November 2014 Newsletter

What is Instrument Adjusting? One of Ott Chiropractic NW's Most Common Questions Instrument adjusting separates us from other doctors in the area and is frequently requested by our patients. We are the only clinic in downtown Portland that uses one of the three main instruments used for adjusting, the Impulse iQ Adjusting Instrument®; the others are instrument assisted soft tissue manipulation (IASTM) and the Activator Method Chiropractic Technique®. Instrument adjusting may be useful for treating a wide range of conditions from sports related injuries to osteoporosis.  They may be used as a supplement to manual adjusting or they may be used individually.  Some patients prefer the more gentle adjustments provided by instruments because they are in either too much pain or they tend to resist during manual adjustments. How is instrument adjusting different from manual adjustments, i.e. Diversified technique? Instruments may be a more gentle, controlled, specific, and in some cases more effective therapies.  While they don’t provide the audible “popping” noise that manual adjustments do, the “popping” noise is not necessarily what makes an adjustment effective.

Impulse iQ Adjusting Instrument® When your  joints are out of alignment or not moving properly they may irritate delicate nerves.  This may affect your health.  When nerves are irritated they send a message to your brain that something is wrong.  The result of these messages are symptoms such as pain and stiffness.  Stiffness is your brains way of stabilizing and protecting the area from further injury.  You may also feel sore and even tired.  As opposed to taking pain masking drugs, which can be dangerous to your health, chiropractic care seeks to locate the source of your symptoms and address the underlying cause, so the problem doesn’t keep recurring.  Chiropractic adjusting with the Impulse iQ Adjusting Instrument® aims to restore your body’s balance and function with treatments that are as painless as possible. Using a controlled force technique, there are three settings that apply the same amount of force every time.  The first setting applies a trust of 100 Newtons which is the equivalent of 17 lbs. of pressure.  The second setting delivers 200 Newtons or 34 lbs. of pressure and the third setting applies 400 Newtons or 67 lbs.  It is 100x faster than manual chiropractic adjustments, therefore, the gentle thrust is faster than the body’s tendency to tighten up and resist adjustments. The Impulse Adjusting Instrument® is twice as fast as other adjusting instruments such as the Activator Method(1). It also has a micro-computer inside of it which provides feedback to the doctor using it. The Arthrostim™ is another similar instrument, that doesn't provide feedback like the Impulse Adjusting Instrument®. A high-tech sensor that provides information from your body’s response to chiropractic adjustments. A single beep indicates that the acceleration response has been maximized during the adjustment. Maximizing mobility is the Impulse iQ Adjusting Instrument’s® equivalent to a manual chiropractic adjustment. A double beep denotes that the acceleration response has not yet been maximized and either further adjustments may be indicated or there is operator error. No beep means that no increase in acceleration response has been sensed. In this case, either the segmental contact point is wrong, the line of drive is off, or the given area is not receptive to changing its mobility. "Provides gentle and precise computer-aided chiropractic adjustments to relieve pain and restore function." Instrument assisted adjustments are often useful for treating patients within various special populations, like osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease of the bones that happens when you either lose too much bone, make too little bone, or a combination of both. As a result, your bones become weak and may break from a minor fall or, in serious cases, from sneezing or bumping into furniture. If and when a doctor decides that a patient with osteoporosis needs an adjustment and the patient agrees, instrument assisted adjustments may be optimal.  Instruments can deliver precisely targeted adjustments so only the joints that need to be adjusted are affected. In addition to the focus that instrument adjustments allow, they also deliver adjustments through a controlled amount of force. What does it feel like? Chiropractic adjustments with the Impulse iQ Adjusting Instrument feel like a light tapping sensation on the area that is being treated.  In most cases the treatment is painless and after the adjustment many patients feel relief of pain and improved mobility.  Others report a sense of well-being or a soothing calm feeling.

Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)   A.K.A. Instrument assisted cross fiber massage (IACFM), this type of therapy utilizes a variety of tools that go by the names Graston®, Tiger tail, Scimitar, Gua sha, The Edge, HawkGrips, and many more.  Athletes get injured, instrument adjustments can help Soft tissue injuries are common across all sports.  Tendons and ligaments are prone to wear and tear and overuse.  Unfortunately, once an athlete sustains such an injury, he or she is prone to re-injury.  Researchers have determined that may be due to the fact that ligaments, in particular, heal through the formation of scar tissue, which leaves the athlete with mechanical deficiencies.  Soft tissue mobilization (STM) breaks up the formation of scar tissue and appears to accelerate healing(2). What is a soft tissue injury? A soft-tissue injury involves damage to the muscles, ligaments, tendons and/or myofascia. Sprains and strains are the most common soft-tissue injuries and are the result of either a trauma, such as falling or twisting an ankle, or repetitive use, such as a person who plays tennis five times a week and develops pain in his or her shoulder. It’s either misuse (i.e., the wrong muscles are used to complete an action) or over-use (i.e., using a muscle too often without proper recovery time). What is IASTM? IASTM has two main functions: to break up abnormal densities in tissue, such as scar tissue, and to re-initiate first-stage healing in the body. When a body is injured, it sends healing substances found in white blood cells to the wounded area, i.e. inflammation.  The body then lays down new collagen tissues which results in  the formation of scar tissue. Microtrauma caused by IASTM initiates re-absorption of inappropriate fibrosis or excessive scar tissue and facilitates a cascade of healing activities resulting in remodeling of affected soft tissue structures. IASTM is similar to a mild injury to the tissue which starts this process over again and helps the body to heal itself. It also effectively breaks down fascial restrictions and scar tissue allowing full functional restoration to occur. Adhesions within the soft tissue may have developed as a result of surgery, immobilization, repeated strain, or other mechanisms. Though scar tissue is essentially a “patch” at the site of an injury, helping it to heal, it is much less flexible than normal tissue. In the long run, scar tissue can cause restricted motion, which leads to pain when, for example, a patient with a sprained ankle tries to return to running. Typically, patients with soft-tissue injuries do not seek out a DC until the injuries have become chronic, usually months post-injury. By this point, the body has completed most of its self-healing process where scar tissue has built up and motion is restricted. This is when it may be necessary for the doctor to restart the curative process. The injuries that respond best to IASTM include acute and chronic spinal and extremity problems, such as tendinopathies, Achilles tendinosis, rotator cuff injuries, IT band syndrome, and plantar fasciitis, among others. Studies have addressed the benefits of IASTM at the cellular level such as increased fibroblast proliferation, reduction in scar tissue, increased vascular response, and the remodeling of unorganized collagen fiber matrix following IASTM application. What to Expect: Treatment generally consists of the doctor rubbing the affected area(s) with eh handheld stainless steel instruments using very specific, calculated massage techniques.  Treatment time is usually 30 - 60 seconds per area treated.  It is common for patients to experience some discomfort during the procedure. Patients are advised they may be sore, bruised, or exhibit small red dots over the area treated.  Many patients have reported increased range of motion and reduced pain after just one treatment.

Activator Method® The Activator Method is one of the most widely-researched chiropractic techniques(3). Activator Method® has published hundreds of clinical and scientific peer-reviewed papers, worked with major academic research institutions, and received grants from recognized entities like the National Institutes of Health. The Activator Method® uses a small, hand-held instrument called the Activator Adjusting Instrument to deliver a gentle impulse force to the spine with the goal of restoring motion to the targeted spinal vertebra or joint. The spring-loaded, hand-held mechanical instrument instrument provides a quick, low-force impulse at specific points. It is an alternative to the traditional manual form of spinal manipulation, known as the high velocity low amplitude (HVLA) thrust. There are two theoretical advantages of an Activator instrument-assisted treatment. The first is based on the speed of the device. The instrument is so quick that the body's muscles are less likely to become tense and resist the treatment. The lack of muscle resistance may facilitate the effectiveness of the treatment. The second advantage is that the applied force is localized and does not add any additional torque or bending movement to the joint. What to expect: A typical treatment will be done while the patient lies face down on the adjustment table. The treatment typically begins with the low back and progresses toward the head, targeting each vertebral segment individually. During a typical adjustment with the Activator, the chiropractor applies the Activator device to the tissues at or near the affected joint. An initial pressure is followed by a quick thrust from the device, which feels much like having one's reflex tested by tapping your knee. The patient remains still, with no twisting or turning as there often is for a traditional chiropractic adjustment. Examples when the Activator method may be more superior to other forms of adjusting include: sensitive areas such as the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), extremity joints, patients preference, and for stubborn spinal segments that fail to adjust with the first attempt of manual manipulative therapy.

References 1. Keller T, Colloca C, Moore R, Gunzberg R, Harrison D, Harrison D. Three-Dimensional Vertebra Motions Produced By Mechanical Force Spinal Manipulation. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. 206;29(6):425-36. 2. Loghmani MT, Warden SJ. Instrument-Assisted Cross-Fiber Massage Accelerates Knee Ligament Healing. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy. 2009;39(7):506-514. 3. Huggins T, Boras AL, Gleberzon BJ, et al. Clinical effectiveness of the activator adjusting instrument in the management of musculoskeletal disorders: a systematic review of the literature. Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association. 2012;56(1):49-57.

October 2014 Newsletter

The Unhealthy Dozen -12 Avoidable Substances

1. Parabens

Parabens are preservatives used by the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. An average levels of 20 nanograms/gram of parabens have been detected in a small sample of 20 breast tumors (Darbre, et. al.). Parabens have also demonstrated the ability to mimic estrogen, a hormone known to play a role in the development of breast cancers (Harvey, et. al.). These findings have led some people to conclude that the presence of parabens may be associated with the occurrence of breast cancer, though scientists say no link can be determined from current studies and that more research is called for.    Some other health concerns include: endocrine disruption, developmental and reproductive toxicity, allergies, and immunotoxicity.  Parabens may or may not be associated with cancer or other health conditions, but are you willing to take the risk if you can avoid it?

How to avoid it? Look for ethylparaben, butylparaben, methylparaben, propylparaben, and other ingredients ending in –paraben on the label.  Parabens are found in deodorants, shampoos, conditioners, lotions, facial, shower, cleansers & scrubs. In a Swedish study that examined paraben exposure by analyzing urine samples, children from urban areas had higher levels of parabens than those in rural areas.

2. Nitrites/Nitrates (Processed Meats)

Nitrites and nitrates are ions, both composed of nitrogen and oxygen atoms which are added to meat

products during processing to inhibit the growth of bacteria and enhance color (nitrates have 3 oxygen atoms and nitrites have 2). Nitrites may be added directly to the meat product, but more frequently nitrates are added. Nitrites are used in pork, beef and poultry products. For example, nitrates are added to ham and bacon, giving them their characteristic pink color. Some countries even permit the use of nitrites in fish products.

When nitrites combine with certain amino acids, N-nitroso compounds or nitrosamines are formed and these have been shown to be carcinogenic (cancer-causing).

How to avoid it? Our primary source of exposure to nitrates and nitrites is through the food we consume, however exposure to these compounds can also occur through drinking water. Look on the label for nitrites or nitrates, especially on meat products such as bacon or hot dogs.

3. Phthalates

Substances added to plastics to increase their flexibility, transparency, durability, and longevity.

In studies of rodents exposed to certain phthalates, high doses have been shown to change hormone levels and cause birth defects. In general, children's exposure to phthalates is greater than that of adults. There is also an association between phthalate exposure and endocrine disruption leading to development of breast cancer.

How to avoid it? Phthalates are used in a large variety of products, from enteric coatings of pharmaceutical tablets and nutritional supplements to viscosity control agents, gelling agents, film formers, stabilizers, dispersants, lubricants, binders, emulsifying agents, and suspending agents. End-applications include adhesives and glues, electronics, agricultural adjuvants, building materials, personal-care products, medical devices, detergents/surfactants, packaging, children's toys, modeling clay, waxes, paints, printing inks, coatings, pharmaceuticals, food products, and textiles. Women may be at a higher risk than males for potential adverse health effects of phthalates due to increased cosmetic use. Diethyl phthalate and dibutyl phthalate are especially ubiquitous in cosmetics and personal care products.

4. Highly Refined and Processed Grains and Carbohydrates

Sugar is a great example of a highly refined carbohydrate.  Studies have proven that the consumption of sugar and cancer are connected. The rational is that cancer cells primarily run on glucose, which comes from sugar. Highly refined and processed grains and carbohydrates have also proven to increase your risk of type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and high blood pressure. They may contribute to high triglycerides and increase inflammation throughout the body, which may worsen symptoms of arthritis. They may stand in the way of weight loss as well.

Watch out for sugar substitutes such as Aspartame, Acesulfame-K, and Saccharin.  These artificial sweeteners contain chemicals that are known to be toxic.  They have side effects such as headaches, neurological disorders, and even breast or lung cancer.  If you absolutely need an artificial sweetener then I recommend Stevia. 

How to avoid it? Humans used to consume only 5 lb of sugar per year in the 1700’s.  Today, greater than 50% of the population in the United States consumes 180 lb of sugar per year each. Sugar now is everywhere: store bought dressings, kid’s snacks, juices, soda, canned foods, enriched breads (white bread), processed meats, baked goods (products made with “enriched wheat flour” or “all-purpose flour”), sports drinks, nutrition bars, nutritional supplements, etc.

(Comparison of sugar amounts in popular food items)

5. Common Vegetable Cooking Oils

Rapeseed, cottonseed, safflower, corn and sunflower oils have high levels of omega-6 fatty acids.

High levels of omega-6 fatty acids make substances called eicosanoids in the body, which play a crucial role in cellular messaging, immunity, and inflammation.  Whereas acute inflammation is good and helps you (such as when you get stung by a bee or cut your finger), having chronic, systematic inflammation all over your body is very bad.  If you have ever taken aspirin or ibuprofen and noticed relief from headache or some kind of pain, then that’s because these drugs inhibit the eicosanoid pathways and reduce inflammation.

How to avoid it? Replace your omega-6-saturated cooking oils with macadamia oil, extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, or other oils with a more balanced omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids ratio.

6. Trans Fat

Trans fats raise your bad (LDL) cholesterol levels and lower your good (HDL) cholesterol levels.

Eating trans fats increases your risk of developing heart disease and stroke. It’s also associated with a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

How to avoid it? The primary dietary source for trans fats in processed food is “partially hydrogenated oils." Look for them on the ingredient list on food packages. Trans fats can be found in many foods – including fried foods like doughnuts, and baked goods including cakes, pie crusts, biscuits, frozen pizza, cookies, crackers, stick margarine and other spreads. You can determine the amount of trans fats in a particular packaged food by looking at the nutrition facts panel for "partially hydrogenated oils." However, products can be listed as “0 grams of trans fats” if they contain 0 grams to less than 0.5 grams of trans fat per serving.

7. Perflourinated Chemicals (PFC's)

The perflourinated chemicals used to make non-stick cookware can stick to you. Perflourinated chemicals are so widespread and extraordinarily persistent that 99 percent of Americans have these chemicals in their bodies. One particularly notorious compound called PFOA has been shown to be “completely resistant to biodegradation.” In other words, PFOA doesn’t break down in the environment – ever. That means that even though the chemical was banned after decades of use, it will be showing up in people’s bodies for countless generations to come. This is worrisome, since PFOA exposure has been linked to decreased sperm quality, low birth weight, kidney disease, thyroid disease and high cholesterol, among other health issues. Scientists are still figuring out how PFOA affects the human body, but animal studies have found that it can affect thyroid and sex hormone levels.

How to avoid it? Skip non-stick pans as well as stain and water-resistant coatings on clothing, furniture and carpets.

8. Dioxins

Forms during many industrial processes when chlorine or bromine are burned in the presence of carbon and oxygen.  Dioxins can disrupt the delicate ways that both male and female sex hormone signaling occurs in the body.  They are found throughout the environments and accumulate in the fatty tissues of animals.

Low levels of dioxin in the womb and early in life can both permanently affect sperm quality and lower the sperm count in men during their prime reproductive years. Dioxins are very long-lived, build up both in the body and in the food chain, are powerful carcinogens and can also affect the immune and reproductive systems.

How to avoid it? Products including meat, fish, milk, eggs and butter are most likely to be contaminated. You can cut down on your exposure by eating fewer animal products.

9. Bisphenol A (BPA's)

This is a chemical used in plastics that imitates the sex hormone estrogen. BPA has been linked to everything from breast and other cancers to reproductive problems, obesity, early puberty and heart disease. According to government tests, 93 percent of Americans have BPA in their bodies.

How to avoid it? Go fresh instead of canned – many food cans are lined with BPA. Say no to receipts, since thermal paper is often coated with BPA. Avoid plastics marked with “PC,” for polycarbonate, or recycling label #7.  Not all of these plastics contain BPA, but many do.

10. Flame Retardants

These incredibly persistent chemicals, known as polybrominated diphenyl ethers or PBDEs, have since been found to contaminate the bodies of people and wildlife around the globe – even polar bears.

These chemicals can imitate thyroid hormones in our bodies and disrupt their activity. That can lead to lower IQ, among other significant health effects.

How to avoid it? It’s virtually impossible to avoid, but passing better toxic chemical laws that require chemicals to be tested before they go on the market would help reduce our exposure. A few things that can you can do in the meantime include: use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter, which can cut down on toxic-laden house dust; avoid reupholstering foam furniture; take care when replacing old carpet (the padding underneath may contain PBDEs). For more information check out this website: http://www.ewg.org/pbdefree/

11. Sulphites

Used widely as preservatives in food to maintain food color and prolong shelf-life. Sulphites can also be used in some pharmaceutical medications as a way of maintaining their potency.

Sulphites can trigger asthma or an anaphylactic-type reactions. Certain individuals, particularly those with asthma, may react to sulphites with allergy-like symptoms. Sulphites are one of the reasons why most pre-packaged foods are required to have an ingredients listing on the label. The pre-packaged food product label will state “may contain” or “may contain traces of” sulphites and sulphite derivatives.

How to avoid it? It is important to always read the ingredients’ lists and remember that sulphite derivatives exist and may be listed as: potassium bisulphite/metabisulphite, sodium bisulphite/dithionite/metabisulphite/sulphite, sulfur dioxide, sulphiting agents, sulphurous acid, and E 220, E 221, E 222, E 223, E 224, E 225, E 226, E 227, E 228 (European names).

12. Sodium Benzoate

Sodium benzoate is a food additive used as a preservative. It's the cheapest mold inhibitor on the market.  It is acidic, which prevents bacteria and fungi from reproducing. Sodium

In combination with ascorbic acid (vitamin C, E300), sodium benzoate and potassium benzoate form benzene, a known carcinogen.  If an individual happens to consume any of these toxins after consuming ascorbic acid, a carcinogenic process may initiate.

The Food and Drug Administration has announced that The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has amended regulations that once banned the use of sodium benzoate, sodium propionate and benzoic acid in meat and poultry products. The change follows a petition by Kraft Foods Global Inc., which wants to use the substances to help inhibit the growth of bacteria. After consideration, the FSIS said it has “determined that sodium benzoate, sodium propionate and benzoic acid, under the conditions proposed in the petitions, are both safe and suitable for use as antimicrobial agents in certain RTE (Ready-to-Eat) meat and poultry products.”

How to avoid it?  Avoid Ready-to-Eat meat and poultry products because ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in made internally by almost all organisms, including humans.   Never, ever mix vitamin C with pickles, peppers, salad dressings, jams, most condiments, vinegar, fruit juices, salsa, dips, shredded cheese, ketchup, or diet or regular soda. Don't forget about mouthwash, toothpaste, cough syrup, cream, lotion, and hundreds of cosmetic products. If it extends shelf life it may shorten your life. Buy local foods.


Oregon Governor Proclaims October as “Chiropractic Month”

In response to the nation’s growing healthcare crisis, Oregon Gov. John A. Kitzhaber, MD, has proclaimed October 2014 to be “Oregon Chiropractic Health and Wellness Month.” The proclamation, signed on August 25, cites some impressive data for Kitzhaber’s decision to focus on chiropractic physicians as primary care providers “specializing in spinal manipulation, but also on health promotion and wellness.” The proclamation also recognizes the more than 4,000 Oregonians employed in chiropractic offices around the state.

 “A seven-year prospective follow-up study analyzing 70,274 member-months of patients managed by doctors of chiropractic resulted in an 85 percent reduction in drug costs, 62 percent reduction in MRIs and surgeries, 60.2 percent reduction of, in hospital admissions, and a 59 percent reduction in hospital stays,” writes Kitzhaber.

The Oregon observance will coincide with National Chiropractic Health Month, an annual nationwide celebration sponsored by ACA. The Oregon proclamation recognizes that “doctors of chiropractic are preventative care providers who focus on the health of the whole person, and have particular expertise in the prevention and care of musculoskeletal injuries.”

The proclamation comes as University of Western States (UWS) celebrates 110 years of leadership in educating health care professionals. The university, founded in 1904, was the first educational institution offering a doctor of chiropractic degree in Oregon. The university has expanded over the past 110 years and now offers a master’s degree in exercise and sports science with four new concentrations, human nutrition and functional medicine and diagnostic imaging; and a massage therapy certification program. UWS was founded in 1904 and has been in continuous operation in Portland since then. To find out more about the history of the university visit the UWS history website.

September 2014 Newsletter

What is the Difference Between Wellness (Healthcare) and Medical Care (Sick Care)?

Wellness care seeks to turn on the body’s natural healing ability, not by adding something to the

system, but by removing anything that might interfere with normal function, trusting that the body would know what to do if nothing were interfering with it. Standard medical care, on the other hand, seeks to treat a symptom by adding something from the outside - a medication, a surgery or procedure.

Most insurance companies only pay for sick care leaving it up to you to take care of your health.  When you work out in the gym or buy healthy food, you don’t present your insurance card at the register for payment. When you want to make your house look better or create better function in your kitchen, you don’t use your home-owners insurance.  Yes, wellness does cost money, but medical care costs more.

“Health exists when the normally constructed body properly performs its functions” (D.D. Palmer - founder of chiropractic).  In reality we are never sick, just losing our health or ability to perform the functions we were designed to perform.  When we are sick we are not suffering from a prescription deficiency.

If you were to only eat healthy foods would you be considered healthy?  Probably not because some people eat very healthy and are very sick.  What if you were to exercise health into the human body?  Exercise may be helpful, but what if you are sick?  It is difficult to exercise if you can’t get out of bed.  Health can only come from within the body.  It is important to find out what is obstructing the body from healing from the inside and correcting it in order to be healthy.

Don’t wait until you notice symptoms such as pain to seek care.  Not of all the nerves in the human body actually cause pain.  Imagine all of the other nerves that may be compromised at this point which affect your ability to digest, fight disease, move, breathe, pump blood, detoxify chemicals, think, etc.  “Most people have no idea how good their body is designed to feel" (Kevin Trudeau).

3 Easy Tips for Back to School

It's back-to-school time already, and that means trips to school, scraped knees, books, back packs, and school sports. The activity can be great for you and the kids, but heavy back packs and bad posture can hurt your kids and their backs.

So here are 3 Easy Tips that will help keep the entire family healthy for back-to-school:

1. The Right Pack for Your Back:

Did you know that backpacks are the leading cause of shoulder and back pain in children? Too many children carry backpacks hanging down to the middle of their thighs. We immediately think about the impact the weight has on the child’s spine. Here is a checklist created by the American Chiropractic Association when choosing a backpack for your child and loading the backpack:

• Is the backpack the correct size for your child?  The backpack should never be wider or longer than your child’s torso, and the pack should not hang more than 4 inches below the waistline. A backpack that hangs too low increases the weight on the shoulders, causing your child to lean forward when walking.
• Does the backpack have two wide, padded shoulder straps?  Non-padded straps are not only uncomfortable, but also they can place unnecessary pressure on the neck and shoulder muscles.
• Does your child use both straps? Lugging a heavy backpack by one strap can cause a disproportionate shift of weight to one side, leading to neck and muscle spasms, low-back pain, and poor posture.
• Are the shoulder straps adjustable?  The shoulder straps should be adjustable so the backpack can be fitted to your child’s body. The backpack should be evenly centered in the middle of your child’s back.
• Does the backpack have a padded back?  A padded back not only provides increased comfort, but also protects your child from being poked by sharp edges on school supplies (pencils, rulers, notebooks, etc.) inside the pack.
• Does the pack have several compartments?  A backpack with individualized compartments helps position the contents most effectively. A quality back pack is only as good as the way it is packed! Make sure the heaviest objects are close to the body and any bumpy, odd-shaped objects are placed on the outside, away from the back.

2. Smart Studying means Smart Ergonomics

Hit the books but help your back! When you are studying or reading, use a book stand so that your book is at eye level. This will reduce the amount of strain on your neck and shoulders from having your book lay flat. It also has the added bonus of giving you extra desk space!

3. Good Students have Good Posture

Sitting in class with good posture will reduce the strain on your neck, shoulders and low back. It will also help keep you attentive during class! Sit with your shoulders back, chin tucked in and a gentle "C curve" in your low back. Don't arch your lower back or slump forward. Your ears, shoulders and hips should be in a straight line. Make use of your breaks! Between classes stand up, walk around and stretch.

August 2014 Newsletter

What Are The Top Ten Things Automobile Insurance Companies Are Not Telling You?

10. Everyone in the state of Oregon has at least $15,000 personal injury protection (PIP)  for the

treatment of their injuries if they are involved in an automobile collision. 

9. PIP also compensates for time lost if you miss work because of your injuries and even for assistance with daily activities. It doesn't matter if you were at fault, don't have insurance, weren't driving (i.e. passenger, pedestrian, bicyclist), not a legal citizen of the United States, or don't have full coverage.  This type of protection is possible because everyone is required to have insurance if they are operating a motor vehicle. The purpose of PIP is so that you will not be liable for the cost of any injuries sustained in an automobile collision. 

8. Females are twice as likely to have injuries following a motor vehicle collision than males.  Other risk factors for acute injury following an automobile collision include: females weighing less than 130 lb, having a history of neck injury, having the head restraint below the head's center of gravity, and having a history of cervical acceleration/deceleration (CAD) injury. 

7. Outcome/prognostic studies suggest that from 12%-86% of whiplash victims will continue to be symptomatic for years after the injury.  These studies indicate that whiplash injuries do not heal spontaneously within 6-12 weeks as many people believe.  

6. There is no correlation between the crash velocity and the injury risk.  Crashes of up to 10 mph can occur without property damage and injuries have been reported from crash speeds as low as 3.7 mph.  If there is more than $1,500 of property damage then you are required to file a report with the Oregon DMV.  Always take pictures showing bodily/property damage.  Make sure to include close ups, pictures of the the entire vehicle, and pictures of the inside of the vehicle.

5. Many insurance companies will attempt to get you to settle before receiving or completing treatment.  It is more important to take care of your body so that you can work more efficiently, be healthy, and live longer.  Keep in mind that the insurance companies make money by avoiding medical bills, which can sometimes be expensive, even though they can pretend they are your friend.

4. Some insurance companies are now requiring that you testify under oath after you have been in a car accident.  This means they can record you while you answer a series of questions.  It is important to be very careful what you say to insurance adjustors. Sometimes they will call and ask "hello, how are you doing?" Most people respond with "fine, thank you."  The insurance company will assume based on your response that you are not in pain and therefore have no need for treatment. People sometimes feel they are being helpful when they talk to the insurance companies, but a lot of the time they are sharing too much information. Always tell the truth, but if you are ever unsure about a question never guess, tell them "I am unsure."

3. It is always a good idea to get a free consultation with an attorney when you are not at fault. You may be eligible for additional coverage if you exceed your personal injury protection. They will speak to the insurance company for you so that you don't have to. Attorneys will also make sure your bills get paid, e.g. property damage and wage loss.  They may even get you bills paid quicker in some cases.

2. Insurance companies sometimes send patients to Independent Medical Examinations.  Independent is defined as: not influenced or controlled by others in matters of opinion, conduct, etc.; thinking or acting for oneself:  These medical examinations are not really independent because they are performed by doctors hired by the insurance company who have their financial interests in mind.

1. Common symptoms following whiplash include: neck pain, headache, interscapular pain, back pain, paresthesiae, extremity pain/weakness, cognitive difficulties, dizziness,/light-headedness, facial pain and TMJ related symptoms (clicking; closed lock; etc.), auditory symptoms, vertigo, ocular dysfunction, dysphagia/hoarseness.

Click Here for Some Great Videos of Attorneys Explaining PIP

Want to Lose Weight, But It Is Too Difficult To Do It  Alone?

The Ideal Protein® Weight Loss Method is a medically designed protocol that results in rapid fat loss

while sparing muscle mass. The program was developed in France by an Olympic physician who helped athletes metabolize their body fat without losing muscle tissue. An additional bonus is that the protocol also helps support cellulite reduction. The best part of this program, that most other programs fail to offer, is that you are supervised by  a licensed physician and personal health coach.  You are also given all the resources to eventually diet on your own and the food tastes great too!

Did you know? Overweight and obesity are the fifth leading risk for global deaths. At least 3.4 million adults die each year as a result of being overweight or obese which is defined as a body mass index (BMI) greater than 25.

The American Institute for Cancer Research reports that 100,500 new cases of cancer are caused by obesity every year with 1/3rd of those cases involving cancer of the breast tissue. Approximately 25% of all breast cancer cases in women of all ages could be avoided by maintaining both a healthy body weight and by performing regular physical activity.

So how can you maintain a healthy body weight? A clinical weight loss program can potentially prevent type 2 diabetes and even cancer.  Studies are showing that reduced caloric intake may extend life expectancy, slow the aging process, and even prevent cancer.  In addition to helping diabetic patients, low carbohydrate diets have demonstrated to be beneficial for people with multiple sclerosis. 

So how much should you exercise? An analysis of data from the Women's Health Initiative showed that as little as 1.25 to 2.5 hours per week of brisk walking reduced a woman's risk by 18%.

Ideal Protein®

Now Registered to Perform Medical Examinations for Truck Drivers!

The National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME) is a new Federal Motor Carrier

Safety Administration (FMCSA) program. The primary mission of the FMCSA is to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving larger trucks and buses.

All commercial drivers whose current medical certificate expires on or after May 21, 2014, at expiration of that certificate must be examined by a medical professional listed on the NRCME. Commercial drivers may be certified for a maximum of two years.

Only medical examiners that have completed training and successfully passed an examination on FMCSA's physical qualification standards will be listed on the National Registry.  Ott Chiropractic NW has been trained through the National Academy of D.O.T. Medical Examiners which includes 14 hours of comprehensive instruction and exceeds the NRCME core curriculum requirements.

The medical examination consists of a comprehensive patient history, physical examination, and urinalysis. 

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration