Sciatica is persistent pain along the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back, through the buttock, and into the lower leg.  The Sciatic Nerve is the longest and widest nerve in your body.  Sciatic pain usually develops from general use, and wear and tear  of your lower spine, not as a result of injury.

The 5 Best Ways to Reduce Your Risk for Sciatica:

1. Maintain proper posture:  People who have good posture help their body to have proper nerve and blood flow, which may be impaired by prolonged poor posture.  Poor posture can cause aching, pain, and impaired nerve function over time.
2. Exercise regularly:  The risk for sciatica is much lower when the muscles and tissues of your body are strong and healthy.
3. Maintain a healthy diet and weight:  I know, the last thing you want to hear…but it is so true!  The better you eat, the better the body works, and a healthy weight puts less pressure on nerves and blood flow, directly affecting the sciatic nerve.
4. Use good body mechanics when lifting:  Injury is less common as a reason for developing sciatica.  However, when injury is involved, poor lifting techniques are a common reason for injury that leads to sciatica.
5. Get regular chiropractic care:  Chiropractic adjustments offer a drug-free, non-invasive treatment option as well as preventive care for sciatica.  The goal of chiropractic treatment is to restore/maintain spinal movement, which improves function while decreasing pain and inflammation. Depending on the cause of the sciatica, your chiropractor may use ice/heat therapy, ultrasound, and rehab exercises in addition to chiropractic adjustments in your treatment.

While it is not always possible to prevent sciatica, these suggestions improve spinal health and the overall health of the body, and can greatly lower your risk for developing sciatica.

The Institute of Chiropractic and Acupuncture Therapy provides chiropractic and wellness care for sciatica and many other conditions.  We provide chiropractic and other wellness services to patients in West Jordan and the Salt Lake City Metro area.  Come experience the difference at The Institute!

For more information please see our website at SuperDocDC.com.

(Photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net.)

Chiropractors and Exercise Are Better than Drugs, says Research…

If you visit a conventional physician for pain, there’s a very good chance you’ll leave with a prescription for a medication, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs like Ibuprofen), acetaminophen (Tylenol) and even opioids (OxyContin, Vicodin, etc.).  These are the go-to treatment for pain in the modern medical world.

However, there are better options than drugs for neck pain, not only in terms of pain relief, but also in helping to treat the underlying cause of the pain so that healing can truly occur. Wellness doctors such as chiropractors and osteopathic physicians (DOs) have helped millions of patients achieve pain relief without drugs.

Study Shows Exercises and Chiropractic Care Beat Drugs for Neck Pain

According to a study published in 2012 in the Annals of Internal Medicine and funded by the National Institutes of Health, medication is not the best option for treating neck pain.

After following 272 neck-pain patients for 12 weeks, those who used a chiropractor or exercise were more than twice as likely to be pain free compared to those who took medication.

Specifically:

• 32 percent who received chiropractic care became pain free
• 30 percent of those who exercised became pain free
• 13 percent of those treated with medication became pain free

Researchers concluded:

“For participants with acute and subacute neck pain, SMT [spinal manipulation therapy] (in other words, a chiropractic adjustment) was more effective than medication in both the short and long term. However, a few instructional sessions of HEA [home exercise with advice] resulted in similar outcomes at most time points.”

In the case of neck pain, and many other kinds of pain, the underlying cause is often related to body mechanics (posture) or misalignments in your spine.  Addressing your posture, exercising, and chiropractic care is very effective at relieving the pain and addressing the underlying cause. If you have chronic pain of any kind, please understand that there are many safe and effective alternatives to prescription and over-the-counter painkillers.  These may require some patience as exercising, good posture habits, and chiropractic adjustments take time to help the body heal from a chronic problem that took months or even years to develop.

To see the full article containing information on this study and more about chiropractic care and specific exercises, please click HERE.

For more information on how chiropractic and wellness care can help you, please see our home page HERE.

New to the Institute? Meet our chiropractor, Dr. Trent Burrup, by clicking the video below!

Chiropractors have tremendous success treating neck pain, back pain, and headaches. However, chiropractic can help many other health conditions not typically associated with chiropractic.

Many people come to The Institute of Chiropractic and Acupuncture Therapy because they have had little or no response to medical treatment or other chiropractic treatments.  Here are some common conditions we see in our clinic that have had successful outcomes with chiropractic treatments:

Headaches                       Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Back and neck pain           Fibromyalgia

Auto injuries/whiplash       Hormone Imbalances

Sports Injuries                  Digestive issues

Depression                       Allergies

Arthritis

There are many different chiropractic techniques that can be used for adjustments.  At The Institute some of the specific chiropractic techniques and methods Dr. Burrup has been trained in include Gonstead, Activator, Diversified, Thompson, Toggle Recoil, Nimmo, sports injury and extremity adjustment.

The goal of our clinic is to help our patients become empowered with their health, achieving their optimal wellness goals.  If you are suffering needlessly from pain, have a condition that has not responded well to medical care or other chiropractic treatments, or are trying to achieve optimal wellness in your life, chiropractic can help you on the road back to better health!

Dr. Trent Burrup is a chiropractor who provides care in Salt Lake City and surrounding areas including Sandy, Draper, South Jordan, West Jordan, Murray, and all other Salt Lake Metro areas. Come experience the difference at The Institute!

Headaches are common, NOT normal.  And because they are so common, most people think that getting a headache is just a normal part of life!  It doesn’t have to be……

4 Ways to Prevent and Treat Headaches Without Medications:

1. Drink more Water.  Most people do not consume enough water each day.  Dehydration can lead to headaches! Keep a water bottle with you throughout the day and drink at least 8 cups (64 oz.) each day.
2. Take a break from electronic devices.  When you are continuously looking at a computer, and especially when looking down at a phone or other device, the muscles in your eyes and neck get strained.  Taking short breaks and stretching your neck for a few minutes will make a big difference (and feels great!)
3. Acupuncture/acupressure.  Studies show acupuncture to be an effective treatment for headaches.  We have had a lot of success at our clinic treating people who have headaches with acupuncture or acupressure, especially when combined with chiropractic care.
4. Chiropractic adjustments. Many people find relief from their headaches with chiropractic adjustments.  The Institute of Chiropractic and Acupuncture Therapy has helped many people get drug-free results, drastically reducing and/or totally eliminating their headaches!  Some estimates suggest that 25% of the population has a headache right now…are you one of them?

Headaches are most often a sign that something is not right in your body.  There are many types of headaches and many things can cause them. Medications cover up the pain, but don’t correct the underlying cause. If you can treat the cause of the headache, it will go away!

For more information on how chiropractic, acupuncture, and other wellness therapies can help your headaches, please see our What We Do page at SuperDocDC.com.

Dr. Trent Burrup is a chiropractor and graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic.  He provides chiropractic care in Salt Lake City and surrounding areas including West Jordan, South Jordan, Sandy, Draper, Taylorsville, Murray, Riverton, Herriman, Bluffdale, Cottonwood Heights, and Holiday.  We have patients from Utah County and as far north as Logan, even some from out of state!  Come experience the difference at The Institute!

We found a great article on Neck Pain Prevention from www.healthcentral.com. In addition to regular chiropractic visits, these are things you can do every day to prevent neck pain.

Life can be a real pain in the neck. Don’t let it happen to you! Here are 10 ways to prevent neck pain from slowing your life down.

1.      Beware of Bifocal and Trifocal Glasses: If you are reading this through the bottom section of your glasses, then you are likely positioning your head and neck in an awkward position to do so. The best way to avoiding pinching your neck in order to utilize all portions of your prescription lenses is to have dedicated mono-focal prescription lenses that you can use for reading.

2.      Adjust your Computer Screen to You: If your computer monitor is too high, you will be looking up for hours. If your computer monitor is too low, you will be looking down for hours. These sustained postures are likely to cause a pain in your neck. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety has some great tips to help you adjust your monitor and prevent neck pain.

4.      Keep Your Shoulders Back and Your Chest Forward: The shoulders provide the base of support for your neck. Shoulders that drift to far forward, as the chest caves in, causes the head and neck to careening forward as if you were a turtle. Without a good foundation of support starting with your upper torso and shoulders, the neck tends to crumble.

5.      Maintain Good Shoulder Strength: The shoulders are a foundation of support, and because of this they need to be strong. Good muscle tone especially between the shoulder blades, where the rhomboid muscles reside, is critical for preventing neck pain.

6.      Use Arm Rests Whenever Possible: No matter how strong your shoulder and neck muscles are, you need to give them a rest sometimes. Armrests are an important way to keep the weight of your arms from constantly pulling on the neck muscles. Fatigue in these muscles eventually causes neck pain.

7.      Use a Good Supportive Pillow: While you are sleeping, you need to maintain good sleep posture. A pillow that is too thin can cause your head to reach for the pillow. A pillow that is too thick can force your neck to bend a certain direction all night. If you wake up with neck pain, try a different pillow.

8.      Adjust the Vehicle Headrest to a Proper Height: The Insurance Institute For Highway Safety (IIHS) recommends that the vehicle headrest be positioned at the center of your head. In the event of a sudden stop, the headrest can then help to prevent the neck from whipping back and forth.

9.      DO NOT SMOKE: Smoking is the fastest way to ruin your spine! According to a study reported in Spine 2004, spinal discs can degenerate very rapidly in smokers. A smoker’s spine does not heal quickly after an injury or surgery if at all. In fact, if you quit smoking now, you will probably have less pain later.

10.   Watch Your Weight: You may not realize that your body weight affects your neck, but it sure does. Your arms get heavier and your breasts get heavier as you gain weight. Furthermore, your shoulder blades spread apart as you gain weight also. All of these changes in an obese body increase your likelihood of developing neck pain.

Exercise Tip: One of the most important exercises for preventing neck pain is rowing.

Sciatica is persistent pain along the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back, through the buttock, and into the lower leg.  The Sciatic Nerve is the longest and widest nerve in your body.  Sciatic pain usually develops from general use, and wear and tear  of your lower spine, not as a result of injury.

The 5 Best Ways to Reduce Your Risk for Sciatica:

1. Maintain proper posture:  People who have good posture help their body to have proper nerve and blood flow, which may be impaired by prolonged poor posture.  Poor posture can cause aching, pain, and impaired nerve function over time.
2. Exercise regularly:  The risk for sciatica is much lower when the muscles and tissues of your body are strong and healthy.
3. Maintain a healthy diet and weight:  I know, the last thing you want to hear…but it is so true!  The better you eat, the better the body works, and a healthy weight puts less pressure on nerves and blood flow, directly affecting the sciatic nerve.
4. Use good body mechanics when lifting:  Injury is less common as a reason for developing sciatica.  However, when injury is involved, poor lifting techniques are a common reason for injury that leads to sciatica.
5. Get regular chiropractic care:  Chiropractic adjustments offer a drug-free, non-invasive treatment option as well as preventive care for sciatica.  The goal of chiropractic treatment is to restore/maintain spinal movement, which improves function while decreasing pain and inflammation.  Depending on the cause of the sciatica, your chiropractor may use ice/heat therapy, ultrasound, and rehab exercises in addition to chiropractic adjustments in your treatment.

While it is not always possible to prevent sciatica, these suggestions improve spinal health and the overall health of the body, and can greatly lower your risk for developing sciatica.

The Institute of Chiropractic and Acupuncture Therapy provides chiropractic and wellness care for sciatica and many other conditions.  We provide chiropractic and other wellness services to patients in West Jordan and the Salt Lake City Metro area.  Come experience the difference at The Institute!

For more information please see our website at SuperDocDC.com.

(Photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net.)

Are You Angry? Consider Using Cod Liver Oil

Researchers conducted a study to examine the relationship of dietary intake of omega-3 and omega-6 fats with level of hostility. The study sampled 3,581 urban white and black young adults, half who consumed fish, which contains omega-3, and half who did not.

The outcome of this study suggests that high dietary intake of omega-3 fats may be related to lower odds of high hostility in young adulthood.

European Journal Clinical Nutrition January, 2004
Eur J Clin Nutr. 2004 Jan;58(1):24-31.

Dietary intake of n-3, n-6 fatty acids and fish: Relationship with hostility in young adults-the CARDIA study. Iribarren C, Markovitz JH, Jacobs DR, Schreiner PJ, Daviglus M, Hibbeln JR. 1Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente, Oakland, CA, USA.

BACKGROUND:: Hostility has been shown to predict both the development and manifestation of coronary disease. Examining the inter-relation of dietary intake of fish and of polyunsaturated (n-3 and n-6) essential fatty acids with hostility may provide additional insights into the cardioprotective effect of dietary fish and polyunsaturated fatty acids.

OBJECTIVE:: To examine the association of dietary n-3, n-6 fatty acids and fish with level of hostility in a sample of 3581 urban white and black young adults.

DESIGN:: Cross-sectional observational study as part of an ongoing cohort study. A dietary assessment in 1992-1993 and measurement of hostility and other covariates in 1990-1991 were used in the analysis.

RESULTS:: The multivariate odds ratios of scoring in the upper quartile of hostility (adjusting for age, sex, race, field center, educational attainment, marital status, body mass index, smoking, alcohol consumption and physical activity) associated with one standard deviation increase in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6) intake was 0.90 (95% CI=0.82-0.98; P=0.02). Consumption of any fish rich in n-3 fatty acids, compared to no consumption, was also independently associated with lower odds of high hostility (OR=0.82; 95% CI=0.69-0.97; P=0.02).

CONCLUSIONS:: These results suggest that high dietary intake of DHA and consumption of fish rich in n-3 fatty acids may be related to lower likelihood of high hostility in young adulthood. The association between dietary n-3 fatty acids and hostile personality merits further research.European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2004) 58, 24-31. doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1601739

New Findings About Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Depression
By Alan C. Logan, ND, FRSH

Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids that are considered essential because they cannot be synthesized by the human body. Dietary sources of omega-3 fatty acids include plants (particularly flax, canola, walnuts and hemp) and fish (particularly ocean fish such as sardines, anchovies, salmon and mackerel). Plants contain the parent omega-3, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which can be converted into eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA).1

Dietary fish and fish oil supplements are a direct source of EPA and DHA. The influence of ALA, EPA and DHA in human health has been the subject of intense research over the last three decades. Although best known for cardiovascular benefits, new findings indicate that the influence of omega-3 fatty acids in mental health, particularly EPA, may currently be underestimated. Epidemiological, experimental and new clinical studies have all shown a strong connection between omega-3 fatty acids, or a lack thereof, and major depression.

These exciting new findings are not entirely surprising when one considers that the brain itself is 60 percent fat and that one-third of all fatty acids are of the polyunsaturated variety.2,3 As discussed below, the current research highlights the critical role of these fatty acids in the central nervous system (CNS).

Omega-3 Intake Declines, Depression Rates Climb

There has been a significant drop-off in omega-3 fatty acid intake within Western countries over the last century. The opposite can be said of omega-6 intake. Although essential, omega-6-rich oils are found in abundance in the North American food supply. Currently these omega-6 oils (corn, safflower, sunflower, cottonseed, sesame) are outnumbering omega-3 fatty acids by a ratio of up to 20:1.4,5

This ratio is a long way off the close to 1:1 omega-6 to omega-3 ratio as recommended by the international panel of essential fatty acid experts in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition.6 The average daily intake of EPA/DHA combined is 130mg in North America, 520mg short of published recommendations and 870mg short of the 1000mg recommended by the American Heart Association in cases of heart disease.1

In direct contrast to the depletion of omega-3 fatty acids from the Western food supply, the rates of depression have dramatically increased in Western countries. In addition, depression is now occurring more commonly in younger persons. The average age of onset of depression has continued to dip over the last 100
years. Scientists investigating the change in rates of depression have made it clear that these findings cannot be explained away by changes in attitudes of health professionals or society, diagnostic criteria, reporting bias, institutional or other artifacts.7,8 Perhaps the inadequate omega-3 intake, the major deviations in fatty acids ratios and the quarter-century-old message that all fat is unhealthy has had an untold influence on rates of depression.

Fish Consumption and Depression

There have been a number of studies that have examined national and international fish consumption data and compared them to rates of depression. Dr. Joseph Hibbeln of the National Institutes of Health is a pioneer in this area. He, and his group, have shown that higher national consumption of fish for a nation equals lower rates of depression versus countries consuming the least amount of fish.9 He has also shown that higher fish consumption is correlated with lower risk of postpartum depression10 and seasonal affective disorder.11

Other researchers have shown that even within a nation, fish consumption is associated with lower risk of depression and higher mental health status.12,13 Finally, researches are now observing increasing rates of depression in regions of the world that are moving away from traditional omega-3-rich diets to typical Western foods.14

Laboratory Tests in Depression

The epidemiological studies clearly suggest that adequate omega-3 fatty acids may be an important protective factor in depression. Correlation, however, does not prove causation. To add to the strength of the epidemiological studies, scientists have examined the levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the blood cells and fat storage cells of those with major depression.

Four studies have shown that those with depression do indeed have lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the blood.15-18 One of the studies showed that the lower the level of EPA, the more severe the clinical depression.15 In addition, a recent study showed that the patients with depression have 35 percent less DHA in fat storage cells versus healthy controls.19

Experimental Studies

Over the last decade, neuroscientists have been examining the consequences of omega-3 deficiencies in the central nervous system. Alterations in serotonin and dopamine levels, as well as the functioning of these two important neurotransmitters is evident in an omega-3 deficiency. The changes observed in omega-3 deficiency in animals is strikingly similar to that found in autopsy studies of human depression.20

In addition to changing serotonin and dopamine levels and functioning, omega-3 deficiencies are known to compromise the blood-brain barrier, which normally protects the brain from unwanted matter gaining access.21 Omega-3 deficiency can also decrease normal blood flow to the brain,22,23 an interesting finding given the studies which show that patients with depression have compromised blood flow to a number of brain regions.24,25 Finally, omega-3 deficiency also causes a 35 percent reduction in brain phosphatidylserine (PS) levels.26 This is also of relevance when considering that PS has documented antidepressant activity in humans.27,28

Mechanisms of EPA/DHA Regulation of Mood

DHA is found in high levels in the cells of the central nervous system (neurons); here it acts as a form of scaffolding for structural support.29 When omega-3 intake is inadequate, the nerve cell becomes stiff as cholesterol and omega-6 fatty acids are substituted for omega-3.30 When a nerve cell becomes rigid, proper neurotransmission from cell to cell and within cells will be compromised.31

While DHA provides structure and helps to ensure normal neurotransmission, EPA may be more important in the signaling within nerve cells.32 Normalizing communications within nerve cells has been suggested to be an important factor in alleviating depressive symptoms.33 In addition, EPA can lower the levels of two important immune chemicals, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFa) and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1ß), as well as prostaglandin E2.34

All three of these chemicals are elevated in depression.35-38 In fact, higher levels of TNFa and IL-1ß are associated with severity of depression.39 Finally, EPA has been hypothesized to increase brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF), which is known to be lower in depressed patients.20 BDNF is neuroprotective, enhances neurotransmission, has antidepressant activity and supports normal brain structure. BDNF may prevent the death of nerve cells in depression.

Clinical Studies

There have been some published case reports indicating that flaxseed oil may be helpful in cases of bipolar depression and the anxiety disorder agoraphobia.40 The first controlled clinical trial indicating that omega-3 fatty acids may be of benefit in depression was published in 1999. In this case, 9:6 g of EPA/DHA versus placebo led to longer periods of remission and improvement in depressive symptoms in those with bipolar depression.41

Some researchers theorize that such high doses of EPA/DHA may not be necessary and that low levels of pure EPA may be of benefit.32 In a study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, researchers showed that just 2g of pure EPA could improve the symptoms of treatment-resistant depression. The
researchers found that the EPA (versus placebo), when added to an ineffective antidepressant for one month, significantly improved depressive symptoms.42

A larger study published in Archives of General Psychiatry replicated these findings, however, this time various doses of EPA were examined. Those on ineffective antidepressants were given 1g, 2g or 4g of pure EPA or a placebo in addition to the medication. Interestingly, the 1g daily dose of EPA led to the most significant improvements over the three-month study; it appeared that less was more. There were significant improvements in depressive symptoms, sleep, anxiety, lassitude, libido and thoughts of suicide.43

Researchers from Taiwan Medical University published a recent study in which they found that a 4.4g EPA and 2.2g DHA mix could alleviate depression versus placebo in those with treatment-resistant depression. This was a two-month study involving patients who were on antidepressants that were not working. As with the other omega-3 studies discussed, the fish oil was well tolerated and no adverse events were reported.44

There is also evidence that omega-3 oils may be of benefit in treating depressive symptoms outside of major depressive disorder. Canadian researchers showed that Antarctic krill oil (400mg EPA, 240mg DHA) could improve depressive symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome.45 Harvard researchers have also shown that just 1g of pure EPA is beneficial in the treatment of borderline personality disorder. This personality disorder, which is particularly difficult to treat, is characterized by both depressive and aggressive symptoms. This was a two-month placebo-controlled study and the results showed that EPA has a mood-regulating effect, improving both depression and aggression versus placebo.46

To date, with one exception, all studies conducted on omega-3 fatty acids and mood have had a positive outcome. The singular negative study examined pure DHA in patients with depression. The results in the case showed that DHA alone was no better than placebo in alleviating depressive symptoms.47

Conclusion

Although an influence of EPA and DHA on brain physiology and structure is apparent, the precise mechanisms whereby omega-3 fatty acids may alleviate depression remain unknown. The results of the clinical trials reinforce the epidemiological and experimental studies, underscoring the importance of adequate omega-3 intake in those with depression.

The long-term studies of fish oil supplements in the area of cardiovascular health, some spanning three-plus years, have shown that they are safe and well tolerated.48,49 Patients with depression or depressive symptoms should discuss omega-3 fatty acids with their health care providers. While scientists continue to unravel the neuropsychological influences of omega-3 fatty acids, it should be recognized that they are not a substitute for appropriate mental health evaluation and care.

Alan C. Logan is a naturopathic physician licensed in Connecticut. Valedictorian of the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, class of 2001, his recent medline-indexed article “Neurobehavioral Aspects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Possible Mechanisms and Therapeutic Value in Major Depression” is available to medical professionals by writing to Dr. Logan at aclnd@cfs-fm.org.

References:
1. Holub BJ. Clinical Nutrition: 4. Omega-3 fatty acids in cardiovascular care. CMAJ 2002; 166: 608-15.
2. Bourre JM, Dumont O, Piciotti M, Clement M, et al. Essentiality of n-3 fatty acids for brain structure and function. World Rev Nutr Diet 1991; 66: 103-17.
3. Yehyda S, Rabinovitz S, Mostofsky DI. Essential fatty acids are mediators of brain biochemistry and cognitive functions. J Neurosci Res 1999; 56: 565-70.
4. Simopoulos AP. Evolutionary aspects of diet and essential fatty acids. World Rev Nutr Diet 2001; 88: 18-27.
5. Simopoulos AP. Overview of the evolutionary aspects of n-3 fatty acids in the diet. World Rev Nutr Diet 1998; 83: 1-11.
6. Simopoulos AP, Leaf A, Salem N. Workshop on the essentiality of and recommended dietary intakes for omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. J Am Coll Nutr 1999; 18: 487-9.
7. Klerman GL. The current age of youthful melancholia. Evidence for incrase in depression among adolescents and young adults. Br J Psychiatry 1998; 152: 4-14.
8. Klerman GL, Weissman MM. Increasing rates of depression. JAMA 1989; 261: 2229-35.
9. Hibbeln JR. Fish consumption and major depression. Lancet 1998; 351: 1213.
10. Hibbeln JR. Seafood consumption, the DHA content of mothers milk and prevalence rates of postpartum depression: a cross-national, ecological analysis. J Affect Disord 2002; 69: 15-29.
11. Cott J, Hibbeln JR. Lack of seasonal mood change in Icelanders. Am J Psychiatry 2001;158:328.
12. Tanskanen A, Hibbeln JR, Hintikka J, Haatainen K, Honkalampi K, Viinamaki H. Fish consumption, depression, and suicidality in a general population. Arch Gen Psychiatry 2001; 58: 512-513.
13. Silvers KM, Scott KM. Fish consumption and self reported physical and mental health status. Public Health Nutr 2002; 5: 427-31.
14. McGrath-Hanna NK, Greene DM, Tavernier RJ, Bult-Ito A. Diet and mental health status in the Arctic: is diet an important risk factor for mental health in circumpolar peoples? Int J Circumpolar Health 2003;62:228-41.
15. Adams PB, Lawson S, Sanigorski A, Sinclair AJ. Arachidonic acid to eicosapentanoic acid ratio in blood correlates positively with clinical symptoms of depression. Lipids 1996; 31: S157-S161.
16. Peet M, Murphy B, Shay J, Horrobin D. Depletion of omega-3 fatty acid levels in red blood cell membranes of depressive patients. Biol Psychiatry 1998; 43: 315-19.
17. Maes M, Christophe A, Delanghe J, Altamura C, Neels H, Meltzer HY. Lowered
n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the serum phospholipids and cholesterol esters of depressed patients. Psychiatry Res 1999; 85: 275-291.
18. Tiemeier H, van Tuijl HR, Hofman A, et al. Plasma fatty acid composition and depression are associated in the elderly: the Rotterdam study. Am J Clin Nutr 2003;78:40-46.
19.Mamalakis G, Tornaritis M, Kafatos A. Depression and adipose essential polyunsaturated fatty acids. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 2002; 67: 311-18.
20. Logan AC. Neurobehavioral aspects of omega-3 fatty acids:possible mechanisms and therapeutic value in major depression. Altern Med Rev 2003;8:410-425.
21. Ziylan ZY, Bernard GC, LeFamconnier JM, Durand GA, Bourre JM. Effect of dietary n-3 fatty acid deficiency on blood-to-brain transfer of sucrose, alpha-aminoisobutyrie acid and phenylalamine in the rat. Neurosci Lett 1992; 137: 9-13.
22. Ito H, Kawashima R, Awata S, Ono S, et al. Hypoperfusion in the limbic system and prefrontal cortex in depression: SPECT with anatomic standardization technique. J Nucl Med 1996; 37: 410-4.
23. Kimbrell TA, Ketter TA, George MS, Little JT, et al. Regional cerebral glucose utilization in patients with a range of severities in unipolar depression. Biol Psychiatry 2002; 51: 237-52.
24. Ellis EF, Police RJ, Dodson LY, McKinney JS, Holt SA. Effect of dietary n-3 fatty acids on cerebral microcirculation. Am J Physiol 1992; 262: H1379-H1386.
25. de Wilde MC, Farkas E, Gerritis M, Kiliaan AJ, Luiten PGM. The effect of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid-rich diets on cognitive and cerebrovascular parameters in chronic cerebral hypoperfusion. Bran Res 2002; 947: 166-73.
26. Zimmer L, Vancassel S, Cantagrel S, Breton, et al. The dopamine mesocorticolimbic pathway is affected by deficiency in n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Am J Clin Nutr 2002; 75: 662-7.
27. Brambilla F, Maggioni M. Blood levels of cytokines in elderly patients with major depressive disorder. Acta Psychiatr Scand 1998; 97: 309-13.
28.Maggioni M, Picotti GB, Bondiolotti GP, Panerai A, Cenacchi T, Nobile P, Brambilla F. Effects of phosphatidylserine therapy in geriatric patients with depressive disorders. Acta Psychiatr Scand 1990; 81: 265-70.
29. Bourre JM, Bonneil M, Clement M, Dumont O, et al. Function of dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids in the nervous system. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 1993; 48: 5-15.
30. Yehuda S, Rabinovitz S, Mostofsky DI. Modulation of learning and neuronal membrane composition in the rat by essential fatty acid preparation: time course analysis. Neurochem Res 1998; 23: 627-34.
31. Heron DS, Shinitzky M, Hershkowitz M, Samuel D. Lipid fluidity markedly modulates the binding of serotonin to mouse brain membranes. Proc Natl Acad Sci 1980; 77: 7463-67.
32. Horrobin DF. A new category of psychotropic drugs: neuroactive lipids as exemplified by ethyl eicosapentaenoate (E-E). Prog Drug Res 2002;59:171-99.
33. Stoll AL, Locke CA, Marangell LB, Severus WE. Omega-3 fatty acids and bipolar disorder: a review. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 1999; 60: 329-37.
34. James MJ, Cleland LG. Dietary n-3 fatty acids and therapy for rheumatoid arthritis. Semin Arthritis Rheum 1997;27:85-97.
35. Lieb J, Karmali R, Horrobin D. Elevated levels of prostaglandin E2 and
thromboxane B2 in depression. Prostaglandins Leukot Med 1983; 10: 361-7.
36.Ohishi K, Ueno R, Nishino S, Sakai T, Hayaishi O. Increased level of salivary prostaglandins in patients with major depression. Biol Psychiatry 1988; 23: 326-34.
37.Nishino S, Ueno R, Ohishi K, Sakai T, Hayaishi O. Salivary prostaglandin concentrations: possible state indicators for major depression. Am J Psychiatry 1989; 146: 365-8.
38.Maes M, Smith RS. Fatty acids, cytokines, and major depression. Biol Psychiatry 1998;43:313-14.
39.Shimizu E, Hashimoto K, Okamura N, et al. Alterations of serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in depressed patients with or without antidepressants. Biol Psychiatry 2003;54:70-75.
40. Rudin DO. The major psychoses and neuroses as omega-3 essential fatty acid deficiency syndrome: substrate pellagra. Biol Psychiatry 1981; 16: 837-850.
41. Stoll AL, Severus E, Freeman MP, Rueter S, et al. Omega-3 fatty acids in bipolar disorder. A preliminary double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Arch Gen Psychiatry 1999; 56: 407-12.
42. Nemets B, Stahl Z, Belmaker RH. Addition of omega-3 fatty acid to maintenance medication treatment for recurrent unipolar depressive disorder. Am J Psychiatry 2002; 159: 477-9.
43. Peet M, Horrobin DF. A dose-ranging study of the effects of ethyl-eicosapentaenoate in patients with ongoing depression despite adequate treatment with standard drugs. Arch Gen Psychiatry 2002; 59: 913-19.
44. Su KP, Huang SY, Chiu CC, Shen WW. Omega-3 fatty acids in major depressive disorder. A preliminary double-blind, placebo controlled trial. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2003;13:267-71.
45. Sampalis F, Bunea R, Pelland MF, et al. Evaluation of the effects of Neptune krill oil on the management of premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrheal. Altern Med Rev 2003;8:171-79.
46. Zanarini MC, Frankenburg FR. Omega-3 fatty acid treatment of women with borderline personality disorder: a double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study. Am J Psychiatry 2003; 160: 167-69.
47. Marangell LB, Martinez JM, Zboyan HA, et al. A double-blind, placebo-controled study of the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid in the treatment of major depression. Am J Psychiatry 2003;160:996-98.
48.Marchioli R, Schweiger C, Tavazzi L, Valagussa F. Efficacy of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids after myocardial infarction: results of GISSI-prevenzione trial. Gruppo Italiano per lo studio della sopravvivenza nell’infarto miocardio. Lipids 2001; 36 Suppl: S119-26.
49. Marchioli R, Barzi F, Bomba E, Chieffo C, et al. Early protection against sudden death by n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids after myocardial infarction: time course analysis of the results of the Gruppo Italiano per lo studio della sopravvivenza nell’infarto myocardio (GISSI) – prevenzione. Circulation 2002; 105: 1897-903.

Chiropractors and Exercise Are Better than Drugs, says Research…

If you visit a conventional physician for pain, there’s a very good chance you’ll leave with a prescription for a medication, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs like Ibuprofen), acetaminophen (Tylenol) and even opioids (OxyContin, Vicodin, etc.).  These are the go-to treatment for pain in the modern medical world.

However, there are better options than drugs for neck pain, not only in terms of pain relief, but also in helping to treat the underlying cause of the pain so that healing can truly occur. Wellness doctors such as chiropractors and osteopathic physicians (DOs) have helped millions of patients achieve pain relief without drugs.

Study Shows Exercises and Chiropractic Care Beat Drugs for Neck Pain

According to a study published in 2012 in the Annals of Internal Medicine and funded by the National Institutes of Health, medication is not the best option for treating neck pain.

After following 272 neck-pain patients for 12 weeks, those who used a chiropractor or exercise were more than twice as likely to be pain free compared to those who took medication.

Specifically:

• 32 percent who received chiropractic care became pain free
• 30 percent of those who exercised became pain free
• 13 percent of those treated with medication became pain free

Researchers concluded:

“For participants with acute and subacute neck pain, SMT [spinal manipulation therapy] (in other words, a chiropractic adjustment) was more effective than medication in both the short and long term. However, a few instructional sessions of HEA [home exercise with advice] resulted in similar outcomes at most time points.”

In the case of neck pain, and many other kinds of pain, the underlying cause is often related to body mechanics (posture) or misalignments in your spine.  Addressing your posture, exercising, and chiropractic care is very effective at relieving the pain and addressing the underlying cause. If you have chronic pain of any kind, please understand that there are many safe and effective alternatives to prescription and over-the-counter painkillers.  These may require some patience as exercising, good posture habits, and chiropractic adjustments take time to help the body heal from a chronic problem that took months or even years to develop.

To see the full article containing information on this study and more about chiropractic care and specific exercises, please click HERE.

For more information on how chiropractic and wellness care can help you, please see our home page HERE.