OPTIMAL HEALTH UNIVERSITY ™ ●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●● Presented by Katie Gravesen, DC of treatment.” (J Manipulative Physiol The Chiropractic Solution Ther 2003;26:108-15.)

To Mid-Back Pain What causes a rib subluxation? Sleep- ing on the same side night after night Chiropractic is well known for its ability to relieve neck and low-back pain. But may result in this painful condition. did you know that it also benefits those suffering from mid-back pain? Other instigators include everyday activities like coughing, lifting or Mid-back pain ranges from twinges to tenderness and throbbing. Unlike low- throwing a ball. Chiropractors gently back pain, however, which gets lots of press, achy middle backs don’t capture manipulate the subluxated rib(s) back as much of the limelight. Until now! into place.

Thoracic Area of the Spine = The Chiropractic Solution Adjustment Addendum Mid-Back

Dr. Gravesen corrects vertebral sub- Chiropractic adjustments aren’t the When doctors of chiropractic refer to only way Dr. Gravesen helps patients the thoracic region, they are referring luxations with safe and gentle maneu- vers called chiropractic adjustments. overcome mid-back pain. Chiroprac- to the mid-back: home to the thoracic tors often prescribe specific exercises section of the spine. During a chiropractic adjustment, Dr. and may suggest physical therapy. They also provide education on proper The mid-back includes 12 pairs of Gravesen slowly moves misaligned vertebrae back into place. This process ergonomics — in and out of the office ribs, 12 spinal bones (vertebrae) — — and relaxation techniques. each of which is attached to a rib — relaxes the connecting muscles: a vital and a network of nerves, muscles, step in reducing patients’ mid-back tendons and ligaments. These struc- pain and improving mobility. Ergonomically Speaking tures protect internal organs, including the heart, lungs, liver and spleen. Chiropractic adjustments help main- If you want a healthy and pain-free tain the integrity of joint cartilage, back, pay attention to your posture. Most episodes of mid-back pain result improve the metabolism of the in- Scrunching down in a chair while from injury, overuse or misuse. Ab- tervertebral disk and prevent prema- watching television or slumping over a normal spinal alignment or degenera- ture degenerative changes (Neurol computer keyboard predisposes the tion of normal structure can also lead Clin 1999;17:91-111). thoracic spine to exaggerated curva- to mid-back pain. “The precipitating tures. mechanical problem commonly leads Subluxated Ribs to inflammation, and the inflammation causes pain.” (Harv Health Lett Even ribs can become misaligned. 1989;15:5.) Subluxations in this area often result in “trigger points” of pain, causing the Vertebral Subluxations smooth muscles around the ribs to In the Thoracic Region kink and knot. The sharp, jabbing na- ture of the pain can mimic heart burn When spinal bones become mis- or even a heart attack. aligned or movement is restricted, the result is a common condition known Although the possibility of a heart as vertebral subluxation. condition must always be considered when symptoms include chest pain, Vertebral subluxations are linked with after cardiovascular disease is ruled a myriad of health concerns, such as out, musculoskeletal involvement carpal tunnel syndrome, headaches, “may be the underlying cause of the backaches, infantile colic and ear in- symptoms in certain patients. When fections. this is the case, chiropractic adjust- ment may provide an effective mode Katie Gravesen, DC, Sol Chiropractic (808) 270-2530 30 E Lipoa #4-102, Kihei, HI 96753 www.solchiro.com

Vertebral subluxations in the thoracic Traumatic Injury of thoracic vertebrae. region may lead to mild or exagger- ated curvatures — ranging from a While the largest percentage of mid- And, fracture is a real possibility in mild roll of the shoulders to a severe back pain falls into the “chronic” cate- thoracic injuries as well. Scientists “hunchback.” gory — instigated by daily activities explain that because symptoms of gone awry — traumatic injuries occur trauma in this “relatively immobile Even five or ten pounds of excess as well. And when they do, doctors of area of the spine may be nonspecific, a weight can trigger postural misalign- chiropractic restore patients to health thoracic spinal fracture may go unde- ments: particularly abdominal weight, with the same safe and gentle maneu- tected, possibly exposing the individ- which tends to pull the body forward. vers they use for chronic conditions. ual to further injury if athletic activi- High heels, fatigue and aging also take ties are resumed.” (Am J Sports Med a toll on posture. Unlike the spine of the neck (cervical 1993;21:57.) spine), which has far less stability and Regular exercise encourages good is more prone to injury, vertebrae in Symptoms indicating the possibility of posture. It not only relieves stress, but the thorax region are considerably post-game thoracic injury include: it also strengthens the spine and im- more stable. proves alignment. Pain in the mid-back (made worse by deep breathing) Ask the doctor to suggest an exercise regimen aimed at enhancing posture Stiffness and strengthening vital muscles (such as your abdominals). Inability to rotate upper body

Stress and Mid-Back Pain If you or your child play any sports, schedule regular chiropractic check- A study performed by researchers ups. Early detection of spinal injuries from the Centers for Disease Control is crucial. and Prevention; National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; and Warning Sign the University of Pittsburgh, included more than 6,000 material handlers in It’s also important to note that mid- 160 newly opened retail stores. back pain may indicate the presence of osteoarthritis (OA). After adjusting for patient history of back problems and work-related lift- A chronic degenerative disorder, OA ing, researchers found that the risk of is characterized by cartilage loss: re- back pain was moderately increased sulting in pain and stiffness. That’s among employees with intensely de- Supported by their surrounding liga- why it’s important to let your doctor manding jobs, high levels of job dis- ments, these vertebrae are also pro- know if you are experiencing either of satisfaction and stressful scheduling tected by the rib cage. “The common- these symptoms. demands (Am J Ind Med 2003;43:179- est cause of fractures of the thoracic 187). lumbar spine is hyperflexion with ro- In severe cases, OA of the thoracic tation resulting from falls, direct spine results in “hunchback.” Regular As providers of holistic health care, trauma, or road traffic accidents.” (Br chiropractic care may ward off this chiropractors are committed to helping Med J 1993;307:1552.) disfiguring condition before it takes patients adopt the chiropractic life- hold. style, a way of life that focuses on Herniated thoracic vertebrae are less preventing health problems, rather common than cervical or lumbar rup- Don’t wait for pain to be your “wake than merely masking symptoms with tures. Pain, radiating outward from the up” call. Make an appointment with medication. This lifestyle includes mid-back region, is the most frequent your doctor today for a complete stopping stress before it stops you! complaint (Am Fam Physician physical. Your mid-back and entire 1992;45:2162). body will thank you! The next time you feel stress starting to build, try one or more of the follow- If you are experiencing back pain, Optimal Health University™ is a professional service of PreventiCare Publishing®. The information and recom- ing tension tamers: don’t minimize its significance. Make mendations appearing on these pages are appropriate  Exercise an appointment with your doctor of in most instances; but they are not a substitute for consultation with a health care provider. Optimal chiropractic for a complete examina- ™  Meditate or pray Health University may be photocopied (NOT re- tion to rule out any ruptured disks or printed) exactly as they are published noncommercially  Listen to some favorite music vertebral subluxations. by current subscribers ONLY to share with patients or potential patients. Optimal Health University™ may  Phone a friend NOT be reprinted in any print or electronic publication Tackle Trouble including newsletters, newspapers, magazines or Web  Go to a movie sites. Any other reproductions are subject to Preventi- Care Publishing® approval. Copyright, 2017. Preventi-  Lose yourself in a good book ® Sports can also result in subluxations Care Publishing . 1-831-313-0335.