Tis' the season for giving and spending precious time with loved ones during this magical time of year. Unfortunately, tis' also the season for back, neck and extremity problems.  The risk and possibility of injury does not take a holiday break because Santa is coming to town.  As a matter of fact, your body is more susceptible to injury during the holiday season from the increased mental and physical stressors.  We often get so caught up in simply trying to keep up that we let our guard down - and that's when injuries strike.  Getting into the holiday spirit can sometimes be difficult.  However, once you get there it seems that everything feels better.  Make sure that you get into a healthy spirit this season.  Give the gift of health to yourself and others.  Have a happy, healthy and injury-free holiday. 

ADVANCED EDUCATION LEADS TO IMPROVED OUTCOMES

The McKenzie Method^® — Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy^® a philosophy of active patient involvement and education that is trusted and used by practitioners and patients all over the world for back, neck and extremity problems.

Dr. Derek Hartmann has recently completed the advanced lumbar spine and lower extremities course through The McKenzie Institute.  Learn how to reduce, maintain, restore, and prevent.  Both old and new conditions can be addressed and treated successfully sometimes in only 4-6 visits. 

  TIS’ THE SEASON FOR HOLIDAY STRESS

Quick Tips for Stress Reduction

--Have a positive attitude

--Try not to worry about things out of your control

--Problem solve with people around you. Ask them to help you alleviate stress

--A few extra minutes of exercise daily can benefit your overall health

--Eat Nutritional food.  Decrease the amount of fat and sugar you eat

--Meditate or take a class in relaxation and stretching techniques…like Tai Chi or Yoga

--Avoid drinking caffeinated beverages

--Rest.  Try to get eight hours of sleep each day

--Get a massage.  A massage can be beneficial for the mind and body  

THOUGHT OF THE MONTH

“Happiness is not so much in having as sharing.  We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

                                                                                                                                    -Alice Jean

Yes I know that summer has come and gone and you are not throwing those ribs on the grill under the 90 degree sun anymore.  With the birth of our child came a whole new appreciation for this self-appointed syndrome by Dr. Hartmann.  There are specific mechanics of holding and feeding and caring for a child that cause real and unpleasant musculo-skeletal pain patterns.  There are only a few different ways that tissues can go bad and cause pain.  These ways include…prolonged bad postures and positions, repetitive bad postures and movements and obviously trauma.  The first two would be the most significant in baby back syndrome.  Prolonged positions of rounding your shoulders, protruding your head and neck and looking down for long periods of time while the child is in your arms will all cause tissues to deform and cause pain.  These prolonged bad postures, positions and movements cause posterior disc migration in the neck, decreased circulation and oxygen to postural muscles and pain soon comes thereafter.  This will cause burning type pain in the back of the head, neck, upper shoulders and upper back.  By simply returning your posture to correct anatomical alignment will push the reset button on the pain pattern and decrease the pain almost immediately.  However, if these positions, postures and movements are not interrupted by postural correction techniques, it can actually lead to tissue injury including disc problems.  The first line of defense is always patient education in these postural correction techniques.  The muscular tissues are then addressed with massage therapy and manual therapy techniques and the joint restriction issues are addressed with specific chiropractic care techniques.  If you or someone you know has just had a baby and is complaining about this type of pain pattern, please have them call our office for a consultation.  We can very easily and effectively treat baby back syndrome. 

PATCH.COM

Take a look at the Homewood-Flossmoor edition of THE PATCH to view the updated The Hart Wellness Center listing.  Look to see more from THWC and even a featured article about Dr. Derek Hartmann on http://homewood-flossmoor.patch.com very soon.   

THOUGHT OF THE MONTH

“Just before the death of flowers and before they are buried in snow, there comes a festival season when nature is all aglow.”

--author unknown

LETTERS FROM LINZIE

We welcomed the birth of our beautiful baby daughter, Mia, on September 7, 2011.  Mom and baby are very well and healthy!

ACUPUNCTURE:  WHAT IS IT REALLY GOOD FOR?
EVERYTHING...Chronic disease or chronic pain presentations are commonly caused by fluctuations in our central and autonomic nervous systems.  The autonomic nervous system is made up of two parts, the sympathetic and the parasympathetic.  This is your “fight or flight” or “rest and digest” nervous systems.  When there is an imbalance in these automatic and beyond our conscious control nervous systems, disease occurs.  It is like a breeding ground for chronic disease and some chronic pain presentations.  Acupuncture is effective by creating balance in these two nervous systems and when you put your body back into balance you have a tremendous ability to create healing from within.  Acupuncture simply blocks the pain signal from reaching the brain.  The needles interrupt the large transmission of nerve fibers and you no longer feel pain.  It also creates healing by decreasing inflammation, increasing circulation and increasing the energy in the system attracted to certain points throughout the body to create balance.  Many people ask what acupuncture is good for or what it can help.  My answer is simple…EVERYTHING!  If you or someone you know have tried just about everything without success at treating your current condition, give us a call and give acupuncture a try.
 
ZEN SHIATSU
R. Yanna Loam is a licensed massage therapist currently enrolled as a student at Zen Shiatsu Chicago located in Evanston and scheduled to graduate in October of 2012.  Zen Shiatsu is a form of body work that combines massage therapy that is deeply rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine principles and is treats system and energy imbalances similar to acupuncture.  Yanna will be available on Friday mornings between 8am and 12pm for FREE 50-minute Zen Shiatsu sessions to aid her in her studies. 
 
FIGHT YOUR ALLERGIES WITH Antronex®
This fall allergy season is upon us and is having a stronger presence than ever.  THWC has available a nutritional supplement that is derived from a bovine liver fat extract found to aid the liver’s ability to clean the blood and aid the body in its natural anti-histamine response.  This is an all-natural and affordable way to ease your allergy symptoms without any of the adverse side effects. 

THOUGHT OF THE MONTH
Speak tenderly to them.  Let there be kindness in your face, in your eyes, in your smile, in the warmth of our greeting.  Always have a cheerful smile.  Don't only give your care, but give your heart as well.
-Mother Teresa

LETTERS FROM LINZIE
We wait patiently for the birth of our baby girl due September 18th!!!

When you break it down, it becomes fairly simple.  There can only be three different things that can make a lower back go “bad”. 

1.)       Poor movements and repetitive activities such as bending and lifting

2.)       Prolonged poor posture such as sitting slouched all day in front of a computer

3.)       Trauma

When you look at lower back classifications, you also have three. 

1.)       Postural Syndrome – fix posture…fix pain.

2.)       Dysfunction Syndrome – repair and remodel dysfunctional tissue and problem is resolved

3.)  Derangement Syndrome – reduce the initial derangement, maintain that reduction, restore all other movements and educate patient on the prevention of further.

There can be a number of tissues involved as a pain generator.  These can be:  joint, nerve, muscle, bone, tendon, ligament and other general connective tissues to name a few.  It is a fact that nearly 80% of the population will have lower back pain at some time in their lives.  Lower back pain is not considered normal and there can be many complementary and alternative treatment protocols other than pain relievers, muscle relaxers and surgery.  Please call THWC today to schedule your appointment for you or someone close to you that may suffer from lower back pain.

TEMPUR-PEDIC® PROGRAM

The Hart Wellness Center now offers the top rated sleep system in the world.  There is only one mattress that we offer that you cannot get anywhere else besides a qualified healthcare professional.  The Pro-HealthCore Tempurpedic product offers exceptional support in all three zones of the body giving a firm foundation for restful and supportive sleep.  Call today for your FREE CONSULTATION if you are interested in learning more about our sleep systems. 

BACK TO SCHOOL BACKPACK GUIDE

First of all, how is it possible that the kids are going back to school already?  It seems like our summers are going by quicker and quicker as we get older…The backpack should weigh NO MORE THAN 10% OF THE CHILD’S WEIGHT.  Ergonomic designs should also be taken into consideration.  Correct posture should be emphasized while carrying these backpacks.  If you have any questions about your child’s backpack carrying situation, please do not hesitate to call our office.

 THOUGHT OF THE MONTH

"We all make mistakes; it's human. But when we hold fast to a grudge it eats away at our sense of peace and serenity. If you aren't willing to forgive, you might ask yourself what habit of ego you're attached to. Do you want to continue life with unresolved issues hanging over you?"

WHEN IS IT TIME FOR A JOINT REPLACEMENT?

As a healthcare professional, very often we get this question during a patient encounter.  There is a very simple answer when you ask yourself a few simple questions.  Have you completely exhausted all conservative approaches to treating the condition?  Does this condition inhibit you from doing the things you want to do?  Can you no longer do the things you want to do because of pain and lack of function?  Is it waking you up at night or preventing sleep?  Is it affecting your overall quality of life and both personal and professional relationships with those closest to you?  If you answered yes or maybe to any of these questions, then you may be a good candidate for joint replacement.  Make sure that you have COMPLETELY exhausted all of your conservative methods before you think about having your joints replaced.  Please remember that having joints replaced is not easy and does not promise full recovery.  You may always be left with lasting problems depending upon a number of circumstances.  If you or someone close to you is considering a joint replacement, please contact our office for a consultation for complementary and alternative treatment approaches including chiropractic, acupuncture, rehabilitative exercise and massage therapy. 

A MASSAGE THERAPIST WELCOME

THWC would like to extend a warm welcome to Amy, our newest addition to the massage therapy program.  Amy is an Illinois licensed massage therapist bringing 14 years of massage therapy experience in a variety of different settings.  She is a graduate of Redfern Training Systems with special emphasis coursework in deep tissue massage techniques.  She brings variety and specialization to our clinical massage therapy program.

AMY’S HOURS

Mondays – 12-7         Tuesdays – 10-2      Wednesdays – 12-7

 THOUGHT OF THE MONTH

"I think that one of the things that characterizes this country in particular is the sense that we can overcome the sense that no matter how difficult our circumstances, we have the boldness to say, 'We can do better.’”

— President Barack Obama 

MESSAGES FROM THE MASSAGE TABLE

A recent Chicago news program featured a study that massage therapy can be more effective in treating lower back pain than medication.  This may actually rub people the right way!  This new study published July 4^th, 2011 in the Annuals of Internal Medicine evaluated the effectiveness of massage therapy in the treatment of lower back pain compared to traditional medication treatment.  They found that weekly massages for chronic lower back pain resulted in much less pain and stiffness and more function than traditional physical therapy, painkillers and muscle relaxers.  This group was actually twice more likely to report improved function with decreased pain than the traditional medication route.

http://www.tempurpedic.com/

THWC now offers the Pro-HealthCore Sleep Systems

by Tempurpedic

The Pro-HealthCore is ONLY available through

healthcare professionals

Please call or schedule your FREE sleep system consultation because low back pain won't relieve itself and your mattress can help provide the comfort and support you need!

Low back pain won’t relieve itself!

by Foot Levelers

"Eighty percent of the population of the United States, at some point in their life, is going to have back pain."

The human back and spinal structure is a highly complex part of the body.  It consists of bones, discs, muscles, and ligaments that all play a critical role for movement of all extremities. The back is a strong and fundamental part of the body, but it does have its weaknesses. 

The lower back is the most common area for pain and can limit everyday activity. In order to help prevent it, it is important to know what it is and how it develops. There are two degrees of low back pain (LBP) people can suffer from – acute and chronic. Both affect the same area of the body, however, they differ in frequency of occurrence. 

 

Acute

 

Acute low back pain is considered any discomfort in the lower back region, lumbar muscles, or pelvis that lasts three months or less. In most cases, the pain is treated effectively, diminishes, and life returns back to normal. 

Cases of acute LBP can differ greatly according to a person’s lifestyle or the injury at-hand. LBP can arise from something as simple as sitting on a wallet or money clip (Sciatica) for an extended period of time.  Acute pain can also come from a more severe injury, such as a herniated disc in the spine. However, severe back injuries can take longer than three months to heal, (technically making them Chronic). For an injury to be considered acute, the pain must be treated and subsided within three months. 

To effectively treat LBP, muscles and ligaments need to be properly restored, which can be done through chiropractic adjustments and staying physically active. It is important to avoid prolonged bed rest, as the strained muscles and ligaments must be strengthened. 

Lack of exercise, work situations, smoking, and stress are all contributors of LBP.

It is important to have an active, healthy lifestyle to reduce symptoms. Proper nutrition, exercise, and smoking cessation are ways to help reduce pain, increase blood flow, and establish a healthy body. 

It is smart to have a plan when taking on LBP. Routinely visiting a chiropractor for adjustments will help to restore the injured muscles and ligaments in the spine. “The chiropractic approach is to find the cause of the pain and treat it directly. This may involve realigning the spine or extremities by chiropractic adjustments, physiotherapy for the muscles and ligaments, rehabilitative exercises, or a combination of these.” D.C’s can recommend ways to lead healthier lives outside of their office by offering tips on exercise and nutrition. Maintaining this healthier lifestyle will help reduce the intake of temporary medicine and promote overall wellness. 

 

Chronic

 

Low back pain is considered chronic if it lasts longer than three months. However, this does not necessarily mean that the injury is more severe than acute. There are possibilities that chronic pain can develop from degenerative disorders, scoliosis, or bone disease. But the percentage of people that suffer chronic pain from severe conditions is much smaller. 

Chronic LBP can result from the same injuries that were mentioned in, acute LBP. The outlying difference between the two is chronic LBP lasts longer than three months; it can even stick around for years. One of the greatest problems many patients face with chronic LBP is not being able to pinpoint the pain. 

When the lower back’s muscles and ligaments have been strained, or if a spinal disc has herniated, the injured components must be repaired. The body will not automatically heal what has been damaged by itself. This pain can be subsided with heat, ice, or painkillers, but if a patient is unwilling to be proactive; low back pain will persist. This is a large factor for men and women that claim disability, or do not return to work. 

According to National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, “Americans spend at least $50 billion each year on low back pain, the most common cause of job-related disability and a leading contributor to missed work. Back pain is the second most common neurological ailment in the United States — only headache is more common.” 

In many cases, prolonged pain is a result of unhealthy habits. Chronic LBP can result from lack of exercise, obesity, or strains caused by lifting. The best remedy to treat lasting back pain is to be proactive. This involves routine visits with a chiropractor and exercising to restore the injured area. Also, cutting out old habits that induce stress on the body plays a major role in fighting constant back pain. 

A D.C’s expertise in spinal manipulation and extremity adjustments can be beneficial for low back pain. Chiropractors can also provide techniques for at-home recovery, starting with exercises and nutrition. 

Take care of your body. Pain will not relieve itself!

THE HCG DIET AND DANGERS

Hormones play a tremendous role in the way your body stores and utilizes fat for energy.  HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), is a hormone that your body produces during pregnancy.  This hormone helps the body to ensure that the developing fetus is getting all the nutrients that it needs to grow and develop normally.  It targets fat in the mother’s body to provide the fetus with the energy regardless of the nutrition that the mother ingests.  You can think of it as a method of survival.  Have you ever wondered why a pregnant woman can throw up so much and the growing fetus still gets the nutrition it needs?  DURING PREGNANCY IS THE ONLY TIME HCG IS FOUND IN THE BODY!  So how does it work?  When you are not pregnant and ingest synthetic HCG, your body starts to rip the fat you have stored and it starts to be metabolized at an extremely high rate.  This results in extremely fast and furious weight loss.  When you start messing with hormones, you are messing with nature and that NEVER ends well.  There is no alternative for long-term maintenance of a healthy weight through any supplementation.  Weight loss products and fad diets are short-term and will not produce benefits in the long run.  The only way to truly maintain a healthy weight is through proper nutrition and physical activity.  The ratio is always 90% what you put in your mouth and 10% activity levels.  Remember you can never out-exercise your poor nutritional choices.  The Hart Wellness Center can coach you to your next health and wellness destination through proper lifestyle modifications, nutrition and physical activity.       

TEMPUR-PEDIC® PROGRAM

The Hart Wellness Center is in the process of entering into a distribution program through the absolute BEST sleep performance mattresses in the industry.  This will allow patients to experience the true Tempur-Pedic product without ever going to the furniture/mattress store.  There is a line of mattress ONLY available through healthcare professionals and will be at THWC.  This product is called the Pro-Healthcore Bed and its technology is specially designed to support the three major zones of the body.  If you are in the market for a new mattress, sleeping on one that you know is way too old or if you wake up with aches and pains, it is time to think about your sleep system.  You order through The Hart Wellness Center and Tempur-Pedic ships the product directly to your home.  Keep an eye out for upcoming details of the program or simply call THWC for more information. 

THOUGHT OF THE MONTH

"Simple is hard to do. But when you get there, it's so liberating. It means taking away things to arrive at just the right elements. I have a chaotic brain, but here I feel calm and organized. It's a relief."

LETTERS FROM LINZIE

If you haven’t seen Linzie recently or “heard it through the grapevine”, the Hartmann family is expecting in mid-September.  Therefore, we will be temporarily discontinuing the 6pm yoga class on Wednesday evenings.  In the meantime, Linzie will continue to hold her yoga rehab sessions and will be able to conduct private lessons in either ½ hour or 1 hour increments.  Please call for more details and pricing.