December 2024 Health Newsletter

What is the difference between "Custom arch supports and Custom-built Orthotics", and why do I need them?

1.  Everyone needs good balanced arch support all the time to maintain proper balance and movement.  Every person has a unique kinetic chain, just like no 2 fingerprints are the same.

This is the foundation of your weight bearing life and all your joints will be affected by what is below them.  This does cause stress to your kinetic chain when not balanced properly and will increase the incidence of foot, knee, hip, lower back, thoracic and neck pain over time.  This will also increase the incidence of degenerative arthritis.

1.  Yes, many people do well with the "categorized custom arch supports" you can get at a pharmacy THAT ARE SCANNED.  (Dr. Scholls)  These are similar to the box stores that market custom arch supports but much more affordable (around $50).  At a minimum, every   person should have these under their feet.  I would not ever suggest buying off the shelf "support" that says "for musculoskeletal pain" of any type.

    2.    The specialty arch support stores that market custom arch support is better, I believe they        have around 300 "styles" to give you.  These are certainly better than the $50 arch supports, but they are stocked and provided on site from the storeroom in the back.  I have had patients tell me they spend as much as $2000.00 for these (3 pairs).  These are not truly custom built to your specifications and are not provided by a licensed Doctor.  They are generally qualified for HSA/FSA accounts.

     3.    The best truly "custom orthotics” (not just arch supports) need to be made specifically from an impression or 3D scan of both feet at the same time.  They need to be built to each foot.  They need to consider any pelvic or leg imbalance before being made.  They need to take into consideration any relevant health history. They need to be made from the best quality materials available. 

It would also be nice if they were built in the USA :) This is the product I use personally and have prescribed for years to my patients.  They are surprisingly much more affordable than the box stores (nowhere near $2K) and are built specifically to your foot.  Usually, 2-3 business days are the delivery window.  They are HSA and FSA qualified, and you don’t have to be a patient for a scan. Call the office, (804) 360-2447, to schedule your no cost 3D scan!   

              https://www.footlevelers.com/

As we age, our bodies inevitably undergo changes that can affect our mobility and overall quality of life. Musculoskeletal pain, especially from conditions like arthritis or age-related degenerative diseases, is common among older adults. This pain can limit our ability to perform daily activities, reduce independence, and contribute to a decline in mental well-being. For many seniors, finding effective, non-invasive ways to manage pain while preserving functionality is crucial.

A recent study published in the Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy in 2024 sheds light on the positive effects of chiropractic care in improving functional mobility for older adults. The study, titled Spinal Manipulation for Improving Functional Mobility in Older Adults with Musculoskeletal Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial, suggests that chiropractic adjustments can significantly enhance mobility and reduce pain, providing older adults with a non-pharmacological solution to age-related musculoskeletal issues.

A Non-Invasive Solution for Musculoskeletal Pain

The study focused on older adults suffering from musculoskeletal pain, particularly those experiencing conditions like osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, and general age-related wear and tear. Musculoskeletal pain in older adults is a common complaint that often results in limited mobility, stiffness, and difficulty completing simple daily tasks such as walking, standing, or even bending over.

For years, chiropractic care has been known for its ability to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. Chiropractors use spinal manipulation and other manual techniques to improve joint mobility, alleviate pain, and restore function. What sets chiropractic care apart is its focus on the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Unlike pharmacological treatments that may come with side effects or the risk of dependency, chiropractic adjustments offer a holistic, drug-free approach to pain management and rehabilitation.

Study Findings: Enhanced Mobility and Reduced Pain

The 2024 study was a randomized controlled trial, one of the gold standards of clinical research, meaning its findings carry substantial weight. Participants in the study were older adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain, particularly from arthritis or degenerative spinal conditions. The study found that after receiving spinal manipulation treatments from trained chiropractors, participants experienced notable improvements in their ability to perform daily activities. These activities included walking, bending, reaching, and standing—tasks many older adults struggle with due to pain and stiffness.

In addition to enhanced mobility, participants also reported a significant reduction in pain severity. For many seniors, living with chronic pain becomes an unfortunate part of aging, but this study shows that chiropractic care can offer much-needed relief. With fewer restrictions on daily activities and a reduction in pain, older adults can enjoy a better quality of life, greater independence, and enhanced mental well-being.

The Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Seniors

Chiropractic care offers several key advantages for older adults dealing with musculoskeletal pain:

1. Non-Invasive and Drug-Free: Chiropractic adjustments avoid the need for medication or invasive procedures. For seniors who may be wary of medications due to potential side effects or interactions, chiropractic care provides a safer, natural alternative.

   
   
2. Improved Functionality: By improving joint mobility and relieving pain, chiropractic treatments can restore functionality and mobility. This means seniors are more likely to maintain their independence and continue performing daily tasks without assistance.

   
   
3. Holistic Approach: Chiropractic care isn’t just about treating pain—it’s about supporting the body’s natural healing processes. Chiropractors also emphasize lifestyle modifications, stretching, and exercises that complement spinal adjustments, leading to better long-term outcomes.

   
   
4. Tailored Care: Chiropractic treatments can be tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. Whether a senior is dealing with arthritis in the knees, lower back pain, or stiffness in the neck, chiropractic care can be adapted to target specific areas of discomfort.

   
   
5. Enhanced Mental Health: Chronic pain often leads to depression, anxiety, and social isolation in older adults. By reducing pain and improving mobility, chiropractic care can help boost mood, encourage social interactions, and promote mental well-being.


A Growing Field for Senior Care

As the senior population continues to grow, it’s essential to explore non-invasive and effective treatments for the pain and mobility issues many face. This study provides strong evidence that chiropractic care can play an important role in managing musculoskeletal pain and improving quality of life for older adults. Whether it’s reducing pain, enhancing mobility, or helping individuals maintain their independence, chiropractic care is a powerful, drug-free tool for seniors.

In conclusion, for older adults looking to regain their mobility and reduce pain, chiropractic care is not only a viable option but an effective one. The findings from this 2024 study support the growing body of evidence that chiropractic adjustments can improve functional outcomes, helping seniors lead healthier, more active lives. If you or a loved one is struggling with age-related pain, consider consulting with a chiropractor to explore this safe, natural path to relief and better function.

A targeted study by researchers at the Kangbuk Samsung Hospital in Seoul, South Korea has found that getting too much or too little sleep can contribute to the "hardening" of arteries. This condition, caused by calcium buildup in the arteries, can be an early warning sign of heart disease or lead to heart attacks. The study involved over 47,000 men and women, with an average age of 42, who completed a sleep questionnaire and underwent a series of tests. These tests measured arterial stiffness and evaluated calcium and plaque deposits in arteries. The average duration of sleep among participants was 6.4 hours per night. Researchers categorized those who slept five hours or less each night as "short" sleepers, and those who slept nine hours or more each night as "long" sleepers. The study found that poor sleep quality can lead to stiffer arteries whether an individual sleeps too few or too many hours. Researchers subsequently determined that those who slept an average of seven hours per night and reported good sleep quality had the lowest levels of vascular disease.

A low-fat diet feels like a natural choice for losing weight, but completely eliminating certain nutrients over time may not be the answer. In fact, one study concluded that low-fat diets did not have a greater impact on weight loss than diets with higher fat contents. Of the 68,000 participants studied, low-carb diets revealed a similar average weight loss to low-fat diets, showing only a 2.5 pound increase in loss. Over time, nutrient-restricting diets like these tend to drop off after the first year, leading to little or no results. So what goes wrong?Any diet that requires the elimination of nutrients, like fat, needs to fill that void with a healthy substitute to help maintain long-term weight loss. Unfortunately, many low-fats diet programs fill that void with snacks stuffed with sodium and sugar. This can decrease the physical and mental endurance needed to sustain a successful low-fat diet over time. That's why it's important for any nutrient-restricting diet to include a healthy serving of fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamins and minerals. This can help provide the energy and mental focus needed to sustain a successful diet over the long-term.