Enjoy,

Dr. Hanson

The Normal Cervical Curve in the Neck

The cervical curve in the neck is supposed to be a “C” shape. There are 7 vertebrae or bones in the neck spine: C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6 and C7. The first vertebrae, or C1 is also know as the atlas, and C2 is known as the axis.

If I look at a “lateral” cervical spine (meaning from the side) x-ray- the spine should be in the shape of a “C”.

If I look at a “AP” cervical spine (meaning from the front) x-ray- the spine should be straight up and down, with no curves.

In between each of the bones, are the cervical spinal nerves, labels as in the diagram below as C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, and C8.

The cervical spine is very important because it encompasses and protects the spinal cord, holds up the head and skull and also allows us to move our head: forward (flexion), look back (extension), bend from side to side (lateral flexion) and turn our head from side to side (rotation).

Protection of the spinal cord is extremely important: messages from the brain travel through the spinal cord, out via nerves-innervating muscles, organs, blood vessels- this system controls how we walk, talk and basically do all of daily functions.

What do these cervical nerves control? They control certain areas of the head, neck and upper back, including the arms and hands. More specifically:

C1: Head and neck C2: Head and neck C3: Diaphragm C4: Upper body muscles (e.g. Deltoids, Biceps) C5: Wrist extensors C6: Wrist extensors C7: Triceps Muscle C8: Hands

Often times we see a loss of the cervical curve, also known as a “loss of cervical lordosis” or “military” neck.

Doctors often prescribe cervical traction to help get the curve back into the spine. This involves home traction and also using pillows that will provide gentle traction while sleeping.

Also surrrounding the cervical spine are tendons, ligaments and muscles- they allow for movement and prevent us from doing certain motions to prevent injury and pain.

So there you have it- hopefully you understand the significance of the cervical spine- and why it is so important. The cervical spine is composed of bones c1-c7, nerves c1-c8, ligaments, tendons and muscles. Wrapping your head around all the complexities and functions of the cervical spine- can be a daunting task.

OPTIMAL SPINE = OPTIMAL HEALTH!

Enjoy!

Dr. Woodbury

Six weeks of whole-body vibration exercise improves pain and fatigue in women with fibromyalgia

The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. Vol. 14(8), pp: 975-981, 2008

The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a 6-week traditional exercise program with supplementary whole-body vibration (WBV) in improving health status, physical functioning, and main symptoms of fibromyalgia (FM) in women with FM. Thirty-six women with FM were randomized into 3 treatment groups: exercise and vibration (EVG), exercise (EG), and control (CG). Exercise therapy, consisting of aerobic activities, stretching, and relaxation techniques, was performed twice a week. Following each exercise session, the EVG underwent a protocol with WBV, whereas the EG performed the same protocol without vibratory stimulus. The Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) was administered at baseline and 6 weeks following the initiation of the treatments. Estimates of pain, fatigue, stiffness, and depression were also reported using the visual analogue scale. Results: Pain and fatigue scores were significantly reduced from baseline in the EVG, but not in the EG or CG. In addition, the EVG showed significantly lower pain and fatigue scores at week 6 compared to the CG, whereas no significant differences were found between the EG and CG.

Conclusion: Results suggest that a 6-week traditional exercise program with supplementary WBV safely reduces pain and fatigue, whereas exercise alone fails to induce improvements.

By Dr Peter Hanson

Laser therapy energizes living systems.

Four well accepted effects in the scientific literature are:

Biostimulation / Tissue Regeneration Reduction of Inflammation Analgesia Enhanced Immune Function / Antimicrobial

One important way in which laser therapy adds energy is through photon absorption by mitochondria. These tiny organelles which have been called the “powerhouses” of the cell, are found in most plants and animals.  Mitochondria are able to absorb laser light which then activates a series of reactions to increase and store more cellular energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP).

By increasing energy available in this readily accessible form, laser light is able to greatly stimulate the biological function of cells, tissue, and systems and even raise overall vital energy throughout the individual. “Bio” stimulation = Life stimulation!

One Stop Wellness Shop: Windsor Spine and Wellness Center

Wednesday, 8 February 2012 by jessica.mefferd

I see a chiropractor in Southern California regularly. It’s a pretty basic office—a few adjustment rooms and a small area with a few types of traction—so when I visited the Windsor Spine and Wellness Center in Colorado this month, I was absolutely floored.

 Now, you’re probably wondering: What makes this chiropractic office so special? Well, I’ll start with the fact that it’s more than just a chiropractic office; it’s a complete wellness center with nine Power Plate machines. That’s right—NINE! More importantly, Windsor Spine Center is utilizing their Power Plate machines in myriad ways: physical therapy and rehabilitation, weight loss, sports and fitness training, and personal training, to name a few.

As if their list of offerings isn’t impressive enough, I was amazed by the seamless flow in the office. I kept counting the patients in the office—which was between 30 and 50 the entire day. It would be easy for chaos to ensue with that many people moving station to station throughout the office, but Windsor Spine Center is a well-oiled machine. The entire staff of 16—the doctors, the physical therapists, the weight loss coach, even the front desk staff—are Power Plate certified. Everyone is qualified to give demonstrations and answer questions the patients have about whole body vibration.

But it doesn’t stop at the patients. The Windsor Spine Center staff trains with Power Plate, too! When the office closed and all of the patients had left, the staff members changed into their workout clothes and rocked a Power Plate/TRX class. Does it get any more awesome than that?

You can learn more about Windsor Spine Center at www.windsorspinecenter.com. Be sure to check out their amazing Power Plate testimonials!

-Niccole Burns, Power Plate Marketing Manager

Specialists in Whiplash Treatment

 With all the snow and slush out on the roads there has been a significant amount of auto accidents during the last week. If you or someone you know has been in an accident, even a small “fender-bender” it is important that you have a proper evaluation to ensure that the accident does not cause long term pain and suffering. The doctors at Hanson Chiropractic are specialist in evaluating and treating whiplash victims.

Hanson Chiropractic in Everett has been helping patients with whiplash and related spine and soft tissue injuries for over 17 years.

The term Whiplash is used to describe the sudden jerking backwards and forward of the skull that occurs from a rear-end auto accident or other motor vehicle collision (MVA). Whiplash has the potential to create significant chronic pain in the neck area or cervical spine.

The symptoms that occur from whiplash trauma vary greatly from patient to patient.   Even low impact collisions can result in injury. Some of the more common whiplash injury symptoms include neck pain, back pain, headaches, shoulder and arm pain, numbness, tingling or weakness, sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, irritability, dizziness, loss of memory and jaw pain.

Injuries sustained from whiplash trauma are a primary cause of chronic headaches, as well as back, neck and shoulder pain. In fact, according to statistics, 40-50% of all people with chronic neck pain trace the problem back to a previous whiplash injury. The problem with whiplash is that it affects the ligamentous attachments that connect the bones to one another which creates hypermobility (too much movement or laxity). It often results in compression of the nerves causing pain and resultant premature degeneration.  

It is common that sometimes right after a car accident, a whiplash victim feels no symptoms at all. Adrenaline is flowing and we are worried more about our car, or the other occupants, or missing work.   What makes matters confusing is that whiplash symptoms are often mild to start with, but then they can get worse over several days, weeks or even months. You can be significantly injured and feel little to no pain right after the accident.

When it comes to whiplash injuries, time is of the essence. Permanent damage can occur and scar tissue can develop very quickly without proper treatment in as little as 48 hours.

The treatment of these injuries ranges from rest to no care to non-invasive care such as chiropractic, acupuncture or physical therapy to invasive care, starting with drugs and leading to surgery. Every one of these treatment modalities is indicated based upon the individual diagnosis of the condition and requires the care from a doctor who is experienced and credentialed in trauma related care.

When analyzing and comparing non-invasive modalities for care, interventions involving chiropractic were more effective than usual care. Conservative chiropractic care led to a quicker return to work and increased satisfaction with recovery.

With whiplash and resultant damage to ligaments, one the solutions is quick intervention where the joints are mobilized and  put back in their normal position with a chiropractic adjustment before adhesions (internal scar tissue) can create a chronic (long term) problem. By getting the area adjusted after a conclusive diagnosis is one of the best approaches to treat whiplash disorders.

Many studies conclude that a drug-free approach of chiropractic care is one of the best solutions for whiplash injuries.  

At Hanson Chiropractic, we are experts in treating whiplash injuries. We will help you every step of the way. We have onsite massage therapists as well as doctors that spend all day helping patients with spinal and soft tissue injuries. We have a state of the art digital x-ray facility and also use advanced treatment methods and cutting edge technology such as Class IV K-Laser therapy, Power Plate Neuromuscular Rehabilitation and Nonsurgical Spinal Decompression that can accelerate soft tissue healing and help reduce your pain quicker.

If you know someone who has been involved in accident, please forward this newsletter to them so they may receive a proper evaluation following their accident.

We can fill-out any reports your auto insurance may need to process your claim, and we can help you find a personal injury attorney if you need one.

We are conveniently located off I-5 just north of the 128th Street exit in south Everett. We are open Monday to Friday 10-6:30 pm and also Saturday mornings. We look forward to helping you through your recovery. Call us at 425-355-3739 to schedule your appointment.

Watching Your Back,

Dr. Hanson

Dr. Woodbury

 
 
How Healthy is Your Pancreas?
 
Dr. Peter Hanson
Dr. Ryan Woodbury
 
3000 years ago Hippocrates said, “Let your food be your medicine and your medicine be your food.”  Most Americans are aware that there is a growing obesity epidemic in our country. Rather than trying to treat obesity with medications that have many negative side effects and limited success, consider what might happen if people had a way to lose weight by targeting fat reserves and sparing muscle…just by making some simple modifications to the food they eat.
 
In America, there is a lot of energy and focus around losing weight, especially after the holidays with New Year’s resolutions. Why does it seem that losing weight – and keeping it off – is so hard for so many? The answer lies disguised behind the over abundance of sugars and carbohydrates in our diet. This causes over-production and over-stimulation of insulin. Insulin is a powerful hormone secreted by our pancreas and has many critical functions. In the presence of too much sugar and carbohydrate, insulin causes these ingested molecules to be stored as fat. The constant barrage of sugars, and secretion of insulin, eventually leads to insulin resistance in our cells, and a worn out pancreas.
 
Insulin resistance causes the development of Syndrome X which has four major components: obesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar (type II diabetes), and high cholesterol and lipids. Sound familiar? Just about every popular drug sold today is trying to deal with the issues seen in Syndrome X. Instead of taking drugs and dealing with symptoms, there is a significantly healthier way to actually heal from these disorders. The key to addressing the symptoms of Syndrome X is healing the pancreas. To do this, losing weight is often a critical factor, and you can do that following Socrates’ advice.
 
Most Americans need to send their pancreas on a vacation by reducing carbohydrates and sugar to a minimal level. This turns on the fat-burning mechanism, a process in our bodies called Ketosis. Ketosis is a natural metabolic state that our bodies have used for thousands of years in times of scarcity. When we burn fat, we actually get twice as much energy than when we burn an equal amount of sugar. To effectively do this, you need to increase protein consumption to prevent muscle breakdown while limiting your intake of saturated fats, trans-fats and cholesterol. This protocol would allow the majority over weight Americans to shred away the 10, 40, or 130 pounds of fat that is literally killing them.
 
With a plan as simple as low carb, low fat, and high protein, why shouldn’t everyone be successful? The keys to successful weight loss are 1. Having an easy, affordable plan, 2. One-on-one professional coaching, and 3. High quality, low fat, tasty protein meals.
 
At Hanson Chiropractic we offer all the keys to success as part of our Ideal Protein protocol. Ideal Protein is an individualized four phase diet that has a beginning and an end. We help guide you, motivate you, and coach you through the process of losing the weight you want to lose and teach you how to keep it off once you finish the Ideal Protein protocol. To see if you qualify to begin losing 3 to 7 pounds a week without exercising, call our office at 425-355-3739 to schedule a consultation or better yet, come to the next educational seminar where you can try some of the wonderful food and learn more about our protocol.  
 
Call today to reserve your spot at our February 11th educational seminar and food tasting.  10:15 am to 11:15 am
 
425-355-3739
held at Hanson Chiropractic
11314 4th Avenue West, Suite #103 Everett, WA 98204

 
Committed to being the best of the best…… for you!
Dr. Hanson

 Hanson Chiropractic and Massage

 It’s flu season yet again and a question that I hear all the time is, “What do you think of the flu shot doc?  Should I get a flu shot this season?”  The flu effects thousands of people every year and fears abound in the media about “killer flu” strains so it is no wonder that flu shots are always such a hot topic.  In this Hanson Chiropractic newsletter we are going to look at the facts about flu shots and give you some quality information so you can decide whether you will get the flu shot this season.

 What the CDC Says

 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all people 6 months and older get the flu shot each year.  The flu shot is made based on a best guess of what strains of flu will be in your area during the upcoming flu season.  Other strains can and do creep in to your area.  This is why it is possible to get the flu the same season that you got the flu shot.  Remember the H1N1 swine flu panic?  It was actually just another strain of the normal flu that they had not forseen or planned for. 

 The CDC feels that basically everyone should get the flu shot, but they highly recommend the flu shot for the following populations: pregnant women, children younger then 5 years old, people 50 years and older, people with weakened immune systems, health care workers, and anyone else who comes in contact with the previously mentioned group… which is pretty much everyone in the world. 

 The CDC and state agencies feel that it is our civic duty to get vaccinated to protect everyone around us and ourselves.  The government pays a lot of money to have these vaccines available to everyone at an affordable cost.

 The Other Side of the Story

 All health care decisions should be analyzed based on risk versus benefit and overall efficacy.  Two primary questions should be asked and answered: 1. Is the “treatment” actually even effective?  2. Is it riskier to have the “treatment” than to not have the “treatment”?

 The scientific literature shows that the flu shot is not effective in reducing hospitalizations, pneumonia and death from contracting the flu (1)  – which is what we are told is the major reason to get the shot.  There is some research that shows a benefit of the flu vaccine, but these studies are of poor scientific quality with high levels of selection bias.  This strongly supports the lack of efficacy of the flu shot. 

 So what is the risk?  Flu vaccines still contain mercury (unless they are from single use vials).  Mercury or thimerosal is a neurotoxin and is harmful to our nervous system.  There are many other chemicals also added to the vaccine to preserve it and to attempt to make it more effective.  Some of these chemicals are formaldehyde, neomycin, gentamicin, latex,  and occasionally dog kidney cells.  Once injected into our body there can be reactions such as anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction), convulsions, bell’s palsy, neuropathy, neurological disorders, autistic like brain dysfunction, optic neuritis, thrombocytopenia, wheezing, and asthma (2).

 Vaccine proponents say that these reactions are rare and not related to the vaccine.  Anti-vaccine supporters say that unwanted reactions are common, under reported and directly related to the vaccines.  Who is correct?  That is not for me to say, but I will tell you that vaccine safety is not a clear cut answer like the CDC would like you to believe, and new studies come out monthly evaluating this very topic. 

 If the vaccine does not prove to be effective the way it is professed to perform, then maybe the risk of the getting the flu shot is not worth the non-existent benefit of the vaccine.

 What else can I do to keep myself safe from the flu?

 Health is not complex but it takes constant work.  The CDC and state agencies proclaim that getting the flu shot is “the best thing you can do to protect yourself from the flu.”  On this I strongly disagree.  Basic hygiene (washing hands, cleaning surfaces, etc…) is a great place to start and has shown to be extremely effective on preventing the spread of the flu.

 You can also work to strengthen your health from within.  Work on the 5 Pillars of Health: proper diet & nutrition, proper exercise, proper sleep, keeping a positive mental attitude and  having a healthy spine and nervous system.  At Hanson Chiropractic we are here to guide you as you work on all the Pillars of Health, and teach you how to reach attainable, sustainable health… naturally.

 Maintaining a healthy weight has also shown to help prevent illness and contribute to a healthy immune system.  When you are overweight there is a whole host of maladies that can occur.  Science shows that, when overweight, just losing 6% of your body weight can significantly improve your overall health.  But loosing weight can be very challenging for many people, especially with today’s busy life styles.  To assist you in weight loss success, we have brought an exciting new weight loss protocol into our office.  Read below to learn more on how to make 2012 your healthiest year ever. 

 To Vaccinate or Not to Vaccinate

 This ultimately comes down to a personal choice for each individual.  My wife and I have decided not use any of the flu vaccines and never will.  That decision is based on our personal research and understanding of how the body works.  I suggest that each of you do some research of your own.  Talk to your doctors.  Talk to your friends and family.  Look on the internet but be careful what websites you get your information from.  Read a book or two.  Ask me about the research I’ve done.  Debate and contemplate, but do not just blindly follow “instructions.”  This is your health and your life… make the best of it.

 In Health,

 Dr. Peter Hanson

Hanson Chiropractic

There are over 35 years of worldwide clinical success, 2,500 published papers and 120 randomized, controlled trials for cold lasers.   It is the only therapeutic modality with a cumulative effect on cells and tissues.   Both NASA and the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency have engaged in cold laser therapy research over the last decade, with noteworthy success.

The Influence Of Low Level Infra Red Laser Therapy On The Regeneration Of Cartilage Tissue.

P. Lievens, Ph. Van der Veen.Abstract from Laser Florence 2002. Laser in Medical Science. 2002:17(4).

This study concerns the influence of Laser treatment on the regeneration process of cartilage tissue.   There is no need saying that the regeneration of cartilage tissue is a very big problem in rheumatic diseases for example. The lack of blood supply is one of the most important factors involved. Lots of previous publications give us proof of the regeneration capacities of Laser Therapy.   In this study we have chosen to experiment on cartilage tissue of the ear of mice….Microscopic as well as histological evaluations were performed on the cartilage regeneration of both ears… After the second day, only in the irradiated group there is a clear activation of the perichondrium (the connective tissue surrounding cartilage).

The Effect of Low Power Laser Therapy (Cold Laser) on Osteoarthritis of the Knee

 Basirnia A., Sadeghipoor G., Esmaeeli Djavid G. et al.   Radiol Med (Torino).1998 April; 95 (4):303-9.

…We achieved significant improvement in pain relief and quality of life in 70% of patients.

Positive Outcomes for Infrared diode laser in low reactive-level laser therapy (cold laser) for knee osteoarthritis.

M.A. Trelles, J.Rigau, P. Sala, G. Calderhead, T. Ohshiro. Laser Therapy, (1991): 3(4): 149-153.

82% reported significant removal of pain and recovery of joint mobility.   Cold Laser Therapy is concluded to be a safe effective and noninvasive alternative to conventional surgical and medical treatment modalities for DJD patients.

Beneficial Effects of Laser Therapy in the early stages of Rheumatoid Arthritis onset

Ailioaie C, Lupusoru-Ailioaie LM.   Laser Therapy (1991) 11(2); 9-87

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of laser therapy in pain reduction and /or recovery of patients at the onset of Rheumatoid Arthritis, comparatively with the traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS).   Group 1 received laser therapy, Group 2 received placebo laser therapy, Group 3 was treated with only NSAIDS….The overall efficacy rate in these studies was 86% in the first group (who just had laser), 50% in the placebo group, and 40% in the NSAIDS treated group.   After 4 months of treatment, our investigations showed the laser therapy group promoted the restoration of function, relieved pain and limited the complications of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Improvement of Pain and disability in elderly patients with degenerative osteoarthritis of the knee treated with low power light therapy (cold laser therapy)

Stelian J, Gil I , Beni-Habot, Rosenthal M, Abramovici I, Kutok N, Khalil A. Journal American Geriatric Society.   (January 1992) 40 (1); 23-26.

Low power light therapy (Cold laser therapy) is effective in relieving pain and disability in degenerative osteoarthritis of the knee.

Cold Lasers, Electrical Stimulation Curb Knee Pain

Boggs, Will MD. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. (June 22, 2007).

People with knee pain caused by osteoarthritis may find relief with… electrical nerve stimulation, (and) low-level laser therapy (cold lasers), research shows.

…Electrical stimulation and low-level laser therapy have fewer and less severe side-effects than NSAIDS, and unlike oral drugs they seem to… maintain the positive effect for some weeks after treatment has stopped…

Dr. Bjordal, MD said, “In our opinion, there is currently more short-term potential in refining these safe treatment methods for osteoarthritis than there are for drugs.”

Laser Therapy More Effective than Medication?

…From the findings of a recent Norwegian Health Technology Assessment Report, laser therapy was given the potential of becoming at least twice as effective as NSAIDS(non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), if applied with optimal dose and energy… Although the number of laser trials is still smaller than for NSAIDS, the unequivocal scientific findings so far, has earned cold laser therapy a top spot in levels of evidence and treatment recommendations for knee osteoarthritis issued by the Norwegian Drug Agency.

Non-Drug Alternative for the Management of Chronic Pain

Chow RT, David MA, Armati PJ. 830nm laser irradiation induces varicosity formation, reduces mitochondrial membrane potential and blocks fast axonal flow in small and medium diameter rat dorsal root ganglion neurons: implications for the analgesic effects of 830nm laser: J Peripher Nerv Syst. 2007 Mar; 12(1):28-39.

Most dramatically and recently, Australian researchers have identified a direct effect on the flow of cellular materials down the long axon that makes up the “wiring” of nerve cells. Researchers have discovered that laser-induced neural blockade is a consequence of such changes and provides a mechanism for…laser induced pain relief. The application of low level laser therapy for chronic pain may provide a non-drug alternative for the management of chronic pain.

Breakthrough in the Relief of Chronic Pain Without Drugs!

Goepp, Julius MD. Life Extension. October 2008: 63-70.

Dr. Norquist discusses his clinical outcomes for patients that received low-level laser treatments. “Out of 300 patients more than 90% have reported total pain relief. And more than half the others have experienced at least partial relief of their pain after 10 full treatments. Only about 2-3% of patients have truly had no beneficial effects.”