Crack Research: Good news about knuckle cracking

Posted on December 29, 2011 by admin

Source: Scientific American

For those that are unfamiliar with the award, the Ig Nobel Prizes honor achievements that first make people laugh, and then make them think. The prizes are intended to celebrate the unusual, honor the imaginative — and spur people’s interest in science, medicine, and technology.

This year’s Ig Nobel Prize went to a man who, like many others, was sick of people telling him he shouldn’t crack his knuckles or he’d get arthritis.  ”Dr. Donald Unger spent 50 years cracking the knuckles on his left hand at least twice a day and did nothing to those on his right hand as a control. Thus, the knuckles on the left were cracked at least 36,500 times, while those on the right cracked rarely and spontaneously.”

Finally, after five decades, Unger analyzed his data set: “There was no arthritis in either hand, and no apparent differences between the two hands.” He concluded that “there is no apparent relationship between knuckle cracking and the subsequent development of arthritis of the fingers.”

The rest of the article, including further research, can be read here.  If you are experiencing neck, back, or other kinds of pain due to arthritis or other causes, contact Dr. Jarrod Wilner’s office and make an appointment.  He is here to help!

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Are backpacks or roller bags better for your child’s back?

Posted on November 16, 2011 by admin

One of the best ways to treat back pain and shoulder pain is to prevent it from happening in the first place.  Most parents worry about their kids getting injured playing sports or just messing around at school or at home, but the increasing academic demands have literally put an additional load on our children’s backs – in their backpacks.

A 2010 University of California at San Diego Department of Orthopedic Surgery study used MRIs to study changes in children’t spines before and after carrying 4, 8 and 12 kilograms of weight in a backpack.  These weights roughly represented 10%, 20% and 30% of the children’ts body weight (most backpacks are 10-22% of body weight)  The study found that “increasing backpack loads significantly compressed lumbar disc heights measured in the midline sagittal plane” and that “student subjects reported significant increases in back pain, associated with increasing backpack loads from 4, to 8, and finally to 12 kgs of carried weight.”  This means the weight in the backpack is changing spine curvature enough to cause children back pain, even at 10% of their body weight.  Does this mean parents should find alternatives to backpacks for school?

The answer is: it depends.  A new German study compared the posture of children carrying backpacks vs. rolling luggage asked children to walk a 7 minute route with nothing, and then with a backpack or rolling luggage.  The study found that while children had spinal changes after both carrying a backpack and pulling luggage, children had larger deviations from their spine’s original position after using rolling luggage than traditional backpacks.  The reason is that while pulling luggage, the children adopted a twisted posture while pulling.  This combined with the other factors like uneven pavement, pulling the bag up onto curbs, etc. lead to greater deviations in “at rest” spinal features.

So what does this mean?  According to the second study, “this suggests that school children should use backpacks rather than trolleys when the weight is within recommended limits.”  Read your child’s backpack or luggage recommendations carefully and help them live with a happy, healthy back!

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American Chiropractic Association: Get TechnoHealthy!

Posted on October 13, 2011 by admin

Technology plays a large role in the lives of many, whether it is through smartphones, video chats on Skype or keeping in touch with people through Facebook.  As October is National Chiropractic Health Month, it seems appropriate that the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) is promoting different ways to stay healthy with today’s lifestyle.

In a recent press release, the ACA notes “the excessive use of mobile devices and incorrect posture while using smart phones and other gadgets or while sitting in front of a computer can lead to neck, back, wrist and even thumb pain, in addition to other musculoskeletal issues. The problem is becoming so widespread that earlier this year a spokesperson for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) said that musculoskeletal injuries remain one of the biggest workplace health and safety problems in American industry.”  A few suggestions for preventing or reducing pain from technological devices includes:

  • When using devices such as smart phones and BlackBerries that have small keyboards, avoid typing for more than three minutes without a break.
  • Keep messages short and simple; abbreviate.
  • Practice using other fingers for typing, especially when thumbs hurt.
  • Don’t slouch when texting.
  • Keep wrists upright, straight and close to the body when holding a device.
  • Don’t bend your neck excessively when texting; tuck your chin in instead and look down.
  • Turn your devices off on the weekends (or at least Sunday)!
  • Get outside, exercise and enjoy nature, too! Balance is key to staying healthy.

For more tips on proper use of technology and good health, visit www.TechnoHealthy.com. If you are already experiencing pain, contact us and visit Dr. Jarrod Wilner in Cooper City, FL.

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What’s that Sound?

Posted on September 22, 2011 by admin

Some people automatically think “adjustment” when they hear “chiropractor” and the next thing they think after that is “he’s the guy that’s going to crack my bones!”  While that sound can make some people uncomfortable if they’re not used to it, it is actually a harmless side effect of adjustments called cavitation and has nothing to do with your bones.  It’s a sound that comes from your joints.

Cavitation occurs when gases rush out of a joint when it is “gapped” or spread apart temporarily.  This can be in a professional medical setting such as during an adjustment or something more casual such as when you crack your fingers at your desk.  These gases, such as nitrogen, oxygen and carbon dioxide are the byproduct of the production of fluid that lubricates the joint.  Since spinal joints are called synovial joints, the fluid that lubricates them is known as synovial fluid.  After the gases escape and some pressure on the joint is relieved, the body then signals synovial fluid to keep the joint lubricated.  This allows the joint to move more comfortably and with less restriction on range of motion.  Those that enjoy adjustments specify how the pain relief really improves their quality of life.

You may not hear any sounds during your visit and that is completely normal.  Some chiropractic techniques are very low force and don’t make any sound at all.  Dr. Jarrod Wilner uses a variety of tested and effective adjustment techniques to adjust each patient according to the needs of their individual case, including active myofascial release, cox flexion distraction, diversified technique, Graston technique and more.  Be sure to ask him during your visit what treatment is right for you.

If an adjustment isn’t for you, Dr. Jarrod Wilner has an arsenal of therapies that he utilizes to relieve your pain and improve your general wellness. Dr. Jarrod Wilner also offers other services to relieve pain, enhance sports performance and general wellness including massage therapy, sports medicine, rehabilitation, and nutritional counseling.  Contact us for an appointment or consultation at our office on Sterling Road, conveniently located for the communities of Cooper City, Pembroke Pines and Hollywood, FL.

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Dr. Wilner, Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician

Posted on September 15, 2011 by admin

Dr. Jarrod Wilner is a Certified Chiropratic Sports Physician (CCSP) from The American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians (ACBSP). The ACBSP is an evidenced based organization whose recipients have passed written exams on the detailed knowledge of sports injury assessment, soft tissue analysis and treatment, specific injury rehabilitation programs, nutritional requirements, and physical fitness. The CCSP is a post-graduate certification that requires at least 100 credit hours of Sports Injury and Physical Fitness curriculum at an accredited college, CPR Certification for Healthcare Providers with a hands-on component, and possession of a license to practice chiropractic in good standing in addition to a Doctorate of Chiropractic. The certificate studies include studies on:

• General health and fitness programs
• Exercise physiology
• Coaching principles
• Athletic training principles
• Safety equipment
• CPR and more complex emergency procedures
• Injury rehabilitation
• Nutritional counseling
• Environmental effects (running surface, air quality, etc.) on performance
• Diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of sports injuries

Knowledge of these areas makes a CCSP an excellent resource as an independent practitioner or as a part of a sports medicine team. To maintain this credential, the doctor must maintain CPR certification, attend continuing education classes, and apply for recertification annually. The ACBSP publishes, on their website, a current list of those persons certified including their name, certification designation, office address, telephone number and e-mail address. This listing is to assist the public and other certificants in making referrals to certified clinicians and accredited providers. While the certificate does not expire, CCSPs are required to participate in continuing education to maintain their cutting edge knowledge of pain management and sports medicine.

This certification means that Dr. Jarod Wilner is up to date and well informed on advancements in sports medicine to ensure that you receive the most effective and up to date treatment possible for your sports injuries. Call Dr. Wilner for an appointment or consultation. He serves the Cooper City, Pembroke Pines, and Hollywood, FL communities. To learn more about the ACBSP or the CCSP, visit their website.

Dr. Jarrod Wilner is a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician ® (Through ACBSP), The specialty recognition identified herein has been received from a private organization not affiliated with or recognized by the Florida Board of Chiropractic.

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Welcome, everyone!

Posted on June 28, 2011 by admin

Welcome to my newly launched website and blog!  Check back here for news in the world of chiropractic and tips for health and wellness.   If you have any questions about me or any of  my areas of practice, please don’t hesitate to call, email or come by for an appointment.  Our contact information is listed here on our contact page.  It includes a map to our office on Stirling Road.   I look forward to hearing from you!

- Dr. Jarrod S. Wilner

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