Friday, August 28, 2009

Lower Back Circuit Breaker: Organs Controlled by the Lumbar Spine



Digestive Problems and Low Back Pain

Many patients report that their digestive problems clear up as spinal problems in their lower back are resolved.

The lumbar region of the spine, more commonly referred to as the “lower back,” is often the source of many health problems we see. This area of the spine serves as the distribution center for your brain’s control and regulation of many important organs and tissues. And while the nervous system is very complex and every organ or tissue has multiple nerve supplies, here’s a new way of thinking about many common health complaints.
If a patient suffers from constipation or diarrhea, we’ll be especially vigilant in our examination of the area of L1, since this is the source of many nerve communications that control the large intestines.
Do you suffer from varicose veins, cramps or poor bladder control? The nerves that exit the spine in the vicinity of L2 control the appendix, abdomen, bladder and upper leg.
Irregular/painful periods, impotency, miscarriages, knee pain? L3 nerves control the bladder, sexual organs, uterus and knees.
How about sciatica, painful/frequent urination or backaches? L4 could be involved since the nerves there control the prostate gland and lower back muscles.
And if you experience leg cramps, cold feet, or swollen/weak ankles or legs, some of the nerves exiting at L5 could be the culprits. L5 controls the lower legs, ankles and feet.
So it’s clear that the lumbar spine and its associated nerves effect numerous parts of the body. Many of the sensations you feel in your feet, legs, pelvis, lower abdomen and lower back travel through the nerves of the lumbar spine to higher regions of the spine on their way to your brain.
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned here, or know someone who is, please urge them to visit our office for a thorough examination.


St Paul, MN Chiropractic

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Antibiotics Are Not Always the Answer


Antibiotics Are Not Always the Answer

Popular prescription medication: amoxicillin.
Antibiotics have been a blessing and a curse. How do you use antibiotics in your household?

Your child is crying and pulling on his ear. You’re inclined to make an appointment with the pediatrician. After looking into the ear the pediatrician tells you that the ear is red, with fluid present, and issues a diagnosis of “otitis media with effusion.” She recommends an antibiotic, “just in case it gets worse,” handing you a prescription for amoxicillin.

Do you fill the prescription? Or wait and see?

If you’re concerned about the overuse of antibiotics, and you want to protect your child’s health, you have a dilemma. Keep in mind that the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians agree that antibiotics should not be used to treat this type of ear infection. Yet, much of the worldwide overuse of antibiotics is due to ear infections. Physicians write millions of unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions each year to treat this largely viral condition. Many, just to placate an insistent parent.

The fact is, there are many conditions antibiotics cannot treat:

Viruses – antibiotics have no effect on a virus
Pain – antibiotics cannot relieve or take away pain
Ear fluid – antibiotics cannot reduce fluid buildup

In his book, Beyond Antibiotics, Michael Schmidt, DC reports that Gottfried Gutmann, MD, a prominent researcher in the field of manipulative medicine, reported on the treatment of more than 1,000 infants and children using chiropractic adjustments instead of antibiotic treatment. Gutmann found that many common childhood ear, nose, throat and bronchial conditions respond more favorably to chiropractic adjustments than to medications. Turns out, improving nervous system integrity allows the body to resolve these common childhood problems on their own.

If you have or know a child who experiences frequent childhood illness, a visit to our office could end the “merry-go-round” of antibiotic usage. We’ve been able to help many children. May we share our patient success stories with you?


Dr Douglas Yost Shoreview, MN Chiropractor

Music Improves Brain Function

Bach to Health!

You’ve heard it said, “music soothes the savage beast.” Researchers believe that we respond to music because it’s rhythmic, like so many of our basic body functions, such as breathing and the beating of our hearts. They’ve even identified something they call the “Mozart Effect,” music that shifts the brain into alpha waves that reduce stress and help with concentration. One particular study conducted in England found that students who listened to Mozart before taking an IQ test scored 10 points higher than those who listened to nothing, white noise or other types of music.

Johann Sebastian Bach


The health and memory effects of listening to classical music are fascinating researchers.
Different types of music affect people in different ways. Religious music tends to make a person more peaceful and reduces physical or emotional pain. Department stores often pump “easy listening” music through their sound systems to calm people down so they are inclined to spend more. Many restaurants use fast-paced music to hurry eaters in and out.

Studies are being conducted to determine the effects of music on memory-impaired individuals, such as those with Alzheimer’s, dementia and brain injuries. One such study in the UK determined that dementia patients recalled a higher percentage of autobiographical information when they were listening to music. Because of this, the researchers concluded that physicians should play music when questioning those suffering from dementia to obtain more accurate information from them.

Listening to soft music before bedtime also helps the elderly to sleep better and for longer periods. It results in physical changes, such as lowered heart and breathing rates, making it easier to get a good night’s sleep.

It’s easy to understand why there is a growing field in healthcare today known as “music therapy” that is showing profound results using music to help with those with cancer, ADD, chronic pain, depression and muscle tension. When you “bed down” with Bach, you might find yourself waking up ready to “rock and roll”!

Arden Hills, MN Chiropractor

Having Trouble Getting Kids To Sleep? Relaxing Bedtime Rituals

Relaxing Bedtime Rituals

Childrens Health

A bedtime story can bring you closer to your child and create the relaxation needed for restful sleep.

Ask some parents about the worst time of day with their children, and they will answer with a resounding “Bedtime!”

This is one event that can last from a few minutes to several hours, with many mothers feeling so totally exhausted by the time their child falls asleep that all they want to do is climb into their own beds at a time when they should be relaxing and winding down with some much-needed “alone” time.
How can you make bedtime less of a chore and more relaxing for you and your child? Well maybe you should try some soothing bedtime rituals that slowly relax your child so that they can fall asleep on their own. Children feel secure when they have regular routines; they know what to expect and family rituals that you establish in your home give your child a sense of belonging.

Here are some ideas for developing a regular relaxing bedtime routine:

• Establish a regular time to begin your nightly bedtime routine and be consistent; consistency helps everyone know what to expect.
• Begin with a warm bath to initiate the relaxation process. After the bath, perform the tooth brushing and hygiene routine and have your child use the bathroom for the last time.
• After your child is dressed for bed, have him or her lie down for a gentle massage. During this time, you can sing to your child or briefly discuss the good parts of his or her day. Keep it upbeat and positive.
• Read a bedtime story to further relax your child. Sometimes they will even fall asleep at this point because they are so relaxed!
• Say a prayer with your child, thanking God for the blessings of the day and asking for His blessings on family members and those who are sick or in need of some extra attention.
• Make sure your child has that favorite stuffed animal, doll or blanket to cuddle with as they fall asleep.
• As you leave your child, use the same goodnight phrase, such as, “I love you – pleasant dreams!”
• Plan for what you will do if your child gets out of bed after you have said your final goodnight. Be firm and get them right back to bed – no stalling!
The Sleep Book for Tired Parents, by Rebecca Huntley, offers additional practical tips to help ease your child into a regular bedtime routine.


Shoreview Pain Specialist

What is Wellness?

Simply put, we experience life through our nervous system. That’s why optimizing our spine and nervous system is the key to becoming all that we can be. Chiropractic care and other healthy habits create new possibilities.
The Wellness Wheel Click Here to download your free Wellness Wheel (PDF 115kb)


Seven aspects of Wellness:



Physical - the health of your body

Financial - stewardship of your resources

Family - harmony in your home

Social - ease in social situations

Career - fulfilling and purposeful work

Spiritual - connection with a higher power

Mental - emotional and intellectual development

Dr Douglas Yost
Advanced Chiropractic & Wellness Clinic

Friday, August 21, 2009

How To Live To Be 100 In Shoreview, MN


How to Live to 100

How long do you hope to live?
Year after year, life span continues to increase. Those born 100 years ago would typically live to the ripe old age of 50.2 years. Children born this year are expected to live an average of 80.5 years.
These are just averages.
Today, more and more people are living longer than 100 years. A study of these centurions reveals some general guidelines that can help extend your own life, regardless of your current age:

1. Be born a female. Sorry men, it seems that females have been outliving males for centuries. And while you can’t do much about your gender or genetics, there is much you can do.

2. Stay married. Statistically, married people live longer than single people. (And it’s not because life seems longer for married people!)

3. Eat less. Research shows that life expectancy can actually double if you reduce your food intake by 40%.

4. Avoid tea and coffee. Tea can take up to six hours to digest and both substances can disturb metabolism.

5. Pass up all refined sugar. Good luck. It’s put in just about every type of processed food these days.

6. Use as little salt as possible. Like cutting out sugar, getting used to salt-free tastes will take some getting used to. But worth it if you want to live longer.

7. Reduce protein intake. Excess protein stresses the body, increases the acid level of the body and reducing our ability to fight disease.

8. Regular exercise. No need for a gym membership. Brisk walking improves circulation, metabolism and emotional well-being.

9. Maintain an ideal posture. Poor alignment and postural deviations may suggest unresolved emotional issues. One more way chiropractic can help you live longer.

10. Shun alcohol and tobacco. Tobacco narrows the arteries and restricts the blood circulation. Too much alcohol can counter any positive benefits.

11. Cultivate your spiritual connection. Those who regularly worship, meditate or maintain their connection to God are shown to enjoy greater life expectancy.

12. Accept what is. Make life the kind of adventure that will compel you to see how it all turns out!

13. Eliminate unnecessary stress. Your ability to accommodate stress is based on the condition of your nervous system. One way regular chiropractic care may help you live longer.

14. Keep it positive. The power of our thoughts and emotions are often overlooked. Optimists live longer than pessimists.

15. Avoid hospitals. Between hospital-acquired infections, unexpected drug interactions and just plain mistakes, hospitals can hurt, just as they can help.

16. Have a purpose. If your goal is retirement, you better have a passionate reason for living. Serve. Donate your time. When you let up, you’ll likely suffer a let down.

Regardless of how long you live or how well you live, it’s better to burn out than rust out. Don’t take a single day for granted.


Arden Hills, MN Chiropractor Dr. Douglas Yost

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Minnesota State Fair 2009 Grandstand Lineup

The 2009 Minnesota State Fair is almost upon us. Wow, do the summer months seems to fly right by. The Minnesota State Fair Grandstand this year is celebrating 100 years of providing entertainment to fair goers and again has a great lineup of perfomers. Some bigger name performers include Randy Travis, Kid Rock, Kelly Clarkson(American Idol Winner), Garrison Keillor, and Jeff Dunham to provide some comedy on the last night of the State Fair.

Here is the Lineup:

Thursday August 27
BonTaj Roulet:Bonnie Raitt & Taj Mahal 7:30pm

Friday August 28
Jason Aldeanwith special guest Eli Young Band 7:30pm

Saturday August 29 7:00pm
Kid Rock and Lynyrd Skynyrd

Sunday August 30 7:30pm
Kelly Clarkson with special guest Eric Hutchinson

Monday August 31 8:00pm
An Evening with Jackson Browne

Tuesday September 1 7:30pm
Randy Travis with special guest Joe Nichols

Wednesday September 2 6:00pm
O.A.R. with special guests Slightly Stoopid and Brett Dennen

Thursday September 3 7:30pm
Casting Crowns with special guest Barlowgirl

Friday September 4 7:45pm
A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor

Saturday September 5 7:00pm
REO Speedwagon, STYX with special guest 38 Special

Sunday September 6 8:00pm
2009 Minnesota State Fair Amateur Talent Contest Finals

Monday September 7 8:00pm
An Evening with Jeff Dunham

If You need Tickets to any of the shows visit Ticketmaster or if you would like any information on the rest of the State Fair please visit the Minnesota State Fair 2009 Website.

2009 Minnesota State Fair Grandstand Lineup brought to you by St Paul Area Chiropractor Dr Douglas Yost

I’ll Think About That Tomorrow




Stress Management

You’ve procrastinated until the last possible minute, so don’t make any mistakes! How’s that giant serving of stress with a side order of frustration working out for you?

I’ll Think About That Tomorrow
A famous line from Gone with the Wind occurs at the end of the movie, right after Rhett Butler walks out on Scarlett O’Hara and she declares, “I can't think about that right now. If I do, I'll go crazy. I'll think about that tomorrow.”

Sounds a lot like procrastination – putting off until tomorrow what is better done today. Procrastination is a five-syllable word for “stress” – stress that's avoided if you do whatever needs to get done now instead of putting it off until later!

So… why do you do it to yourself? You know you have a huge presentation to give to a prospective client on Friday. It’s Wednesday and you haven’t even started it yet. Maybe like so many others, you wait until December 24th every single year to start (and obviously finish) your Christmas shopping. Do you claim, and really believe, that you “work better under pressure”? Or do you get some kind of “rush” out of waiting to do something at the last minute?

Actually these are just rationalizations for putting off until tomorrow what you just don’t want to do today. And why is that? Maybe it’s fear of failure, or even fear of success, so you sabotage yourself or set yourself up to fail, quite unintentionally of course. Maybe you are putting off a task you really don’t like to do, instead of just doing it and getting it over with. Or maybe you just have too many distractions – computers are especially good at providing them with email, social networks, games, etc.

So, how can you manage procrastination to ease the stress that it causes and the subsequent negative health impacts? Try these suggestions:

• Break a large task down into smaller pieces and tackle it one piece at a time, setting a deadline to complete each piece.
• Get organized before you begin and the task flows more smoothly, with fewer interruptions.
• Do the one thing you don’t want to do first and get it over with so it isn’t looming over your head.
• Schedule tasks according to your own personal “power hours.” Are you a morning person? A night person? Do you feel sluggish in the early afternoon and “pick up” later on? Tackle your more challenging “to do” items during your peak productivity periods and leave the more routine tasks for your “down” times.
• Avoid multi-tasking – you may think you do quite well with it, but handling one task at a time, with your full attention on it, is really a better way to be productive and to stay “on task.”

Procrastination is a bad habit, one that 20% of the population engages in on a regular basis. And… like all bad habits, it takes its toll on your health, your wealth, your happiness and your peace of mind. While we can help manage some of the effects of stress on your body through chiropractic care, wouldn’t it be better if you could eliminate this type of controllable stress all on your own?

Diversified Chiropractic Technique Dr Douglas Yost Shoreview, MN

Mommy, My Head Hurts Again!


"My Head Hurts Again!"

Children's health issues

Gentle chiropractic adjustments to the upper spine area can help reduce or even eliminate your child’s headaches – no drugs necessary!

Children can get headaches too and although parents often panic and immediately think worst case scenario (as in brain tumor), children’s headaches are very much like adult headaches. Children are most prone to tension, sinus and migraine headaches, as are adults. In fact, many chronic adult headache sufferers experienced their first headaches prior to the age of 10, while 50% had their first headache prior to the age of 20.

Most parents try to rule out any serious health condition immediately. When nothing major is found to be wrong, many adopt the attitude, “It’s not bad; we can treat the headaches on our own.” So… they break out the bottle of childhood pain relievers to “ease the pain,” treating symptoms and not the cause of their child’s headache pain.

And why do kids get headaches? Well again… mostly for the same reasons as adults, except that children also get headaches along with colds, infections, fever, sore throats, sinus infections and ear infections.

If your child has migraines, most likely there is a history of migraines in the family. In fact, if both parents suffer with migraines, there is a 70% chance that their child will also have migraines. Tension headaches in children may result from trying to be an overachiever or perfectionist, preparing for and taking exams, eyestrain, depression or poor posture that can cause neck and back strain. Another factor to consider is your child’s teeth. Dental problems, such as erupting teeth or an abscess, can cause headache pain as well.

So what should a parent to do when a child complains of headache pain? After ruling out a brain disorder or serious condition, the next best method of treatment is… chiropractic care! Sure, you can give your child over-the-counter pain relievers, if it’s symptom care that you’re after. However, chiropractic care for children’s headaches is every bit as effective as it is for adult headaches, and one of the most common conditions for seeing a chiropractor in the first place!

Chiropractic adjustments for children’s headaches focus on the upper cervical spine (neck region). Chiropractors apply a gentle adjustment to the top vertebrae of the spine to remove nerve interference and restore proper nervous system function.

Many of our pediatric patients have reported a marked decrease in the frequency of their headaches after they have been adjusted under our care. If your child suffers from frequent headaches, please consider an approach that locates causes and doesn’t just treat symptoms.


Dr Douglas Yost Shoreview, MN Chiropractor

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Pain Relievers or Natural Approach?




Pain Relievers or Natural Approach?


Before you take those pills, consider a natural option that gets to the source of your pain rather than just treating symptoms!

There are many types of pain relievers available for headache relief. Non-prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) remedies include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®), and acetaminophen (Tylenol®).
And then… there are countless numbers of prescription-strength medications that are used to prevent headache symptoms (i.e., migraine symptoms) or to “arrest” symptoms after they appear.

Of course as chiropractors, we don’t advise either for or against any medications. However, we do want you to be aware that even over-the-counter medications have been known to carry serious risks to your health, and prescription medication literature contains long lists of possible side effects. So before taking any medication, we like to caution you to read the accompanying literature to be aware of just what you are taking.

Headaches are one of the top reasons, along with back and neck pain, for patients beginning care in our office. Many of our patients tried numerous drug and non-drug approaches and never found long-lasting or even permanent relief until they started chiropractic care.

Often, there is interference in the nervous system that results from a spinal vertebra being “out of place.” This interference prevents the nerves in the area of the misaligned vertebra from functioning properly. With headache sufferers, the misaligned vertebra is often in the upper cervical spine (neck area).

Chiropractors are trained to locate and correct spinal misalignments that are responsible for nerve interference. After the interference is removed, the nerves can function correctly and headaches often resolve themselves completely!
Your body is truly a "well-oiled” machine that is perfectly capable of healing on its own when your nervous system is maintained in “tip top” shape.

If you or someone you love is experiencing frequent or chronic headache pain or any other type of chronic pain – please let us know or have them give us a call. Every day, we see patients with headaches that haven’t responded to previous treatments. And every day… we see that chiropractic care can make a difference in the quality of their lives. It can do the same for you too!

Muscle Pain Relief, Joint Pain Relief Shoreview, MN

What Are Muscle Spasms?




What Are Muscle Spasms?

You reach for a towel on the top shelf of the linen closet and your back wrenches in pain as a muscle goes into spasm. The pain is excruciating and you can barely move. How could something as simple as reaching for a towel produce such pain?

The answer is – it didn’t. Reaching for the towel overextended a muscle that was already strained. This made the muscle stiffen and go into spasm to protect it from any further harm. Muscles can become strained due to repetitive movements or habits, such as poor posture, heavy lifting, swinging a baseball bat or sitting in front of a computer.

Often, when muscles have been strained for some time, all it takes is one sudden movement (i.e., one stretch for a towel) for an already strained muscle to go into spasm. When this happens, all the muscle fibers contract at the same time. Muscle contraction cuts off blood supply, which creates even more muscle pain, which causes the muscle to contract even further. This is an all too common occurrence for some people who lie immobilized on the floor for hours because the muscle doesn’t relax with movement.

It can take several weeks for a muscle spasm to subside. Rest, application of ice/heat and massage therapy can help to relieve pain. Since a lack of magnesium, calcium and water are thought to provoke muscle spasms, increasing your intake of all three may help as well.

Of course, chiropractic care can help to alleviate the cause of muscle spasm once it is present; it can also help to prevent the spasm from occurring in the first place! When a spinal bone (vertebra) is out of its proper position (misaligned), it can put pressure on surrounding nerves. Proper nerve function is essential to proper muscle function, and chiropractic adjustments locate and correct areas of the spine where there is nerve dysfunction.

St. Paul, MN Chiropractor Dr. Douglas Yost

Friday, August 7, 2009

Dining Out in Minneapolis/St Paul? Can You Eat Well Eating Out?

Who doesn’t like to dine out? And with so many two working parent families and single working parents, it’s often easier to pile everyone into the car and hit the nearest restaurant for dinner. Not to mention those who live alone find it difficult to cook for only one. Question is – is it really possible to eat well when you eat out?
The answer is yes, if you rule out fast food restaurants – major contributors to weight gain and the growing problem of worldwide obesity, especially among children and teenagers. Eating all the wrong foods can also affect your energy levels, strength and mental and emotional well-being.

There are almost always healthy choices on the menu, so look for them and eating out can add variety and spice to your diet.

There are almost always healthy choices on the menu, so look for them and eating out can add variety and spice to your diet.

One of the biggest offenders? Soda, of course, a sugar-laden beverage that causes weight gain and interferes with the absorption of calcium. The sugar-free stuff is even worse.
So, what can you do to make better choices when you’re eating out?
•Order healthy salads as entrees, with the dressing on the side, so you can dip into instead of pour over.


•Order fish and meats that are baked, grilled or broiled, not fried.


•Pick fruit for dessert instead of a sugar-rich and fat-filled dessert – or order only one and share with the table!


•Avoid selections with mayonnaise, sour cream and butter.


•When you order pizza, ask for vegetable toppings instead of processed meats (pepperoni, sausage).


•Don’t think you have to “clear your plate” just because it’s in front of you – ask to take the leftovers home for another meal. Or two!


•Avoid bread and butter, French fries, onion rings, cream soups, gravies, heavy sauces (Alfredo, hollandaise), bacon and potato chips.


•Steer clear of the all-you-can-eat buffets and specials!


•Make sure you are not starving when you enter the restaurant. Much the same as food shopping on an empty stomach – you are apt to order everything on the menu!
Dining out should be social and enjoyable. Don’t let bad menu choices ruin what should be a time to relax and unwind with friends and family. Remember, no one likes that feeling of fullness that accompanies an evening of overindulgence …or the inevitable results the next day!

Low Back Specialist Dr. Douglas Yost Shoreview, MN

Pregnancy Back Pain Near Shoreview, MN



Pregnancy

At first glance, most people don’t see the connection between chiropractic and pregnancy. However, there are four stages in which having an optimally working nervous system can help both mother and child.

Pre-Conception

Our pregnant patients often report shorter, more pleasant deliveries when they receive chiropractic care.

Chiropractic care prior to conception promotes a more regular menstrual cycle, and optimal uterine function. It prepares the body to be as strong, supple and balanced as possible to carry the pregnancy.

Pregnancy

Regular chiropractic care helps maintain uterine ligament flexibility and balance. When the growing baby is comfortable it can assume the optimal birthing position.

Labor and Birth

Mothers who get adjusted during the birth process seem to require less intervention. When the mother remains supple, the baby can move more easily through the birth canal.

After Birth

Even natural births can stress a baby’s spine. Breastfeeding problems can arise if the baby has a subluxation and is unable to comfortably turn its head to one side.
Relax. We use special approaches to make our adjustments safe and comfortable for you and your child.
Having a more normally working nervous system, especially when you’re pregnant, creates the optimal environment for your baby to realize his or her fullest potential.


Pregnancy Back Pain Shoreview, MN

Health Care or Sick Care?


Health Care or Sick Care?

Traditionally, we see doctors when we have some type of obvious ache or pain. Yet, waiting for these obvious symptoms to appear before finally seeking help is becoming an increasing burden on our health care system, our economy and our well-being.
And while it may be called “health” care, it’s actually sick care.

Chiropractors are leading the way with real health care that’s designed to keep you well. Not surprising, it’s called wellness care. And the preliminary research is astonishing!

Consider the following reports:

A study published in a 1996 edition of Topics in Clinical Chiropractic looked at a group of seniors aged 75 years or older. Subjects who were receiving chiropractic care reported experiencing better overall health and had fewer hospitalizations, used fewer medications and were more active than their peers who did not receive chiropractic care.

A more recent analysis published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics looked at 311 chiropractic patients aged 65 years or older who had been receiving “maintenance” chiropractic care for five years or longer. When compared with subjects who were not receiving chiropractic care, they had half as many medical doctor visits and overall had healthier habits.

Other studies further confirm what a growing number of our own patients have been telling us: it’s actually less expensive to stay well, than it is to get well.

Let us know how we can best support you and your individual health goals.

Shoreview Pain Clinic