Some Random Thoughts- September 2015

SOME RANDOM THOUGHTS

September 2015

Hi Everybody This Is Dr. Norris.  

Here are some random thoughts.

The summer is closing fast and will officially end on September 23rd.  The best weather of the year for the AV is usually in late September and October; cooler with less wind.  So get outside and do something fun before it gets cold.

BEWARE OF THE ROAD

Lately I have been seeing an increase in patients who were in car accidents. The speeds in the Antelope Valley tend to be faster and many people are using cell phones. This leads to more serious accidents. It is important to see a doctor as soon as possible for evaluation even in smaller crashes, because symptoms are often delayed. Early treatment helps people heal faster with less residual problems. If you or someone you know is in an accident I would be happy to help.

BEWARE OF THE BACKPACK

Now that school is back in kids are carrying heavy backpacks for much of the day. Studies have found this causes upper and middle back pain due to the stress. If left untreated the pain can become chronic and lead to more serious problems as children age. Evaluation and treatment is often effective in providing relief of the problem. I love helping kids because they respond much faster than an old geezer like me. Call me if your children have this complaint.

BEWARE OF BAD BACKS

A recent study by the Institute for Health and Evaluation which was funded by the Bill Gates Foundation looked at 23 years of data regarding causes for physical disability. While the largest category was muscle and skeletal disorders, the number one cause of physical disability was back pain. Not only are Doctors of Chiropractic specialized in treating musculoskeletal disorders, studies have shown that chiropractic care is the most effective treatment to manage acute low back pain. 

So if you or someone you care about is suffering 

with pain or they want to avoid pain, I'm here to help.

Because you don't have time for pain!

Sincerely,

Dr. Michael Norris

HEALTH TIP: How Many?

Did you know the human body has over 200 bones, over 600 muscles, over a thousand  tendons/ligaments and millions of nerves. But only 1 spine... so take care of it.

QUOTE OF THE MONTH:

“Rest when you're weary. Refresh and renew yourself, your body, your mind, your spirit. Then get back to work."-Ralph Marston

Disclaimer: The information contained herein is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases or, medical problems. It is not intended to replace your doctor's recommendations. The information is provided for educational purposes only. Response to care and nutritional benefits may vary from one person to another.

Questions and Answers- July 2015

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
July 2015

Hi Everybody This Is Dr. Norris.
I'm often asked questions about health care and chiropractic. So here are the five most commonly asked questions and answers. 

1. What causes the sound that occurs when my spine is adjusted?  When a specifically applied force (adjustment) is applied to a fixated joint (subluxation) the resultant sound is an audible "pop" or "crack". The sound occurs when air is released from the vacuum around the joint. A good example of this occurs when you pull a dart from being stuck on a window... a pop is heard. While this sound is common, movement can occur without a sound being heard.

2. Will the adjustment hurt?  Most adjustments provide relief of pain instead of causing it. With that said if a person has a lot of spasm guarding the area or if the pain has been severe some discomfort may be unavoidable. I always try to reduce spasm and use the least amount of force necessary to restore function.

3. How did my back go out?  The most common cause of back and neck pain is trauma. Strain on the muscles and ligaments from doing heavy activity, is one example. Prolonged postures such as sitting at a computer or sleeping awkwardly can also cause spinal misalignments. Remember no matter what caused your discomfort... don't suffer get it checked as soon as possible.

4. How often should I have my spine adjusted?  If you are still in pain after one treatment something is still wrong and it needs to be corrected. Some conditions like arthritis, disc injuries and nerve injuries can be stubborn and difficult to control. Be patient and continue with the recommended care for the best results.

5. How can I avoid having my back or neck go out?  There are three things you can do to lessen the possibility of having spinal problems. Lifestyle changes, exercise and maintenance care. Be careful what you do to avoid trauma or prolonged postures. If you lay concrete or sit at a computer for 8 hours, you should expect problems. Exercises that stretch muscles and promote joint motion are important to maintain spinal health. Maintenance chiropractic care and massage therapy will help muscles and joints function better.

One final point: the older you get the more important these principles become. So if you or someone you care about is suffering with pain or they need help to avoid pain. I'm here to help.
 

Because you don't have time for pain!
Sincerely,
Dr. Michael Norris

 

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HEALTH TIP: Chiropractic Helps Headache Sufferers
Headache patients who received chiropractic care responded quite well. In one study, 83.2% reported their headaches were much improved.
Chiropractic Research Foundation.
 

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QUOTE OF THE MONTH:
“The preservation of health is easier than the cure for disease.” - B.J. Palmer
 

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Disclaimer: The information contained herein is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases or, medical problems. It is not intended to replace your doctor's recommendations.
The information is provided for educational purposes only. Response to care and nutritional benefits may vary from one person to another.

Back to the Basics- June 2015

BACK TO THE BASICS
June 2015

Hi Everybody This Is Dr. Norris.
There are many causes for back and neck pain; they range from the rare (tumors and nerve/muscle diseases), the serious but less likely (cancer and kidney stones), and the most common cause which is musculoskeletal dysfunction. You may be asking, “What is musculoskeletal dysfunction?” Simply put,  it is muscle, connective tissue, nerve and bone which are not functioning properly. The most common cause of musculoskeletal dysfunction is vertebral subluxation. The resultant symptoms can include pain, muscle spasm, numbness, tingling, weakness and decreased mobility.

Let me give you the best illustration of how this happens. Imagine a hose and sprinkler going to a lush green lawn. As long as the water is not interrupted the lawn will keep growing. Now what happens if someone puts a large rock on the hose? Only a trickle of water makes it through the collapsed hose and after awhile the lawn begins to brown. The longer the water is interrupted the worse the lawn becomes. Our nerves function similar to a hose. The water running through the hose is like the electrical energy running through our nerves. When a misplaced bone or a muscle in spasm puts pressure on a nerve, the energy flow is interrupted. Wherever the nerve goes, that body part will begin to have dysfunction. The nerves which go to your arms, legs, head and internal organs control and regulate those areas. That is why a "pinched nerve" in your neck can cause headaches. Or a misaligned bone (subluxation) in your back can cause pain and numbness into your leg (sciatica).

What I have been trained to do is evaluated those areas and find the cause of your symptoms and then provide treatment to relieve them. In short, I find the rock and take it off the hose!

If you or someone you love is suffering with pain
I would be honored to help. That is what I do
Because you don't have time for pain!
Sincerely,
Dr. Michael Norris

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HEALTH TIP:
The Wonders of Fiber
High-fiber foods can aid in digestion while also preventing health issues ranging from chronic constipation to high cholesterol levels. Fiber also makes you feel full and therefore less likely to overeat. Unfortunately, most people don't get nearly enough fiber in their diets. Women should eat at least 25 grams of fiber per day, and men should consume 35 to 40 grams, yet most people only consume 10 to 15 grams of fiber on a daily basis. Upping one's fiber intake is easy -- it's simply a matter of choosing the best fiber-rich foods or supplements to fill out your diet. Fruits and vegetables are the best choice but you need 7-9 serving daily. Fiber supplements come in powder, tablets or wafers and are a good way to be sure you get enough. Remember to drink plenty of water while gradually increasing how much fiber you eat.

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QUOTE OF THE MONTH:
“No matter how slow you go...you're still lapping everyone on the couch”.
~ Anonymous

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Disclaimer: The information contained herein is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases or, medical problems. It is not intended to replace your doctor's recommendations.
The information is provided for educational purposes only. Response to care and nutritional benefits may vary from one person to another.

Here Comes Summer!- May 2015

HERE COMES SUMMER!
May 2015

Hi Everybody, Dr. Norris here.
As the summer approaches most people become more active. Kind of like a bear after hibernating for the winter. After being indoors for months we move outside doing yard-work, gardening and recreational sports. All this sudden activity can cause neck and back pain. Often there is a chain reaction - muscles tighten up - which pull the vertebra out of alignment - which irritate the nerves - which causes pain. I can provide therapy to decrease muscle tightness - adjust misaligned vertebra - which takes the pressure off of the nerves - which decreases pain. Or you can just stay inside lying on the couch... but that may give you a stiff neck in which case you may need to see me anyway.

As temperatures heat up and we all wear less and less clothes, some of you may be thinking about dropping a few pounds to fit better into a swimsuit. Take it day by day and remember to have fun.
Well here are some quotes which will help you laugh about dieting.

1. A balanced diet is having a cupcake in each hand!
2. I didn't go to the gym today... but the cashier at McDonald's was named Jim... so same thing.
3. Chocolate comes from cocoa, which is a tree. Trees are plants.                                       Therefore chocolate is like a salad.
4. I've decided I will never get down to my original weight. Besides 6lb 3oz is just not realistic.
5. My swimsuit said "Go to the gym". My sweatpants said "Nah you're good"!
6. If you lick the frosting off of a cupcake... it just becomes a muffin and muffins are healthy.
7. I hate it when I think I'm buying organic vegetables and when I get home I discover they're just regular donuts!

On a serious note eating healthier is not difficult. Eat more plant based foods, less dairy and processed foods and rarely junk food.

If you or someone you know is in pain
I would be honored to help.
“Because nobody has time for pain!”
Sincerely,
Dr. Michael Norris

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HEALTH TIP: Try A Smoothie
If you're in a hurry or just want a healthy meal replacement... try a fruit smoothie. They are simple quick and surprisingly filling. My favorite is banana, strawberry, ice and protein powder with a bit of water. Blend for about 30 seconds for a low calorie, vitamin packed treat. Many athletes use smoothies to help control weight and improve energy. There are hundreds of variations. Some add yogurt, some add vitamin water, others use green tea. Whatever your taste, mix it up and enjoy!

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QUOTE OF THE MONTH:
“Nerves control and regulate most of the functions in the human body. Therefore a healthy nervous system is essential for a healthy human."    - Grays Anatomy, textbook.

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Disclaimer: The information contained herein is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases or, medical problems. It is not intended to replace your doctor's recommendations.
The information is provided for educational purposes only. Response to care and nutritional benefits may vary from one person to another.

Some More Random Thoughts- April 2015

SOME MORE RANDOM THOUGHTS
April 2015

Hi Everybody Dr. Norris here.  The year is a quarter of the way done, hard to believe April is here. This month I have a few more random thoughts for you.

Stress Awareness
April is National Stress Awareness Month.
Stress comes in many forms and bombards us from all sides. It may be too much work, relationship issues, poor habits or even environmental influences that can affect our health. The symptoms of too much stress are: fatigue, insomnia, poor digestion, irritability and malaise.

Experts in stress management recommend five things you can do to combat this problem.
1. Get 7-8 hours of sleep most nights. Burning that candle at both ends
    will catch up with you real fast.
2. Eat healthy. Easier said than done. Simply start by decreasing fast foods, dairy and sugar;
    then eat more plants.
3. Minimize stressful relationships. Avoid people who drain your energy
    and seek out people who build you up.
4. Prioritize your schedule. Do those things you have to do first, need to do second,
    and want to do last.
5. Do something for yourself. A weekend retreat or a massage can work wonders in reducing stress.

Who Needs Help?
Most of you know I love to fish. Have you ever watched the movie "A River Runs Through It".
It's a good movie, mostly because it is about fishing. Oh... and ladies, Brad Pitt is in it. There is a line in the movie that says "Why is it that the people who need the most help won't take it?" That line reminds me of some people I know who need help with pain and poor health... but and they won't accept any help. What's that other line about leading a horse to water? 

If you, or someone you know is in pain
I would be honored to help.

“Because nobody has time for pain!”
Sincerely,
Dr. Michael Norris
 

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HEALTH TIP:
Foot Pain? Try A Golf Ball.
I often have patients who complain of pain on the bottom of their feet. This is usually an inflammation of the plantar fascia, a band of connective tissue that starts at the heel and runs along the bottom of the foot to the toes. It causes a sharp pain that is worse when bearing weight after sitting. I recommend putting a golf ball in the refrigerator overnight. Put the ball on a carpeted surface and roll your foot on the cold ball for 5 minutes. It will be uncomfortable at first, but it will loosen up. Do this every day until the pain is gone. It usually resolves in about 1-2 weeks.
 

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QUOTE OF THE MONTH:
“A Psychologist is like a blind man in a dark room looking for a black cat. 
A psychiatrist is like a blind man in a dark room looking for a black cat that isn't there.”
- Dr. B.J. Palmer, Author of The Red Book.
 

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Disclaimer: The information contained herein is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases or, medical problems. It is not intended to replace your doctor's recommendations.
The information is provided for educational purposes only. Response to care and nutritional benefits may vary from one person to another.

Some Random Thoughts- March 2015

SOME RANDOM THOUGHTS
March 2015

Hi Everybody Dr. Norris here.
This month I have a few random bits of info for you. So here they are.

A Storm Is Coming!
I'm sure you have heard someone say "The weather is changing... I can feel it in my bones." Well there is a scientific reason why this happens. As a low pressure front comes into an area the barometric pressure drops. This drop in pressure, and the decrease in temperature, causes the fluid in our joints to become thicker. Just like putting syrup in the fridge causes it to thicken. When the synovial fluid in our joints becomes more viscous the joint does not move as freely. If you have some wear on the joint (arthritis) it will ache or move slower. Hot baths will help reverse this.

Age Proof Your Brain.
Studies have shown there are a number of activities which can slow down brain degeneration. Here is a list of things that are proven to help: Dancing, playing an instrument, being bilingual, reading, writing, exercise and playing games... even video games!

Napping Also Helps.
Another activity that helps improve brain function is taking a nap. NASA found that the optimal time frame for taking a nap is 28 minutes of sleep; that's just enough for one REM cycle. Less than that, there is little benefit and more than that causes us to be drowsy. So do like the astronauts do and snooze for 28 minutes.

Why Don't You Go To The Doctor?
A questionnaire asked people why they don't go to a doctor more often. Here are the results:

• 22% said they were too busy.
• 22% said they never get sick.
• 17% said they had no insurance.
• 17% said they were too busy.
• 12% said they used home remedies.
• 10% said they don't like their doctor.

If you run out of excuses and need to see me...
I would be honored to help.
“Because nobody has time for pain!”
Sincerely,
Dr. Michael Norris
 

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HEALTH TIP: 117 years old!

Happy Birthday to Japan’s Misao Okawa, who turns 117 on Thursday, March 5th. She currently holds the Guinness World Records title of the world’s oldest living person, and is one of five people born in the 1800s who is still alive today — she was born on March 5, 1898!  When Okawa was asked about the secret to being a super-centenarian she credits her long life to sushi and deep sleep — at least 8 hours nightly. “You also have to learn to relax,” she’s said.
 

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QUOTE OF THE MONTH:
“All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt.”
~ Charles Schulz, Author of Peanuts Cartoon
 

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Disclaimer: The information contained herein is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases or, medical problems. It is not intended to replace your doctor's recommendations.
The information is provided for educational purposes only. Response to care and nutritional benefits may vary from one person to another.

The Cost of Healthcare- February 2015

THE COST OF HEALTHCARE
February 2015

Hi Everybody, Dr. Norris here.
With the economy still in a slow recovery we all have to compare costs and what we need versus what we want. That new car looks really nice but a good used car may be more practical. Eating out is more expensive than, and not as healthy as, a home cooked meal... but that pizza smells so good!

Being responsible with our hard earned money is also applicable when choosing healthcare. From what insurance to get to which doctor to choose we have many decisions to make. I have people that consult with me about their chronic musculoskeletal conditions. They may say something like "I would do anything to get rid of this pain."  Yet when I tell them that they need regular treatment (chiropractic/ massage therapy) often they tell me "I can't afford that". It's not my nature to force care on people or try to make them feel bad for not choosing what I think is best. But let me break this down for a moment.

If someone is in pain every day it begins to affect all parts of their life. Work performance, interpersonal relationships, family life... even our recreation time is bound to suffer. Our joy for life is lessened by some degree. In my opinion decreasing or eliminating chronic pain is... invaluable.

So let's talk some real costs. Some insurance plans cover all or a portion of chiropractic care. With increasing co-pays, large deductibles and non-chiropractic coverage my rates for a dual region chiropractic adjustment is still only $30. A one hour massage therapy session is $50. That is at most a total of $80. Most chronic conditions will respond with as little as one chiropractic/massage combination per month. That is $2.70 a day. This amount can be offset by ordering fewer lattes, eating a homemade lunch several times a week, or choosing basic cable instead of a deluxe package. So is $2.70 a day worth feeling better? Only you can decide if it is.

I will be here if you need help.

  

“Nobody has time for pain!”
Sincerely,
Dr. Michael Norris

 

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HEALTH TIP:
Exercise Saves Money
A little exercise makes us feel better and reduces health care costs. According to the Journal of Occupational Medicine people who exercise 2 1/2 hours or more per week reduce healthcare costs by $1,100 per year.
J Occup Environ Med, 2014 Sept; 56(9):919-26.
 

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QUOTE OF THE MONTH:
“You miss 100% of the shots you don't take.”
- Wayne Gretzky, National Hockey League Hall of Famer.
 

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Disclaimer: The information contained herein is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases or, medical problems. It is not intended to replace your doctor's recommendations.
The information is provided for educational purposes only. Response to care and nutritional benefits may vary from one person to another.

Sign, Sign, Everywhere a Sign!- January 2015

SIGN, SIGN EVERYWHERE A SIGN!
January 2015

Hi Everybody Dr. Norris here.
In my office you may have noticed there are a number signs on the walls. I put them there to help my patients understand what chiropractic is and why I do what I do. Take for instance the sign just inside the front door that says "Try Chiropractic First". If people would do what the sign says, they would most likely save time and money.

Let me give you an example:
People have frequently told me horror stories when they seek medical care for simple health problems. Like the mother who took her 15 year-old daughter to her family MD for re-occurring headaches. The MD examined and x-rayed her saying "I don't see anything wrong but we should get a CT-scan to be sure." He then gave her pain medication. After the scan was completed she had a return visit and was told "The scan was normal". After two weeks the girl's headaches continued, despite the medication which made her nauseous and sleepy. She was scheduled for a specialist appointment and more tests. Finally the mother brought the girl to my office for a check. She had three cervical spine adjustments over a week. The mother called telling me that her daughter's pain was gone. She then cancelled the specialist and test appointments. Numerous appointments with much waiting and thousands of dollars spent when all she needed to do was...TRY CHIROPRACTIC FIRST!

I have several posters which describe the subluxation complex. This is when a bone is displaced from its normal position. That misalignment can cause a cascade of symptoms from pain, spasm, tingling, numbness, weakness, swelling, inflammation and weakness. Doctors of Chiropractic are trained to detect and correct this physical condition. If left uncorrected, this subluxation can eventually cause degeneration of the bones, which is arthritis, which is permanent. Don't let something that is easily corrected become permanent and difficult to treat.

In order to help my patient's understand what is going on in their bodies, I have put up anatomy posters showing the most common musculo-skeletal problems. I also take the time to explain what is likely happening and how to treat it. There is a poster which says "Cause & Effect" showing the many conditions which can be effected by spinal subluxations.

I have one particular sign which gets many comments. It says "Five Dangerous Words:
Maybe it will go away!"
 

So before it gets worse,
more expensive and harder to treat
give me a call I'm here to help.
That's what I love to do
help people get out of pain.
“Because nobody has time for pain!”
Sincerely,
Dr. Michael Norris

 

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HEALTH TIP: Eating Clean
OK I have officially jumped on the bandwagon of those eating "clean" diets. These diets promote no artificial, processed or junk food. Also no dairy, grains or sugar. Thankfully you can eat meat, fish and eggs...even bacon! If interested there are many websites you can visit. Check out: Whole30, Paleodiet and Skinnytaste. I will keep you posted on my progress.
 

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QUOTE OF THE MONTH:
“It is better to be fit as a fiddle than tight as a drum.” 
~ B.J. Palmer, A founding father of Chiropractic.
 

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Disclaimer: The information contained herein is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases or, medical problems. It is not intended to replace your doctor's recommendations.
The information is provided for educational purposes only. Response to care and nutritional benefits may vary from one person to another.