REPOST: Migraines: A Bigger Problem Than We Think?

People who suffer from migraines are often misdiagnosed according to this article from American News Report.


If you’ve ever had a migraine headache, you tend not to forget the pain.

According to Migraine.com, the number of people who suffer from migraines is considerable: 37 million people suffer from migraines in the United States alone.

We had a recent discussion with Dr. Andrew Charles, who is Director of the Headache Research and Treatment Program at UCLA. He thinks the number of migraine sufferers is higher, and the migraines are often attributed to something else.

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“99% of sinus headaches, much of neck pain and a considerable amount of fibromyalgia pain may, in reality, be migraines,” Charles told us.

Dr. Charles’ statement was underscored in a recent survey of over 2,400 women with chronic pain by National Pain Report. In that readers survey, which had the largest response that we’ve had, over one-third of the women (34%) said they suffered from migraines.

Studies show that three times as many women suffer from migraines as men. Hormonal fluctuations are thought to be a major “trigger” of migraines.

But men suffer too.

“I love having a cup of coffee in the morning and a drink before dinner,” a friend who is a 30-year migraine sufferer explained to me. “I mostly avoid them because I know that both of those are possible triggers for me.”

Elizabeth Loder, MD, is co-author of the “Migraine Solution”. In an online discussion at WashingtonPost.com, she shared with a patient the importance of understanding triggers, but also acknowledged that knowing them and avoiding them doesn’t mean the migraine won’t still come on.

“Your comment about food triggers reminds me that most people with migraine do notice things in the environment that can affect the chance they will have a headache. Most of the time, however, even if they are careful to avoid these things, they will still get some headaches,” Dr. Loder wrote.

“I think that is because for most people who are susceptible to migraine there are usually many different things that can trigger a headache — not just a single thing — and some of those things are not obvious or avoidable.”.

Generally the onset of a migraine may be preceded by mood changes, fatigue, mental fuzziness and fluid retention. This so-called “common migraine” can persist three of four days depending on treatment. Some are preceded by a visual aura which presents as a flickering jagged line, usually at the side of the visual field. Either type of migraine may also be accompanied by nasal congestion, tearing, and sinus pain or pressure.

The American Migraine Foundation reports that migraine costs the United States more than $20 billion each year. Those costs count both direct medical costs and indirect expenses like missed work and lost productivity.

Dr. George Gertner is the founder of Upper Cervical Chiropractic of New York, a clinic that offers chiropractic procedure called the NUCCA technique. Follow this Twitter page to know more about the company. 

New study sheds light on the mechanisms of fibromyalgia

A study published in the September online edition of Arthritis & Rheumatism provides new information on the mechanisms of fibromyalgia.

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Fibromyalgia, a condition characterized by chronic, body-wide pain, muscle tenderness, and fatigue, affects more than five million Americans. The cause is yet to be known, and there is no cure. However, treatment can help alleviate its symptoms.

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The study used magnetic resonance imaging to measure blood flow changes in the brains and assess the responses of the study participants, a group composed of 35 women with the condition and a control group of 25 women without the condition, to non-painful stimulation. Researchers asked the groups to perform a variety of simple motor tasks, and exposed them to different colors and tones.

In the control group, the parts of the brain that are responsible for interpreting visual, motor, and auditory signals were activated significantly, while in the fibromyalgia group, areas of the brain that are not responsible for processing these signals were activated.

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The results seem to suggest that people with fibromyalgia do not just over-process pain-related signals; their brains also seem to misprocess certain types of signals that are actually non-painful.

The study has added more weight to the theory that fibromyalgia could be rooted in problems in the central nervous system. According to the study's lead author Marina Lopez-Sola of the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of Colorado, Boulder, understanding the mechanism might help them explore newer and more effective forms of treatment.

Dr. George Gertner is a chiropractor from White Plains, New York. For articles on health and disease prevention and management, susbcribe to this blog.

REPOST: Lighten the load: Watch the weight of school backpacks warn doctors, parents

In the article below, Carolyn Kimmel of Pennlive.com discusses how a heavy backpack can contribute to poor posture and possibly cause severe back pain.

Cristina Speicher makes sure her daughter's backpack can zip around the heavy load she will carry to school this fall. (Carolyn Kimmel, Special to PennLive) | Image Source: pennlive.com

As a baggage handler for an airline, Cristina Speicher expects to heft around heavy suitcases.

What the Dillsburg mom didn't expect was the weight she felt when she picked up her high-school-aged son's backpack last year.

"He only had two textbooks in there and the rest was folders and I thought it was too heavy," Speicher, 39, said. "He doesn't have time between classes to stop at his locker so he carries it with him all day. He doesn't think it's heavy, but I do."

Speicher also has two middle school-aged daughters whose backpacks are too heavy for her liking, but her pleas to get them to lighten the load fall on deaf ears. They aren't allowed to carry their backpacks to classes and get locker stops throughout the day, but they still have to carry the heavy packs to and from home and school, she said.

To help in any way she can, Speicher makes sure to buy backpacks that are durable and well-made, even if they cost more.

"My rule is the book bag has to zip shut. If it's lightweight and you pack too much in, it rips when you zip it," she said.

Risk for back, posture problems

On a long list of back-to-school supplies that includes anything from mechanical pencils to trappers and folders, one item deserving of more attention is a backpack.

Choosing the right backpack – and using it correctly – can have health implications that could last far beyond the notebooks and supplies it carries.

"Backpacks have been shown in research to pose risks to children's health from repetitious use," saidDr. Christine Curran of Cornerstone Chiropractic in Dillsburg. Studies have shown nearly three-quarters of children who use backpacks report having back pain, she said.

In addition to back pain, wearing a heavy backpack can lead to unhealthy posture changes, aggravation of other underlying back issues and increased potential for falling due to changes in how children balance with heavy weight on their backs, Curran said.

Scoliosis, an irregular curvature of the spine that can become more serious as a child gets older, is not caused or made worse by heavy backpacks, said Dr. Cynthia Elsner, a pediatrician with Hummelstown-based Pediatric Associates, which is a member of PinnacleHealth Medical Group.

"The most common problem would be back pain,'' Elsner said. "A lot of kids do complain of back pain, but it's usually sports-related."

Elsner added that a heavy backpack could aggravate sports-related back pain.

A history of back problems makes Monaghan Township resident Tammy Whitaker, 41, more aware of her children's heavy backpacks. She has spondylolisthesis, which is displacement of the vertebra.

"Spondylolisthesis can be hereditary and is usually not noticed unless another injury has occurred.  With this being hereditary, I worry about my children developing it especially carrying the weight of their backpacks through school all day and home on the bus," she said.

Last year, her 15-year-old son, Cordell, was having back problems and had to do physical therapy because the muscles in his back were so tight.

"I found out after this that he carries every subject in his backpack all day all year because his locker is not convenient to where his classes are," she said. "I do not know for sure if the heavy backpack caused the back problems, but I am sure it didn't help."

According to a study published in the Journal of School Health, greater relative backpack weight is associated with complaints of upper– and mid–back pain and also with lost school time, lost school sports time, and greater chiropractic utilization.

Still, Curran said, using a backpack is preferable to other carrying bag options, if the backpack is used correctly.

Shop smart, wear it right

The first step is buying the proper one for your child's size.

"Make sure the pack is a good size for your child. The lower part of the pack should rest in the lower back area with padded shoulder straps that are tightened appropriately," Curran said.

Then, make sure your kids wear the pack correctly, doctors said.

"Our bodies are meant to do things symmetrically when it comes to carrying things on our backs," said Dr. James Mosher, pediatrician with JDC Pediatrics in Mechanicsburg. "Kids should always use both shoulder straps and place heavier items close to the center of the back that's the center of gravity."

At the store, he advises choosing a backpack with wide, padded shoulder straps, a waist strap, a padded back and one that is light-weight.

Just as important as the backpack is what goes into it – and less is definitely better.

"As a rule, a backpack should never be more than 10 to 20 percent of a child's body weight," Mosher said. "Anything heavier can cause muscle injury, pain and strain."

Curran suggests that parents keep the pack at 10 percent or less of the child's weight – and monitor the weight weekly.

"Heavy packs have been shown to decrease disc height in the lower back in children," she said. "One study showed that, of 1,403 school children analyzed, 61.4 percent had backpacks exceeding 10 percent of their body weight. Those carrying the heaviest backpacks had a 50 percent higher risk of back pain. Girls presented a higher risk of back pain compared with boys."

Enlist school's help

Curran advises parents to ask their child's school for a second set of textbooks to be kept at home if the child is repeatedly carrying home books.

"Parents who have requested this note for children under care in my office have always had an easy time obtaining that set of books," she said.

Pat Franko, principal at Dillsburg Elementary School, said the trend is toward electronic text books, which reduces the load that kids carry back and forth from school to home.

"I only had one parent throughout my tenure as principal who brought it up to me as an issue for her son,'' Franko said. "We resolved it by assuring that he had access to the books online or that he completed any work for which a book was needed at school so he didn't have to carry the heavy books home."

Parents should pay attention to signs that they need to check their child's pack, such as trouble getting the pack on and off easily, abnormal posture due to leaning to one side or head leading in front of the body while wearing the backpack, Curran said.

Although packs with wheels are an alternative, Curran said she doesn't recommend them.

"Some parents think this is the answer to a heavy backpack,'' she said. "But the child must still hoist the pack up and down multiple times daily, adding another repetitive stressor."


For more information on chiropractic care, visit this Dr. George Gertner blog.

Chiropractic care for animals

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Chiropractic therapy involves the manipulation of the spine to alleviate symptoms of pain related to the central nervous system. People have been going to chiropractors for many years to help relieve back or neck pain, or to enhance general wellness. Athletes, in general, find chiropractic useful as it provides an alternative avenue for physical therapy. But can the same manipulation of joints work with animals? Some chiropractors seem to think so.

For instance, Dr. Chelsey Giardina of Portersville, Pennsylvania, has begun offering chiropractic therapy to dogs, cats, and horses. The business, though still quite new, has expanded because of the positive feedback she has received from her customers. Most of her “clients” (as they were) are old sports animals, particularly race horses that are arthritic or have orthopedic injuries. Treating around 40 animals per week, Dr. Giardina says that her services save customers expensive bills from veterinarians.

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This may spark a trend among animal owners who are looking for natural and alternative ways in treating their pets. The practice is similar to that of humans, with the chiropractor applying pressure on specific areas and manipulating the joints and spine to help relieve pain. Naturally, for larger animals such as horses, the technique will differ slightly to accommodate them. So far, the feedback for the practice has been generally positive, with only time telling whether this will be as mainstream as human chiropractic care. Chiropractic care for animals is legal, as long as the practitioner is also a veterinarian.

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Dr. George Gertner is the founder of Upper Cervical Chiropractic of New York (UCC-NY), which specializes in the NUCCA technique, a gentle chiropractic procedure. Learn more about his practice by liking this Facebook page.

A primer on chiropractic therapy for back pain

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Chiropractic care is considered an alternative method of treating certain illness through the manipulation of the spine and other surrounding structures. Since it does not require any form of surgery, it is non-invasive and generally lasts for only a few minutes. Chiropractic therapy is touted to be an effective treatment for lower back pain, neck pain, and other similar conditions.

Conventional treatments for lower back pain are generally self-applied, for instance, the use of hot compresses or the taking of pain relievers. However, more people are considering taking a step further by visiting their local chiropractor. These sessions are used to augment treatment and provide faster and longer relief against back pain.

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Chiropractic therapy for back pain involves spinal manipulation. Controlled pressure, done by the hands or through a device, is placed on target areas. This usually involves the chiropractor extending the patient’s joint to the end of its range and lightly thrusting it. This is known in the industry as “adjustment.” Adjustments realign bones to make them straighter. There should be no pain from the manipulation.

Depending on the severity of the condition, sessions could last for an hour and may require several meetings to fully treat the pain. Usually treatments last several weeks. A chiropractor may suggest that sessions are started a few short times per week, with each session lasting for only 10 to 20 minutes. As the condition gets better, sessions could be lessened to once a week. It is recommended that patients consult with their chiropractor to discuss treatment sessions and goals of the therapy. Those who have never had chiropractic care may feel slightly stiff after a session but this will disappear after a few days.

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With more than a decade’s worth of experience, Dr. George Gertner of Upper Cervical Chiropractic of New York (UCC-NY) knows how to safely and effectively treat conditions such as back pain using the latest chiropractic techniques. Learn more about him and his expertise here.

Chiropractic during pregnancy: Is it safe?

Chiropractic care provides a lot of benefits. From joint alignments to spine adjustment, it encourages the body’s natural ability to heal.

For pregnant women, however, the question always lies on its safety, especially when it comes to its rigorous treatments.

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A narrative review published in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine states that chiropractic evaluation and treatment of musculoskeletal symptoms that affect pregnant patients are considered safe and effective.

Supported by various cases around the world, a survey reveals that chiropractic is the third most common form of alternative treatment sought by pregnant women, behind massage and yoga. Moreover, chiropractors have reported that 72 percent of these patients were likely to have benefited from chiropractic care, particularly in treating back pain.

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Aiming to help future mothers, the American Chiropractic Association shares that chiropractic medicine has the ability to detect imbalances in one’s pelvis and other body parts that may bring discomfort or neuromusculoskeletal problems after they give birth.

This is especially true for women who want to find relief from increased low-back pain caused by pregnancy, which adds stress and discomfort. Moreover, chiropractors also offer nutrition, ergonomic, and exercise advice for a healthy pregnancy.  

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An experienced chiropractor, Dr. George Gertner helps patients find relief from various medical conditions. Visit this website to learn more about his training and expertise.

Back pain: A universal problem

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Back pain, specifically lower back pain, is a disability that has been experienced by a lot of people all over the world. No matter what race, geographic location, occupation, or gender, back pain has caused a lot of distress that the condition is now considered the leading cause of disability worldwide.

Lower back pain has caused disabilities more than any other physical conditions. It has affected at least one out of every 10 people in the world, and it has become a very common condition among the elderly. It was also proven that lots of cases of lower back pain are work-related, but for the majority of other cases, the cause is still unclear.

Studies have also shown that back pain often causes lost workdays in the U.S. And that the it affects more men than women.

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Meanwhile, a recent research revealed the prevalence rate of back pain was lowest in the Caribbean and Latin America. Researchers suggest that the "higher levels of exercise, shorter height, higher pain thresholds, and less access to health insurance" may be among the reasons why the regions have lower incidences of back pain.

It should be noted that lower back pain is not normally linked to any life-threatening illnesses. However, with the number of cases growing all over the world, it can still become a big issue as the pain could range from being bearable to incapacitating to emotionally distressing.

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For more than a decade, Dr. George Gertner has been helping patients find relief from various conditions, including back pain and other spinal problems. Learn more about his practice by visiting this website.