Meridian Wellness Blog

Spinal Decompression Update

2010-08-20T16:36:00.001-04:00

As a followup to my last post on Decompression...interestingly enough, the primary U.S. company Axiom Worldwide, LLC manufacturing the DRX9000 machine has gone into receivership. As well, the Low Back Clinic investigated in the CBC report has changed its name to Premium Spinal Care.

Things that make you go hmm??

Again, I do believe that decompression (aka traction), can certainly be helpful. It's just the high cost of treatment that I'm not in agreement with.

CBC Marketplace's Report on Spinal Decompression

2010-03-30T11:02:00.003-04:00

Erica Johnson of CBC Marketplace did a piece called "Stretching the Truth?" on Friday March 26th which 'exposed' the latest treatment for low back pain sufferers: Spinal Decompression.

I've had numerous patients ask me about Spinal Decompression over the past two years. It has been advertised a lot in local radio and print media especially by the Low Back Clinic, a franchised operation out of Toronto. Low Back Clinic was the specific target for Erica Johnson, but there are a few other similar companies and individual clinics in the GTA offering the same decompression treatment.

The main thrust of the segment was that Spinal Decompression (especially with the DRX9000 machine) was being improperly marketed. Low Back Clinic has been claiming a success rate of over 89% that is not based on proper research and also claims that the DRX9000 is based on NASA science (again false). As well, it was also brought out that patients have been getting injured through the use of the machine...this while being asked to pay ~$5000 for 20 sessions.

As I mentioned, patients have been asking me about this form of treatment and I've even had many new patients come in who have tried the DRX9000. So far, I've yet to meet someone who has said it has helped them...at all. But most have said they've felt 'cheated' because they spent so much money.

What's my view on Spinal Decompression? Well, I do know that it is nothing new per se. In fact, it is just glorified mechanical traction...which has been used in rehab settings for decades. The main difference: the DRX9000 adds computerized traction control and a TV screen on which the patient can view DVDs during their treatment.

Traction (aka Spinal Decompression) will certainly help some people and not others. However, this can be said for ALL therapies. When it comes to treating pain and neuromusculoskeletal problems, there isn't one cure-all for everyone. Each person is UNIQUE and DIFFERENT in physical, genetic and mental/emotional makeup and responds to therapy in their own way.

I see it in my own practice. Usually chiropractic adjustments help patients, but sometimes patients fail to get the relief they want too. I get pretty good result with low intensity laser therapy (about 70% success) but there's still 30% who I can't help with laser.

Why do some patients beat their cancer with chemo or radiation therapy while others don't?

Why do some people get over colds/flu in a few days while others take weeks?

Why does Tylenol work for one person but Advil for the next?

I would argue that it is simply because we are all made and programmed differently. As doctors and therapist, we try our best to used evidence-based treatment...things which have been researched and clinically shown to be effective. There is some trial and error involved to find the right mix of therapies that ultimately help you, the patient. This is the ART and SCIENCE of medicine.

So my main gripe with Spinal Decompression or traction is not that it is not therapeutically beneficial (it will help some folks), but that the marketing and the pricing structure are out of line and unfair.

However, the one thing I can't logically come to terms with is this: if the decompression helps to restore intervertebral disc height during the treatment, won't gravity and the weight of your body simply compress the disc again as soon as you get off the table????

Are Cell Phones Safe?

2009-09-21T23:23:00.002-04:00

The Environmental Working Group released an interesting document last week about the safety of cell phones. After a 10 month research review, they concluded that cell phone DO emit radiation--enough to be concerned about potential cancer risks. Check out their website http://www.ewg.org/cellphone-radiation?inlist=Y&utm_source=cell&utm_medium=email&utm_content=second-link&utm_campaign=toxics to check the safety of your cell phone according to the EWG and also ways to reduce radiation exposure. Here is a quick summary, check out the link http://www.ewg.org/cellphoneradiation/8-Safety-Tips?inlist=Y&utm_source=cell&utm_medium=email&utm_content=fourth-link&utm_campaign=toxics for more detailed info:

1. Buy a low-radiation phone.
2. Use a headset or speaker.
3. Listen more, talk less (your phone emits radiation when you talk or text but not when you're receiving messages).
4. Hold the phone away from your body.
5. Choose texting over talking.
6. Poor signal? Stay off the phone (fewer signal bars means your phone emits more radiation to get the signal to the tower).
7. Limit your kid's cell phone use--kids brains absorb twice the cell phone radiation as an adults.
8. Skip the 'radiation shield' like antenna caps or keyboard covers (they reduce connetion quality an forces your phone to transmit at a higher power).

Well, I guess it's time for me to get some more options for texting, instead of paying 15 cents per text! I think it's also time to invest in a land line since we don't have one right now and now that we have kids it's important to have it for emergencies...plus I think I would like to hold off cell phone use for them as long as possible!

Cheers,
Dr. Misa

This Week's Tip from the EWG

2009-08-27T01:02:00.002-04:00

It's amazing how many toxic chemicals are used in products we use daily in our homes. This week's tip from the Environmental Working Group is about avoiding fire retardants in your home. An interesting read: http://www.ewg.org/healthy-home-tips-03?utm_source=tips3-toxics&utm_medium=email&utm_content=second-link&utm_campaign=kid-health

As a side note, fall is a great time for a detox! As you look to detoxify your home, think about cleansing your body as well and gaining some energy as we enter the colder months. Detoxing twice a year can help boost your immune system and prevent allergies and colds. There are many types of detoxes and I can tailor one that suits your lifestyle...i.e. I won't ask you to do a juice fast if you are a very active individual with a high stress job. In fact, I prefer to give a detox diet that maintains the proper amount of calories you will need, with the help of various supplements that improve the function of your organs of excretion-colon, lungs, skin, kidneys, and liver. Don't forget we also have ionCleanse detox foot baths available at Meridian.

Cheers,

Dr. Misa

Swine Flu Update

2009-05-06T12:02:00.003-04:00

As of May 2nd, there are 16-lab confirmed cases of H1N1 flu virus in Ontario. Three are in York, six are in Durham, one is in Peel and six are in Toronto.

All but three of the confirmed cases have a travel history to Mexico. The cases without a travel history to Mexico close contact with confirmed cases.

All the cases are mild and are recovering at home.

If you or someone close to you answer yes to the following questions, please see your family doctor or walk-in clinic:
1. Do you have new/worse cough or shortness of breath?
2. Are feeling feverish, have a fever > 38 C, or have you had the shakes/chills in the last 24 hours?
3. Have you traveled (or have you come in contact with a sick person) within the last 7 days to Mexico or another affected area?

As always, follow proper HANDWASHING at home and public places!

Be well,
Dr. Misa

Buying Organic can get expensive...are there foods that are worse than others?

2009-04-03T23:41:00.002-04:00

Ever since moving to Toronto in 1997 and living on my own, I have become much more aware of how much food costs, especially if you want to eat healthy and buy organic. I am constantly looking for sales at the grocery store and am happy to see more and more organic products in the stores, because that means it will be more competitively priced.

Having two children now has really caused me to prioritize what aisles I visit at the grocery store, because more than ever I am determined to provide healthy meals for my family. At times this can get quite stressful, especially when I have to go to 3 different Shoppers Drug Marts late at night to find organic milk for my daughter's daycare by the next morning! I want the best for my family, but I've learned that we can't be perfect, we can only be expected to do the best we can.

There are however, a few foods that I will not compromise on and will always buy organic. These are meat and dairy products. When it comes to fruits and veggies, I am more selective and only buy organic if they are high on the pesticide list. This helps my wallet a bit. This summer I plan to try growing some of those highly pesticide-sprayed veggies in my garden (I have never grown any foods in my life so stay tuned!). If you have any tips, please email me! I would love some green-thumb-veggie-growing advice.

Here is the link to the Environmental Working Group's most recent list of highly pesticide sprayed fruits/veggies. There is a full list as well as a pocket guide to carry in your wallet. I try to buy organic of the top worst 10 fruits/veggies. Enjoy!

http://www.foodnews.org/fulllist.php

http://www.foodnews.org/

Have a healthy day,
Dr. Misa

Official Website (Redesign) Launch Today!

2009-04-01T10:41:00.007-04:00

We're extremely excited to announce the official launch of the newly redesigned Meridian Wellness website! Check it out at:

www.meridianwellness.ca

If you've been to the old site in the past, you'll immediately see how the new redesign is much easier to read and use. For us, this new site will allow us to update information easily and regularly, send newsletters by email and interact with patients and our community via the new blog!

Oh, and we've also added the ability to send online Appointment requests...just hit the big blue button near the top of the screen!

A big thanks to Kagan and his team at Xodmedia for all his hard work in helping us implement the new site. You can check out his web design company at:

www.xodmedia.com

Hope you enjoy the site and let us know what you think by e-mail, this blog or the next time we see you at the office!

Drs. Keith & Misa

Yes...Chiropractors do get neck (or low back) pain too!

2009-03-30T16:02:00.002-04:00

So I have yet another opportunity to experience what many of my other patients feel...neck pain with radiating arm symptoms. Specifically, a constant dull ache in my right deltoid which gets stronger whenever I extend my head backwards. When I flex it forward, I get more localized pain near the base of my neck on the right side. Even worse, the last 4 days I've been noticing pareaesthesia (pins & needles sensation) down my entire arm and to the hand. Interestingly enough, it consistently gets worse whenever I sit down at the computer, in my car, on the sofa but is much better when I'm up standing or moving around. I've had this problem for about 3 months now and it actually seems to be getting worse!

How did I get this? Hmm....I know I haven't done anything specifically to my neck recently. But stress, lack of sleep (we just had another child!) and postural issues have probably combined to cause the flare up. The first time I had something similar was about 8 years ago when I was in chiropractic college...I was playing basketball and went up for a rebound when someone shoved me from behind. My head went snapping backward and I had a moderate case of whiplash. Of course, I received some physical therapy and chiropractic care at the college and within 2 weeks I was good again. But I do believe that one bad incident has predisposed me to earlier cervical degeneration. And the symptoms I am feeling are resulting from nerve compression at C5/C6. Whether the compression is caused by a disc problem or bone/joint problem is hard to say unless I get a CT or MRI done.

Sadly, doctors can often be the worst patients! I have been inconsistent with my own treatment. I've only used the laser therapy about 4-5 times during the last two months (mainly b/c I have to pack up the machine and bring it home with me in the evening which can be a bit of an inconvenience). I've also only been adjusted once in the last 4 months...haven't been going out for my usual once a month lunch date with an old chiropractor school friend, where after lunch we typically exchange adjustments.

Guess it's time to get disciplined like I tell my own patients. Regular treatment = steady improvement. So stay tuned. I'm in the same boat with the rest of you!

Dr. Keith

Protecting Your Baby From Toxins

2009-03-20T09:45:00.001-04:00

As a follow-up to yesterday's post, I just came across another great write-up from HealthyChild.com on protecting your precious little one from toxic exposure. Great read! Print it out for reference.

http://www.healthychild.com/images/stories/downloads/Protect-Your-Baby-from-Toxic-Exposures.pdf

Dr. Keith

Healthy Home Environments

2009-03-19T15:34:00.002-04:00

Keep you and your family healthy!

Here's a great online interactive tool that teaches you about keeping your home healthier and toxin-free. It is done by Seventh Generation who makes wonderful environmentally friendly cleaning products. We use them at home ourselves and you can buy them at Loblaws, Home Depot and many other retail stores.

http://www.webmd.com/health-ehome-9/default.htm

Also on the WebMD site, is a pretty good article written by a pair of medical doctors about toxic substances in a lot of everyday products we find around the house.

http://www.webmd.com/health-ehome-9/healthier-hygiene

And remember, we have the IonCleanse detox system here at the clinic as well to help rid yourself of alot of those nasty toxins that you've accumulated over the years!

Pregnancy Update

2009-03-14T08:58:00.001-04:00

Congratulations to Dr. Misa who gave birth on Saturday, February 21st to a healthy baby girl named Cara.

Misa had a wonderful home birth again in the outstanding care of her midwife team from the North Don River Valley Midwifery Centre.

http://www.midwiferycare-ndrv.com/

Cara was born 7lbs 10oz.

Congratulations to Dr. Misa (and Dr. Keith)!

Coming Soon!

2009-03-02T12:58:00.000-05:00

Meridian Wellness is gearing up to release its new website in March 2009.
We'll also be connecting with the online community by blog, so come back often to read the latest in health news that is important to you!

Drs. Keith Tse & Misa Kawasaki