Does Sleeping Position Matter?

Did you realize that you spend 1/3 of your life sleeping?  Are you sleeping in a position that allows you the best sleep possible?  Does it really matter which position you sleep in?  The answer to the last question is YES!

There are three main sleeping positions – on your side, on your back, and on your stomach.  Let’s look at how each of these sleeping positions may affect you.

Sleeping on your back:

Sleeping on your back is a great position because it allows you to support your head, neck, and lower back area.  If you have lower back stiffness or discomfort, try sleeping with a few pillows or a wedge under your knees.  If you use a cervical support pillow, your head and neck will be supported in the position that produces the least amount of stress on your cervical spine.

Sleeping on your side:

Many people find sleeping on their side the most comfortable.  And many people who start out sleeping on their back will tend to end up sleeping on their sides.  To make this position supportive, use a cervical support pillow that is the correct height for your body type.  If your pillow is too low, your head will tilt down.  If your pillow is too high, your neck will be uncomfortably stretched.  Most cervical pillows have different height options to chose from in one pillow so you are sure to find a comfortable fit.  To make the side lying sleeping position even more comfortable, consider sleeping with a pillow or leg spacer between your knees.  This will align your legs hip width apart and will properly support your lower back region.

Sleeping on your stomach:

Under most circumstances, this is THE WORST sleeping position for you!  Consider that your neck and head will be turned to one side for a prolonged period of time.  This places extra stress on your cervical spine and your upper back area.  The result is morning stiffness, headache, and neck pain.  Using a cervical pillow makes it very difficult to sleep on your stomach, and many patients will use a cervical pillow to help break them of this nasty sleep habit.

Obviously, most people will start sleeping in one position and move to other positions during the night.  However, if you can train yourself to limit your sleeping to back and side lying positions, you will do your spine a big favor.  We also strongly recommend that our patients use a cervical pillow.  The pillow will pay for itself as it will help reduce your morning pain and stiffness and probably your visits to the chiropractor too!

Which Cervical Pillow is Best For You?

We carry three different cervical pillows to meet the varying needs of our patients.  This information along with consultation with your chiropractor will help you chose the best pillow for your condition. 

Makura Miracle Pillow:

Using this hull filled pillow will help you sleep better and awake more refreshed, free from headaches and neck pains.  It provides superior comfort, versatility and lasting results.  The adjustable size and shape give you the comfort and relief you want, with the proper support you need.  The all natural Buckwheat hull filling moves with you as you move.  The Makura Miracle Pillow forms itself to you giving firm, uniform, passive support to the entire head and neck area.  Another benefit, unlike many contoured foam pillows, is that it will not wear out needing replacement.

Pillo Pedic:

Using this cervical support pillow helps the adjustments you receive "hold" longer.  The pillow's gentle traction works while you sleep to help provide correct neck alignment and cervical spine support.  Durable construction features non-allergenic polyurethane and polyester fiber - not foam rubber - for the longest-lasting pillow available.  The Pillo Pedic pillows are good for both side lying and back lying positions. 

Ultima 2000:

The Ultima 2000's revolutionary design cradles your head and supports your neck while your are sleeping on your side as well as your back.  Special bounce-back fibers and exclusive wing-shaped sides provide luxurious comfort even when you turn to your side.  This pillow is another option for those who prefer a contoured pillow that is a bit more forgiving from a comfort standpoint.

All of the above pillows are available in a variety of sizes, so we are sure to find the perfect pillow for you.

Interferential Therapy

What is interferential therapy?

It is a therapeutic treatment to aid in the relief of pain and the promotion of soft tissue healing.

How does it work?

Tiny amounts of electrical impulses are induced into the tissues in the vicinity of the injury.  Where these waves intersect below the surface of the skin, a low-frequency stimulation is created.  This prompts the body to secrete endorphins and other natural pain killers to help relieve pain.

What does interferential therapy feel like?

Most patients find the therapy to be extremely beneficial and describe the treatment as a faint "pins and needles" sensation.

Why would this type of therapy be used?

Interferential therapy is most often used for pain relief and to aid in reducing swelling of soft tissues.  Ligament sprains, muscle strains and spasms often respond to this treatment, helping to reduce atrophy and increase blood circulation.

Patient benefits:

• Reduces painful symptoms
• Decreases local swelling
• Promotes muscle tone
• Restores normal movements
• Releases the body's natural pain killers
• Accelerates the healing process

Infantile Colic

A common condition treated at Schubbe Resch Chiropractic and Physical Therapy Centers in Appleton is infantile colic.  An infant’s intestinal tract contains a balance of both good and bad bacteria. The good bacteria is primarily bifido bacterium, and to a lesser degree, acidophilus.  Certain factors diminish the levels of bifido bacterium (a good bacteria), causing e-coli (a not always good bacteria) to predominate.  When an infant’s intestinal tract is out of balance, colicky behavior may result.  At our office, we observe three common factors leading to colicky behavior:

1. Cesarean section/birth:  The bacteria actually arrive in the newborn as the baby passes through the birth canal. Babies born via cesarean section do not receive bacteria via the birth canal.
2. Antibiotics:  Although these are sometimes necessary, antibiotics exert a pronounced adverse effect on the number of beneficial bacteria in the intestinal tract.  Therefore, when antibiotics are being used or have been used, it is important to reestablish these helpful bacteria in large numbers.
3. Bottle feeding: Infants that have been bottle-fed from birth, or weaned before three months, have far lower numbers of the beneficial bifido bacterium.

An examination and history by our doctors will determine whether a colicky baby is in need of supplementation of Ultra Bifidus.  Chiropractic care may also be recommended as it has been shown to be highly effective in treating colicky babies.

It is extremely important to consult with your medical professional to be sure you are using the proper bacteria supplement based on your child’s age. At age seven, children’s intestinal tracts change and the primary beneficial bacteria is acidophilus, which is also available as a supplement.  Giving yogurt to your child does not take the place of the proper bacteria supplementation.

Those who might need acidophilus (age seven and above) or bifidus (up to age seven) supplements are:

• Children with a history of oral thrush.
• Children with a history of diarrhea, constipation, or colic.
• Children with a history of a skin condition such as eczema.
• Children with a history of antibiotic therapy.
• Children born by cesarean section.

We would be happy to help you chose the proper bacteria supplement for your child based on their symptoms and age.

How Ultrasound Works

Ultrasound is a therapeutic treatment using high-frequency sound waves administered in the region of soft tissue injuries.  This modality is used in the treatment of arthritis, neuromas, adhesive scars, and where increasing the tissue temperature is the desired effect.

Sound vibrations, as fast as a million times per second, penetrate tissues deep in the body, creating a heat response.  These vibrations and heat help break down and disperse unhealthy calcium and other hard tissue accumulations.

The gel used to conduct the sound waves may be warm or at room temperature.  When the wand is moved over the injured area, most patients feel nothing, or a pleasant and relaxing sensation below the surface of the skin.

Ultrasound treatment can usually be administered directly to the area of complaint, penetrating deep into the body.  The rise in temperature increases blood flow, relaxes muscle spasm, massages damaged tissues, and speeds the healing process.

Patient Benefits:

• Highly effective in treating calcium deposition
• Stimulates healing without irritation
• Speeds metabolism and improves blood flow
• Reduces nerve root irritation
• Enhances the body's natural healing ability.

Winter Backache and Vitamin D

New research suggests that your chronic winter backache could be helped by taking vitamin D.

Based on a review of research by Stewart Leavitt, PhD, patients with chronic back pain usually had inadequate vitamin D levels.  And their pain was significantly reduced when they received adequate vitamin D supplementation.

Dr Leavitt's report, "Vitamin D: A Neglected 'Analgesic' for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain" includes these important points:

• Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption and bone health.  Among other things, inadequate vitamin D intake can result in softening of bone surfaces, called osteomalacia, which causes pain.  The lower back seems to be particularly vulnerable.
• The current suggested intake of vitamin D is outdated.  Many people need much more, especially in the late fall and winter months, and especially in the northern regions.  Vitamin D is safe in doses up to 10,000 IU per day, and has few interactions with medicines.
• Taking vitamin D does not mean you can forget about exercise, stretching, or good posture for your back health.

Risk factors for vitamin D deficiency are:

• Darker pigmented skin that does not convert UV rays efficiently to vitamin D (e.g. Hispanic, African American, Asian)
• Digestive disorders such as celiac disease
• Use of glucocorticoid medications for conditions such as lung diseases and allergies
• Minimal sun exposure
• Latitude and season

Consult with your health care provider if you are concerned about your vitamin D levels.  Our office sells several varieties and dosages of vitamin D for your convenience.

5 Common Headache Triggers

Headache sufferers spend more than $4 billion a year on over-the-counter pain relievers.  But prevention costs you nothing.  Here are five headache triggers to watch for:

1. Stress - frayed nerves are a frequent cause of tension headaches and may also trigger migraines.  Take 30 minutes a day to daydream, meditate or otherwise relax.
2. Diet - certain foods contain substances that can trigger headaches.  Caffeine, red wine, processed meats, chocolate, cheese, citrus fruits, lentils, snow peas and MSG are a few to take note of.
3. Eyestrain - concentrating on one object for a long time (such as your computer screen) can cause a headache.  Take occasional breaks by looking out the window, or taking a walk around the office.  See your eye doctor to rule out a vision problem.
4. Sitting - staying seated for long periods of time can tighten muscles and lead to tension headaches.  If you spend a lot of time on the phone, stand during conversations.  If you spend a lot of time at the computer, get up occasionally to stretch.
5. Sleep - too little or too much sleep can bring on headaches.  It is best to go to bed and get up at the same time every day - even on the weekends.

If these tips do not help you manage your headaches, remember that chiropractors are specially trained to diagnose and treat back and neck pain that may lead to headaches.