(1) TAKE THE SELF ASSESSMENT TEST:

​Assess your BALANCE by using a 10 point scale for each of these areas. I rate my areas 0-10, 10 meaning I am knocking it out of the park! 0 means I need a drastic change in my daily habits to restore it.

(2) CREATIVE WAYS TO FIND BALANCE DURING COVID19:

The trend I am seeing is that patients are having a hard time transitioning into their new SOCIAL patterns of life. My encouragement to you is to get out of your box of the old norm and create your new norm during this season.

Quercetin is a plant based pigment/ bioflavonoid supplement found in many foods from onions, and peas, to green tea and apples. Condensed into a supplement, it is the little known immune booster that may be exactly what we need during this time of crisis. From viral infections to free radicals, taking this compound can assist your body’s fight to stay healthy and balanced.

Viral Infections
In light of the current COVID19 pandemic, quercetin may be exactly what we need to take with our daily supplement routine. A 2015 joint study between the New York Blood Center and the State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research in China showed that quercetin inhibited viral infection of H1N1 and H5N1 Influenza during the early stages of infection. In a separate study quercetin was shown to have similar inhibitory/virus blocking effects on the other well-known SARS corona virus (similar shape to COVID19 but a different strain of Corona virus). Since Quercetin has shown promise in the EARLY stages of these viral infections, its best to take regularly as a supplement, such as the various ones available to purchase below by Designs For Health.

Allergies
​Now that the trees are in full bloom, quercetin can aid the body with its anti-inflammatory properties. This flavonoid affects histamine producing mast cells and allergy specific white blood cells called basophils. Less histamine production leads to less puffy inflammation as our bodies are barraged with the yellow dust of Georgia’s spring pollen season.

Antioxidants and Inflammatory Diseases
​Quercetin shows strong antioxidant properties, showing it may be beneficial against various diseases, including an adjunctive therapy to cancer, and treatment for cystitis and prostatitis. It also has applications in managing gut inflammations, and is currently being researched for its ability to protect neuropathways.

Supplements Available
Quercetin is recommended in doses of 500mg per day for general use, and can be taken in these various Designs for Health supplement available via the links below.

Sources:
​https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4728566/
https://jvi.asm.org/content/78/20/11334
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21445799

In light of COVID19, we are aware of how this has affected many businesses and lives as stores are shutting down left and right. At the Alpha Spine Center, we are taking precautions to minimize contact while still providing the NUCCA care you need to ensure your body’s nervous system and immune system are communicating at there best! We are here to help you as long as we are allowed to stay open! Here are some procedures we are doing to ensure your health and safety during your visit as we abide by the Federal guidelines.
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• We have a $900 Surgical Grade Clean Air Purifier by Airpura Model UV600 HEPA to keep the air clear of pathogens and particulates. HERE is a link to the companies website. You can also purchase it on Amazon.com and other clean air companies on the web. These are the same units used in surgical centers to clean the air 99.9%. Click HERE for more details. 

• Social-Distancing - The recovery room will remain closed to avoid shared spaces. Each patient is brought right back to a room to help with Social-Distancing. We encourage resting in the car for 10 minutes to allow the NUCCA correction to set before departing.

• All surfaces and door handles are disinfected after each patient with disinfectants.

• Extensive cleaning of all surfaces throughout the day.

​Most importantly, there are steps YOU can take to STAY HEALTHY!

​The Immune System - The immune system consists of various biological processes that protect the body against pathogens and disease. It operates at a threshold and can be compromised when it is overloaded or the body is overly taxed. Some factors that can lower our immune system’s ability to defend against sickness are high levels of stress, lack of sleep, staying hydrated, sedentary lifestyles, alcohol and drug use, poor diet, smoking, and exposure to allergens and food sensitivities. Our body has defenses against viruses, bacteria, parasites, and other pathogens that make contact on our skin and get into our body through the mouth and nose and other orifices. The immune system is constantly protecting us from getting sick at any given moment, so here are some tips to keep it working optimally during this pandemic.

1) NUCCA Care - First and foremost, NUCCA treatments are essential to free the body of interference in the nervous system and decreasing physical stress on its function. The nervous system and immune system work hand-in-hand. If nerve response is compromised and less efficient, the immune system will not operate at full potential either. The NUCCA adjustment allows for increased blood flow to the brain, the control center for ALL body functions, allowing for more oxygen and nutrients to nourish this vital organ. It helps the Autonomic Nervous System to work at its full potential in order to manage the external and internal stresses of life. The sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system are the two parts of the autonomic nervous system (fight/flight response to stress). When the NUCCA correction is performed it increases the abilities of these two systems to function. During this season, we will remain open as long as we are legally able to during this national crisis. ​

2) Exercise - The gyms may be closing! But there are plenty of alternative means to stay active and keep your body healthy and strong. Consistent exercise bolsters the immune system by reducing stress hormones that lower our immune response. It also decreases inflammation in the body, allowing our body to respond to physiological pressures from pathogens. Hiking and running are great ways to get out while still socially distancing yourself from others. Online workout programs range from cheap to free, and can be done from the comfort of your living room! I personally enjoy www.beachbody.com which is only $15 to enjoy a wide range of exercises for all types! Tight on money? YouTube is flooded with all sorts of work out routines, yoga sessions, and exercise tips! One of my favorite Yoga sites is Yoga by Adriene ​

4) Pound that Vitamin C - We recommend taking around 2000 mg per day, whether it’s a supplement or a powder packet. You can take more due to the fact Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin. You know you are taking enough if you start having soft stools. Here is a link describing the difference between water-soluble vitamins versus fat-soluble.

Vitamin C is involved in many immune system processes. Chiefly, it encourages the production of pathogen and infection-fighting White Blood Cells known as lymphocytes and phagocytes. It also helps our skin remain healthy, allowing for better pathogen protection on the skin's surface.
Try DesignsForHealth available through the ASC.

Here is the link to order the products we are recommending:

Click HERE and sign up, and the order is shipped directly to your door:
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— Immune Support Packets
— Liposomal
— C+BioFizz
— Stellar C​

5) Vitamin D and Zinc - Take some time to isolate yourself on the porch or on a solo walk to soak up the rays. Sun exposure allows your body to produce much needed Vitamin D. Most Americans have a Vitamin D deficiency. We recommend supplements which are available at the links below, and are especially needed after these last two months of constant rain here in Georgia. Need access to a supplement, try Designs For Health through the ASC:
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— Vitamin D Supreme
​— Zinc-Supreme

​7) Allergies - Many of you, like myself, may already feel the itchy eyes and irritation of spring pollen in the air. If you are someone who suffers from seasonal allergies, limiting your outdoor time during the threat of COVID19 will allow your body to stay below its immune threat threshold.

​Stay indoors and breathe in clean air!

10) Pray and Meditate - The verse 2 Timothy 1:7 comes to mind during this season. “God did not give us a sprit of fear, but of power, love and sound mind.” It is important to be prepared, but not to panic. Stress is a major effector on the immune system. Keeping our hearts, minds, and spirits calm will reduce stress hormone release and keep the immune system healthy. This is a unique time for many of the economic, social, and health consequences of this pandemic are serious, but not insurmountable. ​

11) Bring Balance to Your Day and add Some Joy and Laughter to the Day - There is a lot of serious news out there. Balance you day with some laughter with the family, watch a comedy skit that brings a smile, play a game with the kids, play chase, or turn the news off and listen to an inspiring song. Many cultures in hardship use song and dance to help balance difficult times. The key is to Remain calm, be responsible, and take a deep breath as life slows down for the unforeseeable future.

We are here for you during this time. Correcting your spine and managing your acute pain is an “essential service” we will continue to provide during this time. We have changed our flow in our office to make sure social distancing is observed by bringing you directly to your treatment room. You can also call us from your car when you arrive so we can call you in for when we are ready for you to be seen. 
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​For further information we will use our text messaging and email system to keep you informed.

In this together,
Dr. Bryan Salminen and the ASC Team

April showers bring May flowers, and getting out in the garden brings benefits for your well being and physical health! Gardening goes beyond merely beautifying your home: A 2017 research analysis of multiple studies from around the world published in the Preventive Medicine Reports shows a wide trend of gardening health benefit that range from reduced depression and anxiety, weight loss, increased satisfaction and well-being, as well as a sense of community.
Roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty to enjoy the following benefits of gardening:

• Vitamin D - Being outside and in the sun is crucial for our body to produce enough Vitamin D. It is one of the chief vitamins in our body that allows our body to absorb calcium and maintain healthy, strong bones! In fact, a 2009 study in the US shows a positive correlation of stronger bone density.
• Weight Loss -  gardening and landscaping is a moderate physical activity and burns calories at a higher rate than going on a walk the same amount of time. In a study done by the American Journal of Public Health, men and women who were involved in community gardening had lower BMI’s (body mass indexes) than those not involved.
• Decreased Dementia Risk - According to a 2006 study on lifestyle factors and risks of dementia, gardening “could lower the risk of dementia by 36 %
• ”Improved Mood, Less Stress - A study from the Netherlands showed signs of lowered stress. After completing stressful tasks, subjects who gardened rather than read inside reported better moods and showed lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol. 
• Well Being - Being in contact with nature is shown to boost the mood and relax the mind. It is also shown to provide a sense of community, as community gardening provides opportunities for social interaction.

​While these are all great benefits that can come from gardening, be aware of potential risks to your spinal health! Bending over and manual labor puts stress on the spine. Gardening with proper posture and alignment to protect the nervous system, improving your body’s physical strength, and maintain a strong core through exercise will allow you to garden longer with less risk of injury. Ask you ASC doctor for care and tips to enjoy the benefits of gardening without putting your back and body at risk!

Finally! All that cold weather is going away, and the flowers are blooming, the grass is growing, and many of us are finally ready to get outside! But for many of you, Spring means weeks of sneezing, runny nose, and coughing!

Allergies are caused by an overreaction of the immune system to foreign substances in the body. This could be pollen, pet dander, dust, or some foods. These allergens build up in the body until a threshold is reached. When the threshold is triggered, the immune system kicks in and has specialized white blood cells that release histamine into the body (the hormone responsible for the inflammation we experience). Everyone’s immune response and level of thresholds to different allergenic substances vary from person to person, which is why some people have different food allergies, or get hit worse when the trees start to bloom! When the sniffles hit, and the eyes scratch, your relief can sometimes be just a drugstore counter away. However, an increasing number of allergy sufferers say the road to relief is through a variety of all-natural ingredients and supplements that studies show can help, all without the side effects of antihistamine drugs (such as drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, moodiness). Here are some researched natural remedies you can check out!

• Butterbur - One of these natural treatments is using herbal and nutrient supplements! One such herb is the European butterbur. The extract from the root of the butterbur shrub has been used since the Middle Ages to treat fevers and more recently for coughs, asthma, headaches, and hay fever. It is safe and most people tolerate it well! In a study performed by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, a group of British researchers found that butterbur was is effective at reducing symptoms for grass allergies!
• Grape Seed Extract – Nutrients that help fight allergy symptoms are also found in grape seed extract, and a compound called quercetin. Both of these are especially abundant in red wine, but can also be taken as a supplement, and are “most effective when in conjunction with Vitamin C.” It is said to reduce our body’s histamine production, the primary cause of inflammation during an allergic reaction. Some other helpful herbal supplements are dried nettles and goldenseal.
• Spice Up Your Meals - Another method to battle allergies is looking to the kitchen to cook up some relief in the form of spicy foods! “Experts say the spicier the dish, the more likely it is to clear nasal passages” Use spices such as cayenne pepper, hot ginger, fenugreek, or just onion and garlic to help clear up those sinuses!
• Omega-3s - Break out the nuts and cook up some fish! In a German study published in an allergy journal, they found that those who ate foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids were less likely to suffer allergy symptoms. Omega-3s help fight inflammation and are found in cold-water fish, walnuts, flaxseed, and grass-fed meat, and eggs!
• Foods to Avoid - Gluten and Dairy products are known to increase mucus production in our bodies. People find relief from runny noses and congestion by limiting intake of these foods. Gluten sensitivities can show symptoms such as headaches, indigestion, stomach cramping, drowsiness, and general inflammation of the body. It is found in processed wheat, rye, and barley, products such as pastas, breads, pastries, crackers, and other processed snacks. Dairy comes in many forms from cheeses, butter, milk, cream and yogurt. Luckily, these days it is easy to find nondairy and gluten free substitutes at the grocery store. Other foods to avoid are processed foods, alcohol, peanuts, wheat, chocolate, and sugar are known culprits that act as a catalyst for hay fever.
  Be Aware of Your Sensitivities - Finally, try cutting out foods that provoke mild sensitivities or upset stomach. Cutting out food that you are intolerant to better keep your body under the allergic threshold, especially while you are bombarded with that spring tree pollen. Common insensitivities range from person to person. Some of these include intolerance to eggs, gluten, dairy, and soy products.
  

​Be Aware of Your Sensitivities- Finally, try cutting out foods that provoke mild sensitivities or upset stomach. Cutting out food that you are intolerant to better keep your body under the allergic threshold, especially while you are bombarded with that spring tree pollen. Some common food sensitivities to be aware of are gluten allergies and lactose intolerance in pasteurize dairy products.

As the cold weather sends its ice and occasional snow here in Georgia, it can be exciting for the students as they get to miss school and spend the day sledding and throwing snowballs. But for many, it is a nightmare of car accidents and traffic, and plenty of opportunities to slip and fall on that sneaky ice. As we get older, it becomes much more difficult to recover from slips and falls. To help you prepare for those slippery winter surfaces and hold your adjustment this cold season, here are some tips and tricks to protect yourself:
On top of many other health benefits, regular exercise and strength training prevent you from injury during a fall by strengthening muscles that support your body. Strength training also prepares your body to take on the stress of winter sports from skiing to ice-skating! Strong muscles can take some of the pressure of your joints during vigorous downhill sports or when you catch yourself from a fall, preventing a more severe injury. For those over 40, strength training also slows the decrease in bone density over time.

• Stretching will help your body be more elastic and flexible when faced with a fall. A rigid, stiff body us more prone to injury on impact.
• Wear the right shoes! When it’s icy outside, have a set of shoes that have non-slip features and are made to give you more traction. There are plenty of boot styles that not only give you more grip and have good tread, but they also support your ankle to prevent injury! Some of the best ones are also water-proof/resilient, so they are just as comfortable to wear shin dip in the snow as walking the city streets on a cold winter day!
• How you walk on ice is essential. When you can’t avoid those icy patches, or are uncertain if a surface is slippery or not, take short, flat steps and take it easy! (kind of like a penguin).
• Be prepared when you know an ice storm is coming and salt your driveway/walkway. This preparation prevents ice from forming. Kitty litter is also a good substitute for road salt.
• If you DO fall, learn how to fall correctly, to prevent injury! These are some tips on how to fall correctly from Hollywood stuntmen and stuntwomen!
  • First, don’t panic and stay loose.
  • Keep your joints bent instead of rigid. Doing do softens the impact and prevents you from breaking your bones.
  • Protect your head! According to professional stuntmen and stuntwomen, you want to tuck your head to the chest if falling backward and turn your face to the side if falling forwards
  • Try to land on the meaty parts of your body, and avoid landing on the boney parts and spread out your body to prevent any concentrated impact!

Even with a good fall, it is important to get you or your loved ones checked at the Alpha Spine Center to correct any spinal and joint injury that could have occurred from a slip and fall! For tips on exercises and practices that can help you avoid injury and hold your NUCCA adjustments better during these winter months, consult with one of your ASC doctors during your next visit!

Shockingly, only 1 in 3 adults engage in the recommended amount of physical exercise each week. Of those active people, 40 and uppers generally end up getting involved with running, biking, or other cardio heavy exercise, activity clubs, and endurance-based fitness programs. But did you know that Strength Training is the most important form of exercise you can do into your later years?
As we age, we begin to lose muscle, bone mass, and density. In fact, after the age of 30, physically inactive people will lose up to 5% of muscle mass per decade. The term for this loss of muscle mass is called Sarcopenia. It can lead to a slower metabolism, more body fat, less stamina, and general weakness. Another common concern with the aging body is the loss of bone density; known as Osteoporosis. This condition makes the bones in your body more fragile and susceptible to fracture and injury as the body breaks down bone cells faster than it replaces it.

The good news is that resistance training counteracts these natural age-related conditions by preventing the loss of muscle, increasing the body’s ability to maintain and build muscle mass, and keep your bones strong and hard! Resistance training provides these numerous health benefits for those 40 and up:

• Improved balance, leading to less injury and falls.
• Less pain from arthritis, as more muscle means less strain on joints.
• Better sleep and reduced stress
• Decreased risk of Type II diabetes as training regulates blood glucose levels
• Enjoy day-to-day activities with less effort and injury.
• Stronger bones and joint supporting muscles.
• Better posture and less back pain.
• *Stronger joints, bones, and reduced injury allow you to hold your spinal adjustment better!

It’s not too late! The genes in our body are elastic, and lifestyle changes we make such as diet and strength training can allow our genes to be used at their optimal capacity in keeping the body healthy. A study of healthy males has shown that that in just 4 weeks, 3 times a week, of High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), there were changes in their DNA that potentially reduced the risk for cancer and blood pressure on a genetic level. 
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Don’t know where to start? HIIT is a great way to work in resistance training with cardio. HIIT involves short intervals of intense anaerobic/resistance exercises with short recovery periods in between. It keeps your heart active, burns fat, and increases strength all at the same time. Furthermore, HIIT can be done in as little as 15-30 minutes a day, and many routines can be done from your home, for those who can’t spend hours in a gym!

So why wait for your New Year resolution to pick up the weights? By taking the time to take care of your muscles and your overall bodily health, you will be able to live longer, happier, stronger, balanced, and energetic lives doing the things you love YEAR ROUND! During your next visit for NUCCA care at the Alpha Spine Center, our doctors are happy to help point out the best way to begin resistance training for your specific age, care plan, and conditions!

What is whiplash? Whiplash is a hyperflexion/extension injury in the neck that can occur from car accidents, sports injuries, and other trauma. It is caused by an abrupt backward and forward jerking motion of the head, caused by a rear-end car collision, a rough sports injury, or other physical trauma. This violent jerking motion damages the fibrocartilage discs between the vertebrae in your neck as well as associated nerves and neck muscles.

Damage to the nerves and muscle cause usually cause neck soreness, lack of neck mobility, stiffness, and headaches. Some of the pain can radiate down to your shoulders and upper back, and create a tingling and numb feeling that radiates from your neck. More severe whiplash can lead to dizziness, blurry vision, ringing in the ears, extreme fatigue, trouble concentrating, and emotional changes from the physical condition and associated financial and emotional stresses of a car accident. Improper position of your car’s headrest can create other issues with hyperflexion/extension injury, such as ramping of the vertebrae.

The symptoms can heal somewhat after a few weeks, but without NUCCA care, the muscles will heal in misaligned positions, creating biomechanical problems and wear and tear over time on the neck joints. Misalignment caused by hyperflexion/extension injury can cause a great deal of pain and irreparable damage to the ligaments, muscles, and bones if left untreated. It is crucial to receive NUCCA care whenever you experience injury from car accidents or sports collisions to allow for proper healing of the neck. Medical doctors will generally prescribe medications that will merely cover up the pain without healing the underlying damage and can leave you with long-lasting symptoms of neck pain and headaches.

For some of you who are like me, we NEED that morning cup of joe…and perhaps three more after that. Recently, I heard someone state that for every cup of coffee, we should drink two cups of water. So, I began inquiring to know more about what my beloved morning beverage is doing to my body!

Many believe coffee dehydrates us because it is a diuretic: a substance that causes your body to produce urine. Caffeine increases blood flow through the kidneys, causing your body to release excess water, so yes, some body-fluid is be expelled at a quicker rate. But coffee itself is still a water-based solution, and it will contribute to your daily water intake.
“Drinking caffeine-containing beverages as part of a normal lifestyle does not cause fluid loss in excess of the volume ingested. While caffeinated drinks may have a mild diuretic effect — meaning that they may cause the need to urinate — they don’t appear to increase the risk of dehydration.” –(MayoClinic)

So for coffee and tea drinkers everywhere, continue enjoying your beverages knowing that they count toward your hydration. According to Web MD, the “coffee dehydrates you” myth is in fact that: a myth.  Basically, the rate of the diuretic effect from coffee and tea DOES NOT offset the amount of hydration you gain from it, creating a net hydrating effect.

So maybe you find yourself getting headaches or symptoms from coffee. But this isn’t an indication that the coffee itself is dehydrating you. You could just be sensitive to caffeine, or you are not drinking enough fluids in general!

The sun is shining and its time to get out of the office and into the pool and on that beach! But wait! Don’t forget to protect yourself before rushing out in the summer sun, or else you’ll get that all too familiar red sting of sunburn! But, did you know that some sunscreen can HARM your skin more than help? For all you fair skinned vacationers, don’t let this get you down about going outside, try these helpful tips to healthily protect your skin from the suns rays, alleviate burns, and even reduce risk of cancer!
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Some brands of commercially made sunscreen products contain various chemicals and pharmaceuticals that have the potential to cause skin reactions and contain cancer-causing irritants! The most problematic of sunscreen chemicals in the U.S. is oxybenzone, found in nearly every chemical sunscreen! EWG recommends that consumers AVOID this chemical because it can “penetrate the skin, cause allergic skin reactions, and may disrupt hormones!”

According to WebMD, retinyl palmitate is another chemical you should look out for! Multiple lab tests have found a connection to skin cancer. On top of that, wearing sunscreen blocks the body’s absorption of ultraviolet radiation that produces vitamin D in your skin! Studies show that Vitamin D
prevents 77 percent of all cancers, so don’t isolate your skin from healthy sun exposure, rather limit the frequency and duration of time you wear sunblock! A great way to approach this is by soaking up some direct sunlight for 10-15 minutes before applying sunscreen. Also, try some natural brands or remedies to use! Studies show that coconut oil used as a sunscreen may not only be good for blocking the rays, but also promoting healthy skin!    
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• If you do manage to get sunburned, try these remedies:
• Take a refreshing shower or bath, soak in an oatmeal bath for itchy sunburns
• Use lotion that contains aloe vera; it will soothe and moisturize skin.
• Take ibuprofen to help relieve pain and inflammation
• Apply lukewarm-cool (NOT cold) milk to your skin using a clean cloth. Milk will create a protein film that eases sunburn discomfort.
• Take Vitamin E supplements to decrease inflammation caused by sunburn
• Brew a fresh batch of black tea, cool it and apply to the skin. The tannic acid in black tea reportedly helps draw heat from sunburned skin, and it also aids in restoring an internal alkaline environment/pH balance.
• Cucumbers have natural antioxidant and analgesic properties. Chill cucumbers and mash them in a blender into a past. Apply to affected areas, including the face.

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Remember, the BEST remedy is PREVENTION. Use a sunscreen without the harmful chemicals, wear protective clothing (breathable long sleeve shirts, hats, etc.), and limit your exposure to direct sunlight!

Are you out there working hard at your career, taking care of the family, your startup business, your music and art, your body and fitness, and your hobbies and passions? Whatever you put your time and heart into, if you want to be your BEST, you need to get your REST!
Sleep is critical to maintaining our physical and mental health. Studies show that getting enough sleep helps with everything from having a good mood, to preventing diabetes, yet today in the United States, we are more sleep deprived than ever before.

Here are the facts:

• 35% of Americans don’t get the recommended 7 hours each night
• About 20% of Americans have a sleep disorder preventing them from a good nights rest.
• Americans currently average 6.8 hours of sleep a night.
• 97% of teens do not sleep enough, averaging 6.5 hours on a weeknight

​It is easy to get caught up working late or binging Netflix late into the night, but there are numerous benefits to choosing to get enough rest! These are a few good reasons to develop better sleeping habits:

FITNESS/EXERCISE: Been lifting weights or working on that cardio? Not getting enough sleep will only undermine your workout! Your body needs that time to give your body time to recover, conserve energy, and repair the muscles used during exercise. Also, studies show that working out allows you to get a BETTER NIGHTS REST. It’s a win/win.

BETTER FOCUS/MEMORY: Many of us have been there in college, cramming in last minute for a test, pulling the all-nighter from time to time. However, sleeping and dreaming are essential for processing and storing memory! Without a good nights rest, it is tougher to recall information and more difficult to learn new concepts! Beyond that, getting good sleep keeps you more alert and sharp, so you can use your time more efficiently when you work!

GOOD MOOD: When we rest, our brains process our emotions! Give your mind a break, and allow your mind to collect itself. Dealing with a hard, emotionally taxing day?  Get to sleep and wake up feeling mentally fresh and collected morning.

MENTAL HEALTH: In 2019, we are statistically the most ANXIOUS and DEPRESSED we have ever been. Chronic lack of sleep is not helping, as it increases the chances of developing anxiety and stress. If you struggle with insomnia, you are FIVE TIMES more likely to develop depression. Keep your mind healthy and relaxed; sleep produces chemicals that counteract and negate stress hormones.

HEALTHY HEART: Sleeping keeps our blood pressure in check! When we go to bed, our relaxed parasympathetic nervous system is operating (turning off our active/alert sympathetic nervous system). Our heart rate slows down, and blood vessels are given a break as our blood pressure is reduced. Getting that rest is one way to help prevent heart disease and strokes!

SLEEP AND CHIROPRACTIC:  Since our bodies repair during times of rest, sleep allows you to hold your chiropractic adjustments and strengthen proper alignment! Less stress from more sleep also means a physically relaxed body, preventing the muscle tension that can cause headaches, neck pain, and misalignment! Finally, receiving chiropractic care straightens the spine and heals painful symptoms that wake people up in the night, such as headaches and back pain

We can’t solve everything in a day, and no one can keep on going forever without burning out! Balance your days and nights by intentionally getting the sleep you need so you can live a healthier, happier, restful life!

One of the most stressful seasons is almost over: Tax season. It’s a scramble to organize finances, dig up old work receipts, worry about how much is still owed and hoping for that refund! Every day, stress affects us all, whether financial struggles, working through relationships, or coping with a career!  While SOME stress is healthy and beneficial for our day to day lives, too much has serious mental, emotional AND physical side effects.

Physical health and mental health are intertwined.  As you receive care at the Alpha Spine Center, it is essential to be aware of how stress and emotional/mental struggles affect your body and alignment! It starts with the stress chemical Cortisol:

Cortisol, the Stress Hormone:

The Good: At normal levels of daily stress, cortisol helps us with rapid energy by regulating nutrients to be used immediately. It helps our body wake up in the morning, get in the zone for exercising, and react with fight or flight responses in times of danger.

The Bad: We live in a time where our lives are ever stressed, fast-paced, constantly stimulated and connected. We are the most stressed and anxious generation to have walked this earth. This constant state of stress leads keeps our bodies at a consistently high level of cortisol.
Chronically high levels of cortisol creates high blood pressure (increasing chances for type 2 diabetes), elevates weight gain, weakens the immune system with its effects on inflammation, digestion issues since our digestive system operates in a relaxed state, can lead to depression, and aggravates fertility problems from erectile dysfunction to an imbalance in women’s monthly cycles.

Affect on the Spine: From a chiropractic lens, stress keeps the body in a state of physical tension. Shoulders, neck and back muscles are tightly bound and causing inflexibility, leading to increased chance of injury, headaches, and general muscle pain. This tension increases your likelihood of losing your chiropractic alignment. As adjustments shift the spine into proper spinal positioning, muscles surrounding the neck and spine will have points of weakness as they adjust to the new alignment. Muscle tension caused by ongoing elevated stress pulls against these weaker muscles, stretching the neck and spine back into misalignment.

But don’t Stress about it! Here are some habits and treatments that can help you balance your daily stress and prevent stress-induced spinal misalignment.

SLEEP: Allow yourself to get adequate rest. The chemicals pumped during good sleep stop the production of stress hormones. Receiving chiropractic care helps align your body to be tension free, and reduces painful symptoms and headaches, allowing for BETTER sleep!

PRAYER & QUIET TIME:  It is impossible to keep on going going going. You need quiet space to rest your body, reflect on what you’ve neglected or would like to be doing, and connect with God as a source of peace and direction. Release all that mental clutter by taking 10-15 minutes each day to exercise quiet time and prayer time.

EXERCISE: Working out produces endorphins: also known as “happy” chemicals promoting better moods! Physical activity also promotes self-confidence and a better nights rest. At the Alpha Spine Center, we have spinal alignment-specific exercises that can help strengthen the neck and back to prevent injury and misalignment caused by daily stress!
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BE SOCIAL and SMILE: Balance your work life by engaging in fun social activities and doing hobbies you enjoy! We are social beings that need time to enjoy other people. Taking time for yourself provides a healthy work-life balance. Also, practice the art of smiling more. The physical act of smiling triggers endorphin production, making you feel happier and stress- free!

At the Alpha Spine Center, we want you to experience a healthy, balanced lifestyle that reaches beyond your physical health! Experience the full benefits of NUCCA care by following these tips on managing your emotional health and stress!

Having good posture is a habit that has been encouraged for centuries, from displaying military prowess in the 1600s, to emphasizing social dignity in the 1800s. Nowadays the importance of posture is stressed by physical therapists and chiropractic because of its importance to our health. Common benefits of good posture are the prevention of back and neck pain, better mobility of your joints, and even a stronger core and strengthened back (which can prevent injury in day to day activities).
Today, we live in a modern age of smartphones, smart cars, and the ability to make money from the comfort of your laptop. But as many of us spend hours looking down at our phone, sitting hunched in office chairs, or slumped on the couch watching Netflix, we have also formed bad habits of slouching and poor posture that over time causes our muscles to become imbalanced. It is a condition that has sprung up in our generation, and it is called Upper Cross Syndrome.

So what exactly is Upper Cross Syndrome, and what is causing it? In short, Upper Cross Syndrome is deformation and improper development of the muscles in the shoulders, neck, and chest. So what is different?

Over time, this muscle imbalance molds your body into the slouched posture shown above. The head pushes forward, the shoulders become rounded, and the strain causes many symptoms such as headaches, neck pain, chest tightness, jaw pain, fatigue, soreness during long drives, and restricted range of motion in athletics and exercise.

But all is not lost if you find yourself experiencing Upper Cross Syndrome. You can balance your life with these exercises and lifestyle tips, counteract the development of Upper Cross Syndrome, and experience pain relief.

• Intentionally sitting with good posture while driving and working.
• Limiting screen time.
• Using a headset or earphones to talk on the phone.
• Soft Tissue treatment and massage to loosen tightened muscle groups.
• Laser therapy to stimulate damaged muscle cells in overused muscles.

*Engaging in the following types of exercises that engage the muscles that are underused, and promote straight posture.

Similar to Upper Cross Syndrome, Lower Cross Syndrome is a condition in which there is an imbalance of tight and weak muscles. The difference is lower cross syndrome affects the lower part of your body, where abs and glutes (your butt) are weak and the hip flexors and mid back are tight. It is possible to experience both UPPER and LOWER cross syndromes at the same time, but being intentional about your posture habits can help prevent both! So what lifestyle habits cause LCS?

• Prolonged sitting with bad posture.
• Physical Inactivity
• Poor technique during exercise, especially lifts that can strain the back such as dead-lift, bench press, and squat.
• Imbalanced strength training, (aka. Skipping leg day)

As LCS develops, it only gets worse over time. Because the glutes and abs are weak, your hamstrings and lower back overcompensate and become tighter as you engage in daily activities such as walking, running, and squatting. The tighter these muscles get, the weaker your abs and glutes become! This eventually can cause low back pain, a bulging belly, and increased risk of knee pain, lower back pain, and other musculoskeletal disorders. To prevent and combat LCS, here are some excercises and stretches you can do at home:

What is Cortisol? Cortisol is a hormone that is produced by our adrenal glands and is known as the "stress hormone." Sounds like public enemy number one right? Well in large quantities it can be. Cortisol is a hormone that helps us adapt to "fight or flight" situations. For many of us, our average day is free of life-threatening situations, yet in the modern American culture of constant deadlines, multiple demands, increased workloads, taking care of family, and trying to make ends meet stack up as a bunch of hassles that trigger stress. As a result, we can get bogged down under pressure as our body produces Cortisol to react to these changing, constant demands!
 
Many of us struggle with constant stress and a steady flow of Cortisol each day, and according to the Mayo Clinic, this long-term exposure can adversely affect our health. Elevated Cortisol levels contribute to many of these symptoms:
 
Interference with learning and memory
Lower bone density
Weight Gain
Increased risk for depression and mental illness.
Increased risk for anxiety
Digestive problems
Sleep problems
Can cause headaches
 
According to Psychology Today, on top of traumatic experiences, a big part of why our modern society faces elevated levels of stress and anxiety (and heightened levels of Cortisol) is because of our environment. From the demands and the hustle and bustle of city life, the overload of information on social media, and constant access to "higher" standards of beauty, lifestyle, etc. shown on television and media.
 
But all is not lost. We don't have to let stress run our lives if we make a few changes in our daily lifestyle!
Eat a healthy, balanced diet and exercise to allow your body to produce healthy chemicals. It also improves your overall well being, reducing stress.
Take "me time." Give yourself time to enjoy hobbies, read a book, and relax. It may feel counterproductive, but by taking care of yourself and giving yourself time to relax allows you to function more efficiently and effectively when you do work.
Laugh a little! The physical act of smiling and laughing, like exercising, actually releases endorphins and reduces stress!
Take time to be social and engages with friends and family, or serve others through volunteering! We are social beings and need time to participate in that social space!
Reduce caffeine consumption: studies show that caffeine increases cortisol at rest similar to being under acute-stress!
Take quiet time for prayer or reflection. Clearing the mind of cluttered thoughts and releasing them reduces stress as well!
 
 
Even though we struggle with increased levels of Cortisol these days, it is still an essential hormone that in healthy amounts helps us manage blood pressure, reduces inflammation, supports a stronger immune system, and triggers us to react to danger! Knowing how to balance our Cortisol levels aids our chemical health, and allows us to live a healthy, balanced lifestyle!
 
 
 
SOURCES
 
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress/art-20046037
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-athletes-way/201301/cortisol-why-the-stress-hormone-is-public-enemy-no-1
https://www.livestrong.com/article/510118-what-are-the-benefits-of-cortisol/
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/clear-organized-and-motivated/201703/5-sources-stress-and-anxiety-in-the-modern-world
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-laughter-may-be-the-best-pain-medicine/
https://www.precisionnutrition.com/coffee-and-hormones

The body is a regulated and controlled via chemical messages from the Nervous System. Each message sent - within the brain, brain to organ or organ to brain; from one nerve to another - is composed of very specific chemical sequences. Every chemical arrangement is specific to a task for the body. There are vast numbers of chemical signals in our body that are constantly being produced to start and stop intricate functions. Some examples of these are hydrochloric acid (HCL) and cortisol (hormone). HCl is made and used by the stomach for digestion and cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands, controlled by the pituitary and hypothalamus in the brain. Chemical balance in our body is maintained innately and can be altered via environmental experiences. For example, when we eat lunch at 11:30am every day, our body learns that it needs to start prepping for digestion at 11:30am via our biological clocks. If we skipped our lunch and ate at 3:30pm instead, our body will produce all the chemicals for digestion at both times. The body adapts to the environment, so it meets our needs in different situations. The environment and genetic make-up play a crucial role in the production and utilization of chemicals to carry out prominent bodily functions. 
Stress is an excellent example of the environment influencing the production of chemicals. Cortisol is the primary hormone released in response to a fight and flight (stressful) situation, hence the word “stress hormone”. Cortisol is a steroid hormone that controls blood sugar levels, metabolism, anti-inflammatory processes, memory formation, salt-water balance, blood pressure and fetal development. It effectively changes our physiology in the event of stress, so the body can respond adequately without failing at the time of danger. One can experience prolonged (threatening or non-threatening) stress which, increases the amount of cortisol released over time. However, when the body is under large-amounts of stress it puts all bodily functions in over-drive, which drastically reduces the production of cortisol. In this case, the body fails to meet the expectations of the environment and one experiences a mental and physical crash. The diagram below depicts the relationship between increased stress and performance.  As seen, optimal stress is productive, where as too much stress induces exhaustion, anxiety and breakdown. 
In the US, a large population experiences prolonged stress also known as chronic stress. As mentioned above, chronic stress leads to reduced cortisol levels; which consequently causes bodily dysfunction and dis-ease such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic pelvic pain, low back pain and lumbar disc herniations. Research has recently correlated lumbar disc herniations to long-term stress and established a predictive relationship between reduced cortisol (pro-longed stress) and new-onset of musculoskeletal pain. Moreover, the decrease or absence of cortisol levels will increase inflammation contributing to pain in the joints. It is clear that prolonged-stress compromises the musculoskeletal structure, especially the spine.
True story of patient with prolonged stress 
 A mother named Mary, has been a care-taker of her husband battling with cancer for 8 years. Over the years I noticed her energy declining, she looks more worn out each time and is shrinking vertically. A few months back she began experiencing sharp neck and low-back pain. After thorough testing and MRI’s, she was diagnosed with multiple disc herniations in the lumbar spine. As mentioned above, it is scientifically proven that when a person is under high stress, they can experience degeneration of the spine. With pain in her spine and the lack of energy; she spends less time gardening and doing what she loves. Now she spends more time laying in bed and resting on the couch. She once mentioned to me, with tears in her eyes, that she is not enjoying gardening and it has become a chore. Even though she is mentally and physically exhausted with pain and stress, she attempts to push through the pain. It is sad to see she is not able to do what she is passionate about. Gardening was her way to get away from her real-life problems, but now she is in prolonged stress and pain with inflamed extremities and spinal joints. 
When Mary came to the Alpha Spine Center, she had lost all hope in getting her life back. After a few treatments Mary’s pain level has decreased in half and she is gardening once again. For this reason, I am so thankful Mary found her way to our practice. It brings her immense joy when she picks fresh cut flowers and puts them in a vase at her husband’s bedside. 
The story above paints a picture of how a stressful situation can quickly take a toll on a perfectly healthy individual. Increased stress with decreased cortisol levels can have a negative effect on the body and reduce its ability to perform optimally. Chronic stress is a key contributor to disease and degenerative changes in spinal health despite exercise and healthy eating. If you know anyone like Mary in your life, please share this story with them so they can find hope and restoration as well. ​

​In today’s day and age of processed foods and chemical products, countless diet fads, and GMO and hormone filled farm products; we are exposed to many toxins, heavy metals, and chemicals every single day. Though our bodies have a natural system for removing toxins, prolonged exposure to too much of any harmful substance can alter the chemical balance of our body.
A common way we can balance our chemical health is by eating clean and being aware of what your food and water are exposed to. These are some things to avoid:
 
·    Ultra-Processed Foods: these are foods with many ingredients listed, many with big long names you probably can’t pronounce. These foods are linked to higher risk for cancer and include frozen dinners, sodas/diet sodas, and store bought pastries and boxed baking mixes.
 
·    Non-Organic and GMO Produce: fruits and veggies that are sprayed with toxic pesticides and chemicals to kill off insects and other pests. These chemicals on their own can alter developmental growth and are known endocrine disruptors (which means they interfere with hormones and hormonal balance).
 
·    Non- Free Range Chicken/Non-Grass Fed Beef/Non- Organic Dairy: These are massed produced chicken and cow products that are cooped up in small spaces and fed hormones for growth, as well as GMO corn products. This makes for chemically imbalanced animals. These chemicals are processed by our digestive system when we consume these animal products.
 
·    Plastic Water Bottles: widespread testing of “safe” Non-BPA water bottles has shown that 93% of bottled water samples were contaminated with plastic particles and fibers.
 
·    Unfiltered Tap Water: tap water can contain metals and other chemicals, which can vary in seriousness to our health depending on the local environment and treatment process.
 
 
Beyond our food and drinks, we are also exposed to chemicals through everyday items such as makeup, sunscreen, bug spray, and cleaning products. These are some other chemical concerns in our home products.
 
·Makeup: Under current law, the FDA doesn’t require safety assessments on cosmetic products. Some lipsticks and foundations have traces of lead in them. Quaternium-15 is a common ingredient in mascara that potentially causes cancer and is known to irritate the skin. Look for small batch brands or makeup that focuses on safe products. Annmarie is an excellent resource for safe makeup.
 
·      Most Chemical Sunscreens: these sun protectors use chemical compound barriers to block the suns harmful rays. New research reveals that chemicals commonly used in sunscreens are endocrine disruptors. Also, stay far away from sunscreen with the chemical Oxybenzone. This chemical is found in 96% of common sunscreens and is a known endocrine disruptor. Even worse 40% of tested chemical sunblock increases the risk of skin cancer. Instead, try mineral sunscreens which use Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide as their primary active ingredients to block harmful UV rays.
 
·      Cleaning Products: It is no surprise that cleaning solutions and bleach products are harmful to us since many of them are toxic to ingest. One way to reduce our exposure to cleaning chemicals is to choose more natural and eco-friendly products such as Method, Mrs. Meyer’s, or Green Works to name a few.
 
 
 
How to balance our Chemical Health!
 
It may seem like the world around us is teeming with dangerous toxins, but alongside our body’s ability to reduce toxins in our body, we can help our body’s chemical balance in by changing some lifestyle habits.
 
·      Detox: Go on a detoxing diet, this can range from juice detoxes to clean eating diets as mentioned above.
 
·      Fasting: Simply said, not eating. There are different ways to fast, and it doesn’t mean to starve your body.  It can stimulate weight loss, promote human growth hormone, and can regulate levels of insulin, ghrelin, and triglyceride.
 
·      Alkaline Diet: This is a diet that is meant to regulate the ph levels in your body. It limits dietary acid intake and promotes essential minerals our body needs. An alkaline diet can protect bone density and muscle mass, lower risk for stroke or hypertension, reduce inflammation, and improve immune function and cancer prevention.
 
 
 
 
 
Sources:
 
·      https://draxe.com/tap-water-toxicity/
 
·      https://www.annmariegianni.com/toxic-chemicals-in-makeup-industry/
 
·      https://wellnessmama.com/55366/sunscreen-is-harmful/
 
·      http://www.thegoodtrade.com/features/natural-eco-friendly-cleaning-products-for-the-conscious-home
 
·      https://draxe.com/detox-diet/
 
·      http://www.pan-uk.org/health-effects-of-pesticides/
 
·      https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2952409/

“I can take a deep breath, I feel my sinuses have finally opened up and feel more calm after an adjustment” states Pamela Peterson owner of I heart Pilates after her first NUCCA adjustment at Alpha Spine Center.  Most patients often feel this calmness and ability to breathe more deeply after their adjustment. Ever wondered why that is?

The Scientific Explanation.   

The central nervous system has a subsystem called the autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is responsible for automatic or involuntary bodily functions that we do not need to perform consciously or actively, such as breathing. The ANS is responsible for controlling the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system response.  The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is responsible for the “Fight or Flight” response in which the body gets prepared for danger. It does so by dilating the lungs for rapid breathing causing the heart to beat faster and stronger, increases blood circulation to the muscles and increases the adrenaline rush in your body so it can either fight the danger or run away from the danger.  Where as, the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) is responsible for conserving and restoring energy through bodily functions like digestion. 

Definition: Central Nervous system: Consists of the brain and spinal cord, which is the integrating and control center. 

How does a NUCCA adjustment affect the Parasympathetic Nervous System? 

The parasympathetic nervous system stems from the level of the brainstem (Upper cervical: C1 and C2) and sacral region of the spine and the sympathetic nervous system stems from the thoracic and lumbar region of the spine. Therefore, if the nerves in the brainstem and sacral region were activated then a parasympathetic response should illicit. This was proven by Welch and Boone published in 2008, in which they found a decrease in diastolic blood pressure in subjects that received an upper cervical adjustment. So the pressure in the heart decreased further as it filled up with blood. Indicating that activation of the parasympathetic nervous system upon an upper cervical adjustment. 

Definition: Diastolic pressure: minimum arterial pressure during relaxation and dilation of the ventricles during filling of blood in the heart. 

The scientific explanation helps understand the feeling of being relaxed, calm and the ability to take a deep breath after a NUCCA adjustment at the Alpha Spine Center. If you know a loved one in constant “fight or flight”, stress or sympathetic mode that can’t seem to dial down and be calm; refer them to Alpha Spine Center to determine if they qualify for NUCCA care. ​

Methods of evaluation of autonomic nervous system function. Zygmunt, A., Stanczyk, J. Arch Med Sci. 2010; 6(1): 11-18.
Upper Cervical Subluxation Complex. A Review of the Chiropractic and Medical Literature. Eriksen, K. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. 2004

What is Balanced Health?
 
Most of us have heard that we should get regular exercise and eat a balanced diet: Lose the weight, stay in shape, and eat our vegetables, etc., etc. It’s good advice to take care of our body, but is this balanced health? Not entirely. A balanced lifestyle not only focuses on our physical and nutritional health (healthy food, exercise, sleep), it recognizes the Mental/Emotional, Social, and Spirituals needs and their impact on our overall health.
 
5 Key Components to Balanced Health
 
    Mental-Emotional health relates to how we feel, and how our emotional needs are met. It deals with how we are satisfied mentally. Continuously learning, being aware of our emotions, and having a positive outlook on life helps our emotional, mental health.  
 
    Social health has to do with our relationships. As relational beings, we need to connect with others and create companionship. Dysfunctional and unresolved conflict in our existing relationships, dealing with loneliness, and lack of community are some things that can affect social health.
 
    Physical health focuses on our physical fitness and the condition of our physical body. Getting adequate rest, having a healthy environment and living space, and taking proper care of injuries are some examples of taking care of physical health.
 
Chemical health is what we put in and on our bodies, as well as how our body reacts to substances. This includes our nutrition, being aware of allergies and food intolerances, as well as reducing the use of harmful substances (alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and certain pharmaceutical chemicals.
 
    Spiritual health deals with our connection to our values and actions, and a sense of greater purpose. It is time spent in reflection on our values and spiritual relationships. Engaging in prayer, quiet time, and connection with God gives a sense of direction, harmony, and peace in our lives.
   
    By balancing these five areas of our overall health, we can achieve a healthy balanced lifestyle, but letting any one of the areas slide can negatively impact the rest of your health! Someone who struggles with being out of shape or obesity may have social insecurities related to their weight or appearance, find themselves with less energy to physical activities, and are 25% more susceptible to mood disorders such as depression (Everyday Health). Those who struggle with emotional, mental depression suffer in their physical health due to lack of appetite and a lack of desire to take care of themselves. They also will suffer in their social health as they isolate themselves from others. Without spiritual purpose or direction, life can feel like chaos, leading to addictions, not eating well, and emotional volatility.
    On the other hand, working on any area of our health helps the other three components as well. Working out creates chemicals called endorphins that make us feel happy, and it creates the discipline that gives us a sense of accomplishment. Spending quality time with friends allows us to physically and mentally relax from the stresses of work and life. Having trust in God and taking quite time to reflect on Him takes off the emotional and mental pressure to have all the answers, and can even provide community through religious gatherings.
    Here at the Alpha Spine Center, we know how wellness goes beyond the physical care we provide, and our doctors are always willing to address the emotional, social, and spiritual impacts on your health. It is important for us to bring awareness to these different areas of overall health so that you can continue to live a healthy balanced lifestyle and retake charge of your life as we help you with all of your spinal health needs.
 

         Teenage years are the best years of your life, filled with future hopes, dreams and aspirations. These are the times when you are motivated to conquer the world. Imagine being 18 years of age and your life gets put on hold and all your vivacious hopes, dreams and future aspirations are taken away from you with a blink of an eye.
            On a beautiful spring day of May 2015 K.D. experienced a significant loss in life: the optimal functioning of her body. That day, K.D. couldn’t move the entire right side of her body, the words coming out of her mouth were slurred, her vision began to blur, she had a major migraine with TMJ pain. After a few more episodes, she sought help. She saw stroke specialists, neurologists, heart doctors, physical, occupational and speech therapists, she had taken medications but nothing helped. Unfortunately, she had to drop out of college and move in with her parents as she could no longer read, write, type, speak or take care of herself. Three months had passed, with no resolution and 70 migraine episodes that lasted days or weeks with $200, 000 in medical expenses.
            On August 28th of 2015 her parents drove 60 miles (2 hours) from McDonough, GA to Alpha Spine Center, with a gleam of hope and a diagnosis of a complex-stroke migraine or hemiplegic migraine and conversion disorder.
 
K.D. presented into the office on a wheelchair desperately waiting for a solution to her debilitating state. During the consultation, it was daunting to see her struggle as she tried to express herself through the process. Dr. Salminen performed a thorough examination on K.D. and determined that she was a perfect candidate for NUCCA care. It brought her joy and tears in her eyes, as she was relieved that there was a cause and solution for her stroke-like migraines. Dr. Salminen gently carried K.D. from her wheelchair and placed her onto the adjusting table. Moments after the adjustment K.D. clearly, uttered the words “I am better”, and sat herself up. She could finally feel the right side of her body move!
 After a couple of months of NUCCA care with Dr. Salminen, K.D.’s excitement returned as her hopes and dreams evolved again. She returned to college, as she could read, write, type and speak again. The motor control of the right side of her body increased with precision. This allowed her to drive and start working again. K.D. gained her life back; she didn’t have to wonder whether she’ll have the opportunity graduate college or get a professional job or even get married.
K.D’s migraines were debilitating! It put her life on hold. If you know anyone experiencing one of the above types of migraines, please get them in immediately at the Alpha Spine Center to be evaluated on whether they are a candidate for NUCCA care.
 
  

​Summer is an awesome time of the year!  Full of family gatherings, vacations and plenty of time outside.  Kids will be out of school spending loads of time playing outdoors with their buddies.  What one of the most popular and yet incredibly harmful activities kids love to do is jump on a trampoline.  They are extremely dangerous if not used correctly. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics strongly advises that even with nets: “Parents should never purchase a home trampoline or allow children to use home trampolines.”  Children 6 and under should never bounce on a trampoline.  But let’s face it someone in your neighborhood has a trampoline.  Kids are just going to bounce and bounce without a care for their safety.  The absolute worst thing children can do and will is jump with multiple friends at once.  Double bouncing and playing “popcorn” doubly increases their chances of a severe injury.  Even with adult supervision, the “one child bounce at a time” rule isn't necessarily in place.  The statistic is that 75% of trampoline injuries occur when several kids are jumping at once.  Also, many insurance companies won’t insure homeowners that have a trampoline on the premises and/or may not cover trampoline-related claims. Coverage is highly variable.
 
You might be asking yourself then, how bad can a trampoline be?  They are super fun!  It's simple physics really.  A trampoline creates a rebounding force into the spine causing your joints to compress.  The harder you jump, the more force it creates into the body thus increasing the chance of severe trauma to the body.  While kids can maintain some control on the up motion, it’s the down motion that is harder to control.  This is where injury usually happens.  Lacerations, sprains to ligaments, strains to muscle fibers, broken arms and legs and hyperextended knees are just some of the injuries that can occur.  And those are the minor ones!  Avulsion fractures can occur where a fragment of bone tears away from the main mass of bone.  Yikes!  Not to mention the occurrence of concussions and disc herniations to the spinal structure.  Furthermore, injuries sustained on a trampoline can be equal to or sometimes worse than an auto accident whiplash! 
 
If you or your child have any soreness after bouncing on a trampoline, you can be sure that there has been damage to your body.  It is imperative that you call a N.U.C.C.A. doctor immediately.  The sooner, the better!  N.U.C.C.A. is ideal for addressing trampoline injuries.   The most important thing when injured is to realign the spine and extremities and allow them to heal properly.  It takes muscles 4-6 weeks to recover, ligaments 6-8 weeks, and nerves 3-4 months.  This can ruin summertime fun!  We at Alpha Spine Center have seen 100’s of children over the years with minor to major injuries from bouncing on a trampoline.  What is our advice to parents?  Say no to trampolines (and bounce houses for that matter)!  With the warmer weather upon us, we expect to see these preventable injuries.  The statistics over the last couple of decades speak for themselves.  Just because there isn’t an outright ban of these dangerous “toys” doesn’t mean they are safe.  We urge you, parents, to ask yourselves whether a few minutes of “innocent," joyful bouncing is really worth the risk of a catastrophic injury to your child’s developing brain and bones.  

​As you may have noticed in the office, previous newsletters and promos we have been advertising the professional line of nutritional supplements, Designs for Health.  We are so impressed with Designs for Health and the quality of their products.  They specifically cater to partnering with healthcare professionals and their patients.  Designs for Health guiding philosophy is “Science First.”  As it states on their website, they are committed to “research-driven products, synergistic formulations, and meaningful quantities of therapeutic ingredients.”  What this means is that you will be getting high-quality nutritional supplements and proven efficacy.  In other words, supplements that work!
    They have an extensive line of products covering a broad range of nutritional needs.  They have multi-vitamins and minerals, delicious protein powders (vegan and paleo too), and more targeted supplements for needs such as thyroid support, arthritis, and cardiovascular issues.  The list goes on and on.  We highly recommend a visit to our Designs for Health professional store at www.alphaspinecenter.ehealthpro.com to get more information about this superior supplement company and their products.  They have made it incredibly easy to order online.  Please ask an ASC team member about these products and how you can get registered and started today!  Patients will receive 20% off their first order.  We can’t say  enough about Designs for Health.  Another means to achieve a balanced and healthy 2017!

     Have you ever seen Will Smith’s movie Concussion? It depicts head traumas from sports related injuries that can create detrimental unseen damage to the brain and brain stem. Although sports injuries are the major cause of concussions; whiplash causing activities and motor vehicle accidents are just as prevalent in causing concussions.
    Imagine riding a motocross cycle in the backwoods of Georgia with your son, and he is blasting ahead as you try to keep up. You are over 50 years old, and you are trying to relive your youth. Then your son and the other riders find themselves at the end of the trail near the cars, and you are nowhere to be found.  An hour later you find yourself at the truck not realizing how you got there with a pounding headache. You feel dazed and confused and don't know that you hit your head from a fall. The dirt on one side of your body and scuff marks on the helmet is the sign that you had an accident and didn't remember a thing.  You just had a concussion! ​    
 It is estimated every year that there are around 136,000 sports-related concussions just in young people alone. These incidences occur most often between the ages of 9 and 22. For 90% of these young people, their recovery time is one week. However, for the 10% (approximately 13,600) of young people who have prolonged periods of recovery, the post-concussive syndrome can become a concern. There are four prominent symptoms of PCS-- sleep, cognitive, emotional, and somatic. The percentage of these cases can range from 1.5% to 15% and can leave devastating results. This damage can lead to memory loss, intolerance to exercise, and neurocognitive dysfunction. PCS and brainstem trauma can both have a negative impact on the communication of the nervous system. They can also create headaches, nausea, dizziness, foggy thinking, lack of appetite, and neck pain.
    Did you know the doctors at the Alpha Spine Center are well versed in diagnosing and detecting post-concussive syndrome and brain stem related injuries? In fact, the story shared earlier wasn't just a story made up to give an example but David Long's story, a patient, who called the Alpha Spine Center right away to receive the necessary care for his scary experience with a Concussion. Depending on the level of trauma we will determine whether they need to be referred out for a PET scan, to a neurologist or cared for at the Alpha Spine Center. If your child or loved one has ever had nausea, vomiting, unclear thoughts, repetitive thoughts, mood swings and dizziness after any head trauma; make sure you have them get checked from one of the doctors at the Alpha Spine Center to prevent long term damage to their nervous system.

 While our bodies can create vitamins such as vitamin-K and vitamin-D internally, the essential vitamin, vitamin-C, cannot be. This vitamin, however, is one of the most crucial vitamins for our health; that is why it is so important that we include a vitamin-C supplement in our diets. Here are the top three reasons why: 


1. Vitamin-C supplementation boosts immune function. Vitamin-C deficiencies are often lead to an increased frequency and duration of colds. While colds themselves are not all that dangerous, they can be a gateway to bigger and more critical illnesses, such as pneumonia. Without proper supplementation of vitamin-C, we put our bodies at risk for a weakened immune system.  
2. Vitamin-C helps to energize and support our immune system. For instance, if we have an infection, our immune cells will send more vitamin-C to the area where our body needs it the most. That is why, if we have a deficiency, the duration of our illness increases.  
3. Vitamin-C aids in the production of collagen. Collagen is a tissue your body needs for your bones, blood vessels, teeth, and gums. Collagen cannot build without vitamin-C. Our heart and blood vessels cannot function without collagen; therefore, vitamin-C is a vital nutrient for our health and well-being. 
   Because vitamin-C is water-soluble and excreted through urine and sweat, we need to replace it every day. That is why products such as BioFizz and Stellar C by Designs for Health are essential products for our daily routine. These products, taken as a daily dietary supplement, will boost your health and lead to optimal immunity. ​