MUA
Careful selection of those most likely to respond positively to MUA has produced enthusiastic patients grateful for the procedure.
We offer Manipulation Under Anesthesia, or MUA, to help patients who do not respond to more conservative forms of chiropractic care, or whom we believe, could benefit from greater joint mobility than we can achieve during a conventional visit.
While there are always some potential risk associated with any form of anesthesia, the temporary form of sedation we use produces a type of “twilight sleep” that is noted for its safety and patient comfort.
Relaxed Muscles Allow Greater Motion
MUA is often recommended for chronic pain patients or acute neck pain, back pain, joint pain, muscle spasm, adhesions and long-term pain syndromes. Many candidates of the MUA procedure are those who consciously or unconsciously are unable to relax and “guard” fixated or hypomoble spinal joints. Once the patient is relaxed, involved joints are gently stretched and restricted motion is released.
How It Works
MUA is commonly performed in a hospital or community surgical center. The attending team includes an anesthesiologist, the primary physician or chiropractor who performs the manipulation and an assistant experienced in MUA procedures.
Using a series of specific short lever manipulations, MUA relies on a combination of passive stretches and specific joint maneuvers to reduce fibrous adhesions and scar tissue surrounding the specific spinal joint and surrounding soft tissues.
Patient Satisfaction
As an alternative to more invasive surgery or pain medication, MUA has produced excellent results for those who are carefully screened as good candidates for the procedure.
Certification courses are offered through accredited chiropractic college post-graduate departments and are a covered service by malpractice insurance carriers.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Friday, May 6, 2011
Sport Injuries
Sports Injuries
Participation in sports or exercise is an important step in maintaining your health. Exercise strengthens your heart, bones, and joints and reduces stress, among many other benefits. Unfortunately, injuries during participation in sports are all too common. Often, these injuries occur in someone who is just taking up sports as a form of activity, doesn’t use proper safety equipment, or becomes overzealous about the exercise regimen.
The more commonly injured areas of the body are the ankles, knees, shoulders, elbows, and spine. Remember that you should discuss any exercise program with your doctor of chiropractic before undertaking such activities.
Strains and Sprains
Although bones can sometimes be fractured with acute sports injuries, the most commonly injured structures are the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Tendons attach muscles to bones, and ligaments attach one bone to another.
An acute twisting or overextension of a joint can lead to tears of muscles and tendons, called “strains,” and tears of ligaments result in “sprains.” These tears range from mild to severe. In mild injuries, just a few fibers are torn or stretched. Severe injuries, where there is a tear through the full thickness of the structure, are most often considered unstable injuries and frequently require surgical intervention. The intervertebral disc, a ligament between the vertebrae of the spine that works as a shock absorber, can also be torn, resulting in a disc bulge and/or herniation.
Ankle sprains most often involve tears of one or more of the ligaments along the outside of the ankle. Knee ligaments, including the larger external supportive ligaments and the smaller internal stabilizing ligaments, can also be torn. The cartilage on the back of the patella (knee-cap) can also become eroded from overuse, leading to a condition termed chondromalacia patella.
Tendinosis
In those who are training too much, overuse of a particular joint or joints in the body can result in pain and dysfunction. These injuries are called “overuse syndromes.” A common overuse injury is tendinosis, also called tendinitis. In this condition, the tendon becomes inflamed from repetitive use. In the shoulder, the rotator cuff (a complex of muscles that stabilizes and moves the shoulder) becomes inflamed, resulting in rotator cuff tendinitis. Tennis elbow is another form of tendinitis that occurs along the outside of the elbow, most commonly in tennis players. In golfer’s elbow, the tendons on the inside of the elbow are affected.
Stress Fractures
Some athletes may experience a stress fracture, also called a fatigue fracture. This type of fracture occurs when an abnormal amount of stress is placed on a normal bone. This might occur in a runner who rapidly increases the amount of mileage while training for a race. Stress fractures also occur in people who begin running as a form of exercise but overdo it from the start, rather than gradually progress to longer distances.
One final common injury is worth mentioning, and that is shin splints. This overuse injury is caused by microfractures on the front surface of the tibia (shin bone). This is most often seen in runners, although other athletes can also be affected.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Sports injuries are most often diagnosed from the history of the activity that brought on the pain, along with a physical examination. In some cases, x-rays are necessary to rule out a fracture. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diagnostic ultrasound are also used in finding soft-tissue injuries, like tendinitis and sprains.
Fractures require the application of some stabilizing device, such as a cast, after the bone is put back into position. Rarely, surgical intervention is required. There is a relatively standard treatment protocol for most of the other overuse types of injuries. This protocol involves the following:
Rest
Generally no more than 48 hours of rest and/or immobilization is needed, depending on the severity of the injury. In most cases, the sooner the person becomes active after an injury, the more rapid is the recovery. In fact, long-term immobilization can sometimes be harmful to recovery. Your doctor of chiropractic will guide this process, as too early a return to activity, choosing the wrong type of activity, or excessive activity can be detrimental.
Ice or heat
Ice or heat can be helpful with pain reduction and tissue healing.
Compression
Compression of the area may reduce the amount of swelling from the injury. Your doctor of chiropractic will determine if this will be beneficial in your case.
Elevation
Elevation of the injured arm or leg above the level of the heart is thought to be helpful in reducing swelling.
Pain relievers
Recent research has demonstrated that some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may actually slow the healing process by restricting the body’s natural healing mechanisms, so they should be used sparingly.
Joint manipulation
Recent research has shown us that, in some cases, joint manipulation can be helpful with pain reduction and more rapid recovery. Your doctor of chiropractic will determine if this procedure will be helpful in your case.
A Word about Prevention
In many cases, sports injuries can be prevented. Proper conditioning and warm-up and cool-down procedures, as well as appropriate safety equipment, can substantially reduce injuries. Understanding proper techniques can also go a long way toward preventing injuries. (1)
Sufficient water intake is also an important preventive measure.
1. http://www.acatoday.org/content_css.cfm?CID=3135
Participation in sports or exercise is an important step in maintaining your health. Exercise strengthens your heart, bones, and joints and reduces stress, among many other benefits. Unfortunately, injuries during participation in sports are all too common. Often, these injuries occur in someone who is just taking up sports as a form of activity, doesn’t use proper safety equipment, or becomes overzealous about the exercise regimen.
The more commonly injured areas of the body are the ankles, knees, shoulders, elbows, and spine. Remember that you should discuss any exercise program with your doctor of chiropractic before undertaking such activities.
Strains and Sprains
Although bones can sometimes be fractured with acute sports injuries, the most commonly injured structures are the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Tendons attach muscles to bones, and ligaments attach one bone to another.
An acute twisting or overextension of a joint can lead to tears of muscles and tendons, called “strains,” and tears of ligaments result in “sprains.” These tears range from mild to severe. In mild injuries, just a few fibers are torn or stretched. Severe injuries, where there is a tear through the full thickness of the structure, are most often considered unstable injuries and frequently require surgical intervention. The intervertebral disc, a ligament between the vertebrae of the spine that works as a shock absorber, can also be torn, resulting in a disc bulge and/or herniation.
Ankle sprains most often involve tears of one or more of the ligaments along the outside of the ankle. Knee ligaments, including the larger external supportive ligaments and the smaller internal stabilizing ligaments, can also be torn. The cartilage on the back of the patella (knee-cap) can also become eroded from overuse, leading to a condition termed chondromalacia patella.
Tendinosis
In those who are training too much, overuse of a particular joint or joints in the body can result in pain and dysfunction. These injuries are called “overuse syndromes.” A common overuse injury is tendinosis, also called tendinitis. In this condition, the tendon becomes inflamed from repetitive use. In the shoulder, the rotator cuff (a complex of muscles that stabilizes and moves the shoulder) becomes inflamed, resulting in rotator cuff tendinitis. Tennis elbow is another form of tendinitis that occurs along the outside of the elbow, most commonly in tennis players. In golfer’s elbow, the tendons on the inside of the elbow are affected.
Stress Fractures
Some athletes may experience a stress fracture, also called a fatigue fracture. This type of fracture occurs when an abnormal amount of stress is placed on a normal bone. This might occur in a runner who rapidly increases the amount of mileage while training for a race. Stress fractures also occur in people who begin running as a form of exercise but overdo it from the start, rather than gradually progress to longer distances.
One final common injury is worth mentioning, and that is shin splints. This overuse injury is caused by microfractures on the front surface of the tibia (shin bone). This is most often seen in runners, although other athletes can also be affected.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Sports injuries are most often diagnosed from the history of the activity that brought on the pain, along with a physical examination. In some cases, x-rays are necessary to rule out a fracture. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diagnostic ultrasound are also used in finding soft-tissue injuries, like tendinitis and sprains.
Fractures require the application of some stabilizing device, such as a cast, after the bone is put back into position. Rarely, surgical intervention is required. There is a relatively standard treatment protocol for most of the other overuse types of injuries. This protocol involves the following:
Rest
Generally no more than 48 hours of rest and/or immobilization is needed, depending on the severity of the injury. In most cases, the sooner the person becomes active after an injury, the more rapid is the recovery. In fact, long-term immobilization can sometimes be harmful to recovery. Your doctor of chiropractic will guide this process, as too early a return to activity, choosing the wrong type of activity, or excessive activity can be detrimental.
Ice or heat
Ice or heat can be helpful with pain reduction and tissue healing.
Compression
Compression of the area may reduce the amount of swelling from the injury. Your doctor of chiropractic will determine if this will be beneficial in your case.
Elevation
Elevation of the injured arm or leg above the level of the heart is thought to be helpful in reducing swelling.
Pain relievers
Recent research has demonstrated that some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may actually slow the healing process by restricting the body’s natural healing mechanisms, so they should be used sparingly.
Joint manipulation
Recent research has shown us that, in some cases, joint manipulation can be helpful with pain reduction and more rapid recovery. Your doctor of chiropractic will determine if this procedure will be helpful in your case.
A Word about Prevention
In many cases, sports injuries can be prevented. Proper conditioning and warm-up and cool-down procedures, as well as appropriate safety equipment, can substantially reduce injuries. Understanding proper techniques can also go a long way toward preventing injuries. (1)
Sufficient water intake is also an important preventive measure.
1. http://www.acatoday.org/content_css.cfm?CID=3135
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Long Island Chiropractor: American Chiropractic Association and Laz-z-boy ha...
Long Island Chiropractor: American Chiropractic Association and Laz-z-boy ha...: "The American Chiropractic Association and La-z Boy furniture have become business partners. According to an article on multiple sources La-Z..."
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Concussion: What You Should Know
What is a concussion?
The brain is made up of soft tissue and is cushioned by spinal fluid. It is enclosed in the hard, protective skull. When a person has a head trauma, the brain can move around inside the skull and even hit against the walls of the skull. This can lead to bruising of the brain, shearing/tearing of blood vessels, and injury to the nerves. When this happens, it can lead to a temporary loss of normal brain function, also known as a concussion.
The signs of a head injury, such as a concussion, don't always present themselves immediately. Sometimes the warning signs /symptoms don't show up for several hours; sometimes even days later. Even what is perceived as a minor blow to the head can result in a serious head injury that, if left untreated, can result is life-threatening complications.
The following signs and symptoms provide a warning that your head injury requires immediate medical attention:
Difficulty remembering recent events or personal information
Severe headache, particularly if it comes on quickly and in a specific location
Severe stiffness in neck
Mental confusion or strange behavior
Nausea or vomiting
Dizziness, poor balance, or unsteady gait
Weakness in arms or legs
Extreme drowsiness or sleepiness
Unequal pupil sizes
More emotional, irritable, sadness, crying, nervousness or anxious
Feeling slowed down
Sensitivity to light or noise
Have unusual Behavior
Are getting more and more confused, restless, or agitated
Sleeping more than usual
Sleeping less than usual
Trouble falling asleep
Loss of appetite
Persistent ringing in the ears
Blood or fluid discharge from the nose or ears
Slurred speech
Visual problems, such as seeing stars or blurred vision
Bleeding or clear fluid coming from the ears or nose
Convulsions/seizures
Perseverating (saying the same thing over and over)
Loss of consciousness
Someone who takes warfarin (Coumadin or any other blood thinner) for a medical problem and suffers a significant blow to the head.
Severe head trauma, i.e., a fall from more than the height of the person or a hard fall onto a hard surface or object with resulting bleeding or laceration.
Danger Signs in Children:
Take your child to the emergency department right away if they received a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body, and:
Have any of the danger signs for adults listed above.
Will not stop crying and cannot be consoled.
Will not nurse or eat.
The signs and symptoms of a concussion can be difficult to sort out. Early on, problems may be missed by the person with the concussion, family members, or doctors. People may look fine even though they are acting or feeling another way. Encourage children to report any of the above, and do not allow them to partake in a game or practice until a qualified medical professional has given the OK and they are 100% symptom-free both at rest and activity.
The American Academy of Neurologists has released the following Guidelines as of October 2010:
Recommendations:
1. Any athlete who is suspected to have suffered a concussion should be removed from participation until he or she is evaluated by a physician with training in the evaluation and management of sports concussions
2. No athlete should be allowed to participate in sports if he or she is still experiencing symptoms from a concussion.
3. Following a concussion, a neurologist or physician with proper training should be consulted prior to clearing the athlete for return to participation.
4. A certified athletic trainer should be present at all sporting events, including practices, where athletes are at risk for concussion.
5. Education efforts should be maximized to improve the understanding of concussion by all athletes, parents, and coaches.
Position Statement History
Approved by the AAN Sports Neurology Section, Practice Committee, and Board of Directors October 2010 (AAN Policy 2010-36).
For more information visit the CDC website "Concussion in Sports"
Disclaimer About Medical Information:The information and reference materials contained here are intended solely for the general information of the reader. It is not to be used for treatment purposes, but rather for discussion with the patient's own physician. The information presented here is not intended to diagnose health problems or to take the place of professional medical care. The information contained herein is neither intended to dictate what constitutes reasonable, appropriate or best care for any given health issue, nor is it intended to be used as a substitute for the independent judgment of a physician for any given health issue. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this web site is for general information purposes only. The major limitation of informational resources like Susan Mackey, DC is the inability to take into account the unique circumstances that define the health issues of the patient. If you have persistent health problems or if you have further questions, please consult your health care provider.
No Medical Advice.The information posted here by Susan Mackey, DC is not to be considered medical advice and is not intended to replace consultation with a qualified medical professional. We may answer and post medical questions solely on our own discretion. We do not have the resources or the capability to answer all visitor questions. In general, the questions we choose to answer are (in our opinion) of value to other readers. The answers to these questions should in no way be considered specific medical advice or a plan for disease management. Our goal is to provide sufficient information so that Susan Mackey, DC visitors are able to become knowledgeable participants in their disease management plan. The primary responsibility of your disease management plan is with your treating physicians and you should only follow your treating physicians advice. DO NOT change/modify your disease management plan on your own without consulting your treating physicians.
The brain is made up of soft tissue and is cushioned by spinal fluid. It is enclosed in the hard, protective skull. When a person has a head trauma, the brain can move around inside the skull and even hit against the walls of the skull. This can lead to bruising of the brain, shearing/tearing of blood vessels, and injury to the nerves. When this happens, it can lead to a temporary loss of normal brain function, also known as a concussion.
The signs of a head injury, such as a concussion, don't always present themselves immediately. Sometimes the warning signs /symptoms don't show up for several hours; sometimes even days later. Even what is perceived as a minor blow to the head can result in a serious head injury that, if left untreated, can result is life-threatening complications.
The following signs and symptoms provide a warning that your head injury requires immediate medical attention:
Difficulty remembering recent events or personal information
Severe headache, particularly if it comes on quickly and in a specific location
Severe stiffness in neck
Mental confusion or strange behavior
Nausea or vomiting
Dizziness, poor balance, or unsteady gait
Weakness in arms or legs
Extreme drowsiness or sleepiness
Unequal pupil sizes
More emotional, irritable, sadness, crying, nervousness or anxious
Feeling slowed down
Sensitivity to light or noise
Have unusual Behavior
Are getting more and more confused, restless, or agitated
Sleeping more than usual
Sleeping less than usual
Trouble falling asleep
Loss of appetite
Persistent ringing in the ears
Blood or fluid discharge from the nose or ears
Slurred speech
Visual problems, such as seeing stars or blurred vision
Bleeding or clear fluid coming from the ears or nose
Convulsions/seizures
Perseverating (saying the same thing over and over)
Loss of consciousness
Someone who takes warfarin (Coumadin or any other blood thinner) for a medical problem and suffers a significant blow to the head.
Severe head trauma, i.e., a fall from more than the height of the person or a hard fall onto a hard surface or object with resulting bleeding or laceration.
Danger Signs in Children:
Take your child to the emergency department right away if they received a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body, and:
Have any of the danger signs for adults listed above.
Will not stop crying and cannot be consoled.
Will not nurse or eat.
The signs and symptoms of a concussion can be difficult to sort out. Early on, problems may be missed by the person with the concussion, family members, or doctors. People may look fine even though they are acting or feeling another way. Encourage children to report any of the above, and do not allow them to partake in a game or practice until a qualified medical professional has given the OK and they are 100% symptom-free both at rest and activity.
The American Academy of Neurologists has released the following Guidelines as of October 2010:
Recommendations:
1. Any athlete who is suspected to have suffered a concussion should be removed from participation until he or she is evaluated by a physician with training in the evaluation and management of sports concussions
2. No athlete should be allowed to participate in sports if he or she is still experiencing symptoms from a concussion.
3. Following a concussion, a neurologist or physician with proper training should be consulted prior to clearing the athlete for return to participation.
4. A certified athletic trainer should be present at all sporting events, including practices, where athletes are at risk for concussion.
5. Education efforts should be maximized to improve the understanding of concussion by all athletes, parents, and coaches.
Position Statement History
Approved by the AAN Sports Neurology Section, Practice Committee, and Board of Directors October 2010 (AAN Policy 2010-36).
For more information visit the CDC website "Concussion in Sports"
Disclaimer About Medical Information:The information and reference materials contained here are intended solely for the general information of the reader. It is not to be used for treatment purposes, but rather for discussion with the patient's own physician. The information presented here is not intended to diagnose health problems or to take the place of professional medical care. The information contained herein is neither intended to dictate what constitutes reasonable, appropriate or best care for any given health issue, nor is it intended to be used as a substitute for the independent judgment of a physician for any given health issue. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this web site is for general information purposes only. The major limitation of informational resources like Susan Mackey, DC is the inability to take into account the unique circumstances that define the health issues of the patient. If you have persistent health problems or if you have further questions, please consult your health care provider.
No Medical Advice.The information posted here by Susan Mackey, DC is not to be considered medical advice and is not intended to replace consultation with a qualified medical professional. We may answer and post medical questions solely on our own discretion. We do not have the resources or the capability to answer all visitor questions. In general, the questions we choose to answer are (in our opinion) of value to other readers. The answers to these questions should in no way be considered specific medical advice or a plan for disease management. Our goal is to provide sufficient information so that Susan Mackey, DC visitors are able to become knowledgeable participants in their disease management plan. The primary responsibility of your disease management plan is with your treating physicians and you should only follow your treating physicians advice. DO NOT change/modify your disease management plan on your own without consulting your treating physicians.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Regenerative Medicine to Repair Broken Hearts
(Aug. 5) -- Heart transplants could one day be a thing of the past, as scientists are reporting the first steps toward fixing broken hearts with the body's own cells.
Two studies released this week offer exciting glimpses into the future of regenerative medicine. One transforms ordinary cells into more complex cells that form beating heart muscle, and another blocks two genes that suppress cell proliferation. Surge Desk reviews the respective breakthroughs and their implications for future treatment:
Reprogramming the Heart to Heal Itself
Researchers at the Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease at the University of California, San Francisco, used three genes to convert fibroblasts -- basic cells that can be reprogrammed using genetic manipulation -- into beating muscle cells.
Fibroblasts already comprise about half the heart's cells, meaning a non-invasive drug approach that triggered the right genes could allow the heart to repair itself.
After injecting the manipulated cells into mice, researchers saw them transform into functional, beating muscle cells in two weeks.
"It points to a whole new way of potentially doing therapy," Chad Cowan, an expert in regenerative biology at Harvard, told Bloomberg. "This gives you the idea that you can take those fibroblasts, re-educate them to become heart muscle and thereby repair someone's heart."
Reining-in Growth Genes
The second study, out of Stanford University and published in Cell Stem Cell, compared the genes of mice to those of newts -- renowned for their regenerative capabilities.
"Newts regenerate tissues very effectively," Helen Blau, a co-author on the study, told Reuters."In contrast, mammals are pathetic. We can regenerate our livers, and that's about it."
After finding two genes that seem to suppress tumor growth in mammals, researchers speculated that the genes were an evolutionary adaptation that help mammals stave off cancer. The price we pay? Limited ability to regenerate cells.
When they blocked the genes in the heart tissue of mice, cells started to divide and proliferate. That kind of process, uncontrolled, would lead to tumors. If scientists can rein it in, it would allow our organs to regenerate following damage.
The Promise of Both Studies
The results of both studies are good news for the 5 million Americans suffering from heart failure. Heart disease is, after all, still the leading cause of death in the country.
And beyond hearts, the studies also suggest the prospect of repairing other organs using similar mechanisms, rather than transplants, implants or other artificial devices.
Regenerative Medicine to Repair Broken Hearts
Two studies released this week offer exciting glimpses into the future of regenerative medicine. One transforms ordinary cells into more complex cells that form beating heart muscle, and another blocks two genes that suppress cell proliferation. Surge Desk reviews the respective breakthroughs and their implications for future treatment:
Reprogramming the Heart to Heal Itself
Researchers at the Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease at the University of California, San Francisco, used three genes to convert fibroblasts -- basic cells that can be reprogrammed using genetic manipulation -- into beating muscle cells.
Fibroblasts already comprise about half the heart's cells, meaning a non-invasive drug approach that triggered the right genes could allow the heart to repair itself.
After injecting the manipulated cells into mice, researchers saw them transform into functional, beating muscle cells in two weeks.
"It points to a whole new way of potentially doing therapy," Chad Cowan, an expert in regenerative biology at Harvard, told Bloomberg. "This gives you the idea that you can take those fibroblasts, re-educate them to become heart muscle and thereby repair someone's heart."
Reining-in Growth Genes
The second study, out of Stanford University and published in Cell Stem Cell, compared the genes of mice to those of newts -- renowned for their regenerative capabilities.
"Newts regenerate tissues very effectively," Helen Blau, a co-author on the study, told Reuters."In contrast, mammals are pathetic. We can regenerate our livers, and that's about it."
After finding two genes that seem to suppress tumor growth in mammals, researchers speculated that the genes were an evolutionary adaptation that help mammals stave off cancer. The price we pay? Limited ability to regenerate cells.
When they blocked the genes in the heart tissue of mice, cells started to divide and proliferate. That kind of process, uncontrolled, would lead to tumors. If scientists can rein it in, it would allow our organs to regenerate following damage.
The Promise of Both Studies
The results of both studies are good news for the 5 million Americans suffering from heart failure. Heart disease is, after all, still the leading cause of death in the country.
And beyond hearts, the studies also suggest the prospect of repairing other organs using similar mechanisms, rather than transplants, implants or other artificial devices.
Regenerative Medicine to Repair Broken Hearts
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