CrossFit Training and the Spine in Naples, FL

 

Founded in 2000, CrossFit is one of the newest strength and conditioning exercise movements that has been gaining intense popularity in recent years. The goals of CrossFit are simple—increase strength and aerobic conditioning—and are met by performing various exercises in a structured hour-long program with a focus on high intensity movement and aerobic conditioning combined with Olympic type weightlifting, gymnastic's calisthenics, and other forms of strength training. Another unique aspect to CrossFit is that the exercises are varied so the same exercise is not repeated over a 30-day period. A typical one-hour session includes a warm-up, skill development period, the exercise/workout of the day (WOD), and a period of stretching.
Benefits

• CrossFit tends to focus on performing high intensity exercises in a limited time period and has been proven to be very effective in increasing aerobic conditioning and calorie expenditure.
• Another benefit is the sense of camaraderie, which participants often list as a top motivator in helping them accomplish their fitness goals.

CrossFit Pros and Cons
As CrossFit has grown immensely in recent years (there are now more than 9,000 CrossFit-affiliated gyms in the United States), there has been increased awareness of both the pros and cons of the training regimen. On the positive side, it seems clear that the program is successful at getting people in improved physical shape. On the negative side, there are increasing questions of some of the exercises and the increased risk of injuries, most notably rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown from prolonged, excessive muscle strain).
The most notable injury that has resulted from CrossFit is that of Kevin Ogar, who was paralyzed from the waist down while trying to lift 200 pounds during a competition. Although this was a freak accident, and could have occurred with any other type of weight lifting exercise, it has become a lightning rod for those reporting on the negative effects of CrossFit.
Recommended CrossFit Precautions
Discounting the Ogar injury, and from a spine perspective, I would recommend the following precautions for people participating in CrossFit:

1. Know your limits and your fitness levels
2. Progress at a pace that you are comfortable with; although it is often said, “there is no gain without pain,” too much pain during a workout can be counter-productive and might even signify a serious injury, such as rhabdomyolysis.
3. Progress slowly with any weight training that involves axial (top) loading of the spine (eg, back or neck). This includes: dead lift, snatch or lunges with shoulder weights. It is best to increase leg and torso strength before advancing to these exercises.

It seems that despite the recent negative press surrounding CrossFit, and excluding any marketing hype around the exercise philosophy, CrossFit is sound if the principles are applied with common sense and with the understanding that getting and staying in shape is a long-term proposition.

Total Health of Naples and Dr. Michael Paralovos are the leading facility in Naples, FL for Crossfit injury rehab.  Dr. Paralovos is a Level 1 Crossfit Trainer and Crossfit Mobility Trainer.  Call us at 239-260-1426 or go to www.totalhealthnaples.com for more information or to schedule a consultation with our Naples, FL Crossfit chiropractor.

Article courtesy of Spine Universe and Dwight Tyndall, MD, FAAOS

Sports Chiropractor in Naples Florida, Total Health of Naples

Many things come to mind when choosing of the right chiropractor for your condition. Naples Florida is a very active sports community, that is why Total Health of Naples treats many conditions as a result of athletic injuries. Our office is equipped with state-of-the-art chiropractic and physiotherapy equipment specifically designed for sports injuries. Whether you're a once a week golfer, avid tennis player, runner or even a kayaker injuries may arise as a result of repetition, egregious injury or simply not being prepared for your sport with proper warm-up.

Our doctor of chiropractic has proficiency in diagnosing and treating with conservative care athletic injuries. As a former junior 'A' and college hockey player our doctor knows what it takes to play at the top and what it takes to overcome an injury. Interestingly enough our philosophy here at Total Health of Naples is not to take you out of the game but make you better for the next time you return.  Too many times so-called experts in the medical, physical therapy and chiropractic communities tend to take the easy path and sideline player not only for short duration but even suggest to never play the sport again. That is why we work with the athlete to assist with a speedy recovery and prepare them for future competition.

Conditions that we see from athletic injuries range from muscle strains, ligamentous sprains, disc herniations, concussions and joint subluxations.  Depending on the condition our therapy department can assist with these conditions using our resources that include nonsurgical spinal decompression, muscle stimulation,  heat packs, cryotherapy, ultrasound therapy, rock tape applications, myofascial/soft tissue treatments to name a few.   Chiropractic adjustments are also top of the list when it comes to spinal and extremity joint subluxation injuries.

 You can trust Total Health of Naples with your athletic injuries as our chiropractic physician is the official chiropractor of the Florida Everblades hockey team ( minor-league affiliate to the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Carolina Hurricanes of the National Hockey League), we are a Titleist performance Institute certified facility as well as USA weightlifting sport performance coaching center.  Dr. Paralovos has had and continues to treat NCAA Division I athletes, PGA Tour golfers, major-league baseball players and NFL football players .

Call today 23 2260 1426 to schedule your appointment on how you can overcome your chronic or acute athletic injuries in Naples Florida. Go to www.totalhealthnaples.com  for more information that our clinic and our doctor.

What is Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression?

Spinal Decompression Therapy involves stretching the spine, using a traction table or similar motorized device, with the goal of relieving back pain and/or leg pain.

 

This procedure is called nonsurgical decompression therapy (as opposed to surgical spinal decompression, such as laminectomy and microdiscectomy).
This article provides an overview of nonsurgical spinal decompression therapy and its role in treatment of lower back pain and neck pain.

Spinal decompression devices use the same basic principle of spinal traction that has been offered by chiropractors, osteopaths, and other appropriately trained health professionals for many years.
Both traction and decompression therapy are applied with the goals of relieving pain and promoting an optimal healing environment for bulging, degenerating, or herniated discs.

Spinal decompression is a type of traction therapy applied to the spine in an attempt to bring about several theoretical benefits including:

• Create a negative intradiscal pressure to promote retraction or repositioning of the herniated or bulging disc material.
• Create a lower pressure in the disc that will cause an influx of healing nutrients and other substances into the disc.¹

While the fundamental theory of spinal decompression is widely accepted as valid, there is a lack of evidence supporting decompression therapy as being efficacious. Additionally there are some potential risks.
Although some studies that do not include control groups conclude that decompression therapy is efficacious, the few that do generally conclude that mechanized spinal decompression is no better than sham decompression. [Schimmel JJ, et al. European Spine Journal 18(12):1843-50, 2009] Thus, there is insufficient evidence that spinal decompression therapy is as effective, or more effective, than less expensive manual methods in treating back pain or injured herniated discs.²

A review of medical literature to date indicates that most clinical trials examining the efficacy of spinal decompression therapy or traction were lacking in one or more areas, such as inadequate numbers of subjects to make a statistically valid conclusion, lack of blinding (the patient or provider is unaware of the treatment given), no comparison to a placebo group (called a sham controlled study), or lack of comparison to a treatment alternative.³ At the time of this article, few clinical studies of spinal decompression therapy have been published in peer reviewed medical journals.

References:

1. Ramos G, Martin W. Effects of vertebral axial decompression on intradiscal pressure. Journal of Neurosurgery 81:350-353, 1994.
2. Wang G. Powered traction devices for intervertebral decompression: Health technology assessment update. Washington Department of Labor and Industries, June 14, 2004.
3. Daniel DM. Non-surgical spinal decompression therapy: Does the scientific literature support efficacy claims made in the advertising media? Chiropractic & Osteopathy 15:7, May 18, 2007.

If you're looking for non surgical spinal decompression therapy in Naples, FL check out www.totalhealthnaples.com.  Dr. Paralovos is a board eligible chiropractic neurologist.  Through his advanced training he is able to free people of pain associated with cervical and lumbar disc herniations, stenosis, numbness, tingling, pain and extremity weakness.  Call 239-260-1426 today to schedule your consultation with the doctor to see if non-surgical spinal decompression could help you.

Article courtesy of www.spine-health.com

Winter Months and Vitamin D Levels

It should be no surprise that winter months with limited sunlight leads to lower levels of Vit. D., the sunshine vitamin. However, even summer months are not optimal for Vit. D synthesis in the skin.  This is largely the result of very effective sun blocking agents that can decrease the synthesis of Vit. D by as much as 90%.  World wide, well over 1 billion people have low Vit. D levels.
Until recently, Vit. D was thought to primarily regulate calcium and phosphate absorption and help build and maintain strong bones.  Now we know that being deficient in Vit. D may not only increase the incidence of osteoporosis and hip fractures but may increase heart disease, MS, and infectious diseases including season flu and tuberculosis.

Your Vitamin D Level Affects Your Health

For example low Vit. D levels are associated with a 2X increase in heart attacks.  Low Vit. D is associated with an increase in colon cancer and possibly other cancers. Further, MS and diabetes (autoimmune diseases) are increased in patients with low Vit. D levels.  Vit. D also appears to increase muscle strength.  Some associate these benefits with anti-inflammatory actions.

What Is An Optimum Vit. D Level?

Clearly you should be concerned about your Vit. D levels.  The question is do we really know the optimum levels of Vit. D in our blood?   The current guidelines are very conservative.  For example 30 ng/ml would be considered more than adequate. However, levels as high as 60 or even 90 ng/ml may be even more effective.  The recommended daily allowance for Vit. D is in the range of 600-800IUs.  That said many health care providers recommend 1000 to 5000 IUs /day.   The reason for wanting to go high in dose is that there is little data to suggest side effects below huge doses such as 50,000 IU/day for multiple months.
Based on the above science, it is reasonable  to combine Vit. D and omega 3 oils.  Both are fat soluble.  For general health benefits we recommend, SFH high potency omega 3 oils with 1000 IUs of Vit. D 3 /teaspoon.

 

For MS, see JAMA 296,3832

For Heart Disease see Circulation 117, 503, 2008

For Flu and Infectious Disease see Am J. Clinical Nutrition   91, 1255  2010

For general information: see www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vit-d/

     Original blog courtesy of www.sfh.com

On a side note Dr. Paralovos of Total Health of Naples always recommends high quality fish oil to help support a general wellness lifestyle and combat bouts of inflammation.  Using SFH fish oil and receiving chiropractic adjustments has been shown to aid with the healing response of most musculoskeletal injuries and dysfunction.  Go to www.totalhealthnaples.com or call 239-260-1426 to book your appointment on how our protocols can help you.

Stronger Faster Healthier Fish Oil Benefits....

As an SFH advocate, you are more than likely aware of the major benefits of Omega-3's: Reduced inflammation, triglyceride levels and risk of heart disease and improved blood flow and brain function.

 

Listed below are a few of the relatively unknown benefits of Omega-3's:

 

* Increased Protein Synthesis & Fat Loss

* Decreased Protein Breakdown

* Improved Insulin Sensitivity

* Improved Nutrient Delivery to Cells

* Increased Metabolic Rate

* Increased Immune System Function

 

Here are a few quick facts and tips regarding fish oil:

 

Dosage: In studies related to muscle growth and fat loss and reduced inflammation, participants took 3-4 grams of EPA/ DHA per day. That is 3-4g of EPA/ DHA, not total Fish Oil. The actual Omega-3 content in most pills is 20%-60% and required 6-10 pills to reach a therapeutic dosage (3-4 grams). SFH Fish oil has over 3.1 grams per teaspoon with the option for 1,000 IU of added Vitamin D3.

 

Essential vs. Non-Essential:  Omega-3 and -6 are both essential fatty acids, meaning that they are not produced by the body and must be obtained through food/ supplements. Omega-6 does not need to be supplemented due to the abundance found in today's diet. Omega-9 is a non-essential fatty acid and is produced by our bodies.

 

Sources: There are very few Omega-3 sources, the best being wild-caught, cold water fish like anchovy, sardines, herring and mackerel. Flax chia, hemp and echium are not viable sources as they are primarily ALA. Only a very small percentage of ALA is converted to EPA/DHA.

Total Health of Naples is proud to be partners with SFH, if you have any other questions regarding this product, fish oil or anti-inflammatory protocols go to www.totalhealthnaples.com or call 239.260.1426 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Paralovos.

*SFH is a professional company and is not an MLM.  They formulate pharmaceutical grade supplements with the purest ingredients, check out their website www.sfh.com

Corrective Chiropractic vs Relief Care Chiropractic in Naples, FL

Many patients that have come into our office often ask about other chiropractors that they were solicited by at local grocery stores, gyms and other social events of how they are “different” or that they perform “corrective chiropractic care”.   Well the truth is, all chiropractors strive to correct the under lying problem that is causing the patient’s ailment.  Though each provider may have a different approach or method of delivering their treatment the end goal is always the same….CORRECTION!!  The whole phrase of “corrective chiropractic care” is more of a marketing/solicitation ploy to gain the attention of future patients or even drive existing patients out of the care of their current provider by using these subordination tactics.  As a clinician that is trained in structural rehabilitation of the spine through Chiropractic Biophysics, one may consider this technique to be of a corrective protocol as it tends to focus on structural integrity of the spine rather than just the resolution of symptoms.  On the other hand, if the goals of the patient are to just eliminate their symptoms then correction could be considered the time of pain relief.  Therefore how the term correction is used by providers is very subjective and can be misleading for an individual not familiar with the practice of chiropractic.  I encourage people to be aware of chiropractors trying to sell the concept of corrective chiropractic care to entice patients into treatment and long term care plans that usually aren’t any more effective than just resolving the mechanism causing their symptoms.  It is important to understand that following through with your chiropractors recommendations are key with any level of spinal correction and relief of pain, but also realize that you need to be released from care when you have reached an optimal level of medical improvement.

Total Health of Naples is the premier chiropractic and functional rehab center in Naples, FL. Whether your goal is to restore spinal structure or alleviate the symptoms of a herniated disc, Dr. Paralovos makes every effort possible to exceed the patient’s expectations.  Call 239.260.1426 or go to www.totalhealthnaples.com to schedule your appointment to see what type of care is best for you!!

What's a Herniated Disc, Pinched Nerve, Bulging Disc...?

There are many different terms used to describe spinal disc pathology and associated pain, such as "herniated disc," "pinched nerve," and "bulging disc," and all are used differently by doctors.
Unfortunately, healthcare professionals do not agree on a precise definition of any of these terms, and patients may be frustrated when they hear their diagnosis referred to in different terms. A variety of interchangeable terms (ruptured disc, torn disc, slipped disc, collapsed disc, disc protrusion, disc disease, black disc) can add to the confusion.

• See Insights and Advice About Herniated Discs

Lumbar Herniated Disc Video

Rather than caring about which term is used, it is more useful for patients to gain a clear understanding of the precise medical diagnosis.

The medical diagnosis identifies the actual cause of the patient’s back pain, leg pain and other symptoms.

The medical professional determines the cause of the patient’s pain through a combination of a review of the patient’s medical history through a combination of:

• Review of the patient's medical history
• A complete physical exam
• One or more diagnostic tests (if needed)

  Two Causes of Pain: Pinched Nerve vs. Disc Pain

  In identifying the cause of the patient’s pain, there are two general types of spinal disc problems used by physicians:
  
  Pinched nerve
  When a patient has a symptomatic herniated disc, the disc itself is not painful, but rather the leaking disc is pinching a nerve. This produces pain called radicular pain (e.g., nerve root pain) leading to pain that may be referred to other parts of the body, such as from the low back down the leg or from the neck down the arm. Leg pain from a pinched nerve is usually described as sciatica.
  
  • On Spine-health.com, this nerve root pain is called a herniated disc. (Other common causes of a pinched nerve may include spinal stenosis and bone spurs from spinal arthritis.
  Disc pain
  When a patient has a symptomatic degenerated disc (one that causes low back pain and/or leg pain), it is the disc space itself that is painful and the source of pain. This type of pain is typically called axial pain.
  • On Spine-health.com, disc space pain is called degenerative disc disease.
  In This Article:
  

  • What's a Herniated Disc, Pinched Nerve, Bulging Disc...?
  • Diagnosing Disc Problems
  • Herniated Disc vs. Degenerative Disc Disease Treatments
  • Lumbar Herniated Disc Video
  More Herniated Disc Info:
  Cervical Herniated Disc
  Lumbar Herniated Disc
  Herniated Disc Treatment
  Either of the above two conditions can occur in the cervical, thoracic or lumbar spine. They tend to be most common in the lower back because the lower back bears the most torque and force on a day to day basis.
  It should be kept in mind that all the terms – herniated disc, pinched nerve, bulging disc, slipped disc, ruptured disc, etc. – refer to radiographic findings seen on a CT scan or MRI scan. While these test results are important, they are not as meaningful in determining the cause of the pain as the patient's specific symptoms and the doctor's physical exam results.

Total Health of Naples offers state of the art non-surgical spinal decompression to help correct and alleviate the pain and suffering associated with disc pathology.  Our chiropractor has advanced training in the diagnosis and management for these conditions.  Call 239-260-1426 to schedule a free consultation, MRI review or second opinion if you have any of the above conditions.  You can also visit us at www.totalhealthnaples.com to learn more about the leader in spinal decompression in Naples, FL.

Article courtesy of spine-health.com