20?  50?  Is society moving forward or backward?  How do you define progress?  Just some things to think about.

December Blog

My wife (Marty) and I would like to wish everyone a Joyous and Safe Holiday Season.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.  We will be closed the week of Christmas from 12/25 through 1/1/13.

 

NERVE ENTRAPMENTS

 

December's Blog is about true pinched nerves.  We call them entrapment or compression neuropathies.  Old time chiropractors often referred to pinched nerves for any mechanical joint pain.  Modern chiropractors, except for a few, recognize there is little scientific evidence for this description of mechanical back and neck pain and radiating pain.

Entrapment neuropathy results from interference with the normal path of the nerve.  Basically, the nerve gets squeezed due to a lack of space and the bony and muscular path where the nerve lies.  One of the most common entrapment areas is the carpal tunnel.  There are many factors that can narrow this canal.   Several things outside of the canal such as tumors, trauma, spurs, and even disc herniations can cause pressure on the nerve resulting in such symptoms as pain and numbness and tingling.  Certain systemic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes can also affect the nerve's ability to move and glide in its tract.

Chronic pressure on the nerve can damage its structure and blood flow. It is important to remove the pressure from the nerve before permanent damage occurs.  Conservative treatment such as tissue mobilization, splinting, nerve mobilization/manipulation and other therapy modalities are effective with early detection.  Steroid injections may be necessary to reduce inflammation and pain.  Surgical intervention may be necessary in nonresponsive and chronic cases and cases with tumors or spurs compressing the nerve.

There are 3 key nerves in the upper extremity that may experience entrapment syndromes.  The radial nerve, ulnar nerve and median nerve.  The median nerve is the most commonly entrapped nerve in the upper extremity (carpal tunnel) with radial nerve and ulnar nerve entrapments following.  The symptoms experiences are based on the location of the entrapment (anywhere from the neck to the wrist) and the type of nerve entrapped.  Motor nerves affect muscles and will typically result in weakness when trapped.  Sensory nerves on the other hand will typical result in decreased sensation or numbness and tingling.  Thoracic outlet syndrome is another area which involves the neurovascular bundle (nerves, blood vessels) and is another topic outside this discussion.

Accurate diagnosis to locate the entrapment location is important.  Standard orthopedic and neurological examination may help identify common entrapment conditions.  When no apparent cause is obvious or the case is non-responsive, it may be necessary to perform advanced diagnostic testing to identify the entrapment point.  Ultrasound and electrodiagnostics are frequently used.  MRI is generally less useful but may be necessary in the case of tumors.  Laboratory work may be necessary to rule out systemic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, hypothyroidism and some cancers.  In general, it is important to identify the source in the course of the nerve which may range from the neck to the wrist.  Location drives the treatment options available.

Dr. Riggs has recently completed an article accepted for publication on non-carpal tunnel median nerve entrapments and is working on a subsequent articles on ulnar and radial nerve entrapments and lower extremity entrapments.

I haven't been on in a while due to studying for chiropractic orthopedic board exams.  I'm happy to say I passed my boards and have earned the Diplomate Academy of Chiropractic Orthopedists (D.A.C.O.) designation.  I have been admitted to the Academy of Chiropractic Orthopedists as a Fellow (F.A.C.O.).  I started the process several years ago 1998-2000 and due to a move dropped out.  Last fall I re-entered the process and completed the requirements to sit for the exam which I did on September 29th. 

July-August Blog

Just a reminder we have moved to theColonnade (Chile's, Jason's Deli, Abuelo's area).  We are on the Southeast side of the complex opposite of where we used  to be.  Drop by and say hi.  We are right next door (right side) of the entrance to Tuesday Morning's.  Our overhead sign is up reading CHIROPRACTOR

Clinical Condition:

Systemic Lupus Erythematosis (SLE):

 Lupus is an arthritic condition which is less destructive than Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and is referred to as the great immitator.  It mimics a lot of other conditions.    Typically, it is found more frequently with women than men and its cause is not known, although autoimmune issues and genetics may be factors.  Environmental factors are also suspect.  Patients frequently present with a fever and joint pain affecting the hands, wrists, knees and other joints.  75% of patients have joint pain.  A percentage (about 30-50%) of patients also present with what is called a malar or "butterfly rash" on their cheeks.  It can lead to inflammation of the heart, kidneys and joints.  It also causes a decrease in red and white blood cells and platelets.  This condition, called pancytopenia, can cause such things as fatigue, infection, nose bleeds, petechiae, rapid heart beat, shortness of breath, and pallor.  Lab tests are necessary to diagnose the condition and generally demonstrate an increase anti-nuclear antibody (ANA), anti-Smith antibodies and HLA-DR3 and sometimes a positive rheumatoid factor as well as the decrease blood red, white and platelet cell findings.  Liver enzymes and renal function need to be assessed as well.  A complete blood count is generally ordered.

Lupus can wax and wane with respect to symptoms.  It can affect the joints, lungs, heart, skin, liver and kidneys.  Neuropsychiatric conditions can exist as well such as:  headache (most common), depression seizures, mood disorders and anxiety.  In younger patients, 3-15 years old, females are 4 times more likely to have lupus than males.  The butterfly rash also shows up commonly. 

Medical NEWS:

• AUTISM:  a recent National Academy of Sciences article by CALTECH researches has found a connection with an overactive immune system and autism.  It makes me wonder if there is connection to vaccines given to those with an overactive autoimmune system thereby triggering the autism.
• ABUSED CHILDREN are more likely to have cancer as adults.

March Blog

Just a reminder we have moved to theColonnade (Chile's, Jason's Deli, Abuelo's area).  We are on the Southeast side of the complex opposite of where we used  to be.  Drop by and say hi.  We are right next door (right side) of the entrance to Tuesday Morning's.  Our overhead sign is up reading CHIROPRACTOR.

Nutrition News:

Inflammation:

• Alzheimer's:  6th leading cause of death in the aging.  Research at MIT has found a form of magnesium that targets factors involved in the onset of Alzheimer's.  Magnesium-L-threonate.
• Inflammatory Joint Damage:  Stanford scientists have found that osteoarthritis has the same pro-inflammatory immune factors as involved in rheumatoid arthritis.  The drugs used to combat this inflammation, such as prednisone, may result in complications including obesity, diabetes and osteoporosis.  A form of undenatured type II collagen (UC-II) when combined with Boswellia serrata (found also in Osteobiflex-glucosamine + 5 Loxin) and glucosamine sulfate and boron.

Diabetes:

• Controlling after-meal (postprandial) blood sugar surges.  Such surges, especially after a high carbohydrate meal, can creat a diabetic-like state in your body lasting for hours and causing some damage.  The enzyme glucose-6-phosphatase detrimentally stimulates this process.  Chlorogenic acid (gree coffee bean extract) targets this enzyme and can blunt the post-meal blood sugar surges by almost 1/3.  You can also reduce the blood sugar drops in several wasy
• Plant extracts-propolmannan, irvingia, white ean, green tea, cinnamon.
• Optimizing DHEA levels
• Healthy lifestyles-Mediterranean diet, avoid dietary sugars, exercise, calorie restriction (1400-1800 calories per day or less -hard to do).
• Anti-diabetic drug metformin
• In men, testosterone levels can reduce insulin sensitivity.  Optimal free testosterone in more youthful ranges.

High Blood Pressure:

• Olive leaf extract (oleuropein)- appears to modulate arterial stiffness affecting blood pressure.

Manual Medicine/Chiropractic: 

Research:

• Thumb osteoarthritis:  mobilization increased pain pressure threshhold but did not increase muscle function. 

MOVED

We've moved our office to:

4610 N. Garfield Street, B4
Midland, TX 79705

We are right next to Tuesday Morning's in the Colonnade.

Dr. Riggs' December Schedule

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to Everyone.  Marty and I hope you have a happy holiday season.  Be safe and remember to not eat too much-it's hard to get back off.

The following are office hours for the Month of December:

Friday December 16 the office will close at 2:00 PM.  We will stay open through the lunch hour.  Dr. Riggs has to go out of town for a seminar.

Friday December 23rd we will close at 4 PM for the holiday weekend.
Monday December 26 we will be closed for Christmas.

Office News:
Dr. Riggs has recently become board eligible in chiropractic orthopedics and also became certified in low level laser therapy.  He is the only certified one certified in laser therapy in the area to his knowledge.

November Blog

CLINIC NEWS:

Dr. Riggs completed the remaining requirements for chiropractic board eligibility in October and hopes to take the exam next fall.

NOVEMBER OFFICE HOURS:

We are going to take a slight mini-vacation during Thanksgiving week.  We are going to visit family in Mississippi.  Our office hours will be as follows:
OPEN:  MONDAY-TUESDAY: (November 21-22).  We are going to try to close at 4:00 PM on 21st.
CLOSED:  WEDNESDAY-SATURDAY. (November 23-26)
RE-OPEN:  MONDAY (November 28)

NUTRITION/HEALTH NEWS:

• Magnesium was found to help protect against diabetes (Type II) risk in a meta-analysis.
• Chondroitin sulfate improved hand arthritis in a clinical trial (Arthritis & Rheumatism).
• Lifestyle interventions (DASH diet, supplements Q10 & Potassium) are viable alternatives to lower blood pressure without drugs (Journal of Clinical Hypertension).
• Doubling vitamin D could add 2 years to life expectancy (European Journal of Clinical Nutrition).  Current vitamin D recommendations are inadequate for African-Americans in another study.
• Reduced cognitive function and brain volume are associated with lower levels of B12 (Neurology).
• Squalamine found in sharks may help lower liver viruses.
• Low levels of CoQ10 are associated with 790% increase in risk of melanoma metastasis (Journal of American Academy of Dermatology).
• Curcumin (anti-inflammatory spice) shows promise in reducing neck and head tumor growth (Clinical Cancer Research).

October Health News

Clinic News: 

In addition to Dr. Riggs receiving laser certification (Certified Laser Practitioner) recently, he continually works on upgrading his skills.  He is enrolled in Palmer University completing the last year of requirements for board certification eligibility in chiropractic orthopedics and plans to take the exam new fall for DACO (diplomate academy chiropractic orthopedics) status.

Nutritional News: 

Following below is bullets describing briefly some of the benefits of omega 3 fatty acids that are evolving from research.  Diets rich in omega 3s tend to have populations that are healthier and live longer.

• Omega 3s
• associated with decreased cognitive decline in older men and women
• protects brain from severe stroke damage
• associated with less brain shrinkage
• krill oil works synergistically with other omega 3s to target pro-inflammatory factors in arthritis
• krill oil with astaxanthin suppresses pro-inflammatory agents
• krill oil + hyaluronic acid + astaxanthin reduces pain and resolves in more than half tested
• rich omega 3 diets decrease cancer risk and reduce inflammation.
• omega 3s soothe anxiety and inflammation
• combat stress and cortisol damage
• battle depression and anxiety
• slash risk for premature death
• decrease risk factors for metabolic syndrome
• fights cancer in early phases
• provide vital protection for kidney and liver function
• may help prevent osteoporotic fractures
• may help mitigate triggering factors for COPD

October Blog Update

Dr. Riggs completed laser certification this past weekend completing the 24 hours required, in addition to 36 other laser hours.  He is one of less than 100 Certified Laser Practitioners in the country. 

September 2011 Blog

September Office Hours & Clinic News:

• We will be closed Saturday-Monday Labor Day Weekend (September 3-5). If you have an emergency, please call 911.
• Dr. Riggs will be completing Laser certification in October. He will be a CLP (certified laser practitioner) when he completes his last course. The only one in the area.
• Dr. Riggs is also re-entering the orthopedics postgraduate program at Palmer with a targeted test date of fall 2012. He completed two years previously and has to complete the 3rd year. This will give him advanced credentials in chiropractic orthopedics (non-surgical orthopedics).

Health News:

Nutrition News:

• Rhodiola helps combat the effects of excess cortisol (stress hormone). Excess cortisol can supress immunity; cause hypertension, hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, carb craving, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes (adult onset), fatty necks, faces and bellies, decreased libido and bone loss. It is akin to taking steroids frequently.
• Too little or too much sleeping may affect cognitive decline (outside the 6-8 hour range).
• Olive oil intake is linked to lower stroke risk.
• Resveratrol's anti-inflammatory and anti-aging capabilities shows potential in anti-aging.  Grapes and red wine. 
• Obesity leads to liver disease.

Medical News:

• Trazadone and pregabalin combined improve fibromyalgia symptoms.
• Men are at risk for osteoporotic fractures but about 10 years later than women. Men suffering hip fractures in the 76-84 age range do not fare too well-1/3 dying within a year. Low body weight, advancing age, and smoking increase the risk. Most fractures occur after age 70.
• Risk for hip fracture increases if hormone replacement therapy is discontinued.
• Jogging wins out in beating belly fat over resistance training

August Office Hours and Blog

Office Hours for August: 

• Closed at 4:00 PM Friday August 5th Leaving for Houston Seminar
• Closed at 3:00 PM Wednesday August 17 Leaving for Albuquerque
• Closed All Day Thursday August 18 in Albuquerque at VA

Nutrition and Health News:

• Green tea polyphenols provide protective benefits against ultraviolet light.
• Human data supports caloric restriction as an anti-aging strategy
• Nearly 2/3rds of americans are medically overweight or obese while 30% believe they are healthy and 70% of obese believe they are just overweight.  An obvious disconnect between perception and reality.
• A dual blend of two plant extracts might combat fat storage.  Sphaeranthus indicus flower and mangosteen fruit were found to impede the generation of fat.
• Low levels of CoQ10 were associated with increase breast cancer risk in a Cancer Epidemiology study.  Supplementation also improves the function of the endothelium.
• Blueberries inhibit fat formation.  In spite of them being expensive, I love blueberries.
• Low levels of vitamin D are linked to stiffness of the arteries, while higher levels reduced risk of macular degeneration in women. Low levels may also explain the higher rate of hypertension in African Americans.  Deficience could also play a role in the development of Parkinson's disease.
• Omega 3 FAs help protect against diseases related to obesity.
• John Hopkins scientists in a recent study linked dysfunctional mitochondria (cell powerhouse) to peripheral neuropathy.
• Antioxidants lower risk of metabolic syndrome and protect against radiation.
• Coffee drinks rejoice.  The Journal of Stroke reports coffee drinkers have fewer strokes.
• Maritime pine bark extract and bilberry extract (standardized) show promise in reducing eye pressure associated with glaucoma and also in combination with the eye drop latanoprost (prescription).

Medical News:

July Office Hours

July Hours:  The office will close Saturday July 2nd and Monday July 4th for the Holidays.  We will be back to Normal Hours on Tuesday.  If you have an emergency call 911 or go to the emergency room.

June Blog and Health News

June Office Hours: 

• I will be open all day on Thursday June 9 and closed at noon on Friday June 10 to leave town for a seminar.

Clinical Topic of The Month-Tennis Elbow

What is it?
Tennis elbow is referred to medically as lateral epicondylitis, suggesting an inflammation of the extensor tendons of the forearm.  Studies suggest that chronic cases actually display degenerative changes in the tendon suggesting tendinosis instead of the inflammatory tendinitis.  The point of pain is at the outside of the elbow.

How do I know I have it?  (Signs and symptoms)

• Pain on the outer part of elbow (lateral epicondyle).
• Pain with gripping or squeezing, wrist extension and lifting movements.  Firm handshakes when squeezed can hurt.
• Painful with any activities extending the wrist.
• Grip weakness and pain with any activities gripping-turning a door knob, shaking hands, holding a heavy glass of water, turning a screw driver, etc..

How do I get Tennis Elbow?

• Forceful blows or extension were thought to be early culprits suggesting tears at the tendons insertion into the bone.
• There may be alternation of the radial nerve in the area.
• Breakdown of the tendon due to overuse stress.

Prevention:

• Rest or back down the activity causing it.
• Maintain physical conditioning.
• Use appropriate equipment.
• Learn appropriate form.
• Use a tennis elbow strap to help diffuse shearing forces.

Diagnosis:

• Orthopedic testing (Cozen's).
• Medical imaging tests-x-ray, MRI, ultrasound (usually cost prohibitive)
• Generally made with signs and symptoms

Treatments:

• Manipulation (Mill's maneuver)
• Physical modalities-Ultrasound, electrical stim, ice, heat, vibration, laser therapy, exercises and stretching
• Deep tissue therapy (transverse friction massage, Graston or other instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization)
• Rest
• Anti-inlammatory medications (OTC or prescription)
• Bracing
• Medical interventions-surgery, botulism, cortisone injections

Personally, I use a combination protocol of manipulation (Mill's maneuver), instrument assisted soft tissue therapy (Graston), cold laser therapy, temperature therapy (mainly ice), stretching and exercises.  This combination seems to get the best results.

Health Snippets

Heart Attack Symptoms:
General:

• Pain or pressure in the chest.
• Discomfort spreading to the back, jaw, throat, or arm.
• Nausea, indigestion, or heartburn.
• Weakness, anxiety, or shortness of breath.
• Rapid or irregular heartbeatsWomen: 

Note:  Women are more likely than men to have heartburn, loss of appetite, tiredness or weakness, coughing, and heart flutters

May Blog and Nutrition/Health News

Office Hours Notice for May:

• We will be closed Memorial Day, May 30, 2011 to celebrate the holiday.  If you have an emergency, call 911.

Carpal Tunnel Treatment



What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:  carpal tunnel syndrome is compression of the median nerve as it travels through the carpal tunnel causing intermittent numbness of the thumb, index, long and radial half of the ring fingers.  The pain is generally worse at night.  It it is chronic, permanent damage can be causes to the nerve with constant numbness, muscle atrophy and weakness of squeezing the hand.  Although consided a repetitive stress problem, studies have not confirmed this.

Treatment:  Medical treatment consists of night splints and corticosteroid injections or surgery.  Conservative/Chiropractic Treatment:  splinting is used by chiropractors as well as mobilization or manipulation of the wrist joints, deep tissue work (Graston technique) to stretch the carpal ligament, exercises, icing, activity modification, and in my practice cold laser therapy.  I get the best results with LASER therapy and Graston technique (instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization), stretching, exercises and splinting.  I also find working the whole shoulder arm and wrist complex helps relieve tension.  Sometimes CTS is misdiagnosed when it is real a pronator entrapment of the median nerve in the forearm.

NUTRITION NEWS:

• Apple polyphenols extend fruit fly life span by 10% by apparently working on SOD (superoxide dismutase) and catalase.
• Cup of Joe:  a Swedish study found less strokes in coffee drinkers.
• Parkinson's and Vitamin D:  vitamin D insufficiency was highly prevalent in cases of recent onset of Parkinson's Disease.
• Vitamin D and Lung Cancer: increasing vitamin D could help prevent lung cancer recurrence.
• Vitamin E Supplementation and ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease):  a 23% reduced risk for ALS was found in supplementing for 2-4 years and 36% for over 5 years of supplementing.
• Peripheral Neuropathy:  old dysfunctional mitochondria (cell powerhouse) might cause peripheral neuropathy (John Hopkins).
• Green Tea vs. Alzheimer's:  green tea consumtion may protect against Alzheimer's disease.
• Green Tea and Kidneys:   green tea is rich in catechins and flavinoids is a potent anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant with health benefits against, cancer, cardiovascular disease, body weight and insulin sensitivity as well as protecting the kidneys.
• Glaucoma Nutrition:  a nutritional formula of maritime pine bark extract and standardized bilberry extract shows promise in reducing intraocular pressure.
• Aging Eyes:  a special topical formula of soy and rice bran extracts supported by phytonutrients found in blueberries and antioxidants from pemgranate and tea extracts have been show to quickly target dark circles and eye puffiness.
• Triglycerides:  tocotrienols (class of vitamin E) in a recent study lowered triglycerides by 28%  At doses of 100-200 mg/day they have been shown to reduce LDL and total cholesterol by as much as 37%.
• Echinacea: echinacea in one study resulted in a 10% decrease in cold severity and about a half a day less of symptoms.
• Calcium Supplements for Osteoporosis: Calcium supplements with/without vitamin D moderately increase cardiovascular events including heart attacks and warrants a reassessment of their role in managing osteoporosis.
  

OTHER HEALTH NEWS:

• Optimal Heart Health:  Blood Pressure below 120/80 mmHg, Body Mass Index (BM) below 25, fasting glucose below 100 mg/Dl, and cholesterol below 200.
• Prescription Drug Abuse:  The FDA has taken steps with the Department of Justice, Health and Human Services, Veterans Affairs, and Defense and others to deal with the recreational use of prescription drugs via focusing on removing unused prescription drugs from homes, and dealing with "pill mills" and doctor shopping through law enforcement.  Unused prescription drugs have shown up as party drugs where drugs are dumped in a bowl without knowledge of their effects, what they are for, or the risks and side effects of taking them.  The drugs are often stolen from parent's medicine cabinets and could include opiods as well as things like heart medications, and pain medications to name a few.
• Allergies:  Allergies are inflammation.  The following foods can help fight allergies naturally:  Salmon: Fatty coldwater fish like salmon (EPA and DHA) are omega 3 fatty acids.  Trout, tuna, nuts and seeds are also omega 3 sources.  Grape juice: Grape juice is a good source of resveratrol and antioxidant (may reduce asthma inflammation), red wine (even more resveratrol), blueberries, (may help lower blood sugar) and peanuts all contribute to resveratrol Beans: loaded with the B vitamin folate which may reduce allergic reactions.  Cutting back of pro-inflammatory red meat is also good.  Apples have quercetin a flavonoid which may stem histamine production and cool inflammation. Yogurt: has loads of probiotics for gut bacterial which lowers immune substances that affect allergies. Carrots:  colorful diets (veggies) have cartoneoids may have an allergy-quelling effect.  Mix It Up: mix up your diet but avoid inflammatory foots:  sugar, high saturated fats, red meat, heavy carbohydrate diets, and heavy fast foods.
• CAMS and Osteoarthritis:   What complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) work with osteoarthritis.  A recent review found that capsaicin gel, SAM-3 were the most supported and some evidence that MSM, rose hips (vitamin C) and  Indian Frankincense (5-loxin or boswellia) may be effective.   

Sources:  Google images, Medscape, Real Age, Life Extension.

OFFICE HOUR CHANGE

Office Hour Change for April
The office will be closed April 27 (Wednesday) and 28 (Thursday) and Saturday the 30th. 
Dr. Riggs will be out of town.  Normal hours should be in effect Friday the 29th.

If you have an emergency during my absence please call 911 or go to the emergency room

April Blog

OFFICE HOUR REMINDER:  I will be closed April 14th, Thursday all day (normally only morning hours).

NECK PAIN: 

Acute neck pain can be caused by many things.  Strains/sprains to the neck from whiplash, sports, or certain sudden movements can result in muscular or ligament pain.  Injuries to the muscles take about 4-6 weeks to heal and ligament and tendon injuries take somewhat longer.  Mechanical joint pain can also result from sleeping postures, physical activities, repetitive movement injuries, and simply moving wrong.  When the joint locks and prevents normal joint motion pain often results.  Osteoarthritis/degenerative disc disease can also lead to neck pain.  Calcium build up called spurs can sometimes press on sensitive nerve structures resulting in radiating pain and lack of normal movement.  Disc injuries (swelling or herniation) can lead to severe neck pain due to disc material pressing on nerves.  Vascular problems (heart disease, artery disease) can also cause neck pain as can viral infections, certain cancers, and some diseases.


Chronic neck pain frequently results from years of abuse and the development of degenerative changes in the spine such as decreased disc spaces, calcium spurs, narrowed nerve openings, structural changes, and abnormal muscle and ligament tension.  Chronic musculoskeletal problems are generally progressive-i.e., they get worse with time and age.

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome:  This is another condition often accompanying neck pain and arm pain or numbness and tingling.  Generally, it is caused by mechanical pressure on the bundle of nerves and vessels coming out of the neck.  The increased pressure can be caused tight muscles in the neck or chest, an extra rib in the neck, postural problems, blocked arteries, and other causes.

Treatment options abound.  Conservative treatment may involve chiropractic manipulation, mobilization, stretching, exercises, structural changes, nutritional support and various physical medicine modalities to relax muscles and speed up healing.  LASER therapy also works well with neck pain.  Non-responsive cases may require steroid injections or surgical intervention.  Doctors of Chiropractic are trained to provide conservative treatment for acute and chronic neck pain.  By focusing on the normal structure and function of the neck we have various methods available to us.  My clinic focuses on manipulation (low force and traditional), traction, physical medicine modalities (ultrasound, electrical stim, exercises) and the use of low level LASER therapy to help return patients to normal in as short a time as possible.  Chronic cases and patients with radiating pain may take longer than normal due to tissue and structure changes and the nature of the condition.  Referals are provided in non-responsive cases.  Medical treatment may include:  medication, injections, or surgery.  X-rays may or may not be necessary depending on clinical findings and the patient's response to treatment.

NUTRITION NEWS:

• There is evidence that fish oil, vitamin D, carnosine, multi-vitamins and a healthy life style can slow the rate of telomere shortening which is responsible for aging.  Recent research has made strides in discovering how to prevent telomere shorting and thereby extend life span.
• Magnesium supplements may reduce diabetes risk.
• Green tea may help prevent Alzheimer's disease.
• Eating lots of fruits and vegetables can give you a healthy glow.
• Increased zinc intake was found to be associated with lower risk of prostate cancer death.
• Vitamin E was associated with longer life span in a Finnish group over 71.
• High dietary fat, cholesterol linked to increased breast cancer risk.
• Belly fat puts women at risk for osteoporosis.

Change in Office Schedule

My Schedule has changed for the end of the month.  I WILL be in the Office on March 31, April 1 and Saturday April 2.  I will be closed Thursday April 14 for an eye doctor appointment in Lubbock.

Losing Weight Eating Healthy

OFFICE SCHEDULE FOR MARCH: 
Saturday 3/12/11:  the office will open at 11 AM instead of 10 AM.  Dr. Riggs has to do a relicensing teleseminar from 8-11
Thursday 3/31/11 and Friday 4/1/11 and Saturday 4/2/11:  The office will be closed.  Dr. Riggs will be out those three days.  If an emergency go to the emergency room:

HEALTHY EATING

Eating healthy is a challenge in modern society with all the fast food restaurants, our busy lifestyle and our time constraints.  However, the highly processed food market appears to contribute heavily to our national obesity epidemic.  A recent article by Dr. Alex Vasquez (DC, ND, DO) has suggested a supplemented form of the paleolithic/mediterranean diet.  The paleolithic diet is the diet eaten by our ancestors when they were hunter/gatherers.  The mediterranean diet is considered to be very heart healthy.

What does the diet recommend?  Here are the components.  As a side note, I have been following the diet and have lost 23 pounds since January.

Paleo-Mediterranean Diet:

• Emphasis on fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and berries and lean proteins such as chicken, fish, lean meats, soy, and eggs.  This is a high anti-oxidant, high fiber and anti-cancer oriented diet.
• Soy and whey protein isolates (anti-cancer, heart protective, mood enhancing).
• Avoids:  potatoes, starchy vegetables, wheat, grains including rice (due to high glycemic index and load).  Avoid wheat, barley, rye (high glycemic index and gluten sensitivity)
• Forbids:  colas.sodas, processed foods and manufactured foods.

Supplementation:

• Supplemented with multi-vitamin and minerals with limitation of 10000 IU of vitamin A in childbearing age women.  Helps reduce inflamation and is health promoting.
• Vitamin D3:  4000 IU although some respond better to 10000 IU.
• Fatty Acid Supplementation: 
• ALA (omega 3 flaxseed), EPA (omega 3 -fish oil), DHA (omega 3 fish oil, algae), GLA (omega 6-borage oil), EPO (black currant seed oils),  Oleic acid (flax and borage seed oil).
• Olive oil for salads and cooking (omega 9- oleic acid + other anti-inflammatory/anti-cancer phytonutrients).
• Improves diabetic neuropathy, respiratory distress, Chron's, lupus, RA, cardiovascular disease, eczema, migrains, depression, osteoporosis, musculoskeletal pain, MS.

PROBIOTICS for gut flora modifications:

• Good bacteria and yeast (probiotics), prebiotics (fiber, arabinogalactin, inulin), and fermented foods (kefir and yogurt if not allergic to milk).
• Advantages-restores the gut microbial balance.

Iodine and Iodide:

• 12mg/d is consistent with intake in countries like Japan
• Antioxidant, antimicrobial, mucolytic, immunosupportive, anti-estrogen and anti-cancer.