50 Most Influential of Greenville

2012 marks the final time the USPRO cycling road race championship will be held in Greenville, SC. I recently had the opportunity to visit with our local cycling legend George Hincapie before he left Greenville for the Amgen Tour of California. Watch the short video below for George Hincapie’s perspective on Chiropractic through the 20+ years that we have worked together and his thoughts about this final USPro race in Greenville. You’ll find out why George comes to Eastside Chiropractic for chiropractic treatments when he is in Greenville.

George Hincapie 1993 Memories

George and I also talked about the past and future of the USPro race, cycling in Greenville, and more. Watch the next video to hear George talk about what it was like to win the USPro Race in his hometown.

First Pro Race in Greenville 1993

Thanks, George, for taking time to talk with me about cycling and chiropractic. We wish you all the best in the 2012 USPro Race!

We’ve all heard of the word “sciatica” which is usually used loosely to describe various types of lower back pain. Sciatica is often used to refer to everything from low back pain coming from the joints in the back, to the sacroiliac (sit bones) joint, to the muscles of the low back, to a nerve that has been pinched by a ruptured disk. Strictly speaking, the term “sciatica” should only be used when the sciatic nerve is pinched. The sciatic nerve is made up of five smaller nerves that arise from the spine and join together to form one large nerve about the size of your pinky. Sciatica occurs when any one of the small nerves, or the sciatic nerve itself, gets compressed or irritated. This is often caused from a lumbar disk bulge (the “ruptured disk”), a mis-positioned vertebra (such as a forward slip of the vertebra called “spondylolisthesis”), pressure from an arthritic spur off the spine where the nerve exits (“spinal stenosis”), or a tumor near the nerve. A non-disk related cause for sciatica called “pseudosciatica,” includes a pinch from the piriformis muscle where the nerve passes through the pelvis in the buttocks. This type of sciatica has been commonly referred to as “wallet sciatica” as sitting on the wallet in the back pocket is often the cause. Other “pseudosciatic” causes include referred pain from the low back joints which is described by a patient as a “deep ache” inside the leg, or a metabolic condition where the nerve is affected such as diabetes.  Direct trauma like a bruise to the buttocks from falling or the nerve being hit during an injection into the buttocks can also trigger “sciatica.”

The symptoms of sciatica include pain in the low back, buttocks, back of the thigh, calf and/or foot and/or numbness-tingling. If the nerve is compressed hard enough, muscle weakness can occur making it hard to stand up on the tip toes. This can even create a limp when walking. In our office, we perform diagnostic tests to identify nerve damage, bulging disk(s) and other lower back problems. It’s important to determine the root cause of lower back pain rather than automatically assuming that a patient has sciatica.

The good news is that chiropractic methods can resolve this problem frequently, thus avoiding a potential surgical procedure! So, check with Eastside Chiropractic before a surgical consultation. We realize you have a choice of healthcare providers. If you, a friend or family member requires care for low back pain, we sincerely appreciate the trust and confidence shown by choosing our services and look forward to serving you and your family presently and in the future.

Photo Credit: Ryan Weisgerber via Compfight

Thankfully, there is currently enough research published to confidently say that fibromyalgia is at least partly due to a disorder of something called “central pain processing.” Central Pain Processing is how the brain feels pain. In a person with fibromyalgia, this means that a higher than normal pain response occurs as a result of a normal, not too painful activity. The Central Pain Processor in their brains interprets the activities as painful even when they are not damaging the body.

There are several other conditions that include pain processing problems. Some of these include irritable bowel syndrome, TMJ or jaw dysfunction, and chronic low back pain. A pain processing problem may be caused by chemical changes in the brain. Some chemical changes have been clearly identified in fibromyalgia sufferers. These include abnormal amounts of brain chemicals which help transmit information from our feet and arms to the brain.

In some cases there can be psychological or behavioral issues that play a role in the cause of fibromyalgia. Another study considered the cause of fibromyalgia to be a “neurologic disease.” This study identified the cause as interactions of life stressors such as financial or marital problems plus hormonal issues in people who are genetically predisposed.

Since there is no common voice, it appears that the cause of fibromyalgia is not one specific thing, but rather the presence of environmental issues like stress AND chemical imbalances in our endocrine (hormone) and nervous (brain) systems that team up to clobber those of us who may be genetically geared towards having fibromyalgia. This explanation of the cause is important because there are issues both outside and inside the body that have to be addressed to treat or manage the condition. A “multidisciplinary approach” with a team of healthcare providers works extremely well in managing fibromyalgia. With physical, biological, psychological and social issues needing management, the team may consist of a primary care doctor, a counselor and a doctor of chiropractic. Chiropractic is an integral, important service to include because the primary complaint of fibromyalgia is “widespread musculoskeletal pain” and no other profession focuses more on that system than chiropractic. Patients with fibromyalgia frequently tell me that their structured treatment plan is very effective for managing fibromyalgia. This plan includes computerized chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue therapies, different forms of physiological therapeutics (such as electrical stimulation and cold laser therapy), nutritional counseling, and exercise guidance. We pride ourselves in the management of complex problems like fibromyalgia and are proud to be a part of the team!

If you, a friend or family member requires care for fibromyalgia, we sincerely appreciate the trust and confidence shown by choosing Eastside Chiropractic!

Photo Credit: Steve-h via Compfight

1981 Memories...

My first concert experience with Van Halen was in Pittsburgh, PA in 1981 and was memorable.  We arrived early, and made our way to a position standing directly in the front of the stage and centered on the floor of the old Civic Arena in “dahntahn” Pittsburgh.  We actually felt the first few Michael Anthony bass guitar notes as strongly as we heard them.  I remember the experience was similar to being punched in the chest (by a G#?), and the aural assault continued for a total of 19 more songs.

Everything came to a halt when someone tossed a firework towards the stage! The firework was much larger than a firecracker device, and it blew up dangerously close to David Lee Roth’s head.  After the explosion, the music suddenly stopped and . . . there was silence with David Lee Roth cupping his ears and bending over in pain from the sound of the explosion.  We all wondered what would happen next. The consummate showman stood back up and invited the firework fan (who was being hustled out by security) to meet him on the stage for some of his own fireworks. Then the music started again.

2012 promises to be a nostalgic walk for many Van Halen fans since the song mix features a majority of the band’s classic hits from previous decades.

The most amazing part of this concert is that the band is actually touring again.  Considering that 3 of the 4 members’ birthdays are well past the half century mark, this tour speaks volumes about their physical resilience.  The common denominator for many classic rockers and their ability to take to the road night after night for concert venues scattered across the globe is having a chiropractor on site prior to showtime.  I have personally had the pleasure to work with acts as classic and venerable as Def Leppard, Boston, The Eagles, Bruce Springsteen, Duran Duran and Nickelback.  Whether Van Halen makes the call to have me on hand or not, I know from their history that chiropractic care has been a staple resource on the road for these L.A. rockers to maintain their ability to tour.

What is kinesio tape therapy?

SpiderTech tape on an athlete's knee.

Kinesio tape therapy uses a special kind of tape for help with shoulder injuries, mid back pain, rounded shoulders, neck pain, postoperative rehabilitation, and muscle imbalances. At Eastside Chiropractic, we frequently use the tape for therapeutic support of the mid back and shoulder muscles.  It helps to reduce pain and enhance your stability while not limiting movement. While wearing kinesio tape you’ll see improved performance and a return to normal muscle movement.

Eastside Chiropractic purchases the tape from a company called SpiderTech.  SpiderTech offers doctors many applications of kinesio tape for restoring strength and improving mobility to areas compromised by injury or poor posture.

How can kinesio tape help me?

The great news for patients is that using kinesio tape can speed recovery from acute injuries, and add quality of life back to those who suffer from chronic disabilities.  Contact Eastside Chiropractic today to schedule an evaluation!

My daughter and I went to see "The Hunger Games" this weekend.

I was one of the millions who saw “The Hunger Games” this past weekend.  As the dad of a teenage girl, it was understood that a part of my agenda for Saturday night was to escort her to the Regal Hollywood 2o theatre in Greenville, SC so that she could see the story of Katniss Everdeen played out on the silver screen.  The story line of big government running over all sorts of liberties and freedoms, and the individual triumphing over the state was interesting to watch. Now I need to find time to read the trilogy, so I can keep up with my daughter. She has already read the trilogy three times!

My daughter has a tradition of staying in the theater through all of the credits in the hope that there will be some film teaser at the very end. While watching the credits, a name with the suffix D.C. rolled past (D.C. stands for Doctor of Chiropractic).  I quickly made a note to learn more about this chiropractor, and what role he had in “The Hunger Games.”

Dr. Joseph Horrigan is not a household name, nor is he well known among the chiropractors at large.  However, this doctor of chiropractic has played an important role in many more movies beyond “The Hunger Games.”  Dr. Horrigan has served as medical consultant for “The Matrix,” “Charlie’s Angels II Full Throttle,” and “Spiderman II.” He also served as athletic performance consultant on “Seabiscuit,” “Skeleton Key,”  ”Things We Lost in the Fire,” “Che,” “The Wolfman,” and of course “The Hunger Games.”

Jennifer Lawrence’s ability to perform as Katniss without a stunt double hinged upon Dr. Horrigan’s training.  The role of Katniss Everdeen was very physically demanding. According to Horrigan, the actress was put through a grueling six week program which resulted in the fit and fast Katniss of “The Hunger Games” movie.

The pattern of a doctor of chiropractic advising athletes and movie stars is becoming more the norm rather than the exception.  If chiropractic has such a positive influence on the health and performance of actors in movies, it will be exciting to see how chiropractic can help everyone in our country feel and function better.

Sadly, many people try to get adequate sleep, but they have trouble falling or staying asleep. Insomnia is an epidemic in our country.  Watch night time television, and pay attention to how many sleep aids are marketed during those annoying commercial breaks. Since sleep quality is so important, here are some helpful tips to get a better night’s sleep:

1. Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, even on weekends. 
   Why? This helps your body establish a sleep rhythm and makes it easier to fall asleep and awaken.
2. Sleep in complete darkness or as close to complete darkness as is possible. Don’t fall asleep with the TV set on!
   Why? When light hits the eyes, it disrupts the circadian rhythm of a small gland within the brain called the pineal gland. It also interrupts the production of melatonin and serotonin, which disrupts the quality of sleep. If light shines into your room from outside, use blackout blinds, shades or draperies over the bedroom windows, or simply use a sleep mask to cover your eyes.
3. Avoid eating right before bedtime. 
   Why? The digestive process can impair sleep, and eating grains and sugars can cause a low blood sugar state which can cause hunger and sleep disturbance.
4. Wear socks to bed.
   Why? Since feet have the poorest circulation of any area of our bodies, they tend to feel cold before the rest of the body which can also disrupt sleep.
5. If you lie in bed with your mind racing, keep a journal and write down your thoughts before bedtime. 
   Why? Journaling helps you download your thoughts to paper, clearing your mind so you can sleep.
6. Eat a high protein snack several hours before bed. 
   Why? This can provide the L-Tryptophan needed to produce melatonin and serotonin.  Eat a small piece of fruit or a small handful of berries around the same time. This helps the L-Tryptophan to cross the blood brain barrier.
7. Keep your drug use to only what is absolutely necessary. 
   Why? Both prescription and over the counter drugs may have negative effects on sleep.
8. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants.
   Why? Caffeine and other stimulants can have long-lasting effects on the nervous system.  Watch out for hidden sources of caffeine, such as some over-the-counter pain relievers and diet pills.
9. Avoid alcohol.
   Why? Although alcohol will make people drowsy, the effect is short lived and people often wake up several hours later, unable to fall back to sleep.  Alcohol will also keep you from falling into the deeper stages of REM sleep, where the body does most of its healing.
10. If you tend to wake up at night to urinate, don’t drink any fluids within 2 hours of going to bed.
11. Take a hot bath, shower or sauna for about 30 to 60 minutes before bed. 
    Why? Heat has a relaxing effect on the body.
12. Sleep in a comfortable bed.
    Why? If your mattress is sagging, making creaking noises, or if you wake up with stiffness or back pain, it may be time for a new mattress.  Avoid waterbeds; they were very popular during the ’80s and some may still be around.  Waterbeds do not properly support the spine.  Your chiropractor can help you determine the type of mattress best suited for your spine.

Are you getting enough sleep?