Monday, October 24, 2011

When Is a Wrist Pain Not a Wrist Problem?

When Is a Wrist Pain Not a Wrist Problem?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is often helped with chiropractic care.
Sometimes what seems painfully obvious is not actually correct. Take a pain in your wrist. The problem must be in your wrist, right?
Not always. There can be nerve interference elsewhere that is causing or adding to that pain.

Carpal Tunnel

Let’s look at carpal tunnel syndrome. Feel along the back of your wrist for the carpals, those eight small bones grouped in two rows. Held together with ligaments, they form a “tunnel” or passageway for your median nerve. When swelling narrows the tunnel, the nerve gets compressed and causes pain, tingling and more.
But pain, numbness or tingling in the wrist also can be caused by nerve interference elsewhere, a phenomenon called the “double crush.” In this scenario, the median and other nerves running through the wrist are being compressed but the compression sites might also be in the spine, shoulder, neck or elbow.

Can Chiropractic Help?

Resolving carpal tunnel problems requires looking beyond the wrist. A thorough chiropractic examination of the upper spine, shoulder and elbow can help determine the origins of your problems.
Try these simple self-tests to check if your wrist pain has neurological involvement. If your findings suggest further evaluation, give us a call to schedule a more thorough examination!

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

What Is a “Pinched” Nerve?

 Like an open window, nerve openings along your spine must be clear and unobstructed.

It’s called a pinched nerve because that’s what it feels like. But there’s a lot more going on!

The 24 moving bones of your spine protect your spinal cord while permitting normal turning and bending. Pairs of nerve roots, one on each side, branch off your spinal cord at each segmental level to service the organs and tissues of your body. When these openings are obstructed, even slightly, your brain can’t properly control and regulate your body.
When a spinal bone is malpositioned, it can encroach upon these important nerve openings. Nerve irritation can result. We call that a vertebral subluxation.

Two Types

When spinal bones lose their normal motion or position, it can cause one of two types of nerve disturbances:
  • Compressed lesion – This is just a fancy name for a pinched nerve. What surprises many is that it’s actually quite rare. More common is a…
  • Facilitative lesion – This is when the nerve root is stretched, twisted or chafed. Think: hard tissue rubbing on soft tissue.
But remember, bones are static structures. They don’t move unless muscles move them. And muscles don’t move bones unless commanded by the nervous system. An irritated nerve creates a vicious loop. Our job is to locate these areas of your spine and reduce their impact on your nervous system.

A Precise Nudge

A thorough examination helps us identify areas of your spine where spinal bones are stuck and not moving correctly. Then, we give them a precise little nudge called a chiropractic adjustment. Your body uses this energy to “right itself” as nerve irritation is reduced.
Because chiropractic addresses the integrity of your nervous system, it’s a natural solution to many health problems. Give us a call.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • How long does it take for nerve irritation to be reduced?
  • What about my friend who only needed one visit?

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Do you need help with Carpal Tunnel?


Your wrist problem may be a misalignment of one or more joints in your neck, shoulder, elbow or wrist.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Chiropractic techniques that work so well with the spine can be applied to other joints of the body. Virtually every joint is susceptible to fixations and malfunctions that impair function and range of motion. Trauma, micro-traumas, vibrations and repetitive motions are often culprits.

The Tunnel

The carpal tunnel is a band of ligaments and small bones in your wrist. Painful symptoms can result when nerves are compressed by a collapse of this nerve “tunnel.”

The Spine

Many are surprised to learn that the cause of their wrist problem may be due to functional changes to one or more joints of the neck, shoulder, elbow or wrist. Vertebral Subluxations in the upper spine may compromise the workings of any structure between it and the tip of your littlest finger. This is often called the double crush syndrome.
At-home Carpal Tunnel Syndrome test
Click here to try this at-home carpal tunnel test.

Other Extremities

Shoulders, hip problems, knees, ankles and even jaw problems have been shown to respond to chiropractic care. Find out before resorting to more drastic treatments such as surgery!

Chiropractic First

It just makes sense to take the more conservative approach first: chiropractic first, drugs second and surgery last! Schedule a no-obligation consultation and find out what safe and natural chiropractic may do for you.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Can chiropractic repair bone spurs?
  • Does cracking your knuckles cause damage?
  • Is it okay to wear a wrist brace?

Monday, September 19, 2011

Are you looking for headache relief?


Dr Douglas Yost can help! Please watch the video!
 
  • 45 Million Americans suffer from chronic headaches
  • 9 out of 10 Americans have had a headache
  • Duke University found spinal manipulation resulted in an immediate improvement for headaches originated in the neck with fewer side effects and longer relief
Headache Triggers
  • Foods
  • Loud Noises
  • Bright Lights
  • Behavioral – sleep changes, excessive exercise, blood sugar changes
  • Try and remember what you were doing prior to the headaches starting and try and eliminate
  • 95% of headaches are primary headaches – Tension, Migraine, Cluster
  • The majority of primary headaches are associated with neck tension
How Can A Chiropractor Help?
  • Do a thorough examination to find the cause of the headache
  • Perform spinal manipulation (Adjustments) to reduce pain, loosen muscles, and improve function
  • Give advice on stretching, diet, exercise, posture, and more
Call Dr Douglas Yost at (651) 484-0151 for headache pain relief!

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

What is a Slipped Disc? What is the Treatment?


The most serious disc problem is a prolapsed disc in which the soft center ruptures and leaks.
 

A disc can’t slip. But it can wedge, bulge, protrude and herniate. Chiropractic care may help.

Space for Nerves

The disc is a special cartilage between the bones of your spinal column. It attaches to the vertebra above and below it. This creates the separation between spinal bones so pairs of nerves can exit the spine.

Turning and Bending

Each spinal disc has a jelly-like “ball bearing” core that is contained by bands of fibrous tissue. Healthy discs give you flexibility for normal turning and bending. Improper lifting, slips, falls and car accidents can cause the core to shift:
Herniation - disc wedging narrows nerve openings. Obvious symptoms may not be present.
Protrusion – like a blister, the disc bulges where it is the weakest, causing nerve pressure.
Prolapse – with the cushioning and separating compromised by rupture, movement is painful.

Chiropractic First

Chiropractic has been a natural solution helping people with a variety of disc problems.

Dr Douglas Yost www.acwclinic.com 651-484-0151

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • How does chiropractic help disc problems?
  • Aren't disc problems simply the normal aging process?
  • I didn’t do anything so how can a disc be involved?

Monday, September 12, 2011

Looking for Low Back Pain Relief?

Low Back Pain Shoreview, Roseville, St Paul & Surrounding Areas

Do you have low back pain?

Back Pain Facts:
  • Low back pain is one of the most common reasons people miss work
  • Low back pain is one of the most common reasons for medical doctor visits
  • Low back pain is the 3rd most frequent reason for surgery.
  • Americans spend $50 billion a year on back pain
  • Chiropractic is one of the most effective treatments for low back pain
The federal government research organization, Agency For Health Care Policy & Research, recommended spinal manipulation (what chiropractors do) as a first choice therapy and said it is the only safe and effective drugless treatment for acute low back pain.

Dr Douglas Yost is an expert in treating low back pain and has helped hundreds of patients get out of pain and stay out of pain. He uses an approach that teaches patients stretches and exercises that are simple and easy and can prevent the pain from returning.

Therapies Used In Treatment of Low Back Pain:
  • Spinal manipulation
  • Ultrasound
  • Electric stim
  • PIR Stretching
  • Manual Muscle Release
  • Kinesio Tape
Dr. Doug will work with you to not only get you out of pain, but also find the cause. Whether it is from an injury, stress, a bad mattress, or poor posture, etc. we can help you find the cause and recommend changes and improvements.

Call Dr Doug for low back pain relief at (651) 484-0151!

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

What does 3% of the population do that makes them highly successful?

Want to Reduce Stress? Set Goals!

Stress management image.
You won't know if you've attained a goal if you haven't written it down.
What makes 3% of the population successful, 30% moderately successful and the other 67% just exist? Well, according to Harvard Business School researchers, the 3% who are successful have concrete goals that they’ve written down. The 30% who are moderately successful have some type of plan. But the remaining 60% are merely accepting life as it’s dished out to them.
There are many reasons (excuses?) why people avoid setting goals: not enough time, no clear idea of what they want, fear of success, fear of failure, others’ expectations of them and lack of focus. Ironic, since feelings of powerlessness and the inability to control outcomes cause us the most stress. Setting goals could help.
It’s important to write down your goals. Don’t leave them as vague feelings in your head! Each goal must be personal and clearly stated. You cannot be successful if you are not sure what you want. Nor will you ever know if you’ve attained it! This will only cause more frustration.
Dr. Joseph Mercola of the Optimal Wellness Center outside of Chicago offers these suggestions for setting and achieving goals:
  • Decide on the exact goal you want to achieve
  • Write it down clearly and in as much detail as possible
  • Set a deadline to achieve the goal, with measurable steps if it is a large one
  • Make a list of all that you need to do in order to achieve the goal
  • Put all those “action” steps in order, by priority and sequence
  • Take immediate action on the most important item in your list
  • Do something each day towards attaining your goal
Goal setting doesn’t have to be time consuming or elaborate. In fact, the simpler, the better. The point is, you’ll never get to where you want to go if you don’t have a clear sense of where you are headed. It’s just that simple – so get started!

Monday, July 11, 2011

Friday, July 8, 2011

Top 10 Super Foods

Top 10 Super Foods!

10 super foods
Pomegranates are attracting a lot of attention these days because they contain high levels of antioxidants.
If someone were to ask for a list of the top 10 most nutritious foods, no list would be complete without mentioning the following:
1. Apples– Loaded with Vitamin C, fiber and antioxidants, these crunchy snacks might actually help keep the doctor away, by reducing cholesterol and your risk for cancer and heart disease. But remember to eat the skin!
2. Avocados– Did someone say guacamole? Also high in antioxidants, they help to reduce cholesterol and your risk for cancer and diabetes.
3. Beans– Include many varieties (red beans, pintos, lentils, kidney beans, soy) that provide energy, protein and fiber to help regulate blood sugar and reduce your risk of heart disease and cancer.
4. Blueberries – A low-calorie fiber and antioxidant source, blueberries may help improve short-term memory and slow down the effects of aging on the brain (i.e., Alzheimer’s).
5. Broccoli– This highly nutritious vegetable, a relative of spinach, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale and collard greens, contains vitamin C and beta-carotene. Broccoli may help prevent diabetes, certain cancers and heart disease.
6. Flaxseeds – Reduce the risk for heart disease by providing plenty of omega-3 fats.
7. Pomegranates– These are receiving a lot of press lately, and little wonder! They contain three times the amount of antioxidants as those found in red wine and green tea. Long-term use of this juice helps to prevent heart disease and reduces the risk of certain cancers and some of the not-so-nice effects of aging (i.e., Alzheimer’s).
8. Salmon– A major source of omega-3 fats, decreases your risk for developing heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer's, stroke, diabetes and arthritis and may help with depression.
9. Sweet Potatoes– They’re loaded with beta-carotene and are great metabolism boosters! They are also a good fiber source, fat-free and low in calories – so they’re ideal for dieters!
10. Walnuts/Almonds– These nuts are good for you! Loaded with nutrients, antioxidants and omega-3 fats, they help reduce cholesterol and keep you heart-healthy. The protein, fiber and healthy fats they contain may make you feel full, so you might not be as prone to over-indulge in foods that are not so good for you!
Proper nutrition, exercise, getting enough rest – all of these are part of a healthy lifestyle that we encourage when you come in for your regular chiropractic care. All work together to make the healthiest you that you can be!

Shoreview Chiropractor 

Friday, June 24, 2011

Continuing to learn and keeping your mind active keeps you younger, longer. See how. http://ping.fm/Bx6Ol

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Most people don't get enough minerals in their diet. Find out if you're one of them. http://ping.fm/ksZcu

Get Your Neck In Gear!

Headaches and neck pain image.
Your neck has a big job to do!
Anyone who has experienced cervical (neck) pain knows that it can be a real pain in the neck! Consider the fact that the cervical spine, consisting of only seven vertebrae, is responsible for supporting your head which can weigh as much as a bowling ball. No other region of the spine is more mobile or more prone to injury.
Mobility in the neck is measured through range-of-motion testing that includes three distinct tests:
  • Flexion – measured by ability to touch chin to chest
  • Extension – measured by tilting your head backwards
  • Lateral flexion – your ability to touch each ear to your shoulder
Various injuries and/or conditions are responsible for neck pain and can restrict range of motion. These include:
  • Whiplash from a car accident - the head can be violently thrust forward and backward beyond its normal range of motion, resulting in muscle pain and stiffness.
  • Degenerative conditions - occur as a result of the aging process, such as osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease.
  • Poor posture and obesity – forward head carriage can cause the muscles in the neck to contract and stiffen.
  • Spinal fractures, tumors or infections - can be serious and require immediate attention from a medical specialist.
According to a research study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (2001, pp.552-555), chiropractic adjustments can significantly improve cervical range of motion. As obvious as that may appear to those who regularly receive chiropractic care, limited range of motion plays a major role in many health problems that usually improve with chiropractic adjustments.


Neck Pain Shoreview Dr Douglas Yost 651-484-0151

Monday, June 20, 2011

Do you have any idea how many steps you take each day? Could you even guess? http://ping.fm/ERADh

Friday, June 10, 2011

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Is Back Pain Heredity?


Heredity Factors of Back Pain

Is Back Pain Heredity?

Could the 
susceptibility to back pain be passed on to our children? It’s worth a 
chiropractic checkup.
Could the susceptibility to back pain be passed on to our children? It’s worth a chiropractic checkup.
You understand that back pain may result from multiple causes, including improper lifting, trauma and emotional distress, but can hereditary factors also play a role in back pain?
Certain spine conditions appear to be passed genetically from generation to generation. These include:
  • Scoliosis – Abnormal spinal curves that run side to side, rather than front to back curves. Heredity is responsible for a 25% greater chance of developing abnormal spinal curves.
  • Degenerative disc disease, disc herniation – A difference in the chemical properties of some people’s disks may render them more prone to fragmentation or herniation, conditions that trigger back pain.
  • Osteoarthritis – Caused by the erosion of cartilage in spinal joints as a result of the aging process. A genetic predisposition for this condition is often passed down from the mother’s side of the family.
  • Osteoporosis – Loss of bone mass that tends to occur mostly in older, post-menopausal women – the result of decreased estrogen production.
  • Spondylolisthesis – A defect in a vertebra that may cause the vertebra to shift forward, out of alignment with the rest of the spinal column. This condition may result from a fracture and a genetic abnormality may predispose someone to a thin vertebra in the lumbar spine.
  • Obesity-related back pain – Extra body weight adds undue pressure to the spine and increases the amount of pain associated with any existing back condition.
  • Psychiatric-related back pain – Although the pain is real, it is caused by emotional and mental factors such as anger, guilt, resentment, fear and anxiety. The mind-body connection is very powerful and often personality traits and emotional issues are passed down to one’s children.
Prevention of back pain resulting from these conditions is easier if you are aware that older family members suffer from them in the first place. It is best to avoid activities that add stress to your spine. Routine chiropractic check ups can help to identify problem areas that need to be addressed and can often help support these common genetic predispositions.


Sports Chiropractor Shoreview  651-484-0151

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Headache Types Revealed!

Types of Headaches

You feel a pounding headache coming on, but what kind of headache is it? Are you aware that there are many different types, each with a unique set of causes and symptoms? The most common types of headaches include:
Tension-type Headaches
Advanced Chiropractic & Wellness Clinic can assist with all types of headaches.
Know someone who complains? Or reaches into the medicine cabinet too often? Send them our way!
There are two types, episodic and chronic. Someone with chronic headaches often wakes up and goes to sleep with a headache and feels a constant tightness or ache in the head and neck areas.
Migraine Headaches
A vascular-type headache, migraines are debilitating and often are accompanied by nausea/vomiting and acute sensitivity to sound and light. Women suffer more from migraines than men, possibly due to frequent hormonal changes.
Cluster Headaches
Occurring more often in men, cluster headaches may actually be the most severe of all headaches. They usually only last 30-60 minutes, however, they may recur several times throughout the day. Chronic smoking and alcohol use often contribute to the onset of cluster headaches.
Hormone Headaches
More frequent among women, hormone headaches usually occur in conjunction with PMS and menstruation. Women who take birth control pills may also experience hormone headaches with greater frequency. Symptoms are similar to those associated with a migraine – a one-sided, throbbing headache with light/noise sensitivity.
Rebound Headaches
Caused by the over use/abuse of over-the-counter and prescribed headache remedies that often contain caffeine. Headache sufferers tend to use the medications in higher dosages or more frequently than prescribed, causing a headache “rebound effect.”
Do you know someone who complains frequently of headaches? Based on the success our office enjoys with all types of headaches, improperly moving bones of the upper neck are common culprits. Click here to take this simple at home test and see if reduced range of motion in the neck could be involved. And then direct them to our office!

Sports Chiropractor Shoreview Dr Douglas Yost 651-484-0151

Monday, May 23, 2011

Super Size Me No More!

Super Size Me No More!

Supersize Me is now available on DVD.
Fast food for one solid month? Think again!
Imagine, nothing to eat for a solid month, except food that is available on the McDonald’s menu. It probably sounds like heaven to someone you know!
What do you think might happen to someone who eats a steady diet, breakfast, lunch and dinner, under the Golden Arches for 30 days?
Weight Gain Lawsuits
That’s exactly what Morgan Spurlock wanted to find out. His experience is recorded in his documentary, Super Size Me. Spurlock became curious about how a “Nothing-but-McDonalds” diet might affect him and his health after reading about several lawsuits, initiated by obese people, blaming McDonald’s for their weight gain.
Spurlock’s self-imposed rules:
  • Eat only what is available on McDonald’s menu
  • Accept a “super sized” portion if offered by the counter person
  • Sample every menu item at least once
  • Engage in minimal exercise, just like any other “average” American.
Spurlock submits to an examination by three physicians prior to starting the experiment and is deemed healthy in all areas. By the end of the experiment, Spurlock has gained 30 pounds, his cholesterol is elevated 65 points, he is nauseous and sluggish, he experiences chest pains and high blood pressure, and his girl friend, a vegetarian, wants nothing to do with intimacy!
Doctors Say "Stop!"
So surprising was the rapid onset of these symptoms, that Spurlock’s doctors warned him to quit a mere 20 days into his experiment before he caused irreparable damage to himself!
There is conjecture that McDonald’s eliminated its “Super-Sized Menu” because of this documentary. But common sense and personal responsibility clearly dictate that a steady diet of high fat and high sodium fast food can have disastrous consequences for anyone!

Chiropractor St Paul Mn Dr Douglas Yost 651-484-0151

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Walk Longer, Live Longer

Walk Longer, Live Longer

Exercise and fitness image.
Take the stairs, feel the burn... and reduce stress!
Want to bring some unexpected joy into your life? Try some lighthearted, low stress exercise such as walking. The weather is warm enough and the flowers are blooming so what’s to keep you from developing a new habit that will keep you looking and feeling your best? Nothing at all, if walking sounds like something you want to do to improve your disposition and your outlook on life!
The benefits of walking are well documented. Walking can increase your life expectancy, ward off heart and lung disease, and improve your mental health and your outlook on life.
Some health-related benefits of walking include:
  • Reduced body fat
  • Increased bone density
  • Lowered blood pressure
  • Enhanced feelings of well being
  • Reduced risk of heart disease and stroke
  • Weight reduction
While most people can easily understand the physical benefits of walking, the mental/emotional benefits are often overlooked. Walking can improve self-esteem, reduce stress and anxiety, and make you feel good. Walking in a beautiful natural environment can relax you and provide you with the time you need to engage in personal introspection.
There are many ways to make walking more of a habit, such as:
  • Park further away from the mall or building entrance
  • Always choose the stairs in your office building
  • Make it a habit to start walking 10 minutes a day and then increase it by 5 minutes until you reach 30 minutes a day
You can derive many benefits from walking. Start somewhere and keep your goals realistic and attainable. Then just sit back, or rather, walk your way to better health and a better body!

Chiropractor St Paul Mn 651-484-0151

Get Your Back Back! Learn what you can do to help prevent low back pain.

Get Your Back Back!

Backaches and sciatica image.
Even something as simple as swimming, combined with simple at-home exercises, can help strengthen the muscles of your lower back.

An estimated four out of every five adults suffers from back pain at some point in their lives. Many turn to prescription and over-the-counter drugs to relieve the pain, but this only masks the symptoms; it does nothing to get at the root cause of the pain. Chiropractic and back strengthening exercises are far more beneficial and effective because they harness the body’s own natural healing abilities to go after the source of the pain, rather than simply fooling the body’s warning system by relieving the pain.

Many find that performing some simple, at-home back exercises helps relieve pain and makes the muscles in the back, hips, thighs and stomach stronger and more flexible. These exercises work well in conjunction with a program of aerobic exercise such as swimming, running, walking or bicycling.

It is important to remember that if you feel any pain at all when performing any of these stretching exercises, you should stop immediately so you do not make the condition worse than it already is.
The following are good beginner back strengthening exercises:
Wall Slides
Lean your back against a wall with your feet about 12 inches out from the wall. Hold your abdominal muscles tight while you slowly bend both knees 45 degrees. Hold this position for 45 seconds. Slowly return to upright position. Repeat 10 times.
Heel Raises
Stand with weight evenly distributed on both feet. Slowly raise your heels up and then lower them. Repeat 10 times.
Straight Leg Raises
Lie on your back with one leg straight and one knee bent. Tighten your abdominal muscles to stabilize your lower back. Slowly lift straight leg straight up about 6 to 12 inches and hold for 1 to 5 seconds. Slowly lower leg back down. Repeat 10 times. Do the same with other leg.
Back Leg Swing
Stand behind a chair and hold on to the top of it with both hands. Swing one leg back and up, keeping the knee straight. Slowly lower the leg. Do the same with the other leg. Repeat 5 times with each leg.
Perform these exercises on a regular basis, along with regular chiropractic checkups, and I bet you'll notice a reduction in the severity of your back pain in no time at all!

Chiropractor St Paul Mn

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Free Report on Auto Accidents

Even a minor auto accident can produce unseen damage to your spine and nervous system. Symptoms can show up weeks or months later. Read this special chiropractic report and arrange a thorough examination. 



Free Report on Auto Accidents from Advanced Chiropractic & Wellness Clinic

It all started with a routine trip to the grocery store.
Neck Brace
A cervical collar can actually make your problem worse!
Suddenly you hear a screeching of tires and the harsh sound of metal hitting metal. In the split second before you can brace yourself, you feel your car moving from some unseen force! You’ve been hit!
Slow Motion Whiplash
It’s tempting to minimize your own injuries because your car has sustained little or no damage. More and more research shows that occupants can be injured considerably more than what you’d expect by a dented fender or a busted taillight.
Especially your neck.
Upon impact, your body is pushed deeply into your seat. Then, your body instantly changes directions, moving forward to the limits of your seatbelt. But, your head starts moving in the opposite direction! Unrestrained by a seatbelt, your head is jerked back and then forward beyond its normal limits.
Everything seems to be happening in slow motion, yet you are unable to stop your head from whipping backward and then forward.
The Medical Solution
Accident
Don’t be misled by the minimal damage to your car. People react much differently than glass, plastic and metal!
If you visit the emergency room, you may be given a clean bill of health because thankfully, there are no broken bones. You might get a prescription to reduce the muscle spasms caused by structural changes in your neck or lower back.
But the drugs numb your entire body. You’ll be too loopy to even drive.
And the pills won’t heal inflamed tendons and ligaments. Muscle relaxers won’t fix torn muscles. A cervical collar won’t restore a graceful forward curve in your neck. The drug solution is designed to cover up the pain, hoping your body can adapt to the structural changes caused by the accident. If your body doesn’t adapt, you may have to learn to live with headaches and back pain, or risk becoming addicted to the medication.
Instead, you need a health professional that truly understands soft tissue injuries, spinal biomechanics and rehabilitation strategies. In other words, you need a thorough chiropractic examination and experienced care to resolve your injuries. You need tocall us today!
Protect Yourself
Regardless of who is at fault, there are two things you must do:
  1. Seek professional help. The longer you wait before receiving the appropriate care, the more scar tissue that is formed, increasing the time necessary to resolve your problem. It’s never too late, but the sooner you act, the faster true healing can be accomplished.
  2. Sadly, you may need to seek legal counsel to protect your rights and make sure that you can receive the health care you need. Many insurance companies are betting on the fact that you won’t pursue the benefits to which you are entitled. That’s like being a victim twice!
Unfortunately, even after a minor accident you’ll need to take a proactive role to make sure you get what you need and what you deserve.
We Can Help
Whether it was a little incident in the parking lot, or two cars attempting to occupy the same space in an intersection, you need people on your side, willing to help. Here’s what you can expect from us:
Accident
More than an inconvenience, a simple fender bender can cause a variety of health problems long after the repairs to your car care made.
  1. After completing some brief paperwork detailing the nature of your health problem you’ll meet with our chiropractor for a consultation.  Here, we get to know each other and see if you’re a good candidate for chiropractic care.
  2. If it seems like chiropractic care is likely to help, we’ll conduct a thorough examination. We’ll watch you turn and bend and conduct other tests that help reveal any restrictions to the normal movement of your spine. (Pictures of your spine may be necessary.)
  3. We’ll give you a complete report of our findings. We’ll explain what we found, what we can do to help, how long it may take and how much it will cost. You’ll have some choices and we’ll explain the pros and cons so you can make an informed decision.
  4. If you choose to proceed, we’ll begin a series of chiropractic adjustments designed to improve the biomechanics of your spine and reduce tension to your nervous system causing your most obvious symptoms. Those who want a natural solution that addresses the underlying cause of their symptoms prefer this drug-free approach.
  5. From time to time we’ll conduct progress examinations. We use these brief exams to compare where you are, with where you were. The results help guide your visit schedule—increasing, reducing or keeping your visit frequency the same.
  6. We offer wellness care. Many who begin chiropractic care experience such profound results they opt to continue their care on a maintenance or preventive basis. While this is rarely covered by insurance companies, they see the value of continued care to support and optimize their health.
“If you’ve been in a car accident, give us a call,” says Dr. Yost. The longer you wait, scar tissue and muscle patterns get established that increase your recovery time. So, it’s important to act now. Not only can we offer relief, but we can give you suggestions that can help put this behind you once and for all.”

Auto Injuries Shoreview  Advanced Chiropractic & Wellness Clinic 651-484-0151

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

What's your sleeping position? One position is the least healthy of all. Do you know what it is? http://ping.fm/Tog7s

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Do you have to invest ridiculous amounts of time and money to get a decent workout?

Exercise Economics

Backaches and sciatica image.
Walking your dog is good for both of you, and it even counts as exercise.

Many people believe that they have to exercise for an hour everyday, sweating profusely, and spending fistfuls of cash in order for the exercise to be beneficial. However, that is simply not true. There are plenty of low-tech alternatives that help you lose weight and stay healthy. Here are a few:
  1. Skipping rope. It's not just for kids and boxers in training any longer, and in terms of getting the cardiovascular system revving, this is one form of exercise that can’t be beat. This is one calorie burner that works every muscle, delivering a full-body workout that slims and tones.
  2. Get a dog and take it for long walks! In one study, people who walked their dog 20 minutes a day, five days a week lost a significant amount of body fat. Something about that companionship that sure beats walking on a treadmill!
  3. Get enough sleep. Recent research found that sleep deprivation increases cravings and decreases the amount of leptin in your body – a hormone that helps burn more energy. So don’t skimp on sleep if you want to slim down!
  4. Listen to music while you exercise. It makes the exercise routine less routine and keeps you going. It’s a distraction from the physical energy you are expending, so it doesn’t seem as though you are working as hard. The result: you stick with the exercise longer when the music is cranked up!
  5. Invest in a gym ball. This provides a fun way to improve flexibility, balance, strength and tone. They also help you lose weight!
You don’t have to get fancy to exercise, and you certainly don’t have to join an expensive gym or spa to get the same benefits. Get a good night’s sleep, take your dog out, turn up the volume on your iPod, and get walking!

Sports Chiropractor Shoreview

Sit Up Straight! Was Mom right about slouching?

Backaches and sciatica image.
Backaches and sciatica image.
Slouching may feel comfortable, but over time it will take a toll on your spine. So sit up straight!

Remember when your mother used to say things like, “Eat all your vegetables.” And, “Look both ways before you cross the street.” “A person is known by the company they keep.” And let’s not forget her mantra, “Sit up straight!”

So many people today work in sedentary jobs that require that they sit for most of the workday. However, whether sitting at a desk, or at a sporting event, or in front of a television set, good posture is imperative to your spinal health.
  • Look at the way you are sitting right at this moment.
  • Are your feet flat on the floor, with your knees at a 90° angle?
  • Are your buttocks, back and shoulders up against the backrest of your chair?
  • Does the chair you’re sitting in provide enough lumbar support? Does the backrest fit into the natural curve of your spine? Are all your spinal curves properly supported?
  • Are your shoulders relaxed and even, not hunched in a forward position?
  • Is your body weight equally distributed across both hips?
  • Are your knees level with or slightly higher than your hips?
If you answered “No” to any of these questions, you are probably exerting undue stress on your spine; this may eventually cause back pain.

Keep in mind that it is not a good idea to sit in the same position for more than 40 minutes. Chronic slouching affects the discs between the vertebrae and may cause them to bulge or become herniated. Take the time to stand up and stretch your back and legs or take a short walk periodically.

The chair you use should provide lumbar support that allows the backrest to fit into the curve in your lower back. This helps to avoid too much pressure on the spine and prevents back muscles from getting fatigued. If your chair doesn’t have it, you can use a rolled towel or invest in a lumbar support pillow to provide you with the proper amount of spinal support. If you sit for long periods, it is certainly worth the investment.


Sports Chiropractor Shoreview 651-484-0151

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Do you have a Snake Brain?


The reptilian part of our brains keeps us going without thought.

At the core, the very center of our brains…we are reptilian. Also called the “basal brain,” the “reptilian brain” is the most primitive part of the human brain. It includes the brainstem and the cerebellum and it is called the reptilian brain because in animals, the brainstem and the cerebellum are the dominant parts of the brain.

The brainstem also consists of the:

•medulla – which controls many autonomic reflexes, such as respiration, heartbeat and digestion.

•pons – which connects the cerebellum, spinal cord and the "advanced" brain areas.

•midbrain – which helps control all motor function.
The reptilian brain actually begins to grow at conception. Since the brain grows in three stages, starting with the reptilian brain, it is the most mature, followed by the limbic system, the “emotional brain” and then the neocortex or “thinking brain.”

The reptilian brain keeps our heart pumping and our nervous system functioning. It controls our body movements and is responsible for the development of the five senses of smell, taste, touch, hearing and sight.

Since the reptilian brain is filled with primitive memories, it is also ritualistic and rigid. It is very mechanistic as well, repeating the same behaviors again and again, never learning from past mistakes.

Yet, it may also be the same part of the brain that requires a big hug, because it controls all the senses – including touch.

So…have you hugged your “reptilian brain” today?

http://ping.fm/rkMgO

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

My back hurts. Do I ice or heat?

Relief Strategies

When applied correctly, heat and ice offer natural solutions. Follow these simple instructions.

Heat symbol
Heat symbol
As a general rule, apply ice to new injuries and heat for older, long-standing problems.

New Injury
Only use either real ice or high-quality gel ice packs (with one or two layers of cloth or paper towel to protect bare skin) for a maximum of 10 minutes and no more frequent than once an hour. Here's what you can expect:
  • First stage: Cold, lasting about one to two minutes.
  • Second stage: Warmer, lasting about five minutes.
  • Third stage: Pain, lasting just a few seconds.
  • Final stage: Numb, the most important stage.
When the area is numb it means that you're controlling the swelling and slowing down the production of pain chemicals, promoting faster healing and fewer adhesions and scar tissue. Keep the ice on for about two minutes after the numb stage is reached - then promptly remove! This usually happens right around eight to 10 minutes. The entire icing session should not exceed 15 minutes - EVER! Otherwise, you can bruise the tissues and it will hurt more the next day.

If the gel ice pack (or frozen peas) is of inferior quality, the tissues will never get to the numb stage and not getting the true benefit of icing.

After the area goes numb, the ice should only be on for another 2 minutes, then it should be removed and the tissues allowed to rest and come back up to body temperature for at least 45 minutes.
Old Injury
To increase blood circulation and improve flexibility from a long-standing problems, use moist heat. A hot water bottle wrapped with a moistened towel can work nicely. Wet the towel then wring the water out of it, wrap it around a water bottle and place it on the area of concern.

To insure that the heat doesn’t aggravate your condition, apply it in increments of ten to twenty minutes, followed by equal periods where the heat is removed and monitor the results.

Avoid the dry heat of a heating pad or applying any heat directly to the spine. Increased blood circulation in the vicinity of delicate spinal nerve roots can sometimes worsen inflammation. We recommend a hot water bottle so in case you fall asleep or lose track of time there is less chance of being accidently burned.

Naturally, these are general suggestions. We don’t want you to “undo” what we do for you during your office visits, so be sure to consult Dr. Douglas Yost for specific recommendations.

Sports Chiropractor Shoreview  651-484-0151

The Joy of Walking. How to get the most from walking?

The Joy of Walking

One of the easiest exercise programs is to start walking more. Whether you’re looking for a simple aerobic workout, a low-stress approach to weight loss or a simple toning program, we recommend the simple act of walking.

Exercise and Fitness
Exercise and Fitness
Walking doesn’t require expensive club memberships or special equipment.
How to get the most from walking:
  1. Assume the correct posture. Look forward with your chin level and head up. Your eyes should focus on the street or track 10 - 20 feet ahead. You’ll avoid doggy doo-doo, find cracks in the sidewalk, spot potential muggers and still collect the occasional coin.

  2. Take quick, short steps. Resist the temptation to lengthen your stride to go faster. Push off with your toes, using the natural spring of your calf muscles to propel you. Think of yourself as showing the bottom of your shoes as you take each step.

  3. Bend your arms at 90-degree angles. This turns your arms into a shorter pendulum so they can swing faster as your steps speed up.

  4. Dress properly. To prevent becoming a hood ornament, wear a mesh reflective safety vest from a local biking or running shop. Dress in layers. The inner layer should be of a fabric (not cotton) that can whisk the sweat away from your body.

  5. Wear the right shoes. You want more flex than a hiking shoe and more support than an athletic shoe. A simple test: push down on the toe and the heel should rise. Push the heel down and the toe should come up.
How much walking is enough?
It depends on your goals. To maintain your health with regular physical activity, walk about 30 minutes a day most days of the week at a “talking” pace. (Not so fast that you couldn’t have a conversation at the same time.)

If your intent is weight loss, walk 45-60 minutes/day at a “purposeful/talking” pace. If your desire is an aerobic workout and cardiovascular fitness, walk three to four days a week for about 20 minutes at a very fast pace, breathing hard but not gasping.

And before starting your walking program, stop by our office for a chiropractic checkup! Make sure your exercise program doesn’t stress malfunctioning joints of your legs, hips and spine.


Sports Chiropractor Shoreview 651-484-0151

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Got Questions? This 4-minute video supplies helpful answers to some of the most frequently asked new patient questions. http://bit.ly/hIEAT5

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Juice from fresh, high-quality organic fruits and vegetables can be a healthy treat for your body.
http://ping.fm/cIc5B

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Strength training? Or Endurance training?

Strength vs. Endurance

Exercise and fitness image.
Improving strength and endurance are both beneficial - in different ways.
When it comes to exercise and fitness, there are basically two types of training or exercise – strength and endurance. Most athletes combine both for maximum performance.
So…what’s the difference between strength and endurance?
Strength involves the ability to do something that takes a lot of energy or “muscle” over a relatively short period of time, such as picking up and moving a heavy box.
Endurance involves the ability to do something that takes only a moderate amount of energy, or doing something repetitive, over a longer period of time, such as running a marathon.
Strength training, which involves the use of weights, has a number of benefits:
    • Builds lean muscle, which increases metabolism to help you lose weight
    • Strengthens muscles to assist with everyday activities, such as lifting bags and carrying children, and strengthens bones, which in turn lowers your risk for osteoporosis
    • Strengthens ligaments and tendons to help you avoid injury
    • Helps to reduce joint pain, such as arthritis pain
    • Assists in physical therapy for injuries resulting from accidents, as well as after hospital stays
    • Adds variety to your exercise routine
    • Reduces stress, builds positive body image, increases confidence
Endurance training generally involves some type of aerobic exercise, such as running, cycling, circuit training or swimming to build stamina. The benefits of endurance training are primarily cardiovascular – it increases oxygen-rich blood flow throughout your body, reduces plaque in the arteries (cholesterol) and reduces the risk for stroke, heart disease and high blood pressure. It also helps you to lose weight and it releases brain chemicals (endorphins) that improve mood and reduce depression/anxiety symptoms.
Most people combine both types of training for maximum benefit. When addressing neck and back injuries, endurance training is most beneficial for reducing pain and increasing function. Along with regular chiropractic care, we can suggest appropriate exercises for you if you are suffering from back and neck pain.