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  Shelton Sports and Spine | Shelton, CT Chiropractor | Dr. Jason Queiros | Sports Chiropractic

"Q & A with Doctor Q"

What Is A Trigger Point?

4/1/2020

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​Trigger points (MTrP) are discrete, focal, hyperirritable spots located in a taut band of skeletal muscle. They produce pain locally and in a referred pattern which often accompany chronic musculoskeletal disorders. Acute trauma or repetitive movements may lead to the development of stress on muscle fibers and the formation of trigger points. Patients may have regional, persistent pain resulting in a decreased range of motion in the affected muscles. These include muscles used to maintain body posture, such as those in the neck, shoulders, and pelvic girdle. Trigger points may also manifest as tension headache, tinnitus, temporomandibular joint pain, decreased range of motion in the legs, and low back pain.

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​Unfortunately, much of the terminology, theories, concepts, and diagnostic criteria are inconsistent, incomplete, or controversial. U.S. physician Janet Travell, and her partner Rinzler, coined the term “myofascial trigger point” in the 1950s, reflecting their finding that the nodules can be present and refer pain (pain experienced away from the location of the trigger point) to both muscle and overlying fascia. Although the MTrP is a common physical finding, it is often an overlooked component of non-articular musculoskeletal pain because its pathophysiology is not fully understood. In spite of its high prevalence in patients, it is not a commonly established diagnosis, and is considered to be the great imitator.

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​Research suggests strong evidence supporting chiropractic manipulation, ischemic pressure, and electric stimulation for immediate pain relief at MTrPs. A successful treatment protocol relies on identifying trigger points and elongating the structures affected along their natural range of motion and length by stretching the muscle in conjunction with passive, active, active isolated (AIS), muscle energy techniques (MET), and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching to be effective.

If you, or a loved one, suffers from pain, call our office today at (203) 842-8631
For further questions, e-mail SheltonSportsandSpine@gmail.com
Information provided by PubMed®
A service of the National Library of Medicine, PubMed® contains publication information and (in most cases) brief summaries of articles from scientific and medical journals. For guidance from NCCIH on using PubMed, see How To Find Information About Complementary Health Approaches on PubMed.
Website: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed


Shah JP, Thaker N, Heimur J, Aredo JV, Sikdar S, Gerber L. Myofascial Trigger Points Then and Now: A Historical and Scientific Perspective. PM R. 2015;7(7):746–761. doi:10.1016/j.pmrj.2015.01.024

J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2009 Jan;32(1):14-24. doi: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2008.06.012.
Chiropractic management of myofascial trigger points and myofascial pain syndrome: a systematic review of the literature.
Vernon H1, Schneider M.


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The Impact of Chiropractic Versus Opioids Over The Years

3/25/2020

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​The synthetic opioid fentanyl, now ubiquitous in the illegal drug market — is increasing. The State Medical Examiner reported in 2019 that there were 1,200 accidental drug deaths; this equates to an 18% spike from the previous year. The opioid crisis has become the worst drug epidemic in modern American history with over 70,000 deaths across the nation.

​Opioids are drugs that need to be cultivated from a plant, specifically the poppy plant. Once harvested, the dried ruminates of the plant can be manufactured to make morphine, opium, and heroin. This type of opioid has been used for thousands of years, dating back to 3400 BC for medicinal purposes.

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Utilization of nonpharmacological pain management may prevent unnecessary use of opioids. In a retrospective study analyzing back pain patients from 2012-2017 residing in 3 different US states, the study compared the use of primary care intervention versus chiropractic care. The results showed that patients with spinal pain who saw a chiropractor had half the risk of filling an opioid prescription. Among those who saw a chiropractor within 30 days of diagnosis, the reduction in risk was greater as compared with those with their first visit after the acute phase.

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​Opioids affect the limbic system where our dopamine reward center is located. When opioid molecules cross the blood-brain barrier, the drug latches on to GABA neurons which flood the system with all the feel-good neurotransmitters, creating a feeling of euphoria. When we consistently flood our brain with dopamine by using drugs, the only time a person feels “happy” is when they use whatever created the rush of dopamine to begin with. When the high is over, the brain is exhausted of all the feel-good neurotransmitters thus leaving the individual feeling hopeless, agitated, and sick. This, in turn, makes the person want to avoid feeling that way. This prompts the cycle of addiction. 

If you, or a loved one, suffers from pain, call our office today at (203) 842-8631
For further questions, e-mail SheltonSportsandSpine@gmail.com
Information provided by PubMed®
A service of the National Library of Medicine, PubMed® contains publication information and (in most cases) brief summaries of articles from scientific and medical journals. For guidance from NCCIH on using PubMed, see How To Find Information About Complementary Health Approaches on PubMed.
Website: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed
Pain Med. 2020 Mar 6. pii: pnaa014. doi: 10.1093/pm/pnaa014. [Epub ahead of print]
Impact of Chiropractic Care on Use of Prescription Opioids in Patients with Spinal Pain.
Whedon JM1, Toler AWJ1, Kazal LA2, Bezdjian S1, Goehl JM2, Greenstein J3.
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Coping with Cornoavirus Anxiety

3/16/2020

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Worrying about all the news on the new coronavirus and the illness it causes? Well, that makes good sense. If you often struggle with anxiety, worries about your health, or obsessive thoughts and actions, you might need additional assistance, so we are here to help.
​Keep these thoughts in mind. You’re fully prepared to help yourself. You can take steps to calm and steady yourself. Remember what works for you — because as fellow humans we’re not so dissimilar, but we do tend to have our own preferences and best practices.
​

Many people infected by the coronavirus develop symptoms like a fever and dry cough during the incubation period. However, some people may not seem symptomatic. The virus can spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Viral droplets that travel several feet through the air may be breathed in or — much more likely — may land on surfaces that other people touch, such as a door handle or elevator button.


We do have to be careful and cautious. But once we adopt key precautionary measures, we can take a deep breath and do our best to calm ourselves. It’s not necessary or helpful to be on high alert all the time. This will wear you down emotionally and physically. So try to adjust your level of alertness to your immediate surroundings. Then once you come home, wash your hands really well and find ways to relax and feel safe. Safety is a basic need for all of us.
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While no one source of information is perfect, some are undeniably better than others! Here are some examples:
  • rely on experts who use well-accepted scientific analyses and publish their results in reputable medical journals
  • have a mission to inform and protect the public, such as the CDC and the WHO, which recently added a myth busters page to its information on the virus
  • are not promoting or selling a product related to the information provided.
  • Medline Plus, from the US National Library of Medicine
When in doubt, isolate yourself and contact your doctor if you have symptoms of an infection, such as: fever, cough, or shortness of breath.  
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We’re all on this journey together. News about the virus will likely grow worse, then grow better. Listen to public health experts who can help us navigate the path ahead. Take sensible steps that can help us all: get your bearings, practice good hygiene, use calming strategies that work for you — and maybe try something new. Making healthy, reasonable choices about what to do and what not to do will make a big difference in being able to stay as safe and as well as possible.

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Are You Glowing with Back Pain?

2/16/2020

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​75 percent of pregnant women experience pregnancy-related low back pain, pelvic pain, or a combination; this pain increases as pregnancy progresses. In an effort to avoid chemically treating your symptoms, why not manage them with an effective drugless alternative? With the unavoidable change in your center of gravity, this process increases your lumbar lordosis, resulting in musculoskeletal conditions. 

Typical Symptoms Include: 
1. Low Back Pain: due to increased anterior shift as your weight influences your center of gravity. This creates compensatory muscle tightness and altered gait patters.

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2. Sciatic Nerve Pain: since your precious cargo contributes to uterine pressure on supporting vasculature or direct compression of the sciatic nerve.
​

3. Sacral Pain: as hormonal changes allow for ligament laxity, increased mobility, and joint separation from Relaxin. Pubis dysfunction can produce pain and unwanted symptoms during the birthing process. ​
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Chiropractic care and patient education as part of a comprehensive prenatal care team has been shown to hold greater benefit for pregnant patients than traditional obstetric care alone.
If you are experiencing debilitating low back pain as a result of pregnancy, call or text (203) 842-8631 to receive the best evidence based treatments that effectively treat and prevent these pesky symptoms.  ​
Information provided by PubMed®
A service of the National Library of Medicine, PubMed® contains publication information and (in most cases) brief summaries of articles from scientific and medical journals. For guidance from NCCIH on using PubMed, see How To Find Information About Complementary Health Approaches on PubMed.
Website: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed

​
Weis CA, et al. Prevalence of Low Back Pain, Pelvic Girdle Pain, and Combination Pain in a Pregnant Ontario Population. J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2018 Aug; 40(8): 1038-1043. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30103876

Lisi AJ. Chiropractic spinal manipulation for low back pain of pregnancy: a retrospective case series. J Midwifery Womens Health 2006; 51:7-10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16399602 

George JW, Skaggs CD, Thompson PA, et al. A randomized controlled trial comparing a multimodal intervention and standard obstetrics care for low back and pelvic pain in pregnancy. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2013;208:295.e1-7. https://www.ajog.org/article/S0002-9378(12)01969-2/fulltext 
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My Neck Pain Persists After 6 Months of Physical Therapy

1/30/2020

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Do you have pain that stems from your neck and into your arms, or stiffness that restricts your range of motion? Have you been told that you have "radiculopathy", "disc bulge/herniation", or "spondylolithesis"? Anywhere from 16-75% of the population experiences these musculoskeletal conditions [1]. It is estimated that up to 80% of the US population will experience these pains at some point in their lives. The recommended treatment accrues approximately $50 billion in US healthcare costs each year.[2]
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​Many of us expect guidance from the local orthopedist; with advice from a trusted source, it is advised to pursue a course of physical therapy. Acute pain is a complex process involving activation of: nociceptors, chemical mediators, and inflammation. Both prescribed and over-the-counter medications can target elements within the pain pathway to eliminate or reduce the sensation of symptoms. Pain management begins, when possible, prior to the tissue trauma until acute pain is appropriately managed. Clinical outcomes and satisfaction most likely will be improved.

No one single treatment will intervene to treat each factor; rather, a combination of modalities should be utilized to reduce pain perception. For those that suffer from neck symptoms, it is beneficial to establish: reasonable goals, cost-effectiveness of the recommended treatment plan, future transition to an unsupervised program, and awareness of potential barriers of treatment/alternative conservative plans, or possible referral. It can be frustrating, and prohibitive ,when you're given an extensive treatment plan when there is still significant persistent symptoms. 
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​Even medication or physical modalities are "palliative care", and symptoms can be expected to persist if the underlying cause goes untreated. Research shows that cervical traction in conjunction of transcutaneous electrical stimulation demonstrates both analgesic efficacy with improved global mobility/pain levels with cervical disorders. [1]

If you or someone you know suffers from debilitating neck pain, call or text (203) 842-8631 to receive the best evidence based treatments that effectively treat and prevent these pesky symptoms.  
Information provided by PubMed®
A service of the National Library of Medicine, PubMed® contains publication information and (in most cases) brief summaries of articles from scientific and medical journals. For guidance from NCCIH on using PubMed, see How To Find Information About Complementary Health Approaches on PubMed.
Website: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed
1. Med Sci Monit. 2017; 23: 335–342.
The Effectiveness of Cervical Spondylosis Therapy with Saunders Traction Device and High-Intensity Laser Therapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2. Journal ListMo Medv.110(1); Jan-Feb 2013PMC6179627
A Review of Management of Acute Pain
Quinn Johnson, MD
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What Are Broccoli Sprouts and Should I be Eating Them?

1/28/2020

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Breakfast conversations often gets brought up during treatments with Dr. Q. He often gets asked, "What do you eat for breakfast?" One of the breakfast staples in the Q household is avocado toast with homegrown broccoli sprouts. Sprouts are a super-healthy addition to any breakfast and can be grown in your own kitchen.  Broccoli sprouts are one of the most nutrient dense foods that you can eat and very easy to grow at home year round.  They are first seedlings of the broccoli plant, and add a wonderful crunch to your meals.  

The main medicinal and nutritional component of broccoli sprouts is a called sulfurophane.  Sulfurophane is a strong antioxidant, aides with detoxification, and has been shown to greatly reduce risks of different types of cancers, including breast, bladder, stomach and colon cancers.  ​
​

So you're interested in sprouting this medicinal goodness in your kitchen?  We are here to guide you along the way!  It is super easy and can be a fun way to engage your family in healthy meal prep.  

What you'll need to start:
-Organic Broccoli Sprout Seeds
-Wide-mouth Jar
-Sprouting Lid
-Water

Here is the day-by-day or step-by-step process:

DAY 1: Put 1-2 TBSP of organic broccoli seeds in a jar, rinse, and let them SOAK overnight for 24 hours.  You can leave them on the counter or in a cabinet. 

Day 2: Rinse the seeds and place upside down for water to drain through the sprouting lid (mesh top).  This keeps your sprouts fresh and free of mold. You can rinse them several times a day, but every morning and night is sufficient. 

Day 3:  After a few days, the sprouts will start to grow and yellow & green leaves will start to appear.  Now you can move your jar into a sunny part of your kitchen.  ​
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To be continued.... (check out or instagram @DrQChiro for more)

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Want a Little Pep In Your Vertical Jump?

1/24/2020

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What athlete wouldn't want to be able to jump a little higher to get that competitive edge? Would you ever consider going to your Chiropractor if it meant you might be able to increase your vertical jump with an adjustment? It's true! The effect of a chiropractic high-velocity, low-amplitude manipulation in those who suffer from ankle joint dysfunction over a 3 week period had statistically significant improvement in vertical jump height.
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A vertical jump or vertical leap is the act of raising one’s center of gravity higher in the vertical plane exclusively with the utilization of one’s own muscles; it is a measure of how high an individual or athlete can elevate off the ground from a standstill. Vertical jump is also an important measurement to assess recovery prior to a weight-training, speed or even practice session. If you over train your nervous system by performing an excessive volume of heavy weight or high- speed training, the fatigue will manifest itself first in your performance in movements requiring high-speed.
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There were no adverse effects in this study, as chiropractic manipulation is non-invasive nor uses pharmacologic intervention to achieve these results. Your feet have an important stability function. If the foundation that you stand on is dysfunctional, these stresses will be transmitted to other parts of your body with discomfort and pain being felt in your ankles, knees and lower back.

If you'd like to have our doctors assess you, or someone you know, call or text our office TODAY at (203) 842-8631.
Information provided by PubMed®
A service of the National Library of Medicine, PubMed® contains publication information and (in most cases) brief summaries of articles from scientific and medical journals. For guidance from NCCIH on using PubMed, see How To Find Information About Complementary Health Approaches on PubMed.
Website: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed

J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2014 Feb;37(2):116-23. doi: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2013.11.004. Epub 2014 Jan 2.
Effect of chiropractic manipulation on vertical jump height in young female athletes with talocrural joint dysfunction: a single-blind randomized clinical pilot trial.
Hedlund S1, Nilsson H1, Lenz M1, Sundberg T2.
1 Comment

How Can My Chiropractor Help My Fibromyalgia?

1/14/2020

2 Comments

 
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Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues. Researchers believe that fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain processes pain signals.

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​Fibromyalgia is the second most common condition affecting your bones and muscles. Yet it's often misdiagnosed and misunderstood. Its classic symptoms are widespread muscle and joint pain and fatigue. There's no cure. But a combination of medication, exercise, managing your stress, and healthy habits may ease your symptoms enough that you can live a normal, active life.
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Fibromyalgia can feel similar to osteoarthritis, bursitis, and tendinitis. But rather than hurting in a specific area, the pain and stiffness could be throughout your body.

Studies to evaluate resistance training with Chiropractic treatment have proven that this combination of treatment improved strength and reduced symptoms of FM. It also improved adherence to the treatment plan and reduced dropout rates  while facilitating greater improvements of the domains of functionality. 

If you or someone you know suffers from fibromyalgia, call or text our office today at
(203) 842-8631 to find out more.



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Information provided by PubMed®
A service of the National Library of Medicine, PubMed® contains publication information and (in most cases) brief summaries of articles from scientific and medical journals. For guidance from NCCIH on using PubMed, see How To Find Information About Complementary Health Approaches on PubMed.
Website: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed
 
J Altern Complement Med. 2009 Mar;15(3):321-8. doi: 10.1089/acm.2008.0132.
Effects of resistance training and chiropractic treatment in women with fibromyalgia.
Panton LB1, Figueroa A, Kingsley JD, Hornbuckle L, Wilson J, St John N, Abood D, Mathis R, VanTassel J, McMillan V.
2 Comments

Should I Continue with Regular Maintenance Visits?

1/13/2020

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The question is often asked whether or not you need to continue to see your Chiropractor after your symptoms have resolved. Aside from spinal manipulation (SMT), Shelton Sports & Spine also offers massage, acupuncture, nutrition, and functional assessments. Spinal manipulation is a common treatment for low back pain, and studies show how effective it can be even when you're not symptomatic. Based on studies, patients who followed-up with their Chiropractor for evaluations and treatment showed more improvement in pain and disability scores.

​SMT is effective for the treatment of chronic nonspecific LBP. This technique requires the use of the practitioners hands or device to apply a controlled thrust (that is, a force of a specific magnitude or degree in a specific direction) to a joint of your spine. The amount of force can vary, but the thrust allows the joint more mobility than it would on its own. Spinal manipulation is different from spinal mobilization, which doesn’t involve a thrust (and is performed within a joint’s natural range of motion and can be controlled by the patient).
​According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, spinal manipulation (which also can be performed by an osteopathic physician) was used for the following wellness reasons:
  • 43 percent used it for general wellness or disease prevention 
  • 25 percent used it because it focuses on the whole person—their mind, body, and spirit 
  • 16 percent used it for improved energy 
  • 11 percent used it for better immune function 
  • 5 percent used it to improve memory or concentration.
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Spinal manipulation is safe when performed by a trained and licensed practitioner. The most common side effects of spinal manipulation are temporary muscle soreness, stiffness, or a temporary increase in pain. In a 2017 clinical practice guideline, the ACP suggested that spinal manipulation remains a recommended treatment option for chronic low-back pain, due to evidence of effectiveness. Don't wait until your symptoms become bothersome.


Call our office today at (203) 842-8631, and together let's continue to achieve your best at our multidisciplinary clinic. 

Information provided by PubMed®
A service of the National Library of Medicine, PubMed® contains publication information and (in most cases) brief summaries of articles from scientific and medical journals. For guidance from NCCIH on using PubMed, see How To Find Information About Complementary Health Approaches on PubMed.
Website: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed

Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2011 Aug 15;36(18):1427-37. doi: 10.1097/BRS.0b013e3181f5dfe0.
Does maintained spinal manipulation therapy for chronic nonspecific low back pain result in better long-term outcome?
Senna MK1, Machaly SA.
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Did You Know Chiropractic Helps with TMJ Disorders?

1/4/2020

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It's true, studies have shown that chiropractic manipulative therapy with manual myofascial work has helped to increase the opening range of the jaw while reducing jaw pain at rest or upon opening. It also has been shown to reduce pain with clenching over the course of 1 year. 


​There were statistically significant differences with the jaw at rest, opening, or clenching. Results reported were superior to those who had no treatment or mouth guards. 
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​​Even Tufts School of Dental Medicine has acknowledged the significance of the use of Chiropractic care, and have TWO Chiropractors who lecture to current dental students on craniofascial pain.

If you and/or someone you know experiences TMJ, call or text our office today to talk to our doctors and therapists on ways we can help at (203) 842-8631.

*J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2012 Jan;35(1):26-37. doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2011.09.004. Epub 2011 Nov 10.
Intraoral myofascial therapy for chronic myogenous temporomandibular disorder: a randomized controlled trial.
Kalamir A1, Bonello R, Graham P, Vitiello AL, Pollard H.
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4 Armstrong Road
Suite T120
​Shelton, CT 06484
(203) 842-8631
  • Home
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