Giving TMJ Pain an Adjustment

You use the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) hundreds of times every day, making it one of the most utilized structures in the human body. In fact, most people use the TMJ approximately every three minutes - every time they talk or swallow. But what is it?

The TMJ is the joint where the lower jaw joins the skull, immediately in front of the ear on each side of the head. In addition to its involvement in talking and swallowing, the TMJ also moves whenever you bite down hard on something. With this type of constant participation in common functions, it's no wonder TMJ pain can be so frustrating.

But there are potential solutions to the anguish of TMJ pain, and evidence suggests chiropractic may provide the best option. A recent study revealed that chiropractic treatment using a specific adjusting instrument eased patients' discomfort after only three visits a week for two weeks. Before treatment, patients reported TMJ-related symptoms lasting an average of eight years, but following chiropractic care, they experienced reduced pain and improvements in other symptoms, with no noted side-effects.

If you're suffering from TMJ pain, isn't it good to know there's something you can do about it? Make an appointment with a doctor of chiropractic today. For more on the benefits of chiropractic click here

Reference: DeVocht JW, Long CR, Zeitler DL, et al. Chiropractic treatment of temporomandibular disorders using the Activator adjusting instrument: a prospective case series. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, Sept. 2003:26(7), pp421-5.

NSAID Use Increases Lymphoma Risk

We all have lymph nodes - pea-sized glands that are most noticeable in the neck, armpits and groin. Lymph nodes are an important part of the lymphatic system, which is the body's natural defense against infection and disease. When cancer strikes this system, it is known as either Hodgkin's disease (named after the doctor who first described it) or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), of which there are approximately 20 different forms.

The cause of NHL is largely unknown, although a recent study suggests use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) might play a role in the onset of the disease. The family of NSAIDs includes several over-the-counter medications most people have used before, including aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), and some use at least one of these several times a week. This study evaluated the association between NSAID use and lymphoma risk in 27,290 postmenopausal women, using questionnaire data and a state cancer registry to calculate risks.

Results: Compared with women who did not use NSAIDs at all, women who used either aspirin exclusively or aspirin and another type of NSAID had a greater risk of developing NHL.

If you reach for the medicine cabinet for a pain-reliever and/or anti-inflammatory medication several times a week, you're among the millions who do so; however, now you know the potential danger involved. Always talk to your doctor before taking any medication -- even the over-the-counter variety.

For more information on the dangers of drugs click here.

Reference: Cerhan JR, Anderson KE, Janney CA, et al. Association of aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use with incidence of non-Hodgkins lymphoma. International Journal of Cancer, June 2003:106(5), pp784-88.

Mom, I Have a Soda Headache!

A recent survey* sponsored by baby food manufacturer Gerber products revealed, among other things, that some parents actually let their babies drink soda. As early as 7 months of age, these bundles of joy are taking the first step toward poor nutrition and tooth decay (in most cases, before they've even taken their first steps).

Obesity and dental problems may be the two most documented consequences of drinking soft drinks, but what about chronic headaches? Previous research links coffee and tea intake to headaches, but a study that appeared in the June issue of Cephalagia found that soft drink consumption had the same deleterious effect. Thirty-six children and adolescents who visited a hospital over a five-year period with complaints of daily or near-daily headaches were deemed "excessive caffeine consumers," predominately in the form of soda - an average of 11 liters per week!

Before you say, "Yes, but my children don't drink that much," keep in mind that 11 liters is the equivalent to fewer than three 12 oz cans per day -- or one 32 oz Big Gulp®. And who knows how much your teenager pours into a bottomless plastic cup from that 2 liter bottle in your refrigerator?

The point is, kids (and adults) are drinking way too much soda these days, and it's having negative consequences on their health. Talk to your doctor of chiropractic about the essentials of sound nutrition for yourself and your children.

For more about the important vitamins and minerals you're being deprived of by consuming nutrient-deficient soft drinks click here.

*To read a comprehensive review of this survey, visit www.chiroweb.com/archives/22/01/01.html.

Reference: Hering-Hanit R, Gadoth N. Caffeine-induced headache in children and adolescents. Cephalagia, June 2003:23(5), pp332-5.

The Endless Benefits of Exercise

It's no secret that exercise has myriad health benefits, including improving heart function, reducing the risk for stroke, lowering blood pressure, increasing HDL (good) cholesterol and facilitating weight loss. But did you know that exercise helps ease the suffering of people in the early stages of rheumatoid arthritis?

In a recent study, 300 rheumatoid arthritis patients were assigned to either an exercise or physical therapy program over a two-year period. The exercise training program included 20 minutes of weight training, 20 minutes of bike riding and 20 minutes engaged in a sport, such as badminton, volleyball, soccer or basketball.

The exercise group showed significant improvements in levels of aerobic fitness over the physical therapy group; in fact, the fitness level of the physical therapy group actually decreased. Additionally, the exercise group showed emotional improvement over their physical therapy counterparts, and demonstrated more optimism.

If you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis or any other debilitating musculoskeletal or immune-related condition, talk to your chiropractor about designing an exercise plan suitable to your needs, and how chiropractic care an benefit you.

click here for more on the benefits of chiropractic.

Reference: De Jong Z. Arthritis & Rheumatism, September 2003:48, pp 2451-2424.

Higher Fruit and Vegetable Intake = Lower Stroke Risk

"An apple a day keeps the doctor away," the old saying goes. True, according to research, which continually demonstrates that eating fruits and vegetables helps reduce the risk of developing heart disease, cancer and a host of other severe health conditions; this protective effect may extend to the risk of stroke, a condition in which part of the brain does not get enough oxygen (usually because a blood vessel suddenly bursts) and begins to die.

In a study published in Stroke (a journal of the American Heart Association), more than 40,000 men and women were tracked from 1980-1998, gathering data on fruit and vegetable intake (particularly green and yellow fruits and vegetables) at the beginning of the study and registering deaths from stroke during the entire study period. Daily intake of fruits and vegetables was associated with a 26 percent reduction in the risk of total stroke in men and women, compared to those consuming the foods only once weekly.

It's been estimated that someone suffers a stroke every 53 seconds. This horrific event claims more than 158,000 lives every year, and leaves millions more temporarily or permanently debilitated. If you know a stroke survivor, ask them if they would have eaten more fruits and vegetables in return for their health.

The obvious conclusion: Make sure you get adequate daily intake of fruits and vegetables - it may save your life or the life of someone you love.

To learn more about health and nutrition click here.

Reference: Sauvaget C, Nagano J, Allen N, et al. Vegetable and fruit intake and stroke mortality in the Hiroshima/Ngasaki Life Span Study. Stroke 2003:34(10), pp2355.

One Step at a Time

Traveling two miles may not seem like a big deal to the driver of an automobile or a bicyclist, but for many women at risk for diabetes, walking a few extra miles can mean something significant: years of life gained.

Most sedentary people take between 4,000-6,000 steps per day. For people who are overweight and/or suffer from diabetes, that number can be even lower - and more difficult to achieve. In this eight-week study, 18 women at risk for diabetes walked increasing distances, beginning at approximately 5,000 steps for the first four "control" weeks, then progressing to more than 9,000 steps, counted by pedometers.

The near-10,000-step goal is consistent with exercise guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American College of Sports Medicine. By increasing their steps taken daily by 85 percent, (close to two miles) without altering their diets, the women saw improvements in glucose (blood sugar) tolerance and a surprising decrease in resting blood pressure. (When the body cannot utilize glucose efficiently, diabetes results.)

There are probably several times that you drive somewhere, when you actually could walk. When you're about to jump in that car, think about the 10,000-steps rule, put those keys in your pocket, and start walking toward good health!

click here for more about exercise.

Reference: Swartz AM, et al. Increasing daily walking improves glucose tolerance in overweight women. Preventive Medicine 2003:37(4), pp. 356-362.

Friends Don't Let Friends Smoke

With the horrific health consequences of primary and secondhand smoking well-established, you would think more people would get the hint and take up healthier habits. But choosing not to smoke, or quitting once you've started isn't always as easy as it sounds. All too often, the cause of a lifetime of adult smoking is caused by peer pressure as a youth.

Fortunately, that same peer pressure may also help steer people away from smoking at an early age. In a study supported by the Arizona Department of Health Services, Tobacco Education and Prevention Program, 19 schools completed the "Champs Have and Model Positive Peer Skills" (CHAMPS) program, utilizing educators and community representatives administering activities as part of an awareness campaign. Preferred program organizers consisted of those thought to be highly influential on teens - their peers.

At the beginning and end of the school year, 1,412 students at grades 5, 6 and 7 were surveyed, then compared with a group from six schools that had not been exposed to the "pressure." In the schools that participated in the prevention program, the percentage of students who said they would smoke a cigarette if offered by a friend increased minimally: from 1.3 percent to 2 percent. By comparison, the percentage of students who said they would smoke a cigarette increased from .06 percent to 4.6 percent in schools not involved in the in program.

If you're a current smoker, talk to your doctor about practical ways to kick your habit for good. And if you have children, let them know about the profound dangers of smoking, and find out if their school has a prevention program in place. If not, you may want to suggest they develop one.

For more information on the dangers of smoking click here.

Reference: Sciacca J, Eng H, Mahrt J, et al. The Arizona CHAMPS Peer Project for Tobacco Use Prevention: effects on tobacco use, intentions to use, and knowledge. American Journal of Health Education September/October 2003.

Physical Activity Reduces Risk of Breast Cancer

According to the National Cancer Institute, one in eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer during her lifetime, and nearly 80 percent will be diagnosed after age 50.

While most women diagnosed with the disease have no family history or known risk factors, previous research suggests that physical activity reduces the risk. However, the precise amounts, timing (i.e., when initiated in life) and type of exercise remain unknown - until now.

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that postmenopausal women who had "engaged in regular, strenuous exercise" after age 35 had a 14 percent reduced risk of developing breast cancer compared with less active women in their same age group. This is significant because many women take hormone therapy following menopause, which has been shown to increase the risk for breast cancer.

So get off the couch and start exercising! Besides helping prevent breast cancer, a consistent exercise regimen can help maintain ideal weight and reduce the risk of developing hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. If you need help starting (or maintaining) an exercise program, or would like a professional evaluation of what type of exercise may work best for you, schedule an appointment with your doctor of chiropratic.

For more on the benefits of exercise click here.