Chiropractor in Burke, VA - NOVA Chiropractic & Wellness Center

Dr. Todd P. Sullivan

back pain

What You Should Know About High-Intensity Interval Training

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Chiropractic is more than just spinal adjustments. It is a whole-body therapy that may include health supplements, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle changes that include exercise. By getting the patient to take certain steps, chiropractors make them a vital participant in their own healing.

Exercise is outstanding for not only healing, but also for prevention of injury and certain health conditions. Regular exercise helps to reduce weight, improve flexibility, mobility, and balance, build muscle, and increase stamina. However, most people do not get enough exercise. The main reason they give is that they do not have the time. There is an exercise method, though, that can get incredible results in just 12 minutes a day, or less – High Intensity Interval Training, or HIIT.

What is HIIT?

High intensity interval training is an exercise method that involves alternating segments of a high intensity activity and a low intensity activity.

After a 2 minute warm up you may try any of these HIIT exercises:

  • Sprint for 1 minute, walk for 2 minutes – repeat several times
  • On a stationary bike, pedal as fast as you can for 30 seconds, then slow it down a bit for about 1 minute – repeat several times.
  • Jump rope double time for 30 seconds, then jump-walk for 1 minute

The thing that makes HIIT so appealing to so many patients is its adaptability Patients can adapt it to any fitness activity that they enjoy doing. It also works much faster than most traditional exercise methods. Where most exercises must be done for an hour or more, HIIT only requires about 15 – 12 minutes and it provides a great cardo workout so it helps to increase metabolism.

Patients will see noticeable improvements in just a few weeks, including weight loss, increased endurance, and more strength. It doesn’t require any equipment unless the patient wants to use a bike, kettle bell, jump rope, or other devices to enhance their workout. The patient is also always in complete control. They can decide the workout level and intensity that is right for them.

Benefits of HIIT

There are several tremendous benefits of HIIT, including the obvious weight loss and fitness related perks. A 2012 presentation at the European Society of Cardiology, though revealed another interesting benefit. Exercise activates an enzyme, telomerase, which slows the again process. HIIT stimulates the release of telomerase while at the same time reducing p53 expression, a protein that promotes premature aging.

In other words, HIIT can actually help to slow or arrest the aging process. Other “youth oriented” benefits of HIIT include:

  • Improved muscle tone
  • More energy
  • Firmer skin
  • Lower body fat
  • Increased libido
  • Fewer wrinkles

HIIT can also help to balance certain hormones in the body that contribute to unhealthy eating habits (such as stress eating) and weight gain. The hormones leptin and ghrelin are responsible for weight. Ghrelin, the “hunger hormone,” is what is often responsible for giving you “the munchies” and causing cravings for salty, sweet, and fried foods. Leptin is the hormone that alerts your body when you’ve had enough to eat. It gives that full signal. When these two hormones are not acting as they should, it can result in obesity and other problems.

Staying fit and healthy is integral to maintaining a strong body and spine. This is why HIIT is so often recommended by chiropractors. It helps to get the body strong, fit, and healthy so that when problems arise it can be a major contributor in healing itself. If you need to drop a few pounds or just want to be more fit, talk to your chiropractor about HIIT and get results fast.

4 Stretches Back Pain Suffers Can Do At Home

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If you are like most people, at some point in your life you will experience back pain – if you haven’t already. The American Chiropractic Association estimates that around 80% of the population suffers from back pain, has suffered from back pain, or at some point in the future will suffer from back pain. That puts you in pretty good company.

It also means that you have a better than average chance of falling into that 80% so the smart thing to do is take steps not to prevent it. One powerful preventative measure against back pain is stretching. Try these four stretches to help your back pain.

Forward Bend

Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and your knees soft (not locked). Take a deep breath and as you exhale, bend forward at the waist, hands out as if you are reaching for the floor. When you feel a little stretching in your hamstrings (the backs of your legs), stop and hold that position for two or three breaths. If you can’t reach the floor, that is OK, don’t force it. If you need extra stability, you can use a chair to hold on to for balance. Repeat this movement seven to ten times.

Cat and Camel

This stretch is typically done on the floor, but if you don’t think you can safely get back up, you can stand and hold on to a chair. On the floor, get on your hands and knees with your back straight. If using a chair, stand with your feet shoulder width apart and your knees soft. Bend slowly and place your palms in the seat of the chair so that your back is parallel to the floor. Keep it straight.

Begin by arching your back up as high as you can. Hold for two or three breaths. Return to the starting position, then let it sway down toward the floor and hold for two or three breaths. Return to the starting position. Do this five to seven times.

Back Extension

Lie on your stomach on the floor or bed with your hands palm down near your face. Slowly push up with your arms, keeping your head level with your shoulders, until you are on your elbows. Hold for three or four breaths.

If you can push all the way up so that you are on your hands, that will give you a deeper stretch. You can also hold it for a little longer. Just remember to keep the movements slow and gentle to avoid injury.

If you are not able to safely get on the floor, you can stand with your feet several inches from a wall. Place both of your hands on the wall and bring your upper body toward them, letting your pelvis naturally follow. Gently push against the wall with your hands, pushing your upper body away from the wall. You can also do this with a chair if you need extra support. Repeat five to seven times.

Hip Flex and Stretch

Get on your hands and knees on the floor or bed. Slowly move your body back so that your bottom is over your heels. Keep your hips straight as you extend your arms in front of you. Drop your head between your arms and hold the stretch for three to five breaths.

If you can’t get on your hands and knees, sit in a chair with your feet flat on the floor in front of you, hip width apart. Extend your arms in front of you and reach forward. Lean forward slightly until you feel the stretch.

You can also place your hands on your knees for support while you sit in a chair and bend at the waist, slowly rounding out your back over your thighs. Hold the stretch for three to five breaths then return to your upright position. Do this seven to ten times.

Before you begin any new exercise or stretching regimen, talk to your doctor or chiropractor to make sure you aren’t doing something that could exacerbate your problem. For the most part, stretching is very therapeutic and beneficial, but some injuries and conditions can be made worse.

It is well worth taking the extra time to talk with your doctor and perhaps even show him or her the movements. This will also allow them to correct any form problems you may have or recommend any modifications that will help you get the most out of your stretches.

Are you Sleeping on the Right Pillow?

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Are you Sleeping on the Right Pillow?

Determining the right pillow is a personal choice that a person will make every so often. When it comes to thinking about sleep equipment, most people solely focus on the mattress. The mattress is one of the most important sleep equipment you will buy, but when it comes to sleep quality pillows are just as important. How you lay your head when sleeping plays a huge role in determining the type of support you need.  Pillows not only impact the quality of sleep but can prevent any neck discomfort.

Why Does Your Pillow Matter?

A proper pillow will facilitate a good night’s sleep without waking up at night or waking up with pain or a stiff neck. Having the wrong pillow over time can exacerbate unnecessary neck pain.  There are a few factors that go into making a self-guide to determine the proper pillow for you.

When Is It Time To Replace Your Pillow?

On average, a pillow should be replaced every 18 months. The old age rule “you pay for what you get” applies to this transaction. A higher quality pillow will last longer than an inexpensive option.  Here are a few things you can do your pillow to see if you need a new one. First, take it out of the pillowcase to see if there are any stains or fold it in half and see if the pillow stays folded.

Determining Type of Pillow:

What if someone told you that your sleeping style would determine the type of pillow you need? Let’s roll into our sleep style section.

Back Sleeper:

Sleeping on your back might appear to be comfy but will highlight the underlying issue of snoring if you have a pillow that allows your head to sink. As you lay your head back, gravity will push the tongue back and block your throat. A better alternative will be a pillow that offers height, neck support, and throat at a comfortable level.

Stomach Sleeper:

Sleeping on your stomach might be comfortable for a few nights, but after a while can become taxing on your back and neck. However, having the right pillow can negate some of these issues. A firm/plump pillow will force your neck into an odd angle that might lead to some discomfort. A better alternative would be a softer option.

Side Sleeper:

One of the most common positions to sleep in is on the side. You will need more support to keep the neck at a neutral angle.

Pillow Talk:

Pillowise:

A unique perspective into personal sleep comfort is pillowise. Pillowise uses a measuring method that can help to determine the most suitable shape of the pillow. A pillow of this design with correct height and shape will fit your neck comfortably as well as provide great support.

Tricore Pillow:

One of the bright sides for this brand is that it has a variety of pillows to match your sleeping style. One particular benefit for having a Tricore Cervical support Pillow is the trapezoid-shaped center.  The trapezoid shaped center will cradle the head and has a built-in neck roll. The luscious lobes support the head in a neutral position. There is also the therapeutica orthopedic sleeping pillow which was created specifically for those who sleep on their backs.

Cervipedic Pillow:

The cervipedic pillow helps facilitate cervical support by using its contour shape to help relax the neck. The shape will cradle the head and neck by promoting a natural curve. It has adjustable neck support and can be used anywhere you recline. The design of the pillow makes it more efficient for travel purposes, but if you are looking for a pillow to help with a good night’s sleep, this will not be the pillow for you.

 

Therapeutica:

The therapeutic pillow was created for back and side sleepers. The wedge extension helps to support the upper back in a neutral position, and the center cavity will cradle your head comfortably. However, if you are a side sleeper the “side cavity” is flexible enough that it will keep your head aligned with the shoulder.

 

Decision Time:

Before buying a pillow, it’s important to determine the budget that you are willing to spend. Prices vary widely depending and can range anywhere from $30 to $150. The prices might differ if you buy the pillow from the parent website or Amazon. Most companies will offer a guarantee if you are not satisfied typically 30-90 days. The decision will ultimately come down to preference, style, and comfort. Remember your taking time to research types of pillows that will best fit your needs, so be sure to find the one that will benefit your long-term health.

How Chiropractic Can Help Patellofemoral Tracking Syndrome

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When the weather warms, melting the snow and ice as it ushers in the newness of spring, people are drawn outdoors and increased activity soon follows. Runners top the list, training for upcoming marathons and races, or to just get faster and increase endurance.

While there are some runners who won’t let anything stop them, be it rain, sleet, or snow, most will not venture outside or engage in more rigorous training until the environment is more pleasant. This increased activity, though, can increase a person’s risk of injury, especially if they have been mostly inactive during the winter months. The most prevalent injury is runner’s knee, an umbrella term used to describe a variety of knee injuries including patellofemoral tracking syndrome.

What is Patellar Tracking Disorder?

When the patella, or kneecap, does not remain in place as the leg straightens or bends, it is called patellofemoral tracking syndrome. Many people believe that the kneecap only moves up and down, but that is not accurate. Actually, the kneecap is very mobile, rotating and tilting so that there are a variety of contact points between the femur and patella. The most common way that this disorder presents is the kneecap extends too far to the outside of the leg. Less common is when the kneecap shifts to the inside. The result is pain (sometimes severe) and limited mobility.

Understanding the syndrome means understanding the mechanics of the knee joint. The thighbone (femur) and lower leg (tibia and fibula) are joined by the knee, a large, complex hinge. A groove runs along the front of the joint, where the thighbone ends. The patella sits in the groove and is held in place by a network on the sides by ligaments and at the top and bottom by tendons. The underside of the kneecap is a layer of cartilage that allows it to move easily, or glide, along the groove. When there is a problem with any of the parts that make up the knee it can lead to patellofemoral tracking syndrome.

Causes of Patellofemoral Tracking Syndrome

While overuse of the knee is the blanket term that describes the cause of patellofemoral tracking syndrome, it is actually the result of a combination of several problems. These can include:

  • Leg ligaments, tendons, or muscles that are too loose or too tight
  • Structural problems with the knee bones
  • Weak thigh muscles
  • Continuous stress put on the knee, such as activities that use a twisting motion to the knee
  • Repetitive, high stress activities like running
  • Repeated activities like squatting, knee bending, or jumping
  • Improper alignment of the knee bones
  • Trauma to the knee that forces the kneecap off track, usually to the outside area of the leg

People who are most likely to develop the syndrome are those who experience any of these problems in addition to playing sports or running. Obesity or being overweight, when combined with the above problems can also put a person at risk for the syndrome.

Chiropractic for Patellofemoral Tracking Syndrome

Many people have experienced relief from the pain of patellofemoral tracking syndrome by using chiropractic care. Chiropractic for patellofemoral tracking syndrome is a medication free, non-invasive treatment that quickly and effectively treats the pain and helps to restore mobility. This is usually done by bringing the body back into alignment and performing specific manipulations depending on the unique needs of the patient. Treatment may involve the foot, ankle, spine, and hip in addition to the knee.

The patient may also be advised to make certain dietary adjustments, take special, targeted supplements, and do specific exercises in addition to the chiropractic treatments. Stretching is often recommended and Kinesio taping is also a common therapy to aid healing. Chiropractic will not only return the body to its natural balance and alignment, it will also get it to a state where it is able to begin healing itself.

What Is Cervical Spondylosis & Can Chiropractic Help?

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As we age there are certain changes that take place in the body. The spine gets a lot of wear and tear because it is the primary supportive structure that does everything from keeping the head upright, to providing a pathway for neural impulses, to providing mobility. It’s no wonder that there comes a point where the body simply does not function like it once did. Cervical spondylosis is a broad term describing a condition that is related to the natural wear and tear on the disks in the neck.

What is Cervical Spondylosis?

Also known as neck arthritis or cervical osteoarthritis, cervical spondylosis is very common in elderly patients, particularly in those over age 60. In fact, more than 85% of people over 60 years of age have some form of it, usually with few or no symptoms present. It does get worse with age, though, so it could progress to the point where the patient does experience pain, reduced flexibility, stiffness, lack of mobility, or other symptoms.

Cervical spondylosis is a blanket term that is used to describe a number of conditions and while it is usually considered an age-related condition, it can have other causes as well including heredity. This condition often begins with changes in the disk.

With age, the disks in the spine and neck will dehydrate. This causes them to shrink, leaving little or no padding between the vertebrae. As a result, the patient may develop signs of osteoarthritis and in some cases, bone spurs. Depending on how the condition progresses and presents, it can be a cause of chronic pain.

What are the Treatments for Cervical Spondylosis?

Treatment for cervical spondylosis involves relieving the symptoms. There is no way to reverse the effects that it has on the body so treating the pain, stiffness, and other issues that accompany the condition is the course that is usually taken by doctors. Depending on the exact symptoms, treatment may include using an ice pack, bed rest, warm compress, and low impact exercise as the patient is able to handle it.

The doctor may recommend an analgesic or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). In cases where the pain is severe and difficult to manage, they may prescribe a narcotic pain killer, a steroid, or a muscle relaxant.

They might also combine drug therapy with physical therapy. In very severe cases the doctor may recommend spinal injections or surgery. Some common surgeries for cervical spondylosis include intervertebral disc arthroplasty, invertebral disc annuloplasty, and spinal fusion.

In many cases, soft collars, rigid orthoses, molded cervical pillow, or a Philadelphia collar may be recommended to provide support. However, many doctors believe that these methods are not entire effective and that any benefit the patient receive is largely due to a placebo effect.

This is because the neck is still mobile and does not have much restriction of movement. If used properly, though, it can provide some support. This means that the patient needs to wear it as much as possible when they are not sleeping.

In many cases, the medications have unpleasant side effects and some can even be harmful. This is especially true with prescription pain medications which can be addictive.

Surgery is also not a preferred treatment due to potential complications, the invasiveness of the procedure, and the length of time it takes to heal. Often patients seek other forms of treatment that are more natural and gentle on the body. Chiropractic is one of the most popular treatments for cervical spondylosis.

Chiropractic for Cervical Spondylosis

Chiropractic is a popular treatment for cervical spondylosis. Many patients gravitate toward it because it is non-invasive and does not use harmful medications. Its natural, whole body approach makes it an appealing treatment method.

In addition to spinal manipulation, the chiropractor may use massage to help relieve stiffness and pain. He or she may also recommend ice or heat, rest, stretching, lifestyle changes, and even dietary modifications.

Patients may be advised to remove foods from their diet that increase inflammation and taught special exercises that help keep the neck supple. Some chiropractors recommend special supplements to help work with the body enabling its natural ability to heal itself.