Chiropractic Sport Institute

Chiropractic Sports Institute was started with the sole vision of providing the best and most advanced chiropractic treatment to the greater Conejo Valley area.

You are here: Home / Archives for Tidbits Blog

Concussions- what you need to know!

by


By: Dr. Ciro Errico and Dr. Terry Weyman

Concussions are a big part of every sport. Being on the sidelines of different sports, I see many injuries including concussions. But, what exactly is a concussion?

Before I begin to explain concussions, let me cross out the myth about a concussion being only a direct trauma or hit to the head, and/or a complete loss of consciousness. Another big myth is that a concussion is a bruise to the brain. Both statements are incorrect.

A concussion is a physiological change in the brain induced by a biomechanical force. A force can be applied anywhere on the body causing an ‘impulsive’ force transmitted to the head.  This transmitted ‘impulse’ to the head causes a short lived impairment of neurological functions that can resolve spontaneously, but some neurological functions can come on immediately, after several minutes, or hours after a trauma.[1]

Signs and symptoms of a concussion that often go unnoticed are: feeling ‘foggy’, headaches, feeling overly emotional, unexplained sadness, irritability, forgetfulness, slow reaction time, sleepy, and insomnia. When someone is having one of these symptoms (and there is a mechanism of injury that could dictate the reasons), a concussion must be suspected and a proper assessment must be made by a MD, DO or DC. On the sidelines, an ATC or medic can also evaluate an athlete.

What if the symptoms get worse? If a headache becomes worse, if slurred speech occurs, seizure or convulsion, decrease in coordination – the patient should receive immediate medical attention due to the possibility of a deeper cerebral injury.

Concussions also have different degrees of severity. According to the Cantu guidelines, concussions have several grading scales: Grades I, II, and III. Grade I concussions are not associated with loss of consciousness, and post-traumatic amnesia is either absent or less than 30 minutes in duration. Athletes may return to play if no symptoms are present for one week. Grade II is a loss of consciousness for less than five minutes or exhibit post-traumatic amnesia between 30 minutes and 24 hours in duration. They also may return to play after one week of being asymptomatic.Grade III concussions involve post-traumatic amnesia for more than 24 hours or unconsciousness for more than five minutes. Players who sustain this grade of brain injury should be sidelined for at least one month, after which they can return to play if they are asymptomatic for one week.[2]The week begins the day after all symptoms have dissipated.

The reason for the athlete to rest more and be reevaluated is due to the dangers of a possible second concussion also known as Second Impact Syndrome, which is highly dangerous. Here is why: When someone suffers a first concussion, there is a physiological change occurring in the brain that does not allow proper signaling between the synapses. When a second concussion occurs, the brain may lose the ability to properly regulate blood flow causing the brain to swell due to increase pooling in brain. The pooling does not allow the blood to drain causing pressure build-up in the brain ultimately resulting in brain damage and/or death.  

So, how do we prevent concussions? Preventing a concussion is hard. There is no real way to prevent a concussion predominantly due to the fact that a concussion does not need to be a direct blow to the head. Concussions can be caused by shoulder charges in soccer, tackling in football, bumping your head on a cabinet door, getting rear-ended in a motor vehicle accident, or even texting while walking and walking into a lamp pole. Concussions, again, are physiological changes in the brain. Headgear and helmets are great for general protection against skull fractures. Mouth guards are also good for preventing an athlete to bite off his tongue, however be aware that when wearing mouth guards, they can cause an athlete to clench his jaw allowing the muscles in the neck and head to tighten up before an impact. This allows less chance of a neck sprain/ strain, but because a concussion is a physiological change in the brain, an athlete may still suffer a concussion. All studies, and including the International Conference on Concussions in Sports, show there are no studies conclusive against protection for concussion.

When managing a concussion, first thing first: parents, coaches, teachers, and teammates need to be aware of the symptoms and get the person properly evaluated. Concussions are difficult to manage due to the severity and, more importantly, due to the physiological changes that occur in the brain. First of all, the athlete or patient should rest. Rest is going to be the key to begin the healing process: this includes resting from training and playing. For young adults, teens, and children resting also means staying home and/or limiting school activities; the information can cause the brain to overwork and as a result decrease healing. Another rest is from technology including video games, TV, computer, phones, and texting because the stimuli that the brain needs to function can overwork the brain resulting in decrease healing time. Secondly, water! Drink plenty of water. Drinking water allows an athlete to stay hydrated, and allows the body to increase healing potential.

What else is available for management? Chiropractic care and adjustments are great with concussions. When someone suffers a concussion there is also a whiplash injury that occurs simultaneously at the upper cervical (neck) area. This causes a physiological change in the muscles surrounding the spine often times causes tightens. It’s putting an extra strain on the neck which in turn will put an extra strain on the healing process for the concussion. Getting adjusted allows less interference on the central nervous system which helps the body change physiologically back to its normal state. Mild Hyperbaric Chamber is another great tool that can be utilized. The hyperbaric chamber increases the oxygen, and pressurizes the body allowing the oxygen to absorb in the body to allow healing to happen at a faster pace.  

Concussions affect everyone from the parent to the athlete. For proper healing, it is imperative to understand the first steps to recovery which are understanding what a concussion is and being knowledgable of the best ways for a concussion to heal. When a concussion occurs, it becomes a full effort by everyone to help the athlete reach full recovery.  

Dr. Ciro Errico is the Team Chiropractor for California State University-Channel Islands (CSUCI) Lacrosse Team and Newbury Park HighSchool Lacrosse. He is also the Team Chiropractor for Club Sports at California State University-Northridge (CSUN). He is a treating Chiropractor at Chiropractic Sports Institute (CSI)

Dr. Terry Weyman is the Chiropractor for Pepperdine University and works with Extreme Athletes in both Motocross and Mountain bike racing. He is the clinic director of Chiropractic Sports Institute

More info on CSI visit their website www.gotcsi.com


[1]International Conference on Concussion in Sport (Zurich; Nov. 2012)
[2]American Association of Neurological Surgeons 

For recovery: Ice, Heat or …? The Marc Pro

by

This months tip, “when to use the Marc Pro” stems from a question asked of me yesterday from a patient of mine who owns one. He is a Hockey player and was asking when is the best time to use it. I asked him when does he use it now? He said “when I think about it, which is once a week”. 

So here is my tip. If you worked out once a week, would you get stronger? If you focused on your job once a week, would that help you become more successful? No. then how can using the Marc Pro once a week help your body recover better, faster, stronger?
The answer, it can’t. So when do you use the Marc Pro? Instead of ice or heat, use the Marc Pro. After activity, use the Marc Pro. After long plane flights, long drives, long day at the desk-Use the Marc Pro.
The Marc Pro creates blood flow, using it often creates, Angiogenisis (creation or addition of more capillaries). More blood flow allows the body to detox and new nutrients to flood the muscles and surrounding tissue. Pitchers are using the Marc Pro between innings to keep their shoulders healthy and recovered so they can maintain a good showing on the mound. Cross Fit athletes are using the Marc Pro to recover between WODs. Cyclist are using the Marc Pro after their rides to refresh their legs.
Since its battery powered use it on the drive home, at the office and or on the side lines. For you Motocrossers and rock climbers, use it on your forearms daily to develop more Capillaries to help decrease arm pump. 
When you think about it, with the promo code: GOTCSI, the unit costs 50+ a month (until paid for). This is less expensive than most hour massages, AND you can use it all day everyday. Don’t let your unit collect dust, use it to become a better and more successful athlete! Tell a friend.

For research, info or to order, go to their website. www.marcpro.com

—

Dr. Terry Weyman
 www.gotcsi.com
Follow on Twitter for health tips! http://twitter.com/DrTerryW

Info on Candida, yeast and ways to prevent.

by

By Dr. Ciro Errico
Recently a patient asked me about anti-candida recipes to which I thought for a few minutes and we were able to come up with a few recipes. But, before we discuss recipes let me begin by introducing Candida.
Candida is yeast that commonly causes fungal infections on or in the body. Candida lives in small amounts on and in the body, and is one of the most common causes of fungal infections worldwide. One of the more common infections it can cause is yeast infection– yeast infections are more common in women than men. But, Candida can also show up as signs of fatigue, bloating, constipation, Rhuematiod Arthrits, lack of focus, mood swings, skin issues, and even seasonal or sinus issues.
What does Candida do? Candida grows on sugars and high carbohydrate foods that breakdown in the body as sugar. The sugar allows the Candida to grow and disrupt different areas of the body. This process can cause a person a lot of irritability, and discouragement. Let’s be honest, NO ONE wants to deal with skin issues, be constipated, and be fatigued while trying to work, or take care of their children, and live life.
What to do? Well, a lot of times Candida overgrowth goes unrecognized and misdiagnosed as a hundred different things. The easiest step is changing your diet. Diet can play such an important role in the human body that it often times goes unrecognized as helping someone feel better. What we eat is what we become; eat healthy and you will be healthy.
So, here is what you can do: lay off of sugar. Sugar does more damage to the body, and it causes the Candida to strive because it is what feeds the yeast. Sugar can be found in foods as an additive but natural sugar also feeds the Candida. Natural sugars are fruits- dried, canned, and fresh- should be severely limited if not eliminated from your diet. Certain veggies like carrots and potatoes are a no-no due to the high amount of carbohydrates that become sugar. 
The second most important thing to stay away from is processed foods. Processed foods do more damage than good in every possible way. There is nothing healthy about processed foods. Processed foods also include sodas, fruit juices, coffees, milks, and cheese (due to mold process). 
Another big one is staying away from breads and grains. Breads and grains breakdown in the body as sugar, and in doing so it allows the Candida to constantly grow and manifest itself onto the skin, or causes reactions in the body that will show up in one form or another.
A simple recipe that I use for a typical Anti-Candida dinner meal is:
Baked Salmon with tomatoes and a side salad.
Ingredients:
1 Salmon (whole or piece)
2 Cups of diced Cherry Tomatoes
Pinch of Sea Salt
Pinch of Pepper
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place all the salmon in a baking pan, and add the Cherry Tomatoes over top. Drizzle Olive Oil, Sea Salt, and Pepper over all of it. Place under oven for about 30-45 minutes, or until salmon is thoroughly cooked.
Side Salad:
Ingredients:
Arugula
Spinach
Romaine Lettuce
Sea Salt
Lemon Juice
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Avocado
Put all ingredients in salad bowl, and toss with Sea Salt and Olive Oil.

This great meal is healthy, and does not contain any foods that will increase growth of Candida. It is also a great way to end a hard day. 
Dr. Ciro Errico is on staff at CSI. Not only is Dr. Ciro has extensive knowledge of Nutrition and the care of the human body. He is high level Soccer player who also works with Athletes at Northridge and CSUCI and is also fluent in 4 languages.

Recover from summer, prepare for the Fall!

by

By Dr. Terry Weyman

For all of you Athletes that are done with Loretta Lynns, X-Games and other events/travels of the summer its now time to recover! To flush out the stress of competition and or travel and to prepare for fall sports and events.

I get alot of pts and athletes seeing the pads and wires and automatically thinking “tens unit”. ITS NOT A TENS unit. You can buy a tens unit for 20 bucks and its not even worth that. TENS is an acronym for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. TENS are inexpensive medical devices that attempt to mask pain symptoms by interfering with nerve signals; they have no rehabilitative, recovery or conditioning benefits whatsoever. Marc Pro activates a cascading series of physiological effects through a specific type of muscle contraction that lead to enhanced recovery and conditioning.
When you use the Marc Pro on a regular basis you actually create more small blood vessels which in turn allow a better transfer of blood and 02. Hence, not only will you recover faster but it will in the long term increase your athletic performance!
Prepare for the fall but using your marc pro daily now!  If your friends want to borrow yours, tell them to get their own:-)  

Go to www.marcpro.com and use my promo code: GOTCSI  This will save your friends some money and I will get their email address so they too can get the tips. Use it daily for amazing results!

Dr. Terry Weyman is the Clinic Director at www.gotcsi.com

Have you thought about your Plastics lately?

by

By: Dr. Ciro Errico.

Plastic is everywhere in the environment and society. We can find it in our Tupperware, water bottles, baby bottles, food and drinks. Most plastics have numbers (which are listed with the appropriate name) as an ID to let recyclers know how to properly recycle the product. I say stay away from all plastics, but that is incredibly hard to do since almost everything in our society has some form of plastic in it. So, I will tell you the top three plastics to avoid.

Bisphenol A (BPA), or number 7, is a compound found in plastics that is very dangerous. How is it dangerous? When it is warmed, whether from microwave or from leaving a bottle in a car all day, BPA leaks into the food or into the drink and as a result can mimic estrogen. Estrogen is a hormone that is found more in women than men. It gives women their feminine qualities, but when too much estrogen is in the body it has its side effects. Now, when BPA is leaked into the body it can cause more men to have female features. BPA mimicking estrogen can also cause the body to recognize more estrogen in the body and as a result cause an increase in breast cancer cell growth resulting in a higher percent of breast cancer. This also affects the male population, not only can men have breast cancer, but mimicking estrogen in males also leads to a decrease in the sperm count and an increase in prostate cancer.

Due to recent studies, European countries and Canada have banned products made with BPA, and more importantly, banned BPA in baby bottles. Today’s babies are tomorrow’s future, why harm our future? The US has not banned BPA yet, so beware.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or number 3, is another bad plastic; the same material that is used to make your garden hose is also used in squeezable bottles, female cosmetics, teething rings, and shower curtains. What does PVC contain that makes it dangerous? Phthalates. Phthalates are chemicals used to soften hard plastics like PVC to allow it to become more usable. In making these plastic more usable there have been studies showing, again, that it can mimic estrogen. In a study in the Scientific American, Phthalates that were in cosmetics and fragrances have been shown to increase rates of diabetes in women. Is eye shadow really that necessary when it can cause diabetes? Make sure your cosmetics are PVC free.

Another bad plastic is Polystyrene, or number 6. This material is often found as foam material: Styrofoam, or any packaging that we find at the grocery stores. This material is also found in coffee cups, and most people like their coffee hot, causing the breakdown of the polystyrene, and allowing more to leak into the coffee and end up in the body. This plastic is a known carcinogen (something that can cause cancer), and a neurotoxin (something that can cause toxicity to the nerves). One of the main ingredients in polystyrene foam is benzene, which is predominantly found in gasoline, and cigarette smoke. Though, a person may not smoke or ingest gasoline, the amount that can be found in the body can have a similar effect in the body as if a person where to ingest gasoline or inhale cigarette smoke. FYI: Benzene is also passed through breast feeding, so young babies may have benzene in their bodies at an early age.

Why is this important for Health Care Providers to know?

The better question that I propose is “Why aren’t Health Care Providers discussing this?”

Being a health care provider is a great responsibility, and to care about a person’s life, body and state of health should be enough for anyone to want to learn about what dangers can be found in everyday society or the environment. It is important to understand how these plastics, and the chemicals that can leak from plastic into the body. These plastics affect us so much it may reach the point where no medicine or natural remedies may help if the body is receiving a constant dose of chemicals from a source that is commonly used and missed as a danger. Plastics have become so natural in our society and environment that we cannot escape it, but by educating ourselves to stay away from certain ones, the body, and health of the population may have a chance to outlive the side effects that are associated with plastics.

A few alternatives to plastics are:

1. Glass: glass Tupperware, or glass bottles can be washed and re-used a number of times without the worry of having anything leak into the food or beverage whether a food or beverage is heated directly in it.

2. Stainless Steel: this provides protection, because steel cannot leak into the food or beverage. This also can be washed and re-used a number of times with having to worry about it leaking.

3. Ceramic: is great because it comes in a number of colors and styles to match kitchenware, and it does not leak anything into the food or beverage.

4. Wood or Bamboo: can be found as another alternative for kitchenware like chopping blocks or for salad bowls.

Dr. Ciro is a Doctor at Chiropractic Sports Institute, in Westlake Village, Ca. For more info go to their website: www.gotcsi.com

About Dr. Terry Weyman

Dr. Terry Weyman lives in Southern California where he has been the Clinic Director of Chiropractic Sports Institute for over 31 years....
Read More
Pepperdine Waves
Official Chiropractor for Pepperdine Athletics

Recent Posts