Neck Pain Support Blog

Why You Should Drink Hot Water vs Cold...

Why is warm water good anyway? You learn a lot by the way the body may respond. For example if it's freezing cold, the body doesn't like it. Often when we go out to eat, they bring a big glass of water with ice or they put it from their water container. It just doesn't feel good going down. Now, if I'm really hot, it might be another story.

I use my juicer in the am but I let stuff sit out for a bit to go up in temperature. Have you ever gotten a "brain freeze" from sucking down something too cold... Probably...And you can imagine, done regular, this isn't good for you. The big reason warm water or hot water is actually better for you, #1, is because it's easier for the body to utilize.  

Really, just drinking more water period is a benefit. Your body uses it in nearly every reaction. Think about it: H20. Hydrogen and oxygen. Besides that, #2, warm water has been shown to be a good body detoxifier. So, instead of that cold glass of water in the morning, try one that comes off the stove. Another tip, just like drinking water at anytime during the day, is to add things like a lemon, or cloves, maybe ginger. Experiment...

 

Additional Reading:

1 - Drinking More Water

2 - Another Great Detoxifier

3 - Water in my Pillow

 

 

Ibruprofen versus Acetaminophen...

So you fell while playing t-ball with your co-workers and you knee is in major pain and its swollen. Which major pain reliever to you reach for in your medicine cabinet? Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen? Check out the scientific explanation below about how these two pain relievers work on receptors in our brain.

It's good for many to know that Tylenol is Acetaminophen - A good way to think of one thing it does is that it fools the brain so you don't feel the pain. Acetaminophen was actually discovered in the 1800's and is not an anti inflammatory medicine. One interesting fact is that it may work the the system in your body that responds to cannabis. Actually no one really knows.

"Advil" and "Motrin" are Ibruprofen. Aspirin is very similar to ibruprofen. Naproxen, or "Aleve" is similar too. Really, the question becomes: when do I use which one? Aspirin may be tougher on the upper digestive tract; so if you have issues there, like heartburn or ulcers, you may want to use something like "Motrin", or "Advil". "Aleve" seems to work especially well against inflammation. 

Ibuprofen was discovered in the 1960's  and markets over the counter in 1983. It is anti-inflammatory in nature and is said to stop the production of prostagladins.

Additional Reading:

• Using hot and cold therapy for injuries
• Headache Pain Relief
• How does Soft Tissue Heal?
• Help with choosing the right pain reliever from your medicine cabinet
• The Neck Pain Relief Package

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Dr. Weil Talks About Inflammation

There is a lot of information we have that shows us inflammation starts in the gut. It seems to be the root cause of most disease. Take a look at this article by D. Mercola which will put some of the pieces together.

- Dr. Mercola on Inflamation -

Dr. Weil has great insights on the subject too...

Let's say we sprain an ankle; the body makes an immune response. Redness, swelling, etc..  The problem is when that inflammation persists and spreads or becomes systemic.

 Additional Reading:

 

• Inflammation 101
• Systemic Response to Inflammation
• Neck Pain Relief
• Top 10 Pain Relief Products
• Naturally Simple Ways to Get Rid of Neck Pain

 

 

Related articles

Is Inflammation The Root Cause Of My Pain?

Will The Pillow Help Me Reduce Inflammation?

Do I Get An Epidural?

Why Is it Important to Exercise?

Over the years, things have changed from a more agricultural age to an information age. That means instead of being outside and active every day plowing fields, gathering fruits, and milking cows, we get all that stuff at the store and after lunch get right back on the computer.We don't visit each other's houses as much: we just pick up our phone and so even we have less physical contact with people.

That’s mainly why people stayed in shape. Now, we have an epidemic of obesity. So yes, exercise keeps us in shape and helps up shed pounds, but I want to hit on another couple major positives that are just as important.

The points we all know about are:

1. It helps you stay in shape- that way you’re not winded climbing a flight of stairs
2. It helps you lose weight- for which we have many benefits
3. To build muscle- and don’t forget, the more muscle you build, the more fat gets eaten up (muscles need fuel)
4. It gets you moving- you’ve probably heard “motion is life”. Movement helps our joints and blood flow
5. You sweat- sweating helps your body get rid of toxins
6. Probably the most important- it makes you BREATHE

Breathing is extremely important when you exercise. When you inhale, you take in oxygen. Oxygen is used in most bodily reactions. Yep, so down to the cellular level, it is valuable. We all know we can’t live without it.

You may think “Hey doc, breathing is automatic. I’m gonna do it whether I go to the gym or not”. This is true, but let me tell you, when you’re exercising you’re going to be breathing a lot more. Just like sweating, it helps you get rid of toxins. But since oxygen is needed in almost every bodily reaction it helps you heal and stay healthy.

In fact, oxygen therapy is used to heal certain health conditions. They even have now what you call oxygen bars. A spot you can hang out where they give you a mask or a nasal canula to get more pure oxygen. People use it not only to help themselves get healthy but also stay healthy.

Who doesn’t want to stay younger and healthier? This is one reason oxygen bars have become very popular.

In conclusion, exercising is important but one reason, we may not have known or don’t think about is because it helps to oxygenate your body.

Additional Reading Resources

• Maximizing Your Health
• Arc4life- Cervical traction neck pillow - for better sleep and neck posture throughout the night.
• Exercises for the Neck
• Effective Treatment for Cluster Headaches: Using Oxygen Therapy
• Taking too many medications ? Is this the culprit of your headaches?

B12 Deficiency, Treatment, What Foods to Eat?

In the last few weeks, I had a patient question me about B12 deficiency. This vital vitamin, if deficient in our bodies, can cause many changes including mood changes, numbness and tingling, muscle weakness and other symptoms. 

1. What is B12 ?
2. How does B12 Play a Role in Our body?
3. What are the symptoms associated with a deficiency of B12?
4. What Foods are rich in B12?
5. What are the treatment options for B12 deficiency?

What is B12 ?

B12 is a vitamin, also known as cobalamin.

In order for B12 to be absorbed by the body (which happens in the small intestine), the stomach secretes intrinsic factor which is a special digestive secretion that increases the absorption of vitamin. Low levels of stomach acid or an inadequate amount of intrinsic factor (both of these things can occur with age), can lead to deficiency in B12. Because the body as reserves, it can take 5-6 years for a deficiency to develop.

This vitamin is stored in the liver, kidney and other body tissues.

It has been found that with age, B12 decreases in the body, and this deficiency is noted in 3 to 42 % of persons over age 65. It is easily treatable if the deficiency is caught early. If left untreated, it can lead to impaired neurological and cognitive function.

Who is more at risk? Patients with ulcers, crohns disease, other gastrointestinal disorders, those taking prescription medication for seizures, chronic heartburn, and gout. Too much consumption of alcohol can also hinder vitamin b12.

Vitamin B12 is necessary in small quantities: the RDA is 2 micrograms.

How does B12 Play a Role in Our body?

Vitamin B12 works with folic acid in many body processes such as:

• Making DNA and RNA
• Making red blood cells
• Making the insulation sheath aka myelin sheath that surrounds nerve  cells and speeds up the conduction of nerve cells.
• Assists in converting food to energy

What are the symptoms associated with a B12 Deficiency?

A deficiency of Vitamin B12 can take up to 5-6 years to show up, because the body does have large reserves for it.  The classic deficiency symptom is pernicious anemia. However, the first area to be affected with B12 deficiency is the brain and nervous system.  As a result it can result in fatigue, muscle weakness, numbness, pins and needles sensations,  or a burning type of sensation. It can also cause impaired mental function including memory loss and confusion. Finally, it can be the cause of depression.

What Foods are rich in B12?

Vitamin B12 is found in large quantities in animal foods ( beef, pork, halibut, hamburger, lamb, salmon, and veal). The richest sources are liver and kidney, followed by eggs, fish, cheese and meat.  Eggs, Milk and milk products are high in B12. Oysters, sardines, brewers yeast are also rich in b12. Some breakfast cereals are fortified with B12 vitamin as well.

What are the treatment options for B12 deficiency?

A general dose of 1000 micrograms of B12/ day is useful for heart disease prevention, pernicious anemia, numbness and tingling, tinnitus, multiple sclerosis and rosacea. **

Correction of B12 deficiency improves mental function and quality of life in patients significantly.

Fortunately, B12 vitamin is available in a few forms:

1. Methycobalamin, available in tablet form
2. B12 shots
3. Prescription nasal spray

**  it is beneficial to take B12 along with 400 mcg of folic acid.

Ways to determine B12 deficiency:

1. Measure the level in the blood (serum cobalamine)
2. Measure the level in methylmalonic acid in the urine *** This is the best test because it is sensitive, non invasive and convenient for the patient.
3. Measure the level of plasma homocysteine  (looks at both B12 and folate)
4. Schilling Test : measures whether there is a proper secretion of intrinsic factor. Intrinsic factor is needed for B12 to be absorbed by the body. 

 Additional Reading Resources:

• Choose the Right Neck Pillow For Better Sleep and Better Posture
• What is the Best Sleep Position?
• Neck Muscle Spasm: How it Happens, and How to Get Rid of Them
• More on Vitamin D and Your Health
• Treatment for Pinched nerve in the Neck

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The Best Ways to Keep your Mind in Shape

We have all heard the benefits of eating healthy and exercising regularly. By taking care of your body in this way, you are less at risk for injury and disease later in life. However, our brains are the same way. Without stimulation and challenge, your mind begins to soften and memory loss usually occurs.

Most people once they’ve completed school, don’t do much in their day to day lives to actively challenge their brain. This, along with a family history of dementia or Alzheimer’s or poor cardiovascular health, means you are at a higher risk for memory problems.

So to stay sharp, you must exercise your brain just like you would your muscles. This could mean spending more time reading books instead of watching TV, or doing daily crossword or Sudoku puzzles. Doing math problems is another way to stay sharp, so next time your kids ask for help with their homework, don’t hesitate to do so!

Remember though, the entire body works together, so keeping your mind healthy without also getting some exercise and eating healthy foods consistently won’t do nearly as much good. Also, our brain is the main control center, so keeping the brain and the rest of the nervous system free from interference helps on many levels.

And lastly, don’t forget that the spinal cord is an extension of the brain. The 1st part of the spine your cord runs through is the neck or cervical spine. Keeping the neck healthy may have more benefit on the mind than we know!

Additional Reading Resources

• Whiplash Can Cause More than Just Neck Pain- in 20% of cases Brain Injury as well, Study Shows
• Study Shows that Even a Small Amount of Meditation can Improve Cognitive Skills
• Sleep Better and Boost Brain Health with Herbs
• ChiroKlenz Natural Detoxifying Herbal Tea
• Increasing Your Memory- Power Thinking Program

Whiplash Can Cause More than Just Neck Pain- in 20% of cases Brain Injury as well, Study Shows

At the Neck pain support blog- we have discussed many times the phenomenon of whiplash- the violent backward and forward motion of the neck during a motor vehicle accident that can cause neck pain, injury to the soft tissues and discs, and decrease in range of motion of the neck. A new study published in the july issue of the Journal Brain Injury shows that whiplash can also cause anatomical changes that can result in brain injury.

The study examined the MRI scans of 1200 neck pain patients and found that those patients suffering from whiplash were more likely to have anatomical changes to the brain resulting in brain injury, specifically, a herniation of the brain called Chiari malformation, in which the bottom part of the brain (the cerebellum) dips through an opening in the base of the skull after a whiplash injury. Preliminary findings showed that brain injury occurred in 23% of the whiplash cases studied.

Chiari Malformation can cause symptoms such as headaches, eye pain, dizziness, vertigo, facial pain, upper extremity (arm or hand) numbness and tingling and weakness (see chart below). It is advisable to have a thorugh examination if you have suffered a whiplash type of accident.  

Read more about this study here: New Study Finds Whiplash Caused Brain Injury in Over 20 Percent of Cases

Picture Source: Chiari Malformations Symptoms Chart- UW Medicine Department of Neurological Surgery Chiari Malformation Clinic

Additional Reading Resources:

• Physical and Mental Trauma associated with Whiplash: More than just Neck Pain...
• What to Do After a Motor Vehicle Whiplash Accident
• Can Whiplash Cause Shoulder Pain?
• Part 4: Reducing Whiplash injuries by 90% - just by changing one thing in your car
• How Does Whiplash Occur?

Regions of the Brain Involved in Pain Processing are Different for Fibromyalgia Patients, Study Shows

Jenifer Goodwin, healthday reporter recently showcased a new study showing that fibromyalgia patients have more "connectivity" between brain networks and regions of the brain involved in pain processing. The new study suggests why sufferers feel pain even when there is no obvious cause.

Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital and the University of Michigan completed this study and published it in the August issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism. Researchers had 18 women with fibromyalgia undergo six-minute fMRI brain scans, and compared their results to women without the condition.

The participants in the study were asked to rate the intensity of the pain they were feeling at the time of the test. Some people reported feeling little pain, while others reported feeling more intense pain.

Brain scans showed the connectivity, or neural activity, between certain brain networks and the insular cortex, a region of the brain involved in pain processing, was heightened in women with fibromyalgia compared to those without the condition.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome that's characterized by

• widespread pain
• fatigue
• insomnia
• presence of multiple tender points

Having fibromyalgia can also cause psychological issues, including anxiety, depression and memory and concentration problems, sometimes called the "fibromyalgia fog."

Prior research has shown that people with fibromyalgia feel a given amount of pain more intensely than others, Napadow explained. In other words, studies have shown a typical person might rate a painful stimuli a "one" on a scale or one to 10, while a person with fibromyalgia might rate the pain a 5 or higher.

Continue Reading article here…

SOURCES: Vitaly Napadow, Ph.D, neuroscientist and assistant professor, radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston; Philip Mease, M.D., director, rheumatology research, Swedish Medical Center, Seattle, and member, National Fibromyalgia Association medical advisory board; August 2010 Arthritis & Rheumatism

Additional Reading Resources

• Chronic Pain Can Be Treated Better with Collaberative Treatments, study shows
• Which Neck Pillow is Best For My Needs
• Exercises for the Neck
• Anatomy of the Neck
• Chronic Neck Pain

Study Shows that Even a Small Amount of Meditation can Improve Cognitive Skills

Your cognitive abilities include any mental skills that are used in the process of acquiring knowledge; these skills include reasoning, perception, and intuition. Some people drink caffiene to stay mentally alert, other pop caffeine pills. Well a new study by a North Carolina Researcher shows that meditation for just 20 minutes a day, can improve your cognitive skills.

New research now suggests that the mind may be easier to cognitively train than previously thought. The researchers tested a meditation technique known as "mindfulness " found that meditation-trained participants showed a significant improvement in their critical cognitive skills (and performed significantly better in cognitive tests than a control group) after only four days of training for only 20 minutes each day.

The study was completed by Fadel Zeiden, at the University of North Carolina. "In the behavioral test results, what we are seeing is something that is somewhat comparable to results that have been documented after far more extensive training," said Fadel Zeidan

The study involved 63 student volunteers. They were first tested for behavior including mood,memory, attention processing, visual processing and vigilance. Participants were randomly to 2 groups:

1. Group 1 received the meditation training
2. The other group listened for equivalent periods of time to a book (J.R.R. Tolkein's The Hobbit) being read out loud.

Both groups performed equally on all measures at the beginning of the experiment. Both groups also improved following the meditation and reading experiences in measures of mood, but only the group that received the meditation training improved significantly in the cognitive measures. The meditation group scored consistently higher averages than the reading/listening group on all the cognitive tests and as much as ten times better on one challenging test that involved sustaining the ability to focus, while holding other information in mind.

"The meditation group did especially better on all the cognitive tests that were timed," Zeidan stated. "In tasks where participants had to process information under time constraints causing stress, the group briefly trained in mindfulness performed significantly better."

Particularly of note were the differing results on a "computer adaptive n-back task," where participants would have to correctly remember if a stimulus had been shown two steps earlier in a sequence. If the participant got the answer right, the computer would react by increasing the speed of the subsequent stimulus, further increasing the difficulty of the task. The meditation-trained group averaged aproximately 10 consecutive correct answers, while the listening group averaged approximately one.

What type of meditation did the participants do? The meditation training involved in the study was an abbreviated "mindfulness" training regime modeled on basic "Shamatha skills" from a Buddhist meditation tradition, conducted by a trained facilitator. As described in the paper, "participants were instructed to relax, with their eyes closed, and to simply focus on the flow of their breath occurring at the tip of their nose. If a random thought arose, they were told to passively notice and acknowledge the thought and to simply let 'it' go, by bringing the attention back to the sensations of the breath." Subsequent training built on this basic model, teaching physical awareness, focus, and mindfulness with regard to distraction.

"Simply stated, the profound improvements that we found after just 4 days of meditation training- are really surprising," Zeidan noted. "It goes to show that the mind is, in fact, easily changeable and highly influenced, especially by meditation."

Zeidan describes training the partipants in the study as a type of exercise for the brain and mind.

The study appears in the April 2 issue of Consciousness and Cognition.

Source: Brief Cognition Helps Exercise Meditative

Additional Reading Resources

1. Sleep Better and Boost Brain Health with Herbs
2. Sleep Deprivation and How it Affects More than Your Mind
3. Meditation can Aid in Pain Relief, Study Shows
4. Walk Your Pains Away
5. Study shows that Strengthening the Neck Improves Quality of Life for Chronic Neck Pain Sufferers