As our kids return to school we need to be aware of a new trend that has been gaining “popularity” in the last few years, an increase in neck and back pain. With more and more school districts removing lockers, increase in homework and textbooks and the disallowance of roll along backpacks, students are being forced to carry their books in their backpacks all day long. Not only will this potentially cause a painful problem, but if one already exists, it can exacerbate it. This new and disturbing trend shows America’s youth are suffering from back pain much earlier than previous generations and the use of overweight backpacks is a contributing factor. The new trend among youngsters isn’t surprising when you consider the disproportionate amounts of weight they carry in their backpacks – usually slung over just one shoulder.
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Preliminary results of a study being done in France show that the longer a child wears a backpack, the longer it takes for a curvature or deformity of the spine to correct itself. Like with any problem, it needs to be recognized and addressed if change is to take place to correct the situation. If your child begins to feel pain in his neck or back, consult your Chiropractor, Physician or therapist immediately before the condition worsens.

A few basic guidelines should be followed to insure proper fit and address spinal health and biomechanical stability.

• Limiting the backpack’s weight to 10% of the child’s body weight and urging the use of ergonomically correct backpacks are essential.

• The backpack should never 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.

• A backpack with individualized compartments helps in positioning the contents most effectively.

• Make sure that pointy or bulky objects are packed away from the area that will rest on your child’s back.

• Bigger is not necessarily better. The more room there is in a backpack, the more your child will carry and the heavier the backpack will be.

• Urge your child to wear both shoulder straps. Lugging the backpack around by one strap can cause the disproportionate shift of weight to one side, leading to neck and muscle spasms, as well as low back pain.

• Wide, padded straps are very important. Non-padded straps are uncomfortable, and can dig into your child’s shoulders.

• The shoulder straps should be adjustable so the backpack can be fitted to your child’s body. Straps that are too loose can cause the backpack to dangle uncomfortably and cause spinal misalignment and pain.

• If the backpack is still too heavy, talk to your child’s teacher. Ask if your child could leave the heaviest books at school, and bring home only lighter hand-out materials or workbooks. Or encourage your local school district to purchase textbooks on CD-Rom.

• Although the use of rollerpacks, or backpacks on wheels, has become popular in recent years, it is recommended that they be used cautiously and on a limited basis by only those students who are not physically able to carry a backpack.

• Encourage your child to exercise and strengthen the muscles of the back and neck.

By following these simple guidelines you may help your child get more out of school than an aching back.

School Physicals done at CSI

Don’t wait in line at the school for your Fall sports physicals. We do them here at CSI. We also will donate a portion of the fee to your sports booster program. This is a win/win. Your team/school gets money and you get your physical in a short time frame. Call and let Robin or Mikaella know that you want to get your sports physical at CSI. 805-371-0737

I am writing this blog this month in response to an article that was posted in the American Chiropractic Associations monthly magazine. In this article the IONIC FOOTSPA is given a bad wrap. There are parts of the article that I agree and disagree with. There is also a YouTube video to go along with this article. Since we at CSI are not only on the cutting edge of tissue recovery, we also will stand up to our products and will always keep you informed when we run across articles such as this. This article basically states that the science behind the footbath is false and that there is nothing to benefit from doing this therapy. I DISAGREE.

The article claims that most providers of this therapy are claiming that the color of the water is PURE toxins that are withdrawn out the body. I AGREE WITH THE AUTHOR, THIS IS NOT TRUE. That dark rust/brown color is in part to the break down of the array itself. When you add water, metal and electricity you will get RUST. So a part of the color is from the break down of the array. I have never gone against this. The article also references a link on YOUTUBE with a man showing how (In his opinion) the IONIC FOOTSPAS are FALSE. This person does not take in account the multiple benefits that these machines offer besides the idea of DETOXIFICATION.

I have lectured to many doctors and individuals on the therapeutic benefits of the FOOTSPA. Do I think that the FOOTSPA just detoxifies the body NO. It is one of the effects. Many ask me how do I know what is being pulled out and what parts of the body are being DETOXIFIED. This I cannot answer. In my opinion you would have to take a pre and post water, blood and organ sample in order to truly determine. There are some out there that use a COLOR chart to determine what the color of that water means, which is nothing more than a selling tool. The color is a small part of the treatment process. The FOOTSPA also provides the body a low electric stimulus, which has been shown with other therapy modalities to enhance cellular activity. By doing this the body can heal quicker and allow the body and its cells to work at a higher function. On this premise is what I see is the most dramatic effect of the IONIC FOOTBATH.

In our clinics we use it to help deal with allergens, colds and especially tissue healing post surgical. In combination with chiropractic treatments, cold laser therapy, proper nutrition and exercise habit, the IONIC FOOTSPA is a perfect addition. That article was written to spark a response and it got mine. At CSI we use the Cellular Cleanse Platinum FOOTSPA and we could not be happier with the results. If anyone would like to try the Cellular Cleanse Therapy please contact CSI at 805-531-1188 for Moorpark or 805-371-0737 for Westlake and either I or Dr. Amir will personally walk you through the process and explain what is going on. Also don’t forget that SUMMER is upon us and with all the SUMMER activities and sports, CSI is here to help keep you healthy and happy.

Sincerely:

Dr. Ed Green
Clinic Director, CSI Moorpark

We will be hosting and “selling” products used by the pros that in most cases are not yet available in stores. Most of these products will be sold through our CSI store so check it out from time to time. This month you can buy Oxy Socks at a pro deal direct from the manufacture.

Oxysox® Compression Technology

Dr. Graham Kelly, a vascular specialist with over 15 years of clinical experience, developed patented Oxysox® Compression Technology (OCT®) to help meet the unique demands of athletes. Improved circulation and reduced muscle fatigue always translate into better performance, and OCT® is all about performance. Utilizing over-the-calf graduated compression, socks knit with OCT® actually stimulate circulation in the foot and ankle with snug compression that tapers off as the socks extends up the leg.

How Oxysox® Compression Technology Works:

There is much more to muscle support than a snug fit. Typical compression hose boasting mmHg ratings higher than 22-23 are designed to provide tight support in response to medical complications. For the healthy athlete, however, too much support can actually reduce circulation and hamper performance. TCK’s Oxysox® Compression Technology, on the other hand, is specifically designed for the athlete by way of GRADUATED COMPRESSION. Graduated compression begins with snug support that tapers off as the sock climbs the leg. In other words, the greatest amount of support is in the foot and ankle where it is needed most. This keeps the points of impact securely snug, protecting against injury, fatigue, and discomfort. A progressively reduced amount of support reaches its nadir as the sock hugs the calf, the point where maximum circulation is vital. We’re not talking about an absence of support at the top of a sock with OCT®, but just enough to minimize wasted motion of the muscles, keeping them stable and compact, without hampering the blood’s ability to return through the heart and lungs. What ultimately results, then, is a quicker delivery of oxygenated blood to the legs and feet. This translates into:

Higher VO2 levels
Faster Muscle Recovery
Less Muscle Fatigue
Reduced Muscle Swelling
Protection Against Cramps, Strains, or Sprains in the Lower Leg
What Racesox with Oxysox® Compression Technology Do:

The answer is simple: Racesox with Oxysox® Compression Technology boast the fusion of graduated compression with the performance-enhancing features that typify Racesox and all TCK products. What you get is durable longevity that lasts 3-4 times longer than standard socks, blister resistance, superior odor control, breathable comfort, enhanced moisture management, and quick-drying resilience combined with the unique merits of graduated compression. So, whether you are a world-class athlete, a regular on the racing circuit, a weekend warrior, or simply into occasional exercise, you need Racesox with OCT® to augment your workout and improve your performance.

As a patient of CSI you can now have these socks at a PRO DEAL, CSI only price.Since I know the owners very well, they are offering ALL CSI patients these socks for below wholesale!!. When you order from their website, use these codes to get your deal, CSI09 or DRT09. Their website is http://www.racesox.com. My son Tyler has been using these socks during his Motocross practice and says after 2 hours of riding his legs are no longer sore. I use them at work when I am on my feet all day and I feel great at the end of the day. Go on line to oxy sox website (listed above) and get the super CSI pro deal discount(by using the CSI or DrT code). For any questions on the socks or techical questions email Scott Davis at Race Soxs for assistance. Let him know you are referred by CSI and he can help you in anyway. sdavis@racesox.com.

True health starts from within,

Dr.Terry

How to bring the benefits of training in altitude to your house without the hassle and expense of an altitude Tent.

At CSI, due to our professional affiliations, we are privy to new technology sometimes many years before it’s available to the public. Last year I was contacted by a company who makes a High Altitude training system (io) due to my affiliation as the team Doctor for the Professional cycling team, Successful Living. As you may or may not be aware of, Professional Cycling has been under the microscope for the past several years due to Blood doping and Drug abuse allegations. The purpose of blood doping is to enhance your RBC (red blood cell) production so that you can enhance your Oxygen Transport, thus increasing your Aerobic Capacity. The Natural way to do this is to live at Altitude and/ or, sleep 6-8 hours in an Altitude Tent. This new devise, out of New Zealand, is extremely advanced, managed by the Mayo Clinic, and requires 1 hour a day, breathing in a mask, for 15 sessions, 5 days on 2 off or 6 days on 1 off.

As you are aware of I have been involved with high level cycling for 20+ years and the last 3 years, National level motocross racing. Last year I asked the CEO of the company if I could run a trial study at CSI to prepare a few riders to race at Mammoth Mountain for their Annual Motocross race. Since this race is at 8,500’ I wanted to see how they would react after using the machine and also to see how simple it was to use. I chose three high level motocross athletes of three different age brackets. I chose a 40 year old Masters champion, a 12 year old National rider and my son Tyler who was 9 at the time. Since Motocross is an extremely aerobic sport I wanted to see if it would enhance their performance and decrease the effects of racing at Altitude. Well it did, all three made the podium and felt as if they were riding at sea level! Both the 40 year old and my son were blown away at how good they felt. My son has been to Mammoth as a skier since he was a baby and we were wondering at his age if the devise would be effective. Well it was, Tyler stated he felt as if he were riding in TO and was able to push harder when everyone else wore out.

Normally, when competing in altitude, such as Mammoth, you either show up the DAY OF competition or you go to the altitude you are competing at and live there for 2 weeks prior to the event. Your body will actually perform worse at the 4-6 day point. So, if you go up 3-4 days prior to the event you will perform worse than if you go up the day of due to the acclimatization process. Due to traveling, work schedules and time constraints going to altitude for 2 weeks is not practical for most people. With this therapy, you can go up any time and stay because you will already be acclimatized. You will not get the Headaches, breathing problems, weakness, fatigue and so on. The company name is io, and they are now available to you at your home. So if you’re into ANY aerobic sport, this devise can help you perform much better. It’s used not only by cyclist, triathletes, Motocross racers and mountaineers, but athletes in Soccer, Rugby, Lacrosse, Runners, skier, skaters, cross country skiers, hockey players as well pilots and asthmatics.

More on io Therapy

io works by using a sophisticated altitude simulator to force the body to react as if at altitude.

io causes your body to react to differing oxygen levels by producing a higher proportion of red blood cells. The more red blood cells you have, the more efficient your body becomes at transporting and using oxygen.

All you have to do is sit back, relax and breathe. The results – boosted energy levels, better performance in life and sport, enhanced health and relief from various conditions.

io specialising in the provision of the most advanced form of altitude training technology available. io’s technology is a masked based system delivering benefits of altitude in intervals, this provides greater benefits in a shorter time.

io has developed improved technology and over the last 10 years been researching and providing altitude training to World and Olympic champions through to the casual gym user. io’s sessions are each only 1 hour long with the session alternating from altitude to sea level during the hour session (at altitudes of between 18 and 26,000 feet increasing throughout the program). The io program has a base program of 15 sessions and then there are ‘booster’ sessions every 6-8 weeks these are 5 days long and again each session is only one hour.

io is a natural way to get an advantage and has been proven to aid with sports performance improving;
– recovery,
– speed,
– power,
– endurance to name a few benefits.
Research shows an improvement in overall athletic performance of between 4-8% across the board.( www.io-usa.com/research/view/sport ) Other benefits include aiding in the recovery from injury and maintaining fitness while injured through to assisting people with asthma or those starting out on a new fitness program.

This devise is an AMAZING invention and is a critical component in the preparation phase as well as the recovery phase. If you are serous about your sport, suffer from high altitude sickness, preparing to climb a big mountain or want a secret edge in your aerobic sport, Contact THE FACTORY in Westlake Village to set up an appointment to see this amazing devise in action. Contact Rob Bolton at 805-494-4464 and mention you want information on the IO therapy and other ways to enhance performance, that only the Factory can deliever.

Dr. Terry Weyman
www.gotcsi.com

With the tax season upon us and the economy being down many people are stressed out of their minds and as a result are experiencing aches and pains all over their bodies. We as humans tend to store our stress, whether physical or emotional, in our muscles. So as a result we start developing muscle tightness which can lead to headaches, general pain, decreased range of motion, altered sleeping patterns, altered bio-mechanics and very easily affect our immune systems. So here are a few tips on how to avoid these problems before they start affecting our daily lives.

• Exercises regularly:

o Physical activity plays a major role in reducing and preventing the effects of stress. Make time for at least 30 minutes of exercise, three times per week.
Exercise can decrease ‘stress hormones’ like cortisol, and increase endorphins, your body’s ‘feel-good’ chemicals, giving your mood and body a natural boost.

• Progressive muscle relaxation:

o By tensing and relaxing all the muscle groups in your body, you can relieve tension and feel much more relaxed in minutes. Start by tensing all the muscles in your face, holding a tight grimace ten seconds, then completely relaxing for ten seconds. Repeat this with your neck, followed by your shoulders, etc. You can do this anywhere, and as you practice, you will find you can relax more quickly and easily, reducing tension as quickly as it starts!

• Get adjusted:

o Anxiety and stress frequently attack the weak spots of the spine, and as a result you can get general muscle tensions, headaches, neck pain and back pain. This pain can then aggravate the stress and anxiety. A chiropractic treatment which includes adjustments, soft tissue and muscle work is aimed at relieving any physical complaints which will in turn help with the mental conditions.

• Eat a healthy diet:

o Well-nourished bodies are better prepared to cope with stress, so be mindful of what you eat. Start your day right with breakfast, and keep your energy up and your mind clear with balanced, nutritious meals throughout the day.

• Reduce caffeine and sugar:

o The temporary “highs” caffeine and sugar provide often end in with a crash in mood and energy. By reducing the amount of coffee, soft drinks, chocolate, and sugar snacks in your diet, you’ll feel more relaxed and you’ll sleep better.

• Get enough sleep:

o Adequate sleep fuels your mind, as well as your body. Feeling tired will increase your stress because it may cause you to think irrationally.

If you guys have any question or want any advice on proper nutrition, specific exercises, or other stress reliving techniques feel free to comment and I will give you the information.

Dr. Amir