Tricare recipients, HELP IS ON THE WAY!!!

Hello, Jacksonville and surrounding communities. Dr. Chris here again to share some exciting news regarding a recent study comparing traditional medical only healthcare versus chiropractic care as rendered for military patients. thank you to Dr. Mark Studin for sharing this insightful study. I hope it helps you better understand what we have to offer our patients that may be unique and beneficial for you or your loved ones. Below please find a "cut and paste" of the study:

Patient Outcomes Proves More Effective with Chiropractic Combined with Standard Medical Care Than Standard Medical Care Alone in the Military

BY: D. Scott Ferguson

DC, William J. Owens DC, DAAMLP

 Mark Studin DC, FASBE(c), DAAMLP, DAAPM

Many people suffer from lower back pain at some point in their lives.  Most will seek the advice of a healthcare professional. However, many times this care is fragmented and not based on current evidence and can result in poorer outcomes. When considering outcomes, all doctors must consider creating a diagnosis, prognosis and then conclude a treatment plan. It is that treatment plan, which then determines the outcome after an accurate diagnosis. Many times, low back pain patients seek solely standard medical care and bypass a more effective chiropractic solution. This type of self-referral and physician triage has also been prevalent in the military and asks the question based upon outcome studies, is that in the best interest of both the military and the general public?  

In a recent paper by Goertz et al. (2013), the objective was, “To assess changes in pain levels and physical functioning in response to standard medical care (SMC) versus SMC plus chiropractic manipulative therapy (chiropractic adjustments) for the treatment of low back pain  among 18 to 35-year-old active-duty military personnel” (p. 627).  The authors stated, “Lifetime prevalence of low back pain has been estimated to be as high as 84%, with a median cost per quality-adjusted life year of $13,015” (p. 627).  The fact that lower back pain is a major source of disability and abuse of pain medication makes providing the best care possible a priority based upon outcome studies.  In this paper, it was reported that, “The majority of systematic reviews find that chiropractic manipulative therapy (adjustments) seems to reduce pain and disability at least moderately for many patients with low back pain” (p. 627).  Therefore, the questions are, “Should chiropractic care be part of your treatment plan and should it be included with standard medical treatment for lower back pain?” 

In the Goertz et al. (2013) study, the patients were allowed to seek standard medical care in an unrestricted fashion which meant they could go to their medical doctors as they normally would for lower back pain.  “Standard care included any or all of the following: a focused history and physical examination, diagnostic imaging as indicated, education about self-management including maintaining activity levels as tolerated, pharmacological (drug) management with the use of analgesics and anti-inflammatory agents, and physical therapy and modalities such as heat/ice and referral to a pain clinic” (p. 628).  On the chiropractic side, the authors stated “Treatments consisted of HVLA [high velocity low amplitude a.k.a. chiropractic adjustment] manipulation as the primary approach in all cases, with ancillary treatments at the doctor’s discretion, including brief massage, the use of ice or heat in the lumbar area, stretching exercises, McKenzie exercises, advice on activities of daily living, postural/ergonomic advice; and mobilization” (p. 628).  This is important since chiropractors view the spine as an entire system and the approach to patients is different as well as the therapeutic intervention.

In conclusion, the authors reported, “The results of our pragmatic pilot study indicate a statistically and clinically significant benefit to those receiving chiropractic manipulative therapy (adjustments) in addition to standard medical care” (p. 631).  Finally, they report, “The results of this trial suggest that chiropractic, in conjunction with standard medical care, offers a significant advantage for decreasing pain and improving physical functioning compared with only standard medical care, for active-duty men and women between 18 and 35 years of age with acute low back pain when delivered in a pragmatic treatment setting” (p. 633).

This study concurs with a previous study by Liliedahl et al. (2010) who studied 85,402 patients and adds to the growing body of evidence in diverse forums that chiropractic for mechanical back pain is more effective and cost-effective than standard medical care. Evidence such as this helps to dispel the partial truths and overcome the prejudices to help the public make informed choices.

References:

1. Goertz, C. M., Long, C. R., Hondras, M. A., Petri, R., Delgado, R., Lawrence, D. J.,…Meeker, W. C. (2013). Adding chiropractic manipulative therapy to standard medical care for patients with acute low back pain: Results of a pragmatic randomized comparative effectiveness study. Spine, 38(8), 627-634.

2. Liliedahl, R. L., Finch, M. D., Axene, D. V., & Goertz C. M. (2010). Cost of care for common back pain conditions initiated with chiropractic doctor vs. medical doctor/doctor of osteopathy as first physician: Experience of one Tennessee-based general health insurer. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 33(9), 640-643.

Along these lines, this is how our government has responded:

Legislation Introduced in U.S. Congress to Further Integrate DCs in Military, VA
Arlington, Va. – At the urging of the American Chiropractic Association (ACA), two new bipartisan bills were introduced in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives to further incorporate doctors of chiropractic (DCs) in the nation’s military and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care systems. Reps. Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) and Dave Loebsack (D-Iowa) introduced H.R. 802, bipartisan legislation that would provide TRICARE recipients with access to DCs, as well as services to manage pain and address neuromusculoskeletal disorders and related illnesses. Services provided by DCs are currently only available to active-duty troops at 60 military treatment facilities in the United States and at bases in Germany and Japan. "Congress needs to ensure that the services delivered by DCs are available to retirees, dependents and survivor beneficiaries in the military TRICARE system, a benefit that is now available to many in the private sector," said ACA President Anthony Hamm, DC, FACO. "This inequity has resulted in medically retired servicemen and women losing their chiropractic benefits immediately upon discharge." Additionally, Sens. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) introduced S. 398, "The Chiropractic Care Available to All Veterans Act," a bill that would integrate the services of DCs at all major VA medical facilities over several years and codify chiropractic as a standard benefit for veterans accessing VA care. Although the VA currently provides access to a DC at just over 50 major VA treatment facilities within the country, a great number of America’s eligible veterans continue to be denied access to chiropractic. The VA has no DCs on staff at a majority of the VA’s health facilities  and referrals to chiropractic services outside the VA system are rarely provided at these and other locations. "Congress should enact legislation to eliminate disparities in veterans’ access to chiropractic services,” said Dr. Hamm. “Veterans deserve access to the essential services provided by doctors of chiropractic, especially since a great number of returning overseas veterans are suffering from musculoskeletal ailments.  Who better to treat these brave men and women than chiropractic physicians?" According to ACA's Department of Government Relations, the 2015 National Chiropractic Leadership Conference (NCLC), Feb. 25-28 in Washington, D.C., will serve as a major lobbying opportunity to build support for these bills. Additionally, all chiropractic physicians and students are encouraged to visit ACA's Legislative Action Center to directly contact their member of Congress ahead of NCLC 2015 and urge them to co-sponsor and support enactment of these bills. Author: American Chiropractic Association Source: Acatoday.org - February 11, 2015. Copyright: American Chiropractic Association 2015

So, form my perspective, all good things for people looking for a choice in how they address musculoskeletal pain syndromes.

As always, thank you for taking the time to thoughtfully read my blog. I look forward to hearing from you soon or seeing you in my office. Please feel free to share this blog with friends and family.

God Bless!

Dr. Chris Renne
Chiropractic Physician
www.activechirocenter.com

Your best pillow equals your best SLEEP!

How to choose the perfect pillow

 

Hey everyone, Dr. Chris here. I’d like to take a moment to talk to you about how you sleep. Most people spend 6-8 hours of every day asleep, or nearly one third of their lives. But do you ever think about the posture you sleep in or how it might be affect your spine health?

One of the biggest factors on whether you’re sleeping with the right posture is your pillow. If you are waking up stiff and sore or, worse, waking up during the night, you may be using the wrong pillow. “Dr. Renne, what kind of pillow should I be using?” you might ask. Good question. The answer is: whatever kind of pillow feels right for you!

A pillow should do two things for you: keep you comfortable and offer your head, neck and cervical spine good support. Ideally a good pillow will keep your spine in a ‘neutral position’ while you are sleeping. That means that your spine should be oriented in basically a straight line. If your head is elevated too high this can put your spine out of alignment and cause strain on your muscles. The same can be true for a pillow that is too low.

Everyone is familiar with the classic pillow, but there are other types. If you are experiencing soreness, discomfort or pain when you wake up, you should experiment and see if one of these pillows might help:

Knee Pillow - If you sleep on your back, try placing an ordinary pillow underneath your knees. This knee flexion will actually cause a flattening of your lumbar spine, promoting proper posture while you sleep.

Body Pillow - This elongated pillow is great for side sleepers, as it cradles the upper body and allows the knees to be draped over it, promoting a positive sleep posture.

Cervical/Orthopedic Pillow - This is a contoured neck pillow that has a deeper depression in the center than at the edges, following the natural contours of the cervical spine. Some people swear by them, but they don’t work for everybody. Remember, the right pillow for you is the one that feels good!

Travel Pillow - U-shaped travel pillows aren’t only good for long trips in cars and planes; any time you are going to be in an upright, seated position for an extended period of time a travel pillow can help relieve the pressure on your neck and cervical spine.

Lumbar Support Pillow - There are also pillows that address stresses on the lower back. If you experience lower back pain in your day-to-day routine, try adding a lumbar support pillow and see if that helps.

Donut Pillow - These pillows are specially designed for people who suffer from a specific condition, such as coccydynia - which is pain of the tailbone, pain of the coccyx. Sitting on a donut pillow simply takes pressure off of that area of the spine.

These are just a few of the specialized pillows that are available - there are many many more out there! If you’re not satisfied with your current pillow situation, I encourage you to experiment. The good news is that most pillows, even speciality pillows, are relatively inexpensive.

For more information on choosing a good pillow, check out this video from Spine Health.

At Active Medical & Chiropractic we work directly with several medical pillow suppliers. Give us a call at (904) 398-4860 to talk to us today.

Yours in health,

Christopher B. Renne, D.C.

www.activechirocenter.com

Get on the Ball, people!

What? Who does this guy think he is telling me what to do?

Dr. Chris Renne here, one of your favorite chiropractors practicing at 4111 Atlantic Boulevard, here in Jacksonville, Florida. All kidding aside, what am I trying to say here.

Get on the Theraball, of course!

Why should you, you ask. What's in it for me, you wonder. 

My friends at Spine-Health recently shared some interesting information regarding the benefits of Theraball use and provided a few ideas on how you can start a simple, effective Theraball exercise program with less than $20 and a small does of motivation. below, please see what they have to say about this:

Many treatment programs for low back pain incorporate use of an exercise ball (also called a stability or fitness ball) to strengthen the core muscles in the stomach and back that support the spine. Exercise ball exercises clearly work and have been adopted in non-rehabilitation exercise programs by athletes and fitness buffs looking to cross-train and strengthen their core muscles.

This article provides several simple steps to choose, get familiar with, and benefit from using an exercise ball on a regular basis. 


Choosing the Right Exercise Ball

Physical therapists, exercise trainers, Chiropractors, and other professionals have constructed several guidelines to use when selecting the proper exercise ball size.
When sitting upright on an exercise ball:
Feet should be flat on the floor - with an even weight distribution.
Knees should be level or slightly lower than the pelvis - creating an angle of 90 degrees or slightly greater at the hips and knees (thighs parallel to ground or pointing down slightly).
Pelvis, shoulders, and ears should be in a vertical line — the body should not be leaning in any direction as a counter-balance.  Bouncing up and down lightly will usually produce this alignment. Exercise balls generally come in five different diametrical sizes to be accordingly used by people of differing body compositions.
It is important to note that height alone is not the only factor in determining ball size. Because the exercise balls are flexible and offer resistance, weight is also an important factor.

A general guideline for height correspondence to diameter of exercise ball is as follows (assuming average body weight is proportional to height):

Ball Diameter Your Height
45cm 5’ and under
55cm 5’1” - 5’8”
65cm 5’9” - 6’2”
75cm 6’3” - 6’7”
85cm 6’8” and taller

If body weight to height is larger than the average proportion, sitting on the exercise ball will compress it down more, so try using the next larger exercise ball size in order to maintain the 90-degree rule. Another factor to keep in mind is that most exercise ball sizes have some adjustability to them. If the angles at the hips and knees are much greater than 90 degrees, some air can be released to compensate and vice versa.
Bear in mind, releasing air from the exercise ball will cause it to lose air pressure. As the ball flattens out, this will actually make it more stable, as it has a larger contact area with the resisting surface and the body. This means that stabilizing and balancing exercises will become easier and will lose some effectiveness.
Exercise balls also lose pressure because of stretching from regular usage. Therefore, as the ball ages, it may require further inflation. On the other hand, adding excessive air to the exercise ball will increase the difficulty of balancing and stabilizing, as the contact area decreases.

Starting an Exercise Ball Program

Just sitting on an exercise ball is active and requires the core body muscles to work to hold the body upright and balanced on the ball. Until sitting on the exercise ball feels comfortable, it is often a good idea to not have the ball fully inflated - a slightly deflated exercise ball is more stable.
Sit in the center of the ball with both feet firmly on the ground about shoulder width apart. If this is difficult, then use a wider stance.
The knees should be in line over the ankles.
Shoulders should be in line over the body (not hunching forward) and the head squarely over the neck (not leaning forward).
One can easily sit on the exercise ball while working at a desk or computer workstation and use it as an alternative to a traditional office chair. Others prefer to sit on it while watching television. Whatever the use, sitting on an exercise ball at some point of the day is helpful to strengthen the core muscles that support the spine. 

Beginning Stretches

There are several stretches that are easy to do when starting to use an exercise ball. These stretching exercises help with proprioception, or the sense of the position or parts of the body relative to the rest of the body, and with balance. Each of these stretches should be done slowly 8 to 12 times.
Move the hips from side-to-side. While sitting on the exercise ball (as described above) and keeping the knees still, move the hips gently from side to side. Pause for a second at the end of each sideways movement to allow for a gentle stretch.
Move hips from front-to-back. While keeping the knees still, place hands on the knees and rotate the hips forward by tucking the buttocks first under the pelvis, and then push them out behind the pelvis. All the motion should be limited to the hip area, not the knees or chest. 

If you'd like to learn more about how to properly include an exercise Theraball into your daily health routine, please feel free email Dr. Christopher Renne, D.C. at jaxchiro@gmail.com and ask any questions you may have. Additionally, feel free to drop in with your ball and the team here at Active Medical & Chiropractic can show you one of our favorite home exercise programs, the 30 minute TV Workout. 

For more exercise ball routines and exercises, visit http://www.spine-health.com/wellness/exercise/how-start-exercise-ball-program

As always, thank you for taking the time to read this blog. Hopefully, you have learned a thing or two that will inspire you to take a positive step forward towards a more abundant, pain free life. So, Get on the Ball, Jacksonville!


Be well,

Christopher b. Renne, D.C.
jaxchiro@gmail.com
www.activechirocenter.com

Read, Share, SAVE A LIFE!

From the desk of Christopher B. Renne, D.C., a Jacksonville, Florida based chiropractic physician.

Recently, children close to my family have perished in tragic auto accidents.  These unimaginable events have me the thinking how could I effect positive change in the world knowing what I know and having experienced through these families their pain of loss.  So I contacted my friends at Allstate Insurance and they provided me with some facts compiled by their sources which I have listed below in no particular order. 

Please carefully read these and share them with anyone you know who may have a teen driving in their household so that perhaps together we can prevent unnecessary tragedy.

TEEN DRIVING FACTS:

1.         Car crashes are the #1 killer of teens in America.

Car crashes caused far more teen deaths each year than homicide, suicide, cancer, and drugs. (1).

2.         Teen drivers have a crash rate three times those of drivers 20 years and older per mile driven. (1).

3.         A total of 2,823 teens aged between 13 and 19 died in motor vehicle crashes in 2012. (1)

4.         On average nearly 8 teens die each day in car crashes. (1)

5.         Teen motor vehicle crash death in 2012 occurred most frequently from 9 p.m. to midnight (1).

6.         Summer is the deadliest season for teens on the road. (1)

7.         Crashes involving teens cost society $26 billion each year (2).

*On a personal note that is a measure of dollar cost. The cost in heartache and despair can never be measured.

8.         Inexperience is a leading cause of teen crashes (2).

Of teens aged 13 through 19 who died in car crashes in 2012, 52% of drivers and 59% of passengers were not wearing a seatbelt (1).

9.         Of total crashes among 15 to 19-year-old drivers, distractions were involved.  21% were identified as using cellphones (5).

10.       Driver distractions were indicated for 16% of all drivers involved in fatal crashes for people under the age of 20 (3).

11.       With no adult passenger the risk of 16 or 17-year-old drivers being killed in a car crash increases 44% with one passenger under the age of 21. * It doubles with two young passengers, and quadruples with three or more young passenger* (4).

12.       Speeding is a factor in one of every three teen fatal crashes (3).

Finally among drivers ages 16-19 killed in 2012, 23% had blood alcohol concentrations of 0.08% or higher (1).

I commend you for reading all the way to the end. I wish this could have been a more positive message today.

Thank you to Mandy Bowers and Kelby Hoden of Mandy Bowers Allstate Agency here in Jacksonville, Florida for helping compile this information. 

Christopher B. Renne, D.C.

Chiropractic Physician

www.activechirocenter.com

jaxchiro@gmail.com

Sources:

1.         Insurance Institute for Highway Safety 2012 teen fatality fax.

2.         National Safety Council.

3.         National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

4.         “Teen driver risk in relation to age and number of passengers”.

5.         Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Harvard University chimes in on the benefits of Chiropractic care.

Dr. Chris here again. I recently received an interesting article that I thought you guys may find useful.
Seems like even the most prestigious of institutions here in the US are coming around on the alternative health care choices that are growing in both popularity and efficacy.

What follows is a "cut and paste" from a newsletter article from Harvard Medical School called
"Harvard Health Publications". I encourage you to visit their website and subscribe to this most informative periodical.

"Chiropractic care for pain relief

Chiropractic is a health care system that holds that the structure of the body, particularly the spine, affects the function of every part of the body. Chiropractors try to correct the body’s alignment to relieve pain and improve function and to help the body heal itself.

While the mainstay of chiropractic is spinal manipulation, chiropractic care now includes a wide variety of other treatments, including manual or manipulative therapies, postural and exercise education, ergonomic training (how to walk, sit, and stand to limit back strain), nutritional consultation, and even ultrasound and laser therapies. In addition, chiropractors today often work in conjunction with primary care doctors, pain experts, and surgeons to treat patients with pain.

Most research on chiropractic has focused on spinal manipulation for back pain. Chiropractic treatment for many other problems—including other musculoskeletal pain, headaches, asthma, carpal tunnel syndrome, and fibromyalgia—has also been studied. A recent review concluded that chiropractic spinal manipulation may be helpful for back pain, migraine, neck pain, and whiplash.

There have been reports of serious complications, including stroke, following spinal manipulation of the neck, although this is very rare and some studies suggest this may not be directly caused by the treatment.

“Spinal manipulation” is a generic term used for any kind of therapeutic movement of the spine, but used more precisely it is the application of quick but strong pressure on a joint between two vertebrae of the spine. That pressure twists or rotates the joint beyond its normal range of motion and causes a sharp cracking noise. That distinctive noise is believed to be caused by the breaking of a vacuum or the release of a bubble into the synovial fluid, the clear, thick fluid that lubricates the spinal and other joints. Spinal manipulation can be done either directly by pushing on the vertebrae or indirectly by twisting the neck or upper part of the body. It should be done to only one spinal joint at a time. Chiropractors and other practitioners accomplish this by positioning the body so the force they exert is focused on one joint while parts of the spine above and below it are held very still. Most spinal manipulation treatments take somewhere between 10 and 20 minutes and are scheduled two or three times a week initially. Look for improvements in your symptoms after a couple of weeks.

In addition, a chiropractor may advise you about changing your biomechanics and posture and suggest other treatments and techniques. The ultimate goal of chiropractic is to help relieve pain and help patients better manage their condition at home."(1)

Thank you for taking the time to read this article. I hope you have learned something and will consider sharing this with a friend or family member that may be experiencing acute or chronic pain. Remember, we are always here at Active Medical & Chiropractic to counsel you through your pain. On behalf of my entire team, I wish you are healthy and happy week!

As always, 

Be Well!

Christopher Renne, D.C.

www,activechirocenter.com

Source: (1) http://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/chiropractic-care-for-pain-relief?utm_source=TENSnet+Newsletter&utm_campaign=3f4717fb6f-Article2_24_2015&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_fe64c8d5dc-3f4717fb6f-206097545

As promised last week, here are specific home exercise equipment recommendations

Hope you are doing well and still keeping up with your personal and fitness goals in 2015. Last week we covered the topic of home exercises and how to get started. This week, I have laid out some recommendations and have provided some general information regarding some of the equipment we have used here at Active Medical & Chiropractic and other pieces of equipment you may wish to employ in your home gym. As an aside, this is the time of year when many Jacksonville residents have given up on their goals and have started to liquidate their previously well intended purchases. As such, many of the devices below can be had for pennies on the dollar on websites such as craigslist.org and "swip swap" of___________.com 

1. Elliptical Trainer

An elliptical trainer (sometimes called a cross trainer) is an exercise machine that simulates a number of aerobic exercises, including walking or running, stair-stepping, or cross-country skiing. Elliptical machines have pedals suspended above the ground and are moved forward and back, or up and down, on a track. A user's foot never hits the ground on an elliptical trainer, so the jarring impact of walking or running on a hard surface is eliminated, and many back pain sufferers find this an advantage.

The suspended pedals move on an oval-shaped ("elliptical") track and provide a workout for the legs, and most trainers are designed so that the resistance can be changed to make the workout easier or more rigorous. Because the elliptical motion is fluid, movement on the trainer does not jar or stress the spinal structures.

Advantages to Using an Elliptical Trainer

• Very low level of stress on the spine and other joints and bones
• Provides an efficient cardiovascular workout and, secondarily, helps build muscle strength when the greater resistance settings are used
• Most elliptical trainers allow the user to adjust the incline and resistance levels
• Some models offer foot pedals that move in dual directions (i.e., forward and backward) to exercise more muscle groups and add variety to the exercise routine.
• Some models of elliptical trainers also have handles or poles to provide an upper body workout (similar to the upper body workout in cross country skiing).

Disadvantages to Using an Elliptical Trainer

• Some people find it difficult to start the motion, given that the pedals are not on the ground and it can require a significant forward push to set the pedals moving
• Does not provide much weight bearing exercise (a key part of osteoporosis prevention) to strengthen bones and muscles because the smoother movements are designed for lower impact
• Primarily focuses on the legs, even on machines that have a 'ski' function with movable arms, so users will need to add other upper-body and core muscle exercises to their routine to get a well-rounded workout
• The advanced elliptical trainers can be expensive. Basic models cost around $1,000, and higher-end models with more features are priced in the $4,000 range. Annual maintenance may add extra cost.

2. Stationary Bike or Recumbent Exercise Cycle 

A stationary exercise bike is a familiar piece of cardiovascular equipment that is generally easy to use. Bikes provide a no-impact aerobic workout that can strengthen and tone the muscles of the legs and buttocks.

The popularity and durability of exercise bikes have increased over the last few years, driven in part by 'spinning' classes - group cycling classes offered by many gyms - and as an aging public has looked for lower-impact forms of exercise. New stationary bike models are fairly sophisticated, and now go beyond counting miles and tracking speed to having multiple programs that manage and change exercise pace, count calories burned, and measure heart rate. Some exercise bikes can connect to the Internet, allowing users to maintain an online record of exercise sessions to chart progress.

There are two main types of exercise bikes: upright and recumbent. An upright exercise bike looks like a regular road bike, with a vertical orientation and handlebars out front. On a recumbent bike, the rider is seated against a backrest, with legs out in front. Experts differ about the comparative health benefits of upright versus recumbent models, and most agree that selection is a matter of personal preference. For back pain patients it may depend on comfort while in a leaning forward position sitting on an upright stationary bike, or in a reclining position on a recumbent bike.

• Upright exercise bikes allow for more variety of movement, such as riding while standing or in a racing position, so more muscle groups can be exercised as a biker changes position. Also, users with conditions such as spinal stenosis orosteoarthritis may find the forward-leaning position of the upright bike to be most comfortable.

• Recumbent exercise bikes may be somewhat easier to use for some people because the backrest provides additional balance. Users with mechanical low back pain (such as degenerative disc disease) sometimes find the back support and reclining position of the recumbent bike more comfortable. However, some fitness experts also warn that recumbent bikes encourage a slower, less intense workout and which may deliver less cardiovascular benefit.

Most exercise bike manufacturers will offer both styles of bike, and the recumbent bikes are typically more expensive. Trying out both types of home exercise bike in a store or gym will make the decision easier.

Advantages to Using an Exercise Bike

• Bikes generally require very little maintenance; keeping the chain clean and oiled takes care of most potential problems
• Basic exercise (pedaling) is not difficult, so learning the exercise is very easy
• No/low impact exercise lessens risk of injury or strain
• Popularity of biking and spinning means users can add variety to workouts by using spinning videos
• Upright (traditional) exercise bikes and recumbent exercise bikes allow users choice in deciding which type of stationary bike is most comfortable.

Disadvantages to Using an Exercise Bike

• Bikes are exclusively focused on exercising legs, so users will need to balance bike exercise with upper body and core exercise for a balanced workout.

We have found the benefits far outweigh the negatives when using these modalities to treat of patients. As with all forms of exercise, always seek medical evaluation and clearance prior to beginning a new exercise routine. 

Treadmills for Exercise and Pain Relief

One of the most popular types of home exercise equipment is the treadmill, which provides a straightforward, efficient aerobic workout. For many, treadmills are a good choice to begin a new exercise routine because walking is well tolerated by most individuals regardless of fitness level and for most back conditions. As strength and endurance are developed, the treadmill can be used for jogging and/or for interval training

Advantages to Using a Treadmill

• The treadmill is a relatively easy piece of exercise equipment to use
• The treadmill has a predictable surface that is much easier to negotiate than sidewalks, curbs or trails and the risk of tripping is reduced
• All aspects of the workout can be controlled by the user: speed, incline, warm up period, cool down period, and energy spend
• Generally, users can design custom programs to fit the time they have to exercise
• Multiple users can use the same equipment without adjusting the structure
• Some treadmills have special features such as step counters and heart rate monitors so fitness progress can be tracked
• Running on a treadmill generally burns calories faster than most other forms of in-home exercise, such as biking. Users can do other things while on the treadmill, such as watch television or read, which for many can help keep the exercise interesting

If getting in shape and/or losing weight are primary concerns, treadmills might be the best machine to accomplish these objectives. In a recent study comparing exercise, users who felt that they had exercised equally strenuously on bikes and treadmills actually spent 25% more calories on the treadmill. (Milwaukee VA Hospital Study).

Disadvantages to Using a Treadmill

• They can be expensive, with some models over $2000.
• The cushioned surface of the treadmill may still inflict too much of a jarring impact on the back or stress the hip, knee, and ankle joints. Testing the surface and rebound is critical.
• They can take up a lot of space. The more sophisticated treadmills take up a fair amount of space (up to 36 inches wide by 72 inches long) and generally do not fold up.
• Like other equipment with computerized programs and motors, maintenance of treadmills usually requires a professional.
• Some treadmills have loud motors that interfere with other activities near the equipment.
• Treadmills provide a limited kind of exercise - walking to running - so some people find treadmills boring after a while.

Remember, many people begin home based exercise and quickly give up. Let their loss be your gain. Before spending hundreds or even thousands of dollar on these machines, look for quality, lightly used products on your local craigslist or swip swap type websites. 

Good luck sticking to your exercise, weight loss and fitness goals in 2015. If you ever feel stuck and need a push, please feel free to contact me via email on jaxchiro@gmail.com or call my office and schedule a consultation. To borrow from the late coach Jimmy Valvano, I emplore you " NEVER give up".

God Bless!

Christopher B. Renne, D.C.

Chiropractic Physician 

www.activechirocenter.com

(904) 398-4860

Source: www.spine-health/wellness/exercise

reprinted with permission.

New year, New fitness goals.....

Cheers all! 

This article describes several types of home exercise equipment that are gentle on the lower back and spine, provide a good cardiovascular workout, and could be incorporated into a home exercise routine. Selecting and investing in the right equipment is made easier if the following factors are considered:

• Which types of exercise are most enjoyable? Individuals who enjoy a particular form of exercise, such as power walking, can choose home exercise equipment that facilitates that activity - like a treadmill - or contains elements of that activity in a broader routine.
• How much variety will the exercise equipment provide? Exercise equipment that has adjustable resistance, speeds, positions, or uses can provide a more varied workout, allowing the user to increase or decrease the difficulty of the activity as fitness and endurance are developed.
• Where will the home exercise equipment be used and stored? Some machines can be folded or adjusted for more compact storage, but some large equipment is not easily moved without heavy lifting or pushing, which may not be possible or desirable for all people. When determining how much space the equipment will need, measurements should include all the positions and extensions on the machine. Some equipment, like elliptical trainers, may be too tall to fit in a basement with a low ceiling.
• How reliable is the brand? It is ideal to find out what experience others have had with the model under consideration. Often the Internet is a good resource for easily locating ratings and reviews about certain brands of exercise equipment, and many people find independent third party reviews helpful (such as Consumer Reports, Epinions.com, etc.). In addition, many new machines have warranties. Check to see what is covered and how long the warranty lasts.
• How much will it cost? Cardiovascular home exercise equipment can range from a few hundred dollars to $5,000 for a gym-quality elliptical machine or treadmill. For those on a budget, buying used home exercise equipment allows for a higher-quality or larger purchase than would be affordable if that same model was purchased new.
• How reliable is the brand? It is ideal to find out what experience others have had with the model under consideration. Often the Internet is a good resource for easily locating ratings and reviews about certain brands of exercise equipment, and many people find independent third party reviews helpful (such as Consumer Reports, Epinions.com, etc.). In addition, many new machines have warranties. Check to see what is covered and how long the warranty lasts.
• How much will it cost? Cardiovascular home exercise equipment can range from a few hundred dollars to $5,000 for a gym-quality elliptical machine or treadmill. For those on a budget, buying used home exercise equipment allows for a higher-quality or larger purchase than would be affordable if that same model was purchased new.

Next Week:

Dr. Renne will discuss specific pieces of exercise equipment that have been used with great success in both his practice and in the homes of his patients. Keep your eyes open for the next entry to this timely series.

Yours in Health,

Christopher B. Renne, D.C. Chiropractic Physician, Jacksonville, Florida USA

www.activechirocenter.com