Chiropractic Health & Wellness Blog

How can I tell if my child has spinal problems or needs to be taken to a chiropractic clinic for treatment?

Unless your child has obvious problems it can be difficult for a parent to know when a child’s spine is not working correctly. There are some signs which can indicate spinal problems.

These include:

• Sleeping patterns changing for the worse
• Breastfeeding difficulties 
• Can't turn their head to one side
• One shoulder higher than the other as you stand behind them

Common childhood disorders can also be linked with spinal dysfunction, these include:

• Having too many ear infections
•  Regular sore throats and colds
• Colic/reflux
• Asthma 
• Scoliosis
• Headaches - child should not have headaches!
• Bedwetting and/or constipation
• Growing pains - usually the muscles are sore from the bones growing and muscles catching up.
• ADHD

One of the most common reasons for parents to do look for a chiropractic clinic is after some type of injury happens, we see a great Quick read more or view full article deal of playground injuries, gymnastics injuries, football and soceer injuries.  Neck pain and back pain seems to be common withthese sports.

Spinal misalignments that may occur at the time of the injury will not necessarily result in immediate pain or symptoms.

In addition to physical stress, parents should be aware that emotional and chemical stress affect the child’s nervous system and may also warrant a spinal check up and maybe some regular adjustments.

Having three girls and very active in sports, there has been many times I was able to help them.  And, there has many times we had to take them in to see an Orthopedic for broken bones, but even after they getthe cast off we were able to help them get there already sore muscles to heal faster with some hands on massage, stretching, Rock Taping and other physiotherapy.  When look for a chiropractor or a chiropractic clinic, one advice I tell people is, see if that chiropractor has child of his own.  Chiropractic care for children is for sure something worth checking into. 
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How can I tell if my child has spinal problems or needs to be taken to a chiropractic clinic for treatment?

Unless your child has obvious problems it can be difficult for a parent to know when a child’s spine is not working correctly. There are some signs which can indicate spinal problems.

These include:

• Sleeping patterns changing for the worse
• Breastfeeding difficulties 
• Can't turn their head to one side
• One shoulder higher than the other as you stand behind them

Common childhood disorders can also be linked with spinal dysfunction, these include:

• Having too many ear infections
•  Regular sore throats and colds
• Colic/reflux
• Asthma 
• Scoliosis
• Headaches - child should not have headaches!
• Bedwetting and/or constipation
• Growing pains - usually the muscles are sore from the bones growing and muscles catching up.
• ADHD

One of the most common reasons for parents to do look for a chiropractic clinic is after some type of injury happens, we see a great Quick read more or view full article deal of playground injuries, gymnastics injuries, football and soceer injuries.  Neck pain and back pain seems to be common withthese sports.

Spinal misalignments that may occur at the time of the injury will not necessarily result in immediate pain or symptoms.

In addition to physical stress, parents should be aware that emotional and chemical stress affect the child’s nervous system and may also warrant a spinal check up and maybe some regular adjustments.

Having three girls and very active in sports, there has been many times I was able to help them.  And, there has many times we had to take them in to see an Orthopedic for broken bones, but even after they getthe cast off we were able to help them get there already sore muscles to heal faster with some hands on massage, stretching, Rock Taping and other physiotherapy.  When look for a chiropractor or a chiropractic clinic, one advice I tell people is, see if that chiropractor has child of his own.  Chiropractic care for children is for sure something worth checking into. 
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Lyn Lake Chiropractic incorporates the Graston technique along with chiropractic, massage and other amazing therapies. Lyn Lake Chiropractic get good results using Graston within two or three visits.  

The Graston Technique tools are excellent tools that we use to help break up myofascial adhesions. Using stainless steel tools, we can perform what is essentially a highly targeted and intense deep tissue massage. This new, localized inflammation, helps to increase blood-flow and promote the healing process, breaks down scar tissue and creates proper healing.

Lyn Lake Chiropractic focuses on a non-drug approach, so we mostly rely on our hands to adjust and put the vertebrae back in place very gently. We help to normalize the nervous system.  Chiropractic adjustment is very important when it comes to and getting patients better. When you introduce the soft tissue component, that’s when we get the best possible results. Many Quick read more or view full article chiropractors believe in the crack and go method, just walk in lay down get adjusted and your done.  We find using all our tools can help someone  with neck pain, lower back pain, running injuries and more.

I don’t get it, we believe the mis-aligned spine is a major issue, but if one doesn’t address the injured or tight muscles around your spine, then how can that crack and go stay in place? 

Furthermore, the changes and recovery happen a lot faster with more muscle work, more hands on therapy.  The adjustments alone can only provide so much of the success, massage, stretching, Graston and more physiotherapy would make more sense in keeping you out of pain or when you are in pain to help you heal faster and properly.  

Remember To Go To Lyn Lake Chiropractic Regularly- Especially if you are ill, in pain, under a lot of stress, pregnant or in an accident or trauma. Remember, it is much easier to prevent having an injury or a problem than it is to correct or fix the issue.

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Best Chiropractor 2016 Minnesota Monthly

Lyn Lake Chiropractic 

There’s an electrifying energy at Lyn Lake Chiropractic. When you open the door to the hip, loft-like clinic, you’re greeted by friendly smiles, rockin’ tunes piping in from ceiling speakers, and staff of some of the most dedicated chiropractors and massage therapists in the metro area. The atmosphere is upbeat, fast-paced, and family-friendly. It quickly becomes obvious that the Lyn Lake Chiropractic staff loves what they do.

Dr. Kevin Schreifels, Dr. Ryan Jones, and four massage therapists treat car accident patients, prenatal, children, anyone with back pain, and those suffering from running injuries and athletic injuries. As the Official Chiropractors of The Twin Cities Marathon, the doctors—both avid marathoner—have a wealth of knowledge and deep understanding of running injuries. 

At Lyn Lake Chiropractic, every patient gets a great deal of muscle work done, including massage and muscle stretching prior to adjustments. Quick read more or view full article High-tech rehab equipment is also used to speed up the healing of injured muscles.

Schedule an appointment with the 24-hour answering service (so convenient!) or online. Same-day appointments are often available with these Minneapolis Chiropractors.

Lyn Lake Chiropractic • 2937 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls., MN • 612-879-8000

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How to Tell When You Need to See a Chiropractor

One of the most common questions that Minneapolis residents have when it comes to chiropractic care is how to tell when you need it. Specifically they wonder whether it is  something that you seek only when you have a tremendous amount of neck pain or low back pain, or are there other times that it can be helpful too?

To help you best understand the answer, let’s use an analogy of the dentist. Of course, when you start to get a toothache, you probably want to get a dental appointment soon to figure out what is going wrong and fix it before it becomes too problematic, right? 

Well, the same is true if you’re having any issues with lower back pain or neck pain. It’s best to get those looked at by a chiropractor sooner rather Quick read more or view full article than later so they don’t get worse and cause even more problems. Plus, studies show that chiropractic has an 87 percent success rate when it comes to relieving muscle spasms, so the sooner you get these types of issues resolved, the sooner you’re over the pain and participating in the activities that bring you job.

Going back to the dental analogy again, there’s also the issue of preventative care when looking after your teeth, which is why it is recommended that you see your dentist every six months. Ultimately, this increases the likelihood that you’ll be able to catch any areas of decay before they get too big and require a crown or root canal versus a more simple process of getting a filling.

Again, the same is true when it comes to chiropractic care. You shouldn’t wait until there are issues with your spine before tending to its health. Like any other area of your body, the more attention you give its health up front, before you need it, the fewer the problems you’re likely to have as a result.

In short, seeing a chiropractor is good from both a preventative and treatment standpoint, which means that you should make an appointment to see your Minneapolis chiropractor today—whether you’re experiencing issues or not. As Benjamin Franklin once said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” and we believe that too!

When you feel it's time to see a chiropractor call our Minneapolis Chiropractic Clinic - Lyn Lake Chiropractic 612-879-8000

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Fun Ways to Increase Spine Health This Winter 

 

Most of our Minneapolis chiropractic patients realize that physical activity is important when it comes to maintaining a healthy weight and reducing your risk of disease. However, getting in enough regular movement is also beneficial to your spine. This makes finding fun ways to burn excess energy critical to lessening the chances that you’ll experience back pain, neck pain, or any other issues commonly associated with an inactive and inflexible spinal column. 

Unfortunately, it isn’t always easy to stay physically active during the winter months if you’re an outdoors person because of the snow and ice we tend to get in this region, but that doesn’t mean that you have to hibernate until Quick read more or view full article spring to benefit your spine either. In fact, there are several fun ways to stay active (and healthy) this colder time of year. 

For instance, although fresh fallen snow may stop you from hitting the trails if you’re concerned about slipping and falling, you can still get in a great workout (and create some amazing memories) by joining your kids or grandkids in building a snowman or a snow fort. You can even use colored water in spray bottles to create a beautiful finished product. 

And if it isn’t the type of snow that packs well, shoveling the walkway or drive can be enjoyable if you prefer to engage in physical activities that also have a purpose. Certainly, it may be easier to pay someone else to do it, but the sense of accomplishment you feel when you look at all of the progress you’ve made is often worth the effort. 

Winter weather is also great for many fun sports ranging from skiing to sledding to ice skating, and more. So, grab the family or a friend and find a local hill or frozen pond and test your skills while having some laughs at the same time. That way, you can stay active this winter AND have fun while doing it, giving you a healthier body and spine. 

Don’t forget to keep up with your chiropractic visits too. Call our Minneapolis Chiropractic Clinic today at (612) 879-8000 to schedule your next appointment with our Minneapolis Chiropractor.

(As a side note: It’s always recommended that you consult with your physician before taking part in any new or higher intensity physical activity than you’re used to in order to ensure that you can do so safely.)

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How Do I Know If I Need a Chiropractor After An Auto Accident?

 

Here at Lyn Lake Chiropractic, we’ve had a number of Minneapolis chiropractic patients who have been involved in some type of auto accident, ranging from minor fender benders to crashes that have resulted in major physical trauma, at some point or another in their lives. Unfortunately, this really comes as no major surprise since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that “motor vehicle crashes Quick read more or view full article are the leading cause of injury and death in the U.S.” 

However, the one question that is asked quite often is how to know if you need a chiropractor after being involved in an auto accident. So, let’s examine that more in-depth now.

When you’re in a car crash, sometimes it is immediately evident that something is wrong. For instance, you may notice that there is pain present in various areas of your body (such as back pain or neck pain associated with whiplash), which is a clear sign that something just isn’t right.

Or, you might begin experiencing headaches or dizziness, start to have difficulty sleeping, or are feeling just overall irritable. In these cases, even if there are no physical marks present, making the decision to seek medical treatment via chiropractic care is typically an easier one. Obviously, something is going on internally and it’s best to find out what it is so it can be treated effectively and the pain and other possible symptoms minimized.

Yet, when there is no pain present, and no other signs at all that you may be injured externally or internally, you are less inclined to get yourself checked out and assume that you’re 100% okay. While this may seem logical, the reality is that you could have actually sustained an injury in the accident and don’t even realize it.

The reason this can happen is that sometimes pain and other symptoms don’t come to the surface for days, weeks, months, or even years to come. Furthermore, not seeing a doctor because of a lack of symptoms can greatly impact your ability to overcome the injury at a later point in time as some studies have confirmed that delayed treatment can negatively affect positive outcome capabilities.

Now, some people believe that minor accidents (like the ones that don’t leave any marks on the vehicles or involve super-slow speeds) aren’t capable of creating injury that requires chiropractic treatment. But one study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found otherwise. 

In this case, the researcher found “a lack of relationship between occupant injury, vehicle speed and/or damage.” Specifically, even when crash speeds were as low as 2.5 miles per hour, physical injury could result. So, it doesn’t matter how minor the auto accident is, you may have an injury that needs medical attention to resolve it effectively.

In short, any time that you’re involved in a car accident, no matter how minor it may seem and how good you feel afterward, you still want to follow up with your Uptown Minneapolis chiropractors to ensure that you’re okay and that your spinal discs and vertebrae are still in their proper and healthy place. With a quick exam, Drs. Schreifels, Eckstein, and Jones will be able to tell what injury, if any, exists or if further testing needs to be conducted to make sure you weren’t hurt in any way.

We even have a 24-hour answering service which allows you to call no matter when you have an auto accident and get your appointment scheduled to come in. Remember…the sooner you get in to see us at Lyn Lake Chiropractic in Minneapolis, Minnesota after a car crash, the sooner you will start to heal and the better your chances of recovery!

 

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Neck pain is one of the most common complaints patients have when they come to a chiropractic clinic for the first time, second only to lower back pain. Neck pain affects all of us at some point in life.

Some patients come in and tell us they just woke up with neck pain. If you wake up with neck pain with very limited range of motion, this may be due to torticollis, or Wry Neck. Feels like muscle spasms in your neck. Torticollis (I just woke up with neck pain.) can be caused by exposure to a draft, changes in weather, trauma, stress, hard work out or after a cold or flu. When in doubt, seek chiropractic care to speed up your healing and get rid of the neck pain. 

Chiropractic care can help reduce the pain quickly, it's better than just thinking I'll just wait for a Quick read more or view full article couple of days, the sooner you get in the faster you'll heal. Why not is my thought, if you're in pain why not try chiropractic.

If you have any questions please feel free to call Lyn Lake Chiropractic and just speak to one of our chiropractors or make an appointment and see if we can help.

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We've had a many new patients calling asking if Lyn lake Chiropractic can treat and adjust pregnant mothers that are having low back pain and hip pain. I thought this would be a good blog topic.

Being a Chiropractor and father of 3 healthy young girls and all three girls births were awesome, no problems. My wife is a R.N. with Minneapolis Childrens Hospital and with her medical background we had a few issues at first. The medical model vs. chiropractic approach. Our children are now 6 yrs old, 9 yrs old and 10 yrs old and all very healthy. The issue we had was Ketrah my wife had the worst morning sickness from day one when she was pregnant to the great day of giving birth. She had symptoms of feeling sick all the time, bad headaches, low back pain and her hips were always sore. Quick read more or view full article We are avid runners meaning we would run everyday if she felt she could.

We had questions.
Is it okay to keep running during her pregnancy?
Should she get Adjusted during pregnancy?
What to do with low back pain while being pregnant?
Can getting adjusted help her from feeling so sick all the time?

The answers are yes you can run if your able to, yes you can get adjusted and, yes getting adjusted can help with that bad morning sickness of feeling weak and sick all day.

While she was pregant with the first child her O.B. Doctor was concerned with Ketrah's small frame and being 5'5" she could have issues with giving birth, they discussed a C-Section. We decided to try keeping her hips, sacrum and low back pain free and subluxation free as much as possible. Subluxation free means - Keeping all her joints, vertabrae in top notch biomechanically moving ( Not stuck ). We decided to start adjusting her until she was in her 3rd month esp. with her low back - just to be safe. As she gained weight and with the changing of her body she started to have increased low back pain and hip pain daily. With some light easy muscle work (massage) and light adjustments we had 3 perfect natural births with no issues to the mother or child. 

The answer to:  Can we at Lyn Lake Chiropractic adjust and treat pregnant women? I'd have to say I can say yes with my own personal experience as a father of 3 little girls I can tell you how important it is to give yourself the chance to have less pain if it only takes some light adjustments.

Please call us at Lyn Lake Chiropractic at 612-879-8000 for a free consult anytime or if you have more questions.

Expectant mothers will develop lower back pain some time during their pregnancy. With the average weight gain of 25 to 30lbs, you will find your center of gravity shifting and causing additional stress on your lower back. Many women have found relief to their lower back pain and have had easier deliveries by receiving chiropractic care throughout their pregnancy. Scientific studies have found that spinal manipulation carries no increased risk to the mother or baby. Chiropractic care is also helpful after delivery as your body starts to tighten up those loose ligaments that developed during your pregnancy. It is important to make sure your joints are aligned before your muscles return back to their pre-pregnancy state. Call your local chiropractor and when your looking for a chiropractor that adjust preganant mothers, make sure they have children of their own!  Practice does make you good at what you do! Read Less

Partly due to rising health costs and the awareness that sitting for long periods has a negative effect on health, there is some significant motivation to get workers out of their chairs and on their feet. In addition to the stated health benefits, people tend to be more productive when they work on their feet.

Even the American Medical Association (AMA) recognizes that prolonged sitting is bad for you. The AMA recently adopted a new policy onsitting at work. It is now urging employers and others to make alternatives to sitting available to workers. AMA board member Quick read more or view full article Dr. Patrice Harris said, "[giving] employees alternatives to sitting all day will help to create a healthier workforce" and lower them the chance of having low back pain.

 

A Nation of Obese Sitters

So, is sitting a healthy thing to do? It would appear not! At least not for long periods of time. In spite of significant evidence, the plain fact is we have become a nation of sitters. We sit at work, sit on the way to and from work, sit while we eat, and sit during the evening while watching TV. Among some of the other negative aspects of prolonged sitting, there is a correlation between the amount of time spent seated and the development of obesity. It's really no wonder we are becoming a nation of obese sitters.

In addition to its recent policy on sitting at work, the AMA just saw fit to make obesity a disease, rather than a lifestyle choice. Interesting call! On a personal note, I've considered myself to be far too short for my weight most of my life. However, I don't consider that I have a disease; never have. Rather, I credit my own situation to more calories going in than going out. Labeling obesity as a "disease" sort of takes the personal-responsibility part out of the equation.

So, back to the sitting thing. There is ample evidence that sitting, whether at work or at home watching TV, has a negative effect. Studies show that prolonged sitting leads to an increase in childhood obesity, diabetes and even attention problems.

An interesting study was published a few years ago in the Archives of Internal Medicine. The study was conducted at Duke University and looked at the impact of obesity on worker's compensation costs. Workers with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 40, filed twice as many worker's compensation claims, had seven times higher medical costs, and lost 13 times more time from work when compared to non-obese workers.

Tools to Help Fight the "Sitting" Epidemic

In an attempt to curb the sitting epidemic, the American Heart Association (AHA) is promoting a new device. It's actually a smartphone app, Hotseat. It is designed to do one thing: Get people out of their seats for a few minutes throughout the day.

I'm not in the habit of promoting products, but this one has me intrigued. A pilot study by the AHA found that 71 percent of the app users took more breaks from sitting during the workday. Additionally, nearly 87 percent of the workers said that using the app made them more aware of the time they spend sitting.

Those using Hotseat set up an individual break profile, one that they feel comfortable and capable of doing. They then set up the number of breaks they want to take and when they want to take them. Each break is approximately two minutes in length. Rather than a fixed schedule, the app syncs the breaks with the worker's calendar. Nifty use of a smartphone. Fran Melmed, the creator of the Hotseat app, says it is designed to combat "sitting disease" and low back pain.

One other thing that seems to help is the treadmill desk. I wrote about this in an earlier article, but it's important to re-emphasize, because it does get people out of their chairs. The treadmill desk consists of a treadmill that is set up as a standing workstation which would decrease low back pain and help keep you healthy while your at work.

Perhaps the most important thing you can do is move more. Don't spend too long in any one position. Take the stairs rather than the elevator. Park far enough away from the store that you are forced to walk a bit. Take walks after lunch and dinner.

I'm always amused when a worker who has injured his/her back is given a temporary work assignment that involves seated work. The opportunity to sit at work is considered to be "light work." In reality, it comes with its own price.

I'm personally pleased to see the interest in the negative effects of sitting. Prolonged sitting leads to a variety of health problems, from obesity to back pain to postural fatigue. It behooves all of us, doctors and patients alike, to move around more.

If you have any question please contact your local chiropractor or call Lyn Lake Chiropractic at 612-879-8000 Read Less

Facts on Sciatic Leg Pain

Your sciatic nerve is the longest and widest nerve in your body, and runs from the lower back, down through the buttock, and all the way into the lower leg, where it controls the muscles in that area. It also provides sensation to the thighs, legs, and the soles of the feet. When the sciatic nerve becomes irritated for some reason and causes pain, this pain is known as sciatica. Sciatica refers to the various symptoms associated with the irritation, and does not give any indication as to the root cause of the irritation.

Much of the low back pain and leg pain reported is sciatic pain, and it is most evident in the age bracket of 30 to 50 years old. It is more commonly a result of general wear and tear, rather than an injury.

Symptoms of Sciatica

The most obvious giveaway that you are Quick read more or view full article suffering sciatic pain is when it follows the route of the sciatic nerve, as previously described, and is typically apparent only on one side of the body. However, there are variations in how exactly that pain is felt, including tingling, aching or burning. It depends on where the sciatic nerve is being affected. Some patients may also feel pins-and-needles in the toes or foot, or muscle numbness/weakness in the affected leg or foot

More often than not, sciatica first manifests slowly, then increases in intensity, often being accentuated after sitting or bending, or sudden movements such as sneezing or coughing.

Diagnosis of sciatica

This starts with your doctor of chiropractic taking a complete patient history. Your descriptions of where the pain is, how it is felt, when it began, and which activities cause you most pain, are all important in helping to form a diagnosis. It is also necessary to undergo a physical and neurological examination, with a particular focus on your spine and legs. Your ability to perform certain activities will be monitored to assess your sensory strength, muscle strength, and reflexes, and any pain resulting from these activities.

Diagnostic imaging, such as x-ray, MRI, or CT scan may be ordered by your doctor of chiropractic if it is felt there may be more at play, such as a serious underlying problem. This may happen if there is no improvement in symptoms following 6 to 8 weeks of conservative treatment.

Treatment options for sciatica

Conservative care, including chiropractic treatment, is a very effective solution for most people suffering from low back pain or sciatic pain. As there is an array of possible causes of sciatica, treatment plans will be individually tailored depending on what your chiropractor finds in your particular case. When we talk about “conservative”, it refers to the absence of surgical procedures or medication. Instead, chiropractic seeks to rectify spinal problems, thus restore spinal movement and reduce the inflammation that’s causing the sciatica. 

Treatment at Lyn Lake Chiropractic may include spinal manipulation and adjustments, the application of ice/heat therapy, Ultrasound, Traction, Active Release Technique (ART), Massage and rehabilitative exercises. If you have any questions please call your local chiropractor or call Lyn Lake Chiropractic to schedule an appointment today!

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Recent research confirms what most people already suspected-that overweight and obese adults are at increased risk for low back pain. Specifically, the extra weight significantly increases the risk for lumbar spine disc degeneration. The study, which involved more than 2,600 men and women over the age of 21, revealed that narrowing of the disc space was more pronounced among obese individuals. As a result of excess stress being exerted on the discs, which function as "shock absorbers" between vertebrae, they degenerate (bulge and herniate). Fat cells may also play a role in back pain by causing chronic low-grade inflammation and low back pain. It is hoped that these findings give overweight individuals added reason to rid themselves of excess pounds.

If you have health reasons to lose weight, add regular chiropractic care to your other health practices.Chiropractic places and emphasis on nutritional and exercise programs, wellness and lifestyle modifications Quick read more or view full article for promoting physical and mental health. Come to Lyn Lake Chiropractic and Call us at 612-879-8000. The answers you need. The care you deserve.

P.S. A bulging/herniated disc may impinge on an adjacent nerve root, resulting in pain, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and/or organ dysfunction in any part of the body served by the nerve in question. Read Less

 A new study reveals that sitting in a chair can actually increase a person's risk of dying.  While previous studies have linked sedentary behavior with chronic diseases such as heat disease, breast and colon cancers, diabetes, osteoporosis, and anxiety/depression, researchers from the American Cancer society recently focused on the activity of sitting.  They found that, over a 14-year period, women who sat six (or more) hours per day had a 37% increased risk of dying compared with women who sat three hours or less.  One explanation is that prolonged sitting relaxes the largest muscles, and muscle contraction is needed to increase glucose uptake and stimulate the release of an enzyme (lipoprotein lipase) that metabolizes triglycerides and manufactures HDL (good cholesterol.)

If you have any questions, please call us anytime- Lyn Lake Chiropractic at 612-879-8000

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 It is often pointed out that up to 80% of adults experience back pain during the course of their lives. While this statistic may cause many to think that the problem is largely age-related, the fact is that children suffer from low back pain as well. According to epidemiological studies, about one-third of children and adolescents experience low back pain at some point in their young lives. However, a recent study involving nearly 3,000 patients reveals that, in the case of three-quarters of adolescents with mechanical low back pain, the source is non-specific and self-resolving. This finding argues for a minimalist approach, which chiropractic care can provide. Even in 7% of cases involving spondylosis (spinal osteoarthritis), the conservative approach is preferred.

Come experience precise, safe, gentle, and effective relief form the pain and discomfort of lower back. Call our Lyn Lake Chiropractic,
612-879-8000. Most insurance accepted. Our mission Quick read more or view full article is to improve the quality of you an your family's health an well-being. The answers you need. The care you deserve.

P.S. When back pain experienced by children is sports-related, the chiropractor can check the youngster's bio-mechanics in hopes of isolating the cause and determining effective treatment.

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 A new study reveals that sitting in a chair can actually increase a person's risk of dying.  While previous studies have linked sedentary behavior with chronic diseases such as heat disease, breast and colon cancers, diabetes, osteoporosis, and anxiety/depression, researchers from the American Cancer society recently focused on the activity of sitting.  They found that, over a 14-year period, women who sat six (or more) hours per day had a 37% increased risk of dying compared with women who sat three hours or less.  One explanation is that prolonged sitting relaxes the largest muscles, and muscle contraction is needed to increase glucose uptake and stimulate the release of an enzyme (lipoprotein lipase) that metabolizes triglycerides and manufactures HDL (good cholesterol.)

If you have any questions, please call us anytime- Lyn Lake Chiropractic at 612-879-8000

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Did you know Lyn Lake Chiropractic Specializes in treating whiplash injuries. Since the Lyn Lake Chiropractic chiropractors are the Official Chiropractors of The Twin Cities Marathon and specialize in treating running injuries. People don't know they do Specialize in treating car accident injuries, whiplash injuries and bicycle accidents.

Whiplash Injuries Minneapolis - Auto Accidents MN. Our Chiropractors are Here to Give You Pain Relief!

Whiplash injury occurs when the body reacts to a deceleration or acceleration force by hyperflexion or hyperextension of the neck. Lyn Lake Chiropractic Clinic specializes in treating whiplash injuries, auto accident injuries and bicycle accident injuries. Whiplash injuries are very common in car accidents. Whiplash injuries occur, in part, due to the fact that the muscles do not have enough time to brace themselves.

If you have been involved Quick read more or view full article in a car accident, whiplash injuries need to be taken very seriously. Because symptoms of a whiplash injury can take weeks or even months to manifest, it is easy to be fooled into thinking that you are not as seriously injured as you really are. Symptoms from a car accident and whiplash can include anything from radiating pain into the shoulder, elbow pain, wrist pain or hand pain, lower back pain, headaches and more.

Injuries from Whiplash Trauma
Whiplash injuries can manifest themselves in a wide variety of ways, including neck pain, headaches, fatigue, upper back and shoulder pain, and low back pain. Due to the fact that numerous factors play into the overall whiplash trauma, such as direction of impact, speed of the vehicles involved, as well as sex, age and physical condition, whiplash symptoms commonly have a delayed onset, often taking weeks or months to become evident.

A number of conditions those who have suffered from whiplash trauma experience include:

Neck pain
Neck pain is the single most common complaint reported by our patients who have experienced whiplash trama. Often the pain radiates across the shoulders, up into the head, and down between the shoulder blades. Whiplash injuries tend to affect all of the tissues in the neck, including the facet joints and discs between the vertebrae, as well as all of the muscles, ligaments and nerves.

Disc injury is also a common cause of neck pain, especially chronic pain. The outer wall of the disc can be torn during a whiplash trauma.

Headaches
After neck pain, headaches are the second most common complaint from those suffering from whiplash injury. While some headaches are actually the result of direct brain injury, most are related to injury of the muscles, ligaments and facet joints of the cervical spine, which refer pain to the head.

TMJ pain
A less common, but very debilitating disorder that results from whiplash, is temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ). TMJ usually begins as pain along with clicking and popping noises in the jaw during movement. Our Minneapolis chiropractors at Lyn Lake Chiropractic are specially trained to treat TMJ problems. If we think you need additional care, we will refer you to a TMJ specialist outside our Minneapolis chiropractic clinic.

Lower back pain
Most people consider whiplash to be an injury of the neck. However, the lower back is also commonly injured as well. In fact, low back pain is found in more than half of rear impact-collisions in which injury was reported, and almost three-quarters of all side-impact crashes. This is mostly due to the fact that the low back still experiences a tremendous compression.

Healing from Whiplash Injury
With proper care, many mild whiplash injuries heal within six to nine months. Whiplash is a unique condition that requires the expertise of a skilled health professional specially trained to work with these types of injuries. The most effective treatment for whiplash injuries is a combination of Minneapolis chiropractic care and rehabilitation of the soft tissues .

Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care utilizes manual manipulation of the spine to restore the normal movement and position of the spinal vertebrae. It is by far, the single-most effective treatment for minimizing the long-term impact of whiplash injuries, especially when coupled with massage therapy, trigger point therapy, exercise rehabilitation and other soft tissue rehabilitation modalities by Minneapolis chiropractors at Lyn Lake Chiropractic.

If you or someone you know has been in an auto accident, please get checked out by a good chiropractor!  We always recomend you to see your Medical Doctor and a Chiropractor since they both offer something different that can help you.

If needed we will refer you to other healthcare providers - Neurologist, Orthopedist and more.  When you come to Lyn Lake Chiropractic we'll make sure you get the best care possible. Read our testimonies for more reference either online with Google or checkout our testimonies on our website.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call us anytime at Lyn Lake Chiropractic 612-879-8000, we do have a 24/7 answering service.  If needed they will contact the chiropractors anytime to call you back. Read Less

Low Back Pain:

Chiropractic Adjustments vs. Muscle Relaxants

by Mark Studin DC, FASBE(C), DAAPM, DAAMLP

 

Chiropractic had a better outcome in 24% of the patients

 

Low back pain is one of the most common maladies among the general population and the incidence of occurrence was reported by Ghaffari, Alipour, Farshad, Yensen, and Vingard (2006) to be between 15% and 45% yearly. Hoiriis et al. (2004) reported it to be between 75% and 85% over an adult lifetime in the United States. Chou (2010) writes that, "Back pain is also the fifth most common reason for office visits in the US, and the second most common symptomatic reason..." (p. 388). Historically and based upon this authors 3+ decades of treating low back pain with treatment options that range Quick read more or view full article from heating pads, ice packs, over-the-counter drugs, prescription drugs, surgery, acupuncture and beyond, the most important questions are, "What works? What's proven and what has the best results with the least side effects allowing the patient to regain a normal lifestyle as quickly as possible."

Muscle relaxers are a common drug that has been prescribed by medical doctors for years for nonspecific low back pain. According to Chou (2010), " The term ‘skeletal muscle relaxants’ refers to a diverse collection of pharmacologically unrelated medications, grouped together because they are approved by regulatory agencies for treatment of spasticity or for musculoskeletal conditions such as tension headache or back pain." They are drugs that has been long studied and the effects and side effects have been well documented. Van Tudlar, Touray, Furlan, Solway, and Bouter (2003) concluded that, "Muscle relaxants are effective in the management of nonspecific low back pain, but the adverse effects require that they be used with caution"(p. 1978).

Chou (2010) also stated that, "Skeletal muscle relaxants are an option for acute nonspecific low back pain, although not recommended as first-line therapy because of a high prevalence of adverse effects" (p. 397). He reported that muscle relaxants had a moderate success rate defined by a 1-2 decrease in pain scales rated out of 10. Simply put, if a patient had a pain scale of 9, one could expect the muscle relaxers prescribed to bring the pain to an 8 or 7 at best and include all of the side effects. According to Drugs.com, side effects of muscle relaxants include:

More common

Blurred or double vision or any change in vision; dizziness or lightheadedness; drowsiness

Less common

Fainting; fast heartbeat; fever; hive-like swellings (large) on face, eyelids, mouth, lips, and/or tongue; mental depression; shortness of breath, troubled breathing, tightness in chest, and/or wheezing; skin rash, hives, itching, or redness; slow heartbeat (methocarbamol injection only); stinging or burning of eyes; stuffy nose and red or bloodshot eyes

Less common or rare

Abdominal or stomach cramps or pain; clumsiness or unsteadiness; confusion; constipation; diarrhea; excitement, nervousness, restlessness, or irritability; flushing or redness of face; headache; heartburn; hiccups; muscle weakness; nausea or vomiting; pain or peeling of skin at place of injection (methocarbamol only); trembling; trouble in sleeping; uncontrolled movements of eyes (methocarbamol injection only)

Rare

Blood in urine; bloody or black, tarry stools; convulsions (seizures) (methocarbamol injection only); cough or hoarseness; fast or irregular breathing; lower back or side pain; muscle cramps or pain (not present before treatment or more painful than before treatment); painful or difficult urination; pain, tenderness, heat, redness, or swelling over a blood vessel (vein) in arm or leg (methocarbamol injection only); pinpoint red spots on skin; puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes; sores, ulcers, or white spots on lips or in mouth; sore throat and fever with or without chills; swollen and/or painful glands; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual tiredness or weakness; vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds; yellow eyes or skin.(http://www.drugs.com/cons/skeletal-muscle-relaxants.html)

 

When comparing chiropractic spinal adjustments to muscle relaxants for low back pain, it first must be clarified that we are not discussing physical therapy or osteopathic manipulation. While different specialists render tremendous benefits to patients specific to various diagnoses, this research review is limited to a chiropractic spinal adjustment.

Wilkey, Gregory, Byfield, & McCarthy (2008) studied randomized clinical trials comparing chiropractic care to medical care in a pain clinic. "The treatment regimens employed by the pain clinic in this study consisted of standard pharmaceutical therapy (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics, and gabapentin), facet joint injection, and soft-tissue injection. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) machines were also employed. These modalities were used in isolation or in combination with any of the other treatments. Chiropractic group subjects followed an equally unrestricted and normal clinical treatment regimens for the treatment of [chronic low back pain] were followed. All techniques that were employed are recognized within the chiropractic profession as methods used for the treatment of [low back pain]. Many of the methods used are common to other manual therapy professions" (p. 466-467).

After 8 weeks of treatment, the 95% confidence intervals based on the raw scores showed improvement was 1.99 for medicine and 9.03 for the chiropractic group. This research indicates that chiropractic is 457% more effective than medicine for chronic low back pain.

Within that group of 457% falls patients cared for by muscle relaxants.

Hoiriis et al. (2004) reported in their raw data that the chiropractic groups responded 24% better in reducing pain and concluded that, "Statistically, the chiropractic group responded significantly better than the control group with respect to a decrease in pain scores" (p. 396). This was done in "blinded, randomized clinical trials [which] are considered the gold standard of experimental design" (Hoiriis et al., 2004, p. 396).

 

REFERENCES

1. Ghaffari, M., Alipour, A., Farshad, A. A., Yensen, I., & Vingard, E.(2006).Incidence and recurrence of disabling low back pain and neck-shoulder pain. Spine, 31(21), 2500-2506.

2. Hoiriis, K. T., Pfleger, B., McDuffie, F. C., Cotsonis, G., Elsangak, O., Hinson, R., & Verzosa, G. T. (2004). A randomized clinical trial comparing chiropractic adjustments to muscle relaxants for subacute low back pain. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 27(6), 388-398.

3. Chou, R. (2010). Pharmacological management of low back pain. Drugs, 70(4) 387-402.

4. van Tudlar, M. W., Touray, T., Furlan, A. D., Solway, S., & Bouter, L. M. (2003). Muscle relaxants for nonspecific low back pain: A systematic review within the framework of the cochrane collaboration. Spine, 28(17), 1978-1992.

5. Drugs.com, (2004). Skeletal muscle relaxants (systemic). Retrieved from http://www.drugs.com/cons/skeletal-muscle-relaxants.html

6. Wilkey, A., Gregory M., Byfield, D., & McCarthy, P. W. (2008). A comparison between chiropractic management and pain clinic management for chronic low-back pain in a national health service outpatient clinic. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 14(5), 465-473. Read Less

Did you know Lyn Lake Chiropractic Specializes in treating whiplash injuries. Due to Lyn Lake Chiropractic chiropractors are the Official Chiropractors of The Twin Cities Marathon and specialize in treating running injuries. People don't know we do Specialize in treating car accident injuries, whiplash injuries and bicycle accidents.

Whiplash Injuries Minneapolis - Auto Accidents MN. Our Chiropractors are Here to Give You Pain Relief!

Whiplash injury occurs when the body reacts to a deceleration or acceleration force by hyperflexion or hyperextension of the neck. Lyn Lake Chiropractic Clinic specializes in treating whiplash injuries, auto accident injuries and bicycle accident injuries. Whiplash injuries are very common in car accidents. Whiplash injuries occur, in part, due to the fact that the muscles do not have enough time to brace themselves.

If you have been involved in a car accident, whiplash injuries Quick read more or view full article need to be taken very seriously. Because symptoms of a whiplash injury can take weeks or even months to manifest, it is easy to be fooled into thinking that you are not as seriously injured as you really are. Symptoms from a car accident and whiplash can include anything from radiating pain into the shoulder, elbow pain, wrist pain or hand pain, lower back pain, headaches and more.

Injuries from Whiplash Trauma
Whiplash injuries can manifest themselves in a wide variety of ways, including neck pain, headaches, fatigue, upper back and shoulder pain, and low back pain. Due to the fact that numerous factors play into the overall whiplash trauma, such as direction of impact, speed of the vehicles involved, as well as sex, age and physical condition, whiplash symptoms commonly have a delayed onset, often taking weeks or months to become evident.

A number of conditions those who have suffered from whiplash trauma experience include:

Neck pain
Neck pain is the single most common complaint reported by our patients who have experienced whiplash trama. Often the pain radiates across the shoulders, up into the head, and down between the shoulder blades. Whiplash injuries tend to affect all of the tissues in the neck, including the facet joints and discs between the vertebrae, as well as all of the muscles, ligaments and nerves.

Disc injury is also a common cause of neck pain, especially chronic pain. The outer wall of the disc can be torn during a whiplash trauma.

Headaches
After neck pain, headaches are the second most common complaint from those suffering from whiplash injury. While some headaches are actually the result of direct brain injury, most are related to injury of the muscles, ligaments and facet joints of the cervical spine, which refer pain to the head.

TMJ pain
A less common, but very debilitating disorder that results from whiplash, is temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ). TMJ usually begins as pain along with clicking and popping noises in the jaw during movement. Our Minneapolis chiropractors at Lyn Lake Chiropractic are specially trained to treat TMJ problems. If we think you need additional care, we will refer you to a TMJ specialist outside our Minneapolis chiropractic clinic.

Lower back pain
Most people consider whiplash to be an injury of the neck. However, the lower back is also commonly injured as well. In fact, low back pain is found in more than half of rear impact-collisions in which injury was reported, and almost three-quarters of all side-impact crashes. This is mostly due to the fact that the low back still experiences a tremendous compression.

Healing from Whiplash Injury
With proper care, many mild whiplash injuries heal within six to nine months. Whiplash is a unique condition that requires the expertise of a skilled health professional specially trained to work with these types of injuries. The most effective treatment for whiplash injuries is a combination of Minneapolis chiropractic care and rehabilitation of the soft tissues .

Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care utilizes manual manipulation of the spine to restore the normal movement and position of the spinal vertebrae. It is by far, the single-most effective treatment for minimizing the long-term impact of whiplash injuries, especially when coupled with massage therapy, trigger point therapy, exercise rehabilitation and other soft tissue rehabilitation modalities by Minneapolis chiropractors at Lyn Lake Chiropractic.

If you or someone you know has been in an auto accident, please get checked out by a good chiropractor!  We always recomend you to see your Medical Doctor and a Chiropractor since they both offer something different that can help you.

If needed we will refer you to other healthcare providers - Neurologist, Orthopedist and more.  When you come to Lyn Lake Chiropractic we'll make sure you get the best care possible. Read our testimonies for more reference either online with Google or checkout our testimonies on our website.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call us anytime at 612-879-8000, we do have a 24/7 answering service.  If needed they will contact the chiropractors anytime to call you back.


Read Less

Snow adding injury to insult in Twin Cities

Kare 11 News: Report on 2/21/2011

MINNEAPOLIS -- Through all the snow that started Sunday morning, the accidents aren't just happening on the roads.

One hospital alone reported treating some 75 patients since Sunday due to snow-related mishaps. Those in the emergency room at Regions Hospital are seeing back injuries, heart attacks, frosbite and a whole lot more.

If you found yourself digging out, you're in good company, and a lot of company as well.

Shoveling can be an exhausting task, and considering the density of the snow, a back-breaking one at that. While every inch means that much more to shovel, it also means more weather related injuries.

"We've seen about 60 patients in the last 24 hours. Since the snowstorm started, we've seen a lot of injuries to the extremities, we've seen fractures, dislocations. Sprains is the majority of what we're seeing," said Andrew Zinkel, a Quick read more or view full article doctor with Health Partners Medical Group.

At Hennepin County Medical Center, they've received 23 patients to the emergency room with injuries from falls, frostbite, back pain, shoulder pain, cold exposure, hip pain, arm pain, knee pain, abrasions and head lacerations.

Visits to Lyn Lake Chiropractic heated up, literally.

"A lot of people coming in with shoveling injuries, whether it's low back and neck, sore arms and shoulders, hips, anything where people aren't used to getting out and shoveling every day," said a worker at the clinic.

Most people's muscles just aren't prepared for all of the twisting and the turning, not to mention the weight.

And while this may be the heaviest to date, despite our hopes, it's likely not the last considering we have to contend with March.

If your having any low back pain, neck pain, arm pain from shoveling give
Lyn lake Chiropractic a call at 612-879-8000 Read Less

Snow Shoveling Is Leading Cause Of Their Winter Back Pain

A majority of physicians say that back pain is a year-round phenomenon. However, nearly half (45 percent) of primary care physicians, who report seeing more back pain sufferers during winter than any other time of the year, say patients cite snow shoveling as the primary cause of their winter back woes.

One quarter (27 percent) of primary care physicians note that patients frequently point to lifting, bending/leaning or twisting - activities generally associated with snow shoveling - as the causes of their back pain or muscle spasm.

Shoveling snow need not result in back pain and sore muscles, according to Lyn Lake Chiropractic Minneapolis Chiropractors.

Many people will likely be out shoveling in the next few days, if the forecast for heavy snow today and Saturday is correct. Even people with snow blowers might need to shovel some areas if more than Quick read more or view full article a foot of snowfalls.

"The first thing is to get the right shovel," said Dr. Kevin Schreifels, a chiropractor with Lyn Lake Chiropractic Clinic. Most hardware stores and home improvement stores sell ergonomically correct snow shovels.

"The equipment that you use is just as important as your body," he said. The old metal shovels are stiff, heavy and uncomfortable.

He recommended that the shovel have a handle that can extend to different lengths, to accommodate people of different sizes. Most new shovels are made of lightweight plastic that curves to hold the snow.

For the actual shoveling, Lyn Lake Chiropractic recommends pacing. "Take frequent breaks, and drink plenty of water to hydrate."

Eating and smoking before shoveling is not wise. Caffeine or other stimulants can also endanger the heart, when combined with strenuous shoveling. Lyn Lake Chiropractic suggests waiting until after you shovel to drink any caffeinated beverage.

They recommend holding the shovel in both hands with some distance between the hands to get leverage. When shoveling, maintain a good posture, allowing for the natural curve of the spine. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart.

"Shovel close to the body, bend at the knees and lift with your legs," Schreifels said. He also recommended tightening the abdominal muscles to engage the body's strong core, which will keep the weight of the snow off the weaker back muscles.

"Dump the snow in front of you," he said. "Don't twist. Move your feet if you have to move the snow to the side. Scoop small amounts."

Keep up with the snow, he said. Don't wait until the snowfall has ended to start shoveling. "It's better to get out there as it comes," he said. Fresh snow is lighter.

Even people with snow blowers can be injured. "They push it too hard," he said. "They try to push it to go faster." They end up with acute low back pain.

After a big snowfall, he said, patients often come into their office with back and shoulder injuries.

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, “If you must lift the snow, lift it properly. Squat with your legs apart, knees bent and back straight. Lift with your legs. Do not bend at the waist. Scoop small amounts of snow into the shovel and walk to where you want to dump it. Holding a shovelful of snow with your arms outstretched puts too much weight on your spine. Never remove deep snow all at once; do it piecemeal. Shovel and inch or two; then take another inch off. Rest and repeat if necessary.”

Lyn Lake Chiropractic wants you to be safe this winter and take your time shoveling since Minneapolis has been getting a great deal of snow so far this year. The last 17 inch snow fall Lyn Lake Chiropractic seen many lower back pain injuries from snow removal and would just like to remind you to take your time. If you have any chest pain, please stop immediately and call 911, better safe than sorry!

If you want to learn more healthy living tips, you can visit the Lyn Lake Chiropractic Website at www.lynlakechiropractic.com

Comment: James W. - December 11th, 2010

Great information! My dad injured his lower back shoveling snow about 15 years ago. He tried pain pills for a month (marginal improvement) before going to see the Chiropractor. After just a few adjustments, his low back pain went away completely! He now uses Chiropractic on a regular basis to prevent future injuries! Read Less

Back Pain-Lower – Can we help!

Eighty percent of people suffer from back pain at some point in their lives. Back pain is the second most common reason for visits to the doctor's office, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections. In fact, it is estimated that low back pain affects more than half of the adult population each year and more than 10% of all people experience frequent bouts of low back pain.

The susceptibility of the low back to injury and pain is due to the fact that the low back, like the neck, is a very unstable part of the spine. Unlike the thoracic spine, which is supported and stabilized by the rib cage. This instability allows us to have a great deal of mobility to touch our toes, tie our shoes or pick something up from the ground, but at the cost of increased risk of injury.

As long as it Quick read more or view full article is healthy and functioning correctly, the low back can withstand tremendous forces without injury. Professional power-lifters can pick up several hundred pounds off the floor without injuring their low back. However, if the low back is out of adjustment or has weakened supporting muscles, something as simple as taking a bag of groceries out of the trunk of their car, picking something up off the floor, or even simply bending down to pet the cat can cause a low back injury.

Until recently, researchers believed that back pain would heal on its own. We have learned, however, that this is not true. Recent studies showed that when back pain is not treated, it may go away temporarily, but will most likely return. It is important to take low back pain seriously and seek professional chiropractic care. This is especially true with pain that recurs over and over again. Contact our chiropractor at Lyn Lake Chiropractic... we can help!

The Causes of Low Back Pain -
There are many different conditions that can result in low back pain, including: sprained ligaments, strained muscles, ruptured disks, trigger points and inflamed joints. While sports injuries or accidents can lead to injury and pain, sometimes even the simplest movements, like picking up a pencil from the floor, can have painful results. In addition, conditions such as arthritis, poor posture, obesity, psychological stress and even kidney stones, kidney infections, blood clots, or bone loss can lead to pain.

Due to the fact that there are a whole lot of things that can cause low back pain, and some of those things can be quite serious if left untreated, it is important to seek professional help. Chiropractors and Medical Doctors are the experts at diagnosing the cause and determining the proper treatment for low back pain. Here are some of the most common causes:

Subluxations -
Whenever there is a disruption in the normal movement or position of the vertebrae, the result is pain and inflammation. In the lumbar spine, these usually occur at the transition between the lower spine and the sacrum. Subluxations can lead to debilitating low back pain. Fortunately, subluxations are easily treatable and often times a significant reduction in pain is experienced almost immediately after treatment.

Disc Herniations -
Contrary to popular belief, a herniated disc does not automatically mean that you are going to suffer from low back pain. In fact, one study found that almost half of all adults had at least one bulging or herniated disc, even though they did not suffer any back pain from it. On the other hand, herniated discs can be a source of intense and debilitating pain that frequently radiates to other areas of the body. Unfortunately, once a disc herniates, they rarely, if ever, completely heal. Further deterioration can often be avoided through regular chiropractic care, but a complete recovery is much less common.

Sprains, Strains and Spasms -
This is commonly the source of low back pain among the weekend warriors. You know, the type who have very little physical activity during the week, but once the weekend arrives, they push themselves way too much. By the end of the weekend, they are lying flat on their back counting down the hours before they can get in to see their chiropractor. Overworking the muscles or ligaments of the low back can lead to small tears in the tissues, which then become painful, swollen and tight.

Stress -
Whenever you become stressed, your body responds by increasing your blood pressure and heart rate, flooding your body with stress hormones and tightening up your muscles. When you are stressed all the time, the chronic tension causes your muscles to become sore, weak and loaded with trigger points. If you are stressed out all of the time and you have low back pain, it is important to do some relaxation exercises, such as deep breathing, as well as to get regular exercise.

Treating Low Back Pain With Chiropractic -
Chiropractic treatment for low back pain is usually pretty straightforward. Most commonly, it's simply a matter of adjusting the lower lumbar vertebrae and pelvis to re-establish normal motion and position of your bones and joints.

Chiropractic for the low back has been repeatedly shown to be the most effective treatment for low back pain. In fact, major studies have shown that chiropractic care is more effective, cheaper and has better long-term outcomes than any other treatment.

This makes sense because chiropractic care is the only method of treatment that serves to re-establish normal vertebral motion and position in the spine. All other treatments, such as muscle relaxants, pain killers and bed rest, only serve to decrease the symptoms of the problem and do not correct the problem itself.

If we can help, please call Lyn Lake Chiropractic to see one of our Minneapolis Chiropractors. Please call 612-879-8000 Read Less

Just like to share this study about treating Low Back Pain!


Acute (Severe) Low Back Pain, Early Intervention ?and Chiropractic

Mark Studin DC, FASBE (C), DAAPM, DAAMLP
William J. Owens DC, DAAMLP?

One of the most common areas of the body to be hurt while working, playing sports, cleaning out the garage or any other household or life chore is the lower back. The American Chiropractic Association has reported that 31 million Americans experience low back pain at any given time. This represents a significant health concern, especially if many of the conditions contributing to low back pain go untreated.

The injuries can be as simple as a strained muscle or sprained ligament to the more complicated intervertebral disc injury. Regardless of the structures involved, most of us have had a personal experience with lower back pain, either from an injury while working or simply waking up with severe back pain.

Finding a Quick read more or view full article doctor that can determine what exactly is wrong (creating an accurate diagnosis) and prescribing the right treatment is the most important aspect of getting well. In fact, one of the most dangerous phrases is "Maybe the pain will go away" and is often adopted by too many sufferers.

According to a 2008 study by Globe, Et. Al. on low back pain disorders reported "Most acute pain, typically the result of injury (micro- or macrotrauma), responds to a short course of conservative treatment (chiropractic care.) If effectively treated at this stage, patients often recover with full resolution of pain...Delayed or inadequate early clinical management may result in increased risk of chronicity and disability."

A 2005 study by DeVocht, Pickar, & Wilder concluded through objective electrodiagnostic studies (neurological testing) that 87% of chiropractic patients exhibited decreased muscle spasms.

The 2005 study validates the reasoning behind the later study that people with severe muscle spasms in the low back respond well to chiropractic care and prevent future problems and disabilities. It also dictates that care should not be delayed or ignored without risk of complications.

Chiropractic doctors are trained to determine the cause of the injury and have the experience to formulate an accurate and effective diagnosis, prognosis and treatment plan. The cornerstone of that plan is the Chiropractic Adjustment.
Chiropractic and lower back pain has been one of the most commonly researched topics to date. There is a large volume of research showing that the Chiropractic Adjustment is effective for treating lower back pain.
These studies along with many others conclude that a drug-free approach of chiropractic care is one of the best solutions for patients with low back pain.

References
1. American Chiropractic Association. (2010). Back Pain Facts & Statistics. Retrieved from https://www.acatoday.org/level2_css.cfm?T1ID=13&T2ID=68
2. Grobe G A, Morris C. E., Whalen W. M., Farabaugh R. J., & Hawk C. (2008) Chiropractic Management of Low Back Disorders: Report From a Consensus Process, Journal of Manipulative and Physiologic Therapeutics, 31(9), 651-658
3. DeVocht, J. W., Pickar, J. G., & Wilder, D. G. (2005). Spinal manipulation alters electromyographic activity of paraspinal muscles: A descriptive study. Journal of Manipulative and Physiologic Therapeutics, 28(7), 465-471. Read Less

Early treatment leads to better outcomes:

If you've suffered from low back pain over the past few days, or if you get back pain sometime in the future, the tendency will be to wait it out and see if it gets better. Sometimes we even decide to take time off and lie in bed, hoping we will eventually be feeling better and back to our usual activities or work. However, more and more research shows that lying in bed or waiting it out is the worst thing you can do for yourself. Remember, only 10 percent of people develop chronic low back pain, but those cases account for an estimated $100 billion a year in health care and other costs. It's a safe bet that most of them have taken this incorrect "wait and see" approach.

Research suggests that when it comes to back pain, early intervention is best. There are many Quick read more or view full article reasons for this concept, but here is a basic summary of what current guidelines are saying:

Low back pain can sometimes be due to something more serious than a simple sprain. That's why it's important to see your chiropractor right away so they can evaluate you for anything more serious.

Spinal manipulation is one of the only treatments that is consistently being recommended for those with acute low back pain - and yet far too many people don't visit a chiropractor and choose to pop over-the- counter pain medication instead.

Avoid bed rest as much as possible. Yes, I know that it feels good and frankly, when I had an episode of low back pain once, I was tempted to lie in bed all day, too. On a basic level, it's the most "rational" thing to do. However, bed rest actually wastes away your muscles, and this effect lasts even for the lucky ones who improve with their low back pain.

For those who are pain free, the bad news is that the muscles still waste away. ?What does this mean? It means that although you may be lucky enough to be out of pain, your muscles will have put you in a position where you will most likely suffer back pain again.

That's why trying to stay as active as possible in the early stages can go a long way not only to get over the back pain, but also to help prevent future back pain episodes from happening. ??Early exercise will help ensure that your muscles and bones will continue to move to prevent stiffness and pain. I often have patients tell me that they have Googled an exercise program for their back pain and are using it. Unfortunately, there is no-one-size-fits-all exercise program for low back pain.

The type of exercises you do for a disc herniation can be totally different than the ones you do for a simple strain or sprain caused by playing a sport or lifting something at work. In fact, some exercises that you may see posted on the Internet may actually cause further damage or prolong your back pain. That's why it's so important to see your health professional to get an expert opinion on which exercises will be beneficial for your condition.

There are ways to predict if acute pain will end up developing into chronic pain. One of the most frustrating things health professionals face is the fact that although some patients may have undergone treatments, they still develop chronic low back pain. The good news is that there are certain predictors that can identify someone who may end up developing chronic back pain.

When you look at these, it becomes more apparent that seeking treatment and following all the above points is crucial to getting better. One of the biggest predictors is called "pain avoidance behavior." Quite simply, it means once you get the pain, you will do everything you can to avoid anything that will cause pain.

What happens next? You guessed it. This type of person lies in bed as much as possible. This type of person will try to avoid any exercise that may cause the slightest discomfort. Essentially, they will avoid everything that could be helpful to their condition.

That's why I always take time with my patients to stress the importance of not letting the pain overtake their lives. Continue doing what you did before, no matter how small of an effort you put in. The back pain feels like your back is going to break in two. However, with proper supervision and the right recommendations for treatment, you will not be able to damage your back any more than the situation it is in.

So, the next time you experience back pain and feel like you can't do anything, always remember that any movement or activity or treatment that keeps you moving is crucial for your recovery. Another factor is that you may be deconditioned and not fit enough.

With back pain, you can become even more deconditioned. That's why starting to move and then progressing to an exercise program is crucial to ensure not only that you get better, but also that you don't get future bouts of low back pain. Read Less

Get in Gear
33rd Annual Rite of Spring!

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Lyn Lake Chiropractic is a proud supporter of the 33rd Annual Rite of Spring Get in Gear Race. Being the Official Chiropractors for the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon we feel this race is the kick off for the running season in Minnesota.

We have seen many runner's already getting ready for the Get in Gear, Boston Marathon and many more races. Runners elite to beginners use the Get in Gear Race as a starting point to determine if they need to train harder and faster for more races to come.

While you're training and racing, remember to keep your body running as efficient as possible with having regular chiropractic care. If start to have any pain or discomfort ie: knee pain, foot Quick read more or view full article pain, achilles pain, shin splints, hip pain or lower back pain - when you start increasing your milage and/or speed workouts, get treated as soon as possible to avoid injuries that could stop you from training or racing this spring or summer.

Patients ask us when do you know if you need medical treatment? Our answer is when you start to have any pain. You shouldn't have any pain while running. Pain is the signal from the body telling you there's something wrong and you need to address this now, not later. Lyn Lake Chiropractic offer Free Consultation, use this consultation so we can help you determine if you need treatment.

Get in Gear is the Largest 10K in Minnesota.
Be apart of this awesome race!
You have many different races to pick from.

Runner Info:

Saturday, April 24, 2010
10K Run, 5K Run/Walk, 2K Fun Run & 1/2 Marathon

Location:

4801 Minnehaha Ave. South, Minneapolis, MN 55417

Start Times:
2K & FFF 2K: 8:00a.m.
10K & Half-Marathon: 9:00a.m.
(Note: Three hour limit. Roads open to public at Noon.)
5K: 9:20a.m.

ONLINE REGISTRATION
       Online Registration deadline 11:59pm, Thursday, April 22, 2010    
 Corporate Online Registration deadline April 16, 2010       
 Fit-For-Fun Online Registration deadline April 16, 2010

If you have any questions please contact Get in Gear

www.getingear10K.com Read Less

We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them. We have a significant health problem in this country. A different way of thinking about health is the key to unlocking this problem. The current healthcare model is failing and relying on it can be dangerous to your health. Your body is programmed for health and balance and has the intelligence to return to health and full function if given the opportunity with keeping your spine and nervous system unblocked and free of interference such as a subluxation in your spine. Your spine is the life-line of your body. Every family should have a chiropractor as part of your lifetime wellness team.


This healthcare system really is about disease and when you apply such a system to a population you get a sick population.

Current health statistics and trends:

16,000 death per year from taking Quick read more or view full article NSAIDS ie: Advils, 900,000 people died of heart disease a year, 82% coronary disease cases in 84,000 female nurses found to be lifestyle related. Obesity is up over 60% in the past 10 years, Type 2 diabetes up over 90% in the past 10 years.

Solution to these problems is not more than different strategies and behaviors. Chiropractic represents an entirely different health model. Our focus is on health promotion rather than treatment of disease. We recognize health comes from inside out. We believe there as an intelligence in the body that guided its formation from two cells and has the ability if uninterrupted can heal the body.

Life energy is flowing through your nerves, like the electricity flowing through your household appliances. If you have a cut in the line you have no or less function to that appliance or body part. Which could be a pinched nerve causing numbness, pain or tingling into your legs or arms. Headaches, neck pain, low back pain and more can be caused by a subluxation, or simply put a pinched nerve from a bone out of place or a muscle putting pressure on your nervous system.

How do you find out if you have a subluxation or a bone out of place? The same way you find out if you have a cavity in your mouth, you get checked out. Many conditions will not cause symptoms until it's too late.

Subluxation is just a condition, so by getting adjusted by your chiropractor will not only remove your pain but will help keep you healthy. The role of chiropractic in lifetime family wellness is to keep your goal of staying healthy throughout your lives.

Lyn Lake Chiropractic will give you a free consultation and a free 15 minute massage to anyone who wants to get their spine checked for subluxations. If we feel you're a chiropractic patient we can help, and you feel you want to become our patient we will check on your health insurance to see what is covered, if you don't have insurance or have a high deductible we will work with you to make it affordable. From this point we will schedule an exam and x-rays and find out what is causing your problems.

Get checked today! Please call us or find a chiropractor near your home and ask for a through exam. Stay healthy! Read Less

Auto Injuries:

According to the Insurance Research Council, nearly 1/3 of all claimants injured in motor vehicle accidents (MVA's) seek treatment from doctors of chiropractic. This is an impressive number given that the National Safety Council (NSC) has determined there to be more than 12 million MVA's annually involving
more than 20 million vehicles.

The reason individuals like yourself choose chiropractic care for treatment of injuries sustained in MVA's is simple - chiropractic care is exceptional in the treatment of soft tissue injuries, especially of the spine. Since the most common injuries associated with MVA's are sprains and strains of the spinal muscles and ligaments, it's only natural that chiropractic be the treatment of choice.
Many studies have also found individuals injured in MVA's prefer chiropractic care for the treatment of their injuries. One such study evaluated 190 whiplash injury victims and found those who received chiropractic care reported treatment satisfaction of 100%.

1.Balla Quick read more or view full article JI, Iansek R. Headaches arising from disorders of the cervical spine. In: Hopkins A, ed. Headache: Problems in Diagnosis and Management. London: WB Saunders; 1988.

Minimum Accident Speed to Cause Injury:

Minimum Accident Speed to Cause Injury:Studies involving live humans have demonstrated that a motor vehicle accident of as little as 5 mph can induce cervical (neck) injury. However, other studies have shown that cars can often withstand crashes of 10 mph or more without sustaining damage.
Motor vehicle accidents can result in a number of very diverse and complex injuries and symptoms. This is due to the diversity of factors involved with the each MVA - i.e. vectors of the collision, size of the vehicles involved in collision, preexisting health conditions of victims, age of victims, size and strength of victims, etc.

Whiplash:

The Forwards-flexion and/or backwards-extension of the neck essentially
results in a soft tissue sprain/strain injury to the structures within the cervical
and upper thoracic spinal regions. When the initial impact occurs and the head
is forced in either excessive flexion or excessive extension, protective
reflexes cause the muscles of the neck to forcefully contract which "whips" the
head back in the opposite direction. The resulting injury often leads to
numerous symptoms, many of which are confusing and poorly understood.
Symptoms following a "whiplash" accident include:

neck pain, tenderness, achiness and stiffness

cervical muscle spasms

tenderness and nodules in superficial cervical musculature

cervical reduced range of motion

post-traumatic headaches (including migraine and muscle-tension headaches)

shoulder and interscapular pain

hand and finger pain, numbness and tingling

blurred vision

difficulty swallowing/feeling of lump in throat

dizziness and balance problems

lightheadedness

post-traumatic depression and cognitive problems

Headaches:

Headaches are the second most common complaint following motor vehicle accidents (MVA's). Like the many other MVA symptoms, headache may not be present immediately following the accident and may take several weeks and often months to eventually surface.

Most post-traumatic headaches are thought to originate from the soft tissues and facet joints of the neck as well as injury or irritation to the nerves of the upper cervical spine.

Back Pain:

In addition to whiplash/neck pain and injuries, the mid and lower back are also frequently injured in motor vehicle accidents (MVA's).

Mid Back Pain:

The mid back or thoracic spine is most commonly injured as a result of the asymmetry of most seat belt designs. As the torso moves forward the seat belt locks and the torso is forced to stop at the end of the shoulder strap. Because the shoulder strap crosses only one shoulder (usually the left), the side without a strap (usually right) is able to travel forward further which results in a forward flexing and twisting injury to the mid back.

Lower Back Pain:

The lumbar spine is also frequently injured, but the mechanism differs from the above. As the torso and pelvis move forward the pelvis is stopped by the lap belt. However, the torso continues to move forward which producing a shearing force in the lumbar spine. These injuries often result in lumbar disc injuries.

Chiropractic care is a safe, natural, noninvasive, and addresses the cause of the symptoms. Our treatments also include active patient participation, and in some cases, lifestyle modifications. While we do focus on eliminating pain early on, we realize that in addition to pain - optimal tissue healing, restoration of normal function, and prevention of future recurrences and reinjuries - are equally important.

Our treatments at Lyn Lake Chiropractic are highlighted by our use of many gentle and highly effective spinal adjustive techniques. When used properly, these techniques allow us to safely and effectively reduce pain levels, reduce muscles spasms, eliminate inflammation, restore normal joint motion and biomechanics, prevent or minimize degenerative processes, and minimize the likelihood of future recurrences.

We also incorporate many natural and safe adjunctive therapies into our treatment plan to further assist in the healing process. Some common adjunctive therapies include ice therapy, heat therapy, physical therapies like therapeutic ultrasound and muscle stimulation, spinal traction, soft tissue mobilization, spinal exercises and stretches, and nutritional supplementation.

Don't Delay! Call Today!

If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident, call (or have them call) our office immediately. The quicker you receive the care you need, the quicker your injuries will heal and the faster you can get on with your life. Don't delay, call today! Lyn Lake Chiropractic 612-879-8000 Read Less

Snow Shoveling Safely
Tips On Proper Technique And Precautionary Measures

Winer is coming so we at Lyn Lake Chiropractic thought we'd send out a blog on shoveling safety:

Be careful, because all that beautiful white snow can be deadly. Heart attacks, back strain and muscle soreness are just a few of the problems attributed to shoveling snow.

If you shovel for 30 minutes, you'll clear away 200 calories along with the snow. Snow shoveling is very demanding on the body. Typical winter conditions (a little more than an inch of snowfall and temperatures that dip below 20 degrees) cause death rates from heart attacks to triple among men 35 to 49 years old. Shoveling snow can be very dangerous if the right precautions aren't taken.

What makes shoveling more dangerous than other average tasks around the house is the temperature. Your heart rate and blood pressure increase during strenuous activity. That, coupled with the body's Quick read more or view full article natural reflex to constrict arteries and blood vessels when exposed to the cold, is a recipe for a heart attack.

Snow shoveling can certainly be good exercise. But there are certain higher risk groups who should think twice before picking up that shovel.

If you've ever had a heart attack, if you have heart disease, high blood pressure or high cholesterol, you probably don't want to do the shoveling yourself. At the very least, you should consult your doctor before attempting it.

Smokers may want to resort to that snow blower - and certainly you should never smoke while shoveling. Tobacco smoke constricts blood vessels just as cold air does; the combination can be dangerous.

And if you lead a sedentary lifestyle, you could be putting yourself at risk. You don't want very strenuous snow shoveling to be the only thing you've gotten off the couch for in a month. It's definitely something that needs to be worked up to.

Here are some tips to make shoveling safer:

Always remember to dress warmly. You may be working up a sweat, but that doesn't mean you're immune to the effects of the cold.

Don't feel you need to get the whole driveway cleared in one shot. Take breaks every 15 minutes.

Go inside for some hot chocolate, but don't drink coffee. The caffeine may increase your heart rate and cause your blood vessels to constrict, just like smoking does.

Keep hydrated. Drink plenty of water.

And most importantly, know the warning signs of a heart attack. These may include chest pain, shoulder, neck or arm pain; dizziness, fainting, sweating or nausea; or shortness of breath. And if you think you're having a heart attack, seek medical help immediately.

When shoveling, it's important to avoid back strain. The average shovel (loaded with 16 pounds of snow) ends up moving 192 pounds of snow, if you load your shovel about 12 times a minute. That's almost 2,000 pounds being lifted in just over 10 minutes!

Here is how to shovel properly:
Lift with your legs, not your back. Bend your knees and keep your back as straight as possible so that the lifting comes from your leg muscles, not your back. Never bend at the waist. Step in the direction that you're throwing snow. This will help prevent the lower back from twisting and will help alleviate any lower back pain soreness that you might typically experience the day after a hard shoveling job.
Create some distance between the hands. This will give you more leverage and make it easier to lift snow.
Pick up smaller loads of snow. It's best to shovel by sections. If you're shoveling deep snow (a foot or more), take it easy and shovel two or three inches off at a time.
Do push. Don't lift. Save your back and your energy by simply pushing the snow to the side instead of lifting the snow and throwing it off to the side.
If you have any slight pain in your back, the quicker you get into our chiropractic clinic the faster you can get back out there shoveling pain free. Lyn Lake Chiropractic located in minneapolis offer free consultations. Read Less

Eighty percent of people suffer from back pain at some point in their lives. Back pain is the second most common reason for visits to the doctor's office, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections. In fact, it is estimated that low back pain affects more than half of the adult population each year and more than 10% of all people experience frequent bouts of low back pain.

The susceptibility of the low back to injury and pain is due to the fact that the low back, like the neck, is a very unstable part of the spine. Unlike the thoracic spine, which is supported and stabilized by the rib cage. This instability allows us to have a great deal of mobility to touch our toes, tie our shoes or pick something up from the ground, but at the cost of increased risk of injury.

As long as it is healthy and functioning correctly, Quick read more or view full article the low back can withstand tremendous forces without injury. Professional powerlifters can pick up several hundred pounds off the floor without injuring their low back. However, if the low back is out of adjustment or has weakened supporting muscles, something as simple as taking a bag of groceries out of the trunk of their car, picking something up off the floor, or even simply bending down to pet the cat can cause a low back injury.
Until recently, researchers believed that back pain would heal on its own. We have learned, however, that this is not true. Recent studies showed that when back pain is not treated, it may go away temporarily, but will most likely return. It is important to take low back pain seriously and seek professional chiropractic care. This is especially true with pain that recurs over and over again. Lyn Lake Chiropractic can help!

The Causes of Low Back Pain
There are many different conditions that can result in low back pain, including: sprained ligaments, strained muscles, ruptured disks, trigger points and inflamed joints. While sports injuries or accidents can lead to injury and pain, sometimes even the simplest movements, like picking up a pencil from the floor, can have painful results. In addition, conditions such as arthritis, poor posture, obesity, psychological stress and even kidney stones, kidney infections, blood clots, or bone loss can lead to pain.
Due to the fact that there are a whole lot of things that can cause low back pain, and some of those things can be quite serious if left untreated, it is important to seek professional help. Chiropractors are the experts at diagnosing the cause and determining the proper treatment for low back pain. Here are some of the most common causes I see:

Subluxations
Whenever there is a disruption in the normal movement or position of the vertebrae, the result is pain and inflammation. In the lumbar spine, these usually occur at the transition between the lower spine and the sacrum. Subluxations can lead to debilitating low back pain. Fortunately, subluxations are easily treatable and often times a significant reduction in pain is experienced almost immediately after treatment.



Disc Herniations
Contrary to popular belief, a herniated disc does not automatically mean that you are going to suffer from low back pain. In fact, one study found that almost half of all adults had at least one bulging or herniated disc, even though they did not suffer any back pain from it. On the other hand, herniated discs can be a source of intense and debilitating pain that frequently radiates to other areas of the body. Unfortunately, once a disc herniates, they rarely, if ever, completely heal. Further deterioration can often be avoided through regular chiropractic care, but a complete recovery is much less common.

Sprains, Strains and Spasms
This is commonly the source of low back pain among the weekend warriors. You know, the type who have very little physical activity during the week, but once the weekend arrives, they push themselves way too much. By the end of the weekend, they are lying flat on their back counting down the hours before they can get in to see their chiropractor. Overworking the muscles or ligaments of the low back can lead to small tears in the tissues, which then become painful, swollen and tight.

Stress
Whenever you become stressed, your body responds by increasing your blood pressure and heart rate, flooding your body with stress hormones and tightening up your muscles. When you are stressed all the time, the chronic tension causes your muscles to become sore, weak and loaded with trigger points. If you are stressed out all of the time and you have low back pain, it is important to do some relaxation exercises, such as deep breathing, as well as to get regular exercise.

Treating Low Back Pain With Chiropractic
Chiropractic treatment for low back pain is usually pretty straightforward. Most commonly, it's simply a matter of adjusting the lower lumbar vertebrae and pelvis to re-establish normal motion and position of your bones and joints.
Chiropractic for the low back has been repeatedly shown to be the most effective treatment for low back pain. In fact, major studies have shown that chiropractic care is more effective, cheaper and has better long-term outcomes than any other treatment. This makes sense because chiropractic care is the only method of treatment that serves to re-establish normal vertebral motion and position in the spine. All other treatments, such as muscle relaxants, pain killers and bed rest, only serve to decrease the symptoms of the problem and do not correct the problem itself. Read Less

Lyn Lake Chiropractic - Strong Low Backs: Having One That Works Without Low Back Pain. You never know until you hurt it how much you use your lower back all day long. When your lower back is injured, every movement becomes painful. Simple actions, such as getting out of a chair or bending over the sink, become excruciating, and your daily routine becomes difficult and frustrating. If this happens please call our Minneapolis chiropractors at Lyn Lake Chiropractic or checkout our website www.lynlakechiropractic.com for more information.

Back pain affects 60 to 80 percent of U.S. adults at some time during their lives, and up to 50 percent have back pain within a given year. Some of these problems are easily treated and never return, but in five to ten percent of patients low back pain becomes chronic and the person continues to have recurrences and Quick read more or view full article exacerbations. Effective treatment of uncomplicated lower back pain involves treatment in a chiropractor’s office and beginning and continuing an exercise program. A recent study conducted by the Medical Research Council, a research organization based in the United Kingdom, has found that patients given a combination of spinal manipulation and exercise experienced greater improvement in back function and greater reduction in pain compared to those treated with spinal manipulation or exercise only. Most mechanical low back pain is associated with tight leg muscles and weak abdominal muscles. Leg muscles need to be stretched and abdominal muscles need to be strengthened to avoid recurrences of low back pain. People are generally not aware of these relationships.

You may know you “should be exercising”, but you may be unaware of the importance of stretching. Also, abdominal strengthening is usually the last thing a person thinks of when he or she thinks of doing exercise. Exercise is a three-step process: stretching, exercising, and abdominal strengthening. Don’t forget getting adjusted on a regular basis will be effective and help keep you on your Wellness Plan. Stretching prepares you for the work of exercise, and is done first before anything else, gently and gradually. You may be tighter than usual on a particular day. This is not important - you should never try to stretch to where “you think you should be”. Just stretch, making sure to pay attention to what you’re doing. It’s easy to injure a muscle if you’re thinking about something else, or if you’re rushing, trying to squeeze in some stretching before dashing off to the gym.

Abdominal strengthening helps support the lower back. Spinal muscles are not designed to carry your body weight. If your abdominal muscles are weak, then your back muscles will be used to carry your body weight, and eventually you’ll have a lower back injury or low back pain. Abdominal strengthening not only helps keep your lower back healthy, but also helps maintain good posture. Postural benefits include an easy, relaxed gait; muscles that are long and supple, rather than short and tight; and an open chest that allows for easy, smooth breathing. Your body is a machine. Everything’s connected. A lower back problem affects many other areas, ultimately. By making sure to stretch regularly and by including abdominal exercises in your gym routine, you can help ensure having a lower back that works instead of having low back pain daily.

Our chiropractors at Lyn Lake Chiropractic will help set you up on a stretching program and rehab to strengthen your low back muscles and core muscle strength. Read Less

SPORTS MEDICINE

Lyn Lake Chiropractic cares for professional athletes, those striving
for personal goals, and dedicated fans. Dr. Schreifels and Dr. Field are
avid marathon runners who understand the need for chiropractic care
as it relates to staying healthy in the quest to achieve personal goals.
They provide comprehensive care for the patient's entire body - knees,
hips, elbows, back - to find the pain's cause and to let the patient return
to enjoying their life. They also specialize in auto injuries,
bulging/herniated discs, headaches, low back pain, and sciatica.

They are the Official Chiropractors of the Medtronic Twin Cities
Marathon, work with Team USA Minnesota Athletes, and provide
care and injury prevention seminars to numerous running groups
around the Twin Cities.

Staff includes certified personal trainers and massage therapists to
assist in rehab and injury prevention. Modalities utilized include
ultrasound, cold laser therapy, EMS, and Game Ready Quick read more or view full article Icing system. Read Less

During pregnancy, a woman's center of gravity shifts forward to the front of her pelvis. This additional weight in front, causes stress to the joints of the pelvis and low back. As the baby grows in size, the added weight causes the curvature of her lower back to increase, placing extra stress on the fragile facet joints on the back side of the spine. Any pre-existing problems in a woman's spine tend to be exacerbated as the spine and pelvis become overtaxed, often leading to pain and difficulty performing normal daily activities.

Studies have found that about half of all expectant mothers develop low back pain, hip pain at some point during their pregnancies. This is especially true during the third trimester when the baby's body gains the most weight. Chiropractic care throughout pregnancy can relieve and even prevent the pain and discomfort frequently experienced in pregnancy, and creates an environment Quick read more or view full article for an easier, safer delivery. Our Minneapolis chiropractors at Lyn Lake Chiropractic have not only the extensive training but has the personal experience with adjusting during pregnancy.

It is one safe and effective way to help the spine and pelvis cope with the rapid increase in physical stress by restoring a state of balance. In fact, most women have found that chiropractic care helped them avoid the use of pain medications during their pregnancy, and studies have shown that chiropractic adjustments help to reduce time in labor.

Lyn Lake Chiropractic should be your partner for a healthy pregnancy. We can provide adjustments, as well as offer nutritional, ergonomic and exercise advice to help address your special needs.

Chiropractic tips for pregnant women:
Be sure to get adjusted regularly. Chiropractic care is important to help maintain a healthy skeletal structure and nervous system function throughout a pregnancy and childbirth.

* Do some gentle exercise each day. Walking, swimming, or stationary cycling are relatively safe cardiovascular exercises for pregnant women.
* Avoid any activities that involve jerking or bouncing movements.
** Stop exercise immediately if you notice any unusual symptom, such as nausea, dizziness or weakness.
* Wear flat shoes with arch supports. Your feet become more susceptible to injury during pregnancy, partially due to a rapidly increasing body weight, but also because the ligaments that support the feet become more lax. Some patients feel the have daily plantar fasciitis pain.
* When picking up children, bend from the knees, not the waist. Your low back is much more prone to injury during pregnancy.
.* Take a prenatal vitamin with at least 400 micrograms of folic acid every day; 800 micrograms is even better. Folic acid has been shown to dramatically reduce the risk of neural tube defects in a developing fetus. Be sure to check with your doctor before taking any vitamin or herbal supplement to make sure it's safe for you and the baby.
My wife had the low back pain issues with all 3 little girls. We noticed once a week in her third trimester helped a great deal. Our O.B told us he was amazed after each birth that the labor went really smooth and he felt the adjustments helped her hips to be relaxed allowing the birth canal evenly relaxed, that’s all the research I needed. Getting adjusted does help and I continue to have patients that do get adjusted during their pregnancies tell me the same thing. That the birthing process was smooth and less stress on the mother and baby. Give Lyn Lake Chiropractic a call for a consultation. Read Less