The official CSP BLOG

Wellbutryn and Zyban

2009-09-17T16:50:00.000-07:00

SPINE SAFETY CAUTIONARY NOTICE:
Information for Healthcare Professionals: Drug Safety Labeling Changes -Wellbutrin (bupropion hydrochloride) Tablets and Sustained-Release Tablets
According to MedWatch, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notified healthcare professionals that BOXED WARNINGS, WARNINGS, PRECAUTIONS and MEDICATION GUIDE text for Wellbutrin (bupropion hydrochloride) tables and sustained-release tablets have been updated to address neuropsychiatric symptoms and suicide risk in smoking cessation treatment.

The revised BOXED WARNING indicates the following:
All patients being treated with bupropion for smoking cessation treatment should be observed for neuropsychiatric symptoms including changes in behavior, hostility, agitation, depressed mood, and suicide-related events, including ideation, behavior, and attempted suicide. These symptoms, as well as worsening of pre-existing psychiatric illness and completed suicide have been reported in some patients attempting to quit smoking while taking Zyban in the postmarketing experience. When symptoms were reported, most were during treatment with Zyban, but some were following discontinuation of treatment with Zyban.
In many postmarketing cases, resolution of symptoms after discontinuation of Zyban was reported, although in some cases the symptoms persisted; therefore, ongoing monitoring and supportive care should be provided until symptoms resolve.

Read the complete summary of MedWatch safety labeling changes at: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/ucm176817.htm

New Back Pain Guideline for Physicians!

2009-06-13T19:28:00.000-07:00

ScienceDaily (May 18, 2009) — The American Pain Society (APS) has issued a new clinical practice guideline for low back pain that emphasizes the use of noninvasive treatments over interventional procedures, as well as shared decision making between provider and patient. The findings are published in the May 1, 2009 issue of the journal Spine.

Based on the data the panel gathered, the APS now recommends:

Against the use of provocative discography (injection of fluid into the disc in order to determine if it is the source of back pain) for patients with chronic nonradicular low-back pain.
The consideration of intensive interdisciplinary rehabilitation with a cognitive/behavioral emphasis for patients with nonradicular low-back pain who do not respond to usual, non-interdisciplinary therapies.
Against facet joint corticosteroid injection, prolotherapy, and intradiscal corticosteroid injections for patients with persistent nonradicular low-back pain, and insufficient evidence to guide use of other interventional therapies.
A discussion of risks and benefits of surgery and the use of shared decision making with reference to rehabilitation as a similarly effective option for patients with nonradicular low-back pain, common degenerative spinal changes, and persistent and disabling symptoms.
Insufficient evidence to guide recommendations for vertebral disc replacement.
A discussion of the risks and benefits of epidural steroid injections and shared decision making, including specific review of evidence of lack of long-term benefit for patients with persistent radiculopathy due to herniated lumbar disc.
A discussion of the risks and benefits of surgery and use of shared decision making that references moderate benefits that decrease over time for patients with persistent and disabling radiculopathy due to herniated lumbar disc or persistent and disabling leg pain.
Discussion of risks and benefits of spinal cord stimulation and shared decision making, including reference to the high rate of complications following stimulator placement for patients with persistent and disabling radicular pain following surgery for herniated disc and no evidence of a persistently compressed nerve root.

Energy Drinks May Be Harmful To People With Hypertension, Heart Disease

2009-03-26T20:09:00.000-07:00

ScienceDaily (Mar. 26, 2009) — People who have high blood pressure or heart disease should avoid consuming energy drinks, according to a Henry Ford Hospital study to be published online Wednesday in the Annals of Pharmacotherapy.

Researchers found that healthy adults who drank two cans a day of a popular energy drink experienced an increase in their blood pressure and heart rate. No significant changes in EKG measurements were reported.

The increases in blood pressure and heart rate were insignificant for healthy adults, but could prove harmful to people with a heart-related condition, says James Kalus, Pharm.D., senior manager of Patient Care Services at Henry Ford Hospital and lead author of the study.

"Based on our findings, we recommend that people who have hypertension or heart disease and are taking medication for them to avoid consuming energy drinks because of a potential risk to their health," Dr. Kalus says.

Researchers believe the caffeine and taurine levels in energy drinks could be responsible for increases in blood pressure and heart rate. The brand of energy drink used in the study is not being identified because most energy drinks on the market boast similar levels of caffeine and taurine, a non-essential amino acid derivative often found in meat and fish. The caffeine levels in energy drinks are equivalent to at least one to two cups of coffee.

Dr. Kalus says energy drinks should not be confused with sports drinks, which aim to replenish the carbohydrates and electrolytes that a body needs.

"Both caffeine and taurine have been shown to have a direct impact on cardiac function," Dr. Kalus says.

Researchers studied 15 healthy adult participants who abstained from other forms of caffeine for two days prior to and throughout the study. On the first day after a baseline measurement of blood pressure, heart rate and EKG were taken, the adults consumed two cans of the energy drink.

Researchers then measured the participants' blood pressure, heart rate and EKG again at 30 minutes and one, two, three and four hours after consumption. For the next five days, the participants' consumed two cans of the energy drink.

On the study's seventh day, the protocol used on the first day was repeated and the average baseline measurements were compared to the measurements obtained after energy drink consumption. Researchers found that the participants:

Heart rate increased 7.8 percent the first day and 11 percent the seventh day.
Blood pressure increased at least 7 percent the first and seventh days.

Dr. Kalus says the participants did not engage in any physical activity during the study, suggesting that the increases could have been higher.

Journal reference:

Leah Steinke, David E Lanfear, Vishnuprabha Dhanapal, and James S Kalus. Effect of "Energy Drink" Consumption on Hemodynamic and Electrocardiographic Parameters in Healthy Young Adults. Annals of Pharmacotherapy, 2009; DOI: 10.1345/aph.1L614

Adapted from materials provided by Henry Ford Health System.

Protandim® Increases Antioxidant Factor

2009-01-29T22:36:00.000-08:00

Protandim® Increases Antioxidant Factor

01/15/2009

SAN DIEGO—Results of a new peer-reviewed study published online in the journal Free Radical Biology and Medicine demonstrated the synergistic impact of the active ingredients used in Protandim® dramatically increased the body's production of glutathione, a key antioxidant and anti-aging factor.

Protandim, a patented product developed by LifeVantage Corp., consists of five ingredients, namely, ashwagandha, bacopa extract, green tea extract, silymarin and curcumin. The new study confirmed Protandim's gene induction approach to antioxidant therapy provides much broader and more powerful benefits to the body than those provided by vitamins such as E and C, according to the Company.

The study, conducted at the University of Colorado, Denver and Ochsner Medical Center, showed even low doses of Protandim induced human cells to increase their production of many antioxidant enzymes, and other anti-aging factors.

Learn more...

Fitness may shield the aging brain

2009-01-22T23:06:00.001-08:00

Fitness may shield the aging brain

Last Updated: 2009-01-22 13:48:46 -0400 (Reuters Health)

By Amy Norton

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Staying physically fit with age may help protect people from mental decline by maintaining a healthy flow of blood to the brain, new research suggests.

A number of studies have found that regular exercise may help prevent or delay age-related cognitive decline and full-blown dementia, but the reasons are not fully clear.

For the new study, Canadian researchers looked at the relationships between physical fitness, brain blood flow and cognitive-test performance in 42 women between the ages of 50 and 90.

They found that those with the highest fitness levels generally showed better blood flow to the brain during exercise. This, in turn, was related to better scores on tests of memory, reasoning and other cognitive skills.

The findings are published in the journal Neurobiology of Aging.

"Our results suggest that the vascular benefits of exercise that have been reported previously in the heart and muscles are also conferred to the brain," senior researcher Dr. Marc J. Poulin, of the University of Calgary in Alberta, told Reuters Health.

"Basic fitness -- something as simple as getting out for a walk every day -- is critical to staying mentally sharp and remaining healthy as we age," said Poulin, who is also a scientist with the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research.

The study included 42 healthy postmenopausal women, some of whom regularly got aerobic exercise and some of whom were sedentary. All of the women took fitness tests on an exercise bike and had ultrasound scans to gauge their cerebral blood flow.

In general, fitter women showed better blood flow to the brain and greater responsiveness of the blood vessels to increased circulation.

"Our study identified strong and significant associations between physical fitness and cognition, and between physical fitness and vascular function in the brain," Poulin explained.

This, according to the researcher, suggests that the benefits of exercise on mental function are at least partly explained by its effects on blood vessel function.

The results, Poulin said, "provide a strong scientific basis for future studies to examine how exercise improves cognition in older adults."

"The implications are huge," he added, "given the aging population and age-related diseases like Alzheimer's disease and stroke."

SOURCE: Neurobiology of Aging, January 2009.

Heart Attacks getting less severe in the U.S.

2009-01-20T23:41:00.000-08:00

Reuters Health reports this week that heart attacks are getting less severe. While we haven't improved on getting to the hospital any sooner after the onset of symptoms (still about 33% of people make it in under 2 hours) we have less heart muscle damage with a heart attack.

Before we start the party, realize a couple things. First, heart disease is still the #1 cause of death in the U.S. (followed by cancer and stroke, in that order). Second, we're getting MORE OBESE as a nation. So how can you reconcile these two, apparently disparate, facts?

Sedentary life leads to an "older" heart, which develops more "collateral circulation" -- smaller vessels that feed more heart muscle because of the lack of exercise. So our chunky, couch-potato, gaming, inactivity is giving us hearts that have more, smaller vessels. So our hearts sustain less damage per heart attack episode. That's no reason to celebrate.

I've mentioned elsewhere that I got to meet Jack LaLanne in Long Beach this year -- I followed him on the podium after he gave a 7:00 am lecture. Before he spoke he and his wife had walked on the beach for an hour. Jack is 94. He is proof that regular exercise and good nutritional habits count, and count big!

Home for the holidays...

2008-11-23T13:33:00.000-08:00

Many of our patients will be traveling this holiday season -- may you all return home safely! In the meantime, we've got our holiday clinic schedules put together. Good news! Looks like we'll have full chiropractic coverage through January 2, including emergency care for those unfortunate spines, and their owners, who may need it.

Now is the time take care of any residual symptoms, aches and pains. Deductibles are met, and a new cycle starts January 1, 2009. If you need a holiday tune, give us a jingle (bells). (Couldn't resist...) :0) Call us at (303) 675-3009!

Our immune systems get pummeled about now through March. If you're a patient of ours, be sure to check your email for our HealthCoach Newsletter and Holiday Flyer for significant savings on therapy to support and strengthen your immune system -- our Winter Wellness Package. (If you aren't a patient yet, go to our home page at www.center4spine.com, then follow the link on the right to "CSP Patient Info Central." There's a downloadable newsletter waiting there for you!)

It's a bit disconcerting to know that when we sneeze, viruses travel up to 100 mph and can be effectively deposited 12 feet away. Then the little buggers live for 2 days! So, DO cover your sneeze, but don't sneeze into your hands (unless neck pain prevents you from covering a sneeze or cough any other way.) Sneeze into the inside of your bent elbow, or better yet, a Kleenex (or a Puffs, to be commercially neutral.) And if your upper respiratory infection or flu is hanging on, remember that an antiobiotic will do NOTHING for your viral infection. You need an immune boost. You need our Winter Wellness Package!

Merry Christmas, Chag Sameach, and Happy Holidays to all!

Dr. C

Anti-aging and the MRS 2000

2008-10-16T02:09:00.000-07:00

The MRS 2000 works by providing every cell of your body with an abundance of energy in the form of electrons. When there are too many ions and molecules with unpaired electrons, damage to cells and tissues occurs. Using natural magnetic resonance the MRS 2000 surrounds you with an invisible “electron cloud.” All 75 trillion cells are supplied with electrons to neutralize free radicals and other reactive oxygen species, and begin repairing cell damage.
Memory capabilities decline with age. Current studies show that free radical cell damage contributes to aging and age-related decline in brain functioning. Sleep deprivation, insomnia or the inability to stay asleep deprives your body of releasing its own supply of growth hormone, another powerful anti-aging substance. Arthritis pain can prevent you from being as active as you want.

The MRS 2000 combats the deleterious effects of aging 3 ways:
it restores sleep, reduces arthritis pain and neutralizes free radicals!

Our strategy for aging well is prevention. Whatever your age, the more you understand about prevention, the longer you’ll live -- IF YOU ACT on what you know! Protecting your health and active lifestyle is one of the best investments you can make in your future!

Don't let your feet leave home without 'em...

2008-09-06T22:38:00.000-07:00

Orthotics, or "custom foot orthoses" are footbeds placed in the shoes to correct biomechanical imbalances that lead to chronic back pain, knee pain, and foot or ankle pain. If your recurrent or chronic back pain occurs mostly with standing and walking, it may be a sign that orthotics can help.
Orthotics correct excessive "pronation" -- the joints in the midfoot are too lax, allowing the foot to rotate inward. As a result, the knee rotates inward, the pelvic rocks forward and there's too much arch in the back ... and it works upwards from there.
CSP & W have designed orthotics for all kinds of people from all walks of life. Here's what one of our patients, an Olympic Athlete who competed in Beijing, recently had to say:

“I had knee pain for six years... After using my orthotics for two days, my knee pain was completely gone.”
Natalie Woolfolk, 3-time National Champion in Weightlifting (2005, 2006, 2007)
Through October 10th, we're offering our patients a *Complimentary orthotics screening as a way to get the fall season "off on the right foot."
:-)
Dr. C

Pills, pills, pills...

2008-08-22T21:54:00.001-07:00

Apologies for the irreverence (and PG rating -- parents be warned!), but Bill Maher is making an essential point here that CANNOT be missed. It's the same point that Jack LaLanne made this past weekend in Long Beach (at the age of 94): You wouldn't feed your dog a doughnut, coffee and a cigarette for breakfast... and exercise IS good for you!

P.S. Elaine, Jack's wife, at 88, agrees with her husband. Both are living proof that eating whole fruits and vegetables in their natural state and exercise are VITAL KEYS to healthy life and longevity!

It's official -- the DRX 9000 gets an early thumbs up from Mayo

2008-08-12T10:01:00.000-07:00

The findings of the first IRB-approved multicenter pilot study on the DRX 9000 for back pain was release by the study's principle author, Dr. John Leslie, of the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale. The study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of the DRX 9000 for chronic lower back pain.

A greater than 50% reduction of pain was observed after 2 weeks of treatment, and on completion of the 6 week treatment an 88.9% success rate was documented.

A second study, to be presented by Dr. Christian Apfel, an Associate Professor of Anesthesiology at the University of California, San Francisco, found that the DRX 9000 produces an increase in intervertebral disc height in addition to a significant reduction in chronic low back pain.

The DRX 9000, the true non-surgical spinal decompression we use at The Center for Spine Pain & Wellness, is gaining momentum in the scientific community. It's proven effective, and for many wish to do all they can to avoid surgery, this is a treatment of choice. There are other places to go for DRX 9000 care ... and then there is THE PLACE to go for DRX 9000 care...

Excuses...

2008-08-07T11:04:00.000-07:00

Need some excuses?

What do you have to say?

Dr. C

Your future health ... benefits

2008-08-07T10:15:00.000-07:00

My Dad told me Medicare is no longer paying for a yearly routine physical examination. He just turned 79 in June. They don't pay for EKG's either. He needs one annually -- he had a quadruple by-pass 2 years ago.
How is this possible? What will the future hold?
Because of the number of people drawing on the system for things like by-passes and knee replacements, hip replacements, and spine surgeries, I'm pretty sure Medicare won't be there when/if I'm old enough qualify.
So the message is loud and clear: stay healthy. Exercise. Choose food wisely. Guard your GOOD health -- don't be flippant about it. You'll spend less in the long run, live longer, and be able to afford what you do need. And start a "war-chest" or a contingency plan for your latter years.
We added "Wellness" to our name: "The Center for Spine Pain & Wellness" because we see this on the horizon. Not only do we want to help you get out of pain and recover from injury quickly, want to partner with you as a Guardian of your GOOD HEALTH too!
~Dr. Joel Carmichael

Highlands Ranch Open House a Hit!

2008-07-28T22:56:00.000-07:00

Wow! Over 200 people helped us celebrate our "Grand Opening, Open House and Health Fair" at our Highlands Ranch clinic in the Town Center off Highlands Ranch Parkway and Lucent. Those in attendance were treated to complementary chair massage, pulsed magnetic field therapy treatments, pH screening exams, orthotics screenings, acupuncture tongue and pulse diagnosis, and consultations with our Naturopath, Dr. Jason Barker. It was a GREAT event, and our CSP & Wellness staff did a great job. We ran out of food -- and the pics say is all!

We (still) do pain...

2008-07-05T14:44:00.000-07:00

Here's a sad epidemic in Denver and surrounding areas: it often takes MONTHS (or longer) for people in pain to get to the bottom of their pain, and get past it. Or worse, you're told you have to LIVE WITH IT without ever being given the suggestion or advice -- or "permission" -- to try something alternative.
Here's our appraisal of the current (and we believe COSTLY and usually UNWARRANTED) cascade of spine pain management:
1. Medications: Can be rapidly effective for intractable pain (especially heavy-hitting narcotics or oral steroids) but they are rarely effective over the long term for mechanical back pain or disc herniations.
2. Physical therapy: Good option for many patients if you're fortunate enough to get a truly skilled therapist. Some therapists begin exercise therapy too aggressively and the pain gets worse. Generally speaking, exercise can improve strength, endurance, flexibility, coordination, power, and similar attributes of the locomotor system. In most cases it does not have a direct on pain; or alternatively, the patient in pain is unable to exercise sufficiently to reach a threshold where such an attenuation of pain can be achieved (e.g., through beta-endorphin release).
3. When medications and physical therapy fail, the next step is crucially erroneous, and it is important for the reader to understand the HUGE LOSS in therapeutic opportunity represented by this step. This next over-reaching step is REFERRAL TO A SURGEON. The motive is honorable, of course, and by-and-large, the referring doctor does not know what else to do. In the face of spine pain that is unresponsive to drugs and P.T., the next stop is to the surgeon's clinic where a definitive diagnosis can be sought, and surgery must be considered. You the patient, still in pain, now in a considerable amount of FEAR because the pain is not going away, succumb to the suggestion without blinking, and without wondering why some more conservative, intermediary step is not suggested.

Here is the list of things you didn't get to discuss, consider, have recommended or advised (unless your doctor is most exceptional): referral to see a chiropractor, acupuncturist, interventional pain specialist, massage therapist (although you probably tried this on your own, but didn't know the specific kind of massage therapist to look for), naturopath, reflex therapist, or energy medicine specialist.

Again, the motive for the surgical referral is pure and good and right. "Let's get a definitive diagnosis, and let's get it now," is the sentence running through your doctor's mind. But then specialty doctors -- in this case the spine surgeon -- pretty much does what they know how to do. They look to see if you have an operable condition. If so, they suggest an operation. If not, it's off to a myriad maze, depending on who's in the surgeon's circle of friends at the moment.

HERE'S A THOUGHT: Why not START with a definitive diagnosis in the first place? Why not START knowing exactly what's wrong, and exactly what to do next, in which sequence? THAT'S THE MODEL we propose and practice each day at The Center for Spine Pain & Wellness! Before the drugs, the well-intentioned PT -- before everything -- see a NON-SURGICAL SPECIALIST: one of the Doctors of Chiropractic at our Clinics.

Here's the advantages: You'll save time. If we can help, we'll help fast. If we can't help, we'll refer to sooner than later. Using our approach you won't spend weeks or months in the back pain maze. We're competent, confident, decisive, and correct. Bypass the slow road. Get to the right place now, so you can get back to your life!

A final note: This is not a bash-the-surgeon blog. If you need a surgeon right away, we'll tell you, AND we'll tell you who we've observed in Denver (over 23 years now) doing consistently the best job at it in our neighborhood. If you need a spinal injection, same thing. And if not, you'll be offered whatever treatment or combination of treatments we believe will produce the fastest results at the lowest cost to you.

A new, better, common-sense approach. Visit our website to learn more (see the link above and to the right!)

NEW SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR HEALTH AND WELLNESS!

2008-05-11T17:36:00.000-07:00

February through May have been filled with tremendous amounts of activity at The Center for Spine Pain & Wellness. (Note the name change -- it's important!)

Through the continuing use of Electrointerstitial Body Fluid scanning (EIS) we are starting to see radical changes produced by nutrition, dietary and exercise counseling, and the regular chiropractic, massage and acupuncture care we provide to our patients. We base our approach on a reliable and accurate measure of the pH (or hydrogen ion concentration) of almost every internal organ, including the brain, thyroid, inner ear, liver, heart, lungs, coronary arteries, carotids, bladder, prostate -- you name it. And with this information we are armed and ready to change your life, your health and your future. WE ARE ABLE TO DIRECTLY MEASURE WHETHER THE VITAMINS AND SUPPLEMENTS YOU ARE TAKING ARE MAKING ANY DIFFERENCE IN YOUR BODY. We are able to measure the changes in your body to other therapies you're using also. This is powerful stuff!

Secondly, it's been a pleasure to begin working with our new Doctor of Naturopathy, Jason Barker, ND. He practices medicine (naturally and without pharmaceuticals) in a way that is PREVENTIVE. And that's a big idea that has thrived in chiropractic medicine for a long time. If you can stay well using an expanded knowledge of how to use food as medicine (that is, shopping with a whole new perspective at the grocery story and eating with a whole new understanding of what food can do) you can SPEND FAR LESS in the long run on drugs and surgery.

Ask your parents or grandparents what they spend per month on the 5 or 10 medications they take. Then ask them if they think Medicare will be there for the next generation. Answer: "No." Who'll be able to afford a knee replacement, 3 cardiac stints, a by-pass and a new hip too? It'll be hard-earned cash out-of-pocket someday... and it'll make us or break us.

That's why NOW is the perfect time to shop smart, eat smart, lose weight, get healthy, start exercising and de-stress. Massage and acupuncture will help a bunch. We've just added Julie Johnson, L.Ac., Dipl.O.M. to our Highlands Ranch office. She's a highly skilled acupuncturist who can get the stress out, help with hormones, allergies, and of course, pain of all types!

Naturopathy? Come in and meet the man -- Dr. Barker will give you a free brief consultation and explain the powerful things he can do for you and your family.

Also for stress -- the MRS 2000. Our secret weapon for insomnia, chronic pain, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue!

Who do you know with calcifications in their breast or prostate? I came across powerful new therapies to get rid of the symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy and prostatis. Working with your medical physician we can help you feel better. Benign lumps in the breast are walled off areas of inflammation. Our treatment rids the body of that inflammation safely and inexpensively. More to come on this in our website. In the meantime -- call for an appointment and I'll consult with you about sodium dicalcium EDTA chelation therapy.

Food is medicine -- or poison -- depending on your knowledge and practices. The time to start new habits is NOW. My wife did and her EIS scan is beautiful to behold. I did and lost the little floppy fat handles and 13 pounds. I now weight what I weighed in high school. Played tennis today for 2.5 hours (Happy Mother's Day!) and I FEEL GREAT!

Make the change and your heart will thank you, your joints will thank you, your muscles and mind will thank you, and your family members and loved ones will thank you!! (I want to dance at my grandchildren's wedding(s) someday!

Lots of news. Lots of new therapies. A few new providers. A whole host of HELP to those seeking the best possible health as well as rapid pain relief!

For your health,

Dr. Joel Carmichael, DC, DACBSP
The Center for Spine Pain & Wellness

We'll be out of the office March 21...

2008-03-14T16:40:00.000-07:00

Easter is early this year. It's been our tradition, at The Center for Spine Pain, to take the day off in observance of Good Friday ~ we've done so for years. We are, of course, available for emergencies. In addition, I have added clinic hours Thursday morning. Our remaining providers and staff will be in full force to serve you well!

Abraham Heschl, a great Hebrew theologian, said that we Americans have lost the capacity for awe. By taking time out of the office Friday, March 21 there is opportunity to exercise that capacity afresh over these holidays. "Awe" is not lost -- just dormant and/or atrophying a little. This may be a good time to break away. To pause and wonder. To be amazed.

On behalf of the entire staff at The Center for Spine Pain I wish you time for high quality renewal and reflection this Easter season.

~Joel Carmichael, DC, DACBSP
President, The Center for Spine Pain

March ... in like a lion

2008-03-14T16:22:00.000-07:00

March at The Center for Spine Pain's Greenwood Village office will see some changes. Our very own Dr. Craig Kozak, DC, DABCO will begin practicing full time in Fraser, Colorado the first week in April. You'll find him at Arapaho Chiropractic Center. Dr. Kozak leaves very large shoes to fill in our rehabilitation department. We have exciting plans to maintain high quality, personalized spine and sports rehabilitation right here under our roof at our Greenwood Village office. Many of our patients will miss his kindness, his creative use of his vast knowledge base, and his very personalized rehabilitative instruction. I'll miss him too. He's been here for several years, and I've seen the results (FASTER results, I might add) that come from GREAT rehabilitation combined with GREAT chiropractic care. We're committed to maintaining this.

Our clinical focus for March-April is chronic pain. Many of our patients who have pain they thought they'd have to live with continue to marvel at the effects of the MRS 2000 on their bodies. Others are, like Todd (name changed), can't believe he's got his life back. He had his upper cervical spine fused and he's been in pain pretty much ever since. We're doing some specialized techniques and he's back to riding bikes with his son, planning trips and activities -- he's a CHANGED man! This is what it's all about.

Please check out our 6 PAGE NEWSLETTER on Chronic Pain. You'll find in-depth articles on chronic osteoarthritis pain, chronic daily headache, and chronic Achilles / ankle / foot pain. (Did you know we design state-of-the-art orthotics?)

Our Clinic website is always changing, so make sure you check out our HOME PAGE. There you'll meet Dr. Jason Barker, our naturopath, who is already creating quite a buzz among our patients!

To Dr. Kozak: You are gifted and a highly valued colleague. Thanks for your years of service, my friend. I'll miss you! ~JPC

Growth...

2008-02-28T20:39:00.000-08:00

One of my best friends, Dr. Gary Oliver, says: "If a relationship is not growing, it's dying." He should know. He's Executive Director of The Center for Relationship Enrichment at John Brown University, and visiting associate professor of marriage and family counseling at Denver Seminary. Living things grow. When growth stops health crests and starts to decline; "life quotient" begins to ebb.

I think the same is true for most other aspects of life, including professional life. If I'm not growing professionally I am, in a very real sense, dying. In order to grow, I need to continue to learn. In fact, the "acquired habit of learning" is a lifelong habit that must be cultivated, fed, nurtured and exercised. Living beings learn. Learning is a vital sign of growth.

Where are you in life? It's never to late to learn. It's never time to stop growing in an area that interests you. If something has lost interest for you, rekindle your interest or move on.

My professional interest was definitely fanned into a hot flame when last Friday/Saturday my colleagues from The Center for Spine Pain (CSP) (6 of us in all) and I attended a spine conference in Breckenridge, Colorado. Always a small, intimate group with an incredible, high level of professional exchange, this conference has been a great way for us to grow relationally as CSP providers and grow professionally in our pursuit of excellence in conservative spine care.

Presenting at this conference were the current and 2 past presidents of the North American Spine Society, neurosurgeons, orthopedic spine surgeons, anesthesiologists, physiatrists, we chiropractors, and our acupuncturist. A very gracious group of people all trying to get a little better at what we do than we were last year. Sharpening one another. Challenging one another. Pretty neat stuff.

Then today Dr. Nguyen, Dr. Seeman and I attended a great event at the United States Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. Remember Bob Beamon? He's the guy who jumped 29 feet 2.5 inches in Mexico City in 1968, shattering the world record by several feet (former record was 26 feet and some inches.) Bob's talk was inspiring because his feat embodied what the Olympic Spirit is all about -- striving for excellence in human achievement. Pushing farther, jumping higher (or in his case longer) and running faster. How good can we be, and how much better than we are now? How far can we reach? What are the limits? Bob said this: "Everyone in this room will jump 29 feet some day." He was speaking metaphorically, of course, about our own spheres of expertise and influence.

So, what are you reaching for? Are you growing? Do you have "the acquired habit of learning?" Not every week can be as incredible as this past one has been for me and my colleagues at CSP. Some weeks are average -- and some are downright below average. And that's OK. Even in the midst of a down rhythm of life, every week -- and every day -- can be marked by GROWTH.

~Dr. Joel Carmichael

We're not in Feb 22 ... here's why

2008-02-21T21:28:00.000-08:00

Each year the Doctors of Chiropractic and our acupuncturist, Sara Pavone attend a national spine conference in Breckenridge, Colorado. It's a great way for us to learn, ski hard, learn, eat, learn, ski hard, eat, and sleep. Along the way we sharpen our expertise. Whoever heard of an acupuncturist who knows how to read MRI's? Well, Sara is a pretty sharp cookie -- I'd put her up against, well, lots of people -- in the MRI department. And she's pretty good with a needle too!

Our goal as a provider group is to be the best-in-the-world at just one thing. Read "Good to Great" by Jim Collins and you'll get the picture. That one thing? Non-operative care of spine pain. That's why we call ourselves The Center for Spine Pain.

Have we arrived? Heck no! Are we the best in the world? Some would say so -- but we think we can do better (in some cases, lots better.) Will we ever arrive? Nope -- perfection is a relentless pursuit. BUT -- we ARE on the journey together, and we are striving for better.

That's why were out... :-)

More on low back pain from our new Naturopath!

2008-02-17T15:53:00.000-08:00

We're excited! We've added a Doctor of Naturopathy to our practice! "What's that?" you ask. A Doctor of Naturopathy practices general medicine from a diagnostic point of view (normal examinations, standard laboratory tests, familiar "diagnoses") but differs in that he prescribes NATURAL medicines, supplements and remedies rather than pharmaceuticals. Dr. Jason Barker, our Naturopath, has some recommendations for you (and others you would like to share these with) for low back pain. Glean what you need! ~ JPC

Naturopathic Treatment of Back Pain

Back pain can have many causes. Most often, back pain is caused by an imbalance between the bones and muscles, to put it very simply. If the muscles of the back (or even the pelvis and legs) are stressed, this can lead to pain and inflammation.

There are several natural medicines that can be used to address back pain that is caused by strained muscles. The following are just a few examples of some natural medicines for back pain.

Magnesium

Magnesium is a highly important mineral used in many ways in the human body. It is essential for normal bone structure and plays an essential role in over 300 cellular reactions! It is critical for maintaining nerve and muscle functions, and it works in the body as a mild muscle relaxant. Magnesium works especially well in people who always have some sort of muscle spasm or tightness, as it relaxes the muscles and lessens pain.
One of the often-mentioned ‘electrolytes’, magnesium needs to be replaced often. Unfortunately, magnesium is rather scarce in our diets, so supplementation may be necessary. Magnesium, like all nutrients, must be taken with caution – excess amounts can cause side effects. Therefore, magnesium supplementation should not take place until one can consult with a nutritionally oriented physician. Dietary sources of magnesium include legumes, whole grains, vegetables (especially broccoli, squash and green leafy vegetables), animal proteins, seeds, and nuts.

Plant Enzymes

Enzymes are a type of nutrient that the body uses for chemical reactions. Taken with food, plant enzymes assist with digestion. Taken away from food, enzymes work to decrease the production of pain-producing chemicals in the body. There are many sources of enzymes; the right combination can be quite effective in reducing pain caused by inflammation and spasm in the back. It is important to use a quality source and correct amount of enzymes when dealing with low back pain. Popular enzymes include bromelain, derived from pineapple and papain derived from papaya.

Herbal Medicines

Herbs are plants with medicinal properties. There are a handful of herbs with pain-relieving qualities. In fact, many of the strong pain relieving drugs are derived from this group of herbs. However, prescription drugs come with a lot of side effects, while pain-relieving herbs work much more gently, yet can be quite effective for pain as well.

February 2008 ... Back pain freedom month

2008-02-03T22:09:00.000-08:00

Since it is still snowing, at times, and since the slopes are still open and black ice is giving rise to slips and falls we thought we'd give you a chance to help yourself, your friends, neighbors, and loved ones. The docs at CSP have dedicated some of their valuable clinic time to offer complimentary spine consultations to new individuals referred to our practice during the month of February. Historically, it's a rough month for people. So here's Tip #1: Drink LOTS of water! Most people shovel snow having slept all night long without so much as a sip of water before they pull on their boots and hit the garage door opener to be braced by the cold blast hovering over their snow-laden driveway. Take time to drink 10 ounces of water 10 minutes before you get out there. Coffee and juice don''t count. It's gotta be WATER. An ounce of prevention? In this case, 10 ounces!

Tell your friends we'll have a look at their back -- a really good look that's worth their time -- at no charge. Just click the FREEDOM FOR YOUR BACK link up and to the right on your screen. You'll be doing them a favor and they'll love you for it! Just tell 'em up front we'll fix 'em and kick 'em out -- we won't keep 'em coming back unnecessarily. February -- Brrrrr!

The CSP Blog is born...

2008-02-02T09:22:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Official CSP Blog! It's time to start the conversation. The CSP Blog is a forum where WE LISTEN to our patients, to the blogging community and all others interested in, or passionate about, what we do. Our goal is simply this: to be the finest integrated pain, health and wellness practice you can find, anywhere. In order to achieve a worthy (if not lofty) ideal such as this, we need to be in touch with the communities we serve.

Got a question about your health? A comment about how we could make our website better? Have an innovative idea about how we could improve any of our chiropractic, rehabilitation, acupuncture, massage, naturopathic medicine or energy medicine services? POST AWAY!