Elite Health

Its that time of year again to start thinking of GIVING.  The True Joy!  As you all know true joy comes in giving not receiving.  So in an effort to make it small, simple and rewarding we are looking for a few good business that will help us out.

1. Post our Flyer and we do the rest
2. Receive email/pics of families receiving your wonderful donations
3. We are looking for local business that can help us with our toy drive

Email us at elitehealth1@gmail.com. 

Thank you all.

Dr. Wilchek

There Are Different Kinds of Headaches

What causes them?
Contrary to some of my colleges some headaches are treated better by other means than Chiropractic.  Acupuncture and yes even medicine work.  Trust me when you have been driven to your knees and crippled by a headache you will try anything.

Headaches are most commonly caused by

• Tension in the muscles
• Changes by vascular constriction
• Sinus congestion

Chiropractic seems to work best in the types of headaches that are based around muscle tension and changes to vascular flow. Sinus headaches have also had success, but they are likely to have a more complicated cause.

There are three main types of headaches typically found in a chiropractic office:

• Migraine headaches
• Tension headaches
• Cervicogenic headaches

The last type of headache mentioned sounds a bit scary, but it just simply means a headache that is caused by referred pain that originates within the bone, muscles, or nerves of the neck.

Tension Headaches

If we become stressed, scared, or angry, your body will respond with increased muscle tension in the head, neck, and shoulders. This reaction is called the fight or flight response, and it is the normal response to stress. If we are stressed often (as most of us are) and we can neither run or fight, the muscle tension becomes a habit.

This can lead to some imbalances in the way we hold our body, which in turn leads to more muscle tension and pain. Chiropractic treatment can relax these muscles and realign the spine’s structure to put and end to the vicious cycle of pain. Those seeking chiropractic care for tension headaches can often see a marked improvement in just a few treatments as the nerves become less irritated and the muscles begin to relax.

Migraine Headaches

Migraines are brought about by changes in vascular flow, triggered by a variety of factors such as different smells, foods, weather, hormonal changes, and stress. These often very painful headaches do not always start off as pain. They can begin with nausea or the person may experience a halo effect called a visual aura.

Recent studies have shown chiropractic treatment may play a significant role in reducing the number of migraines a person has. By careful manipulation of the neck and spine, chiropractic adjustments may be able to reduce nerve irritation in the spine, thus preventing radiating or referred pain, and improve vascular flow.

Treatment Types

Chiropractic care can best help:  Tension, and Cervicogenic Headaches.  It centers around manipulation of the spine and neck to improve blood flow and posture. To reduce the headaches, the chiropractor will perform spinal adjustments using his hands, but may also include massage, trigger point therapy, or other types of complementary treatments to address the problem. The doctor of chiropractic will probably also include some home care recommendations such as stretching exercises and posture education to help keep things balanced between visits.

Acupuncture care can best help:  Migraines, Vascular headaches.  Acupuncture centers on energy and the balance of flow.  It sounds a bit hooky to the lay person, but its been around for over 2000 years and people use it every day to alleviate their headaches.

Pain Stinks!

When you go see a doctor they usually take your vitals.

• Temperature
• Blood pressure
• Pulse
• Respiratory Rate

But the 5th just may be the hardest vital sign to measure.  Its the only vital sign that is subjective from one person to the next.

PAIN:  How much does it hurt?

All the other vital signs are objective in nature and can be measured with or without a patients help, but the 5th Vital Sign is subjective to a persons perceived pain tolerance.  What maybe a mind blowing pain for one person maybe a walk in the park for someone else.  So how does one measure pain and whats the point anyways.  Let me explain really brief what a simple guide to understanding it all is.

Pain is measured on a scale 0-10 , 0 10 being the worse pain.

It usually helps to know what the person is basing his or her pain off of as well.  If a 10 is a losing a finger or giving birth, and a patient tells me the pain is a 10 I know its serious!

Now what about the different types of pains?  This is where one can really understand what their body is telling them.

   1. Dull Achy
   2. Boring Sharp
   3. Sharp Stabbing
   4. Sharp Shooting/Travels

Dull Achy:

These pains are usually not as serious on the surface.  An achy back, a sore neck from sleeping wrong etc.  These pains are usually associated with muscle pains and can be address with minimal care.  The problem we run into though sometimes is that reoccurring chronic dull achy pain that wont go away.

Boring Sharp:

This pain should be given special attention due to the nature of the pain. It can have underlying conditions that warrant serious medical attention.  This pain can also be associated with a muscle bruise.

Sharp Stabbing:

This pain can be several things, to name just a few for times sack.  Twisted ankle pain, jammed finger pain, back pain from trying to lift something to heavy and getting a localized sharp pain.  The list goes on and on, but to be sure one must be aware of the incident that caused the pain and seek medical attention right away.  Ice as many know should be applied in the first 72 hours of a sprain/strain.

Sharp Shooting/Travels:

This is by far the worst pain and is a RED FLAG when it comes to diagnosing a patients condition.  This pain is usually due to a irritation of the nervous system and warrants IMMEDIATE attention.  It can be from several things but the underlying irritation of the nerve should be taken serious.  Nerve damage if not treated correctly can cause permanent damage.

Ever had a cold or the flu and afterward get a lingering cough that wont go away?  We have all been here, I am actually here right now, but have been able to nip it in the bottom and kick it to the curb. We at Elite Health have a few natural ways to avoid or give relief to the chronic cough

I have decided to put together a few Natural Remedies for the Cold and Flu Viruses .

1. Rest

Get your rest. Pushing through a flu or cold is a good way to trigger Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Resting also makes you less likely to lose friends by spreading your infection to them.

2. Stay hydrated

Drink lots of fluids, particularly water.

Recommended Supplements

3. Thymic protein

For any infection, add thymic protein — This natural thymic hormone mimic stimulates your immune system wonderfully. It should be in everyone’s medicine cabinet. Take as directed 3 times each day at the first sign of any infection until the infection resolves. You’ll be impressed and even your kids will love it.

4. Vitamin C

Take vitamin C 1,000-3,000 mg every few hours while awake, then lower the dose if and when you get loose stools.

5. Eucalyptus oil

For stuffy nose or nasal congestion — eucalyptus oil. This wonderful penetrating vapor does not have the tendency to irritate like menthol. A good one is a form called "Sinu-Check" by Enzymatic Therapy, which contains a unique, pure form of natural eucalyptus oil extract called "cineole." Eucalyptus smells great, and has been used for centuries to clear stuffy airways, shrink nasal swelling and reduce secretion of mucus — fast and without causing sedation.

6. Echinacea herbal mixes

Another helpful tool to fight sore throats and colds in general (especially in kids) is Echinacea herbal mixes. A good example would be Esberitox (by Enzymatic Therapy), which has been studied extensively and also been proven safe for children as young as 2 years old. For example, in one study it decreased the duration and severity of colds and flu by 50%. It contains a blend of two potent strains of echinacea along with two other immune-boosters: thuja and baptisia. Esberitox has been recommended by pediatricians and family physicians in Europe and the U.S. for many years. It's chewable and tastes good, making it a hit with children of all ages (2 years old to over 90)

7. Oscillococcinum

If you have the flu (or even think you may) take a wonderful homeopathic called Oscillococcinum (in most drug or health food stores) as soon as possible. The earlier you start it, the more likely to knock the flu out quickly. I keep this in my medicine cabinet.

8. Zinc lozenge

Suck on a zinc lozenge (The General Nutrition Center and Vitamin Shoppes have good brands) containing 10-20 mg of zinc 4-5 times a day. This is especially helpful for sore throats.

9. Dark chocolate

Dark chocolate is an effective (and tasty) cough suppressant. It is as effective as codeine.

10. Salt water gargles

For sore throats or nasal congestion, use salt water gargles and nasal rinses. The recipe is: 1 teaspoon salt (table salt is fine), plus 1 teaspoon baking soda (not baking powder!), plus 1 pint of lukewarm water.

11. Cimetidine

If you have infectious mononucleosis, which can last 6 weeks and is diagnosed by your doctor using a lab test, the treatments above (especially the thymic protein) can help, but here's a powerful but little known trick. Get Tagamet (cimetidine), the over the counter antacid , from your drug store or supermarket. Though not natural, this safe over the counter medication is an immune modifier that I have seen quickly eliminate mono even in teens hospitalized with it. If over 12 years old, take 400 mg 3x day till the mono symptoms clear.

Come see us at www.EliteHealthWellness.com for specials, rates, and contact info.

What Is a 'Crick in the Neck? What if it last longer than a week?  How long do I need to wait to see someone before I seek help.

We have all been here waking up with a painful "crick in my neck", perhaps after a sleepless night? Is it anything to worry about?

A "crick in the neck" is not an official medical diagnosis, and therefore the term means different things to different people. For many, a "crick in my neck" is something they wake up with after a night of pillow tossing or sleeping the wrong way.  But what ever the case having a "crick" in your neck is no fun.  Or as Hispanics would say, NO BUENO!  So what if you do wake up with a "Crick"?  What do I do?  How long will it last?  What if it wont go away?  Am I being to impatient if I wanna go see a doctor when I wake up, or do I need to wait a certain amount of time?

As many questions there are even more answers to all these questions.  First and foremost it all depends on the person.  Pain is a subjective thing.  What is a "bad crick" may not be for another person.  One pain that should not be ignored and all people should take to a health professional as soon as possible is radiating and or burning pain.  Anything that tingles or does the former should be taken with great seriousness.  Although these are very rare and uncommon occurrences while sleeping we know nothing is impossible these days.  Well maybe passing a CA State Budget may fall into that category but that's a different blog all together.

So lets break it down from a conservative chiropractors point of view.  My rule of thumb for my patients is, "If it lasts more than a week" then you should have it checked out.

Checklist of what to do if you wake up with a "Crick" in your neck.

• Move it around:  Babying it will only prolong the pain and lack of motion.  The more you "loosen it up"  the faster it will recover.
• Apply heat: Many people say apply ice withing the 1st 72hrs, while this is usually true, in this case heat is what you need to aid in the relaxation and heating of the tendons, ligaments and muscles to increase your range of motion.
• Try OTC meds.  I usually don't recommend these unless is serious but they can help with inflammation and or relaxing the muscle as well.  For many people with mild to moderate neck or back pain, the medicine chest is their first stop. As far as strength goes, an over-the-counter pain medication will do the job most of the time. The dosage of an OTC drug is less than what you would get with a prescription drug, still doctors generally suggest starting there. OTC pain medications come in two types -- acetaminophen and NSAIDs (such as Motrin and Aleve). NSAIDs have an advantage over acetaminophen in that they also help control the inflammatory process  that is contributing to the pain. Both types of OTCs may have side effects, so read the label before taking any drug for your back or neck pain.
• Apply Ice: Applying ice to the painful area for up to 48 to 72 hours after it starts is another way to control inflammation. The inflammation causes pain and, left unchecked, can contribute to a chronic problem in your neck or shoulders.  There are a number of ways to give yourself ice, as suggested by doctors and physical therapists. For example, consider this method from the American Physical Therapy Association: fill a plastic bag with crushed ice, place a towel around the area of your neck that has the pain, and put the homemade ice bag on the towel. Ice for 15 to 20 minutes, take a 40 minute break, then repeat. (Never apply ice directly to your skin.)
• Dr. Wilchek also recommends massage for muscle spams that are attributed to a "crick in the neck." For neck and low back pain, the massage should be very gentle during the first few days to avoid making it worse. You may even choose to wait until the acute phase of the injury has past. Massage moves fluid around, which may help to prevent scar tissue.   After the first few days, massage can help work out tension and knots in your muscles. At this point, there are even a few moves you can do on yourself.
• Stay Active: Years ago, doctors advised people with back pain or injury to lay down and become immobile. Medical research has shown that patients with acute low back pain who stop activity actually have more pain than those who don't. Sometimes laying on your back with your knees bent and legs resting on a chair or bed can temporarily relieve the pain, making it a good thing to do periodically. But in general, researchers and doctors now know that staying active within your pain limits is the most effective way to deal with pain,  it is as effective as bed rest for back pain accompanied by sciatica.
• Know When to go see Doctor: Technically speaking, there are no established guidelines for when to see a doctor about mild back or neck pain. But according to Thomas, if the pain persists for a week or longer and especially if it interrupts your daily functioning, it is time to get it checked. Sometimes pain you think may be due to a simple "crick in the neck" or low back strain can indicate something more serious, such as an infection or tumor. A medical doctor has the diagnostic skills to determine if your pain indicates a serious problem not directly related to the pain. Thomas also says that sometimes conditions such as disc herniation or spinal stenosis can mimic the symptoms of a "crick in the neck" -- another reason to get it checked.

I asked two different physiatrists, doctors who specialize in physical rehabilitation, what a crick in the neck is in medical terms. Both of them said about 75% of "cricks in the neck" are due to a muscle spasm. Other causes cited were:

• arthritis
• myofascial pain syndrome and/or trigger points
• cervical radiculopathy, which is pain that radiates from the neck
• disk related pain

Two Views on a Diagnosis for 'Crick in the Neck'

The one thing that is certain when it comes to understanding a crick in your neck is that health professionals from different fields (and also lay people) don’t agree on what it is.

For example at Virginia Commonwealth University, says that while consensus is lacking, many times it can be attributed to a problem in the facet joint. But Dr. Santhos Thomas, physiatrist and medical director at the Westlake Spine Center at the Cleveland Clinic says "the only way to really tell if the 'crick in your neck' is due to a facet joint problem is to perform a diagnostic injection into the area to confirm or rule out the facet joint as the origination of the pain."

Dr. Thomas says that in general, "cricks in the necks" of younger patients tend to be muscle spasms. Riddle agrees that muscle spasm is often present in "cases" of "crick in the neck", but that they may be a result of a problem in the facet joint.

Older patients, Dr. Thomas says, tend to describe the problem as a creak in the neck, and it is usually due to arthritis (another joint problem), not muscle spasm. In older people, he adds, a decreased range of motion that may also contribute to the pain.

If you go to Midus you'll get a muffler" That's what my dad used to always say and its not till being an adult i realized what that obscure and weird comment meant.  If you have a crick in the neck and go to a pain doctor, he is going to want to inject you.  If you go got a Chiropractor he is going to want to adjust you. If you got to an Acupuncturist he is going to want to still needles in you.  So take control of you're own health and make the proper choice.  Never hurts to get a second opinion as well.  Maybe not for something as simple as a crick in the neck but certainly for other serious conditions.

Being sick the last few days I have had several friends stear clear fo me like I had the plague or swine flu, can't say I blame them either.

So it prompted me to do a little blogging about when are you contagious and when is it "safe" to be around people again. This goes for Flu and Common Cold.

To keep it simple and short.

First onset of Symptoms wait 7 days

After last symptoms wait 24 hours

Cold Virus can stay on things like stair rails, phones, refrigerators etc...for up to 2 days

Did you know:

Exercise is one of the best ways to keep from getting sick, just moderate exersice daily can reduce the risk by 33% hmmm no wonder we as Americans get sick, 2/3's of us are overweight.