In 2005, Petett filmed himself and a friend riding a local trail in the North Bend/Issaquah area. This video was sent to friends and family but ended up on YouTube where it went viral landing more than a million views. 

Petett later filmed a four part web film series called “The Season” that followed five athletes as they tried to take their sport to the next level. The filmmakers Fitz Cahall and Bryan Smith were interested in his age and riding level.

After the web series Petett entered the downhill race segment of the Northwest Cup in 2010 and won his age group. Despite his busy schedule with his Chiropractic Practice and family, he rides one Northwest Cup race a year. He also tries to ride his bike at least two to three times a week on local trails including Tapeworm (in Renton near Phillip Arnold Park) and Duthie Hill (Issaquah).

With riding there is an obvious danger of falling. Petett owns a small family business and any injury that prevents him from working would be a problem. He avoids this risk with what he calls the “art to falling.”  Despite the risks, Petett would find it tough to give up. His riding is not only a stress relief but it gives him knowledge that he takes with him to the job. He has learned about treating patients with injuries and has dealt with recovery on a personal level.

When Petett is not riding he is treating patients with pain at Petett Chiropractic Massage and Rehabilitation in his hometown of Renton. To see him in action visit www.petettchiropractic.com for episodes of The Season and the YouTube video that went viral.

Click here to read the Renton Reporter's latest article about Dr. Pettet.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Lane

The nerve roots are attached to your spinal cord and exit out through the spinal column through the neck and upper back, traveling through your shoulder, down your arm, to the elbow, wrist, and hand. When nerves are disrupted they will cause a variety of different types of pain such as weakness, numbness, tingling, burning, sharp, dull, or an aching feeling. These symptoms are particularly responsive to chiropractic spinal adjustments designed to treat such problems.

Wrist pain can also be caused by trauma or strain due to repetitive action on the joint. This causes muscle tightness and restriction in the movement of the joint. There are many causes of arm, elbow, and wrist pain. Sometimes, it will only take a single movement and you will feel instant pain. Injuries to ligaments and muscles in your arm will occur when they are overworked over a period of time from activities like sports, work, or home improvement projects. Common sports injuries, such as tennis and golfers elbow, are very common in active adults and can be cared for fairly easily through chiropractic treatment.

While rest, anti-inflammatory medicine, and ice can help manage the pain, they will do nothing to correct your underlying condition. Not having treatment will generally cause the underlying problem to eventually get worse. Each time the pain comes back, it will be worse, and last longer, until your condition becomes permanent. In which case, surgery may become necessary.

Chiropractic care is a much safer and less expensive route to take when dealing with pain. Invasive surgery should be a last resort when all other options are exhausted. A doctor will examine you and conduct diagnostic tests to determine exactly what is causing your wrist or arm pain. The causes and seriousness of conditions can vary so it is important to pinpoint the cause and begin an appropriate treatment plan.  Wrist and arm pain can negatively affect everything from work performance to personal relationships, yet this condition can easily be treated through high quality chiropractic care.

If painful arms, wrists, or hands are slowing you down, call our office today at (425) 277-2225 to schedule an exam.

Article Source: http://www.eldoradohillswellnesschiropractor.com/

I’m not sure where this idea got its start. Perhaps our forefathers weren’t quite sure how to creatively flavor a meal or we haven’t learned how to turn a healthy dish into an appealing one, but it’s time to dispel the myth that the healthy things we eat are inherently flavorless and bland. Not only is it possible to make healthy meals delicious, but it’s also incredibly simple. All it takes is a bit of creativity, a touch of know-how in the kitchen, a few select ingredients and the desire to feed your family food that cuts the calories but not the taste.

Here are a few hints to get you started:

Make simple substitutions. Croutons are packed with bad cholesterol and carbs, but you can easily replace these with toasted walnuts, slivered almonds or pecans. Try turkey bacon instead of pork bacon, which can be high in saturated fat. Whether it’s used as a garnish or in a sauce, avoid fatty sour cream and choose fat-free Greek yogurt instead.

Create your own dressings. Salad dressings can be high in sodium and calories, but if you make vinaigrette at home, you can create a much healthier substitution. Olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice and mustard are the only ingredients you need, and the final result can be used to top steamed vegetables, grilled greens, salads, chicken, shrimp or tofu.

Choose cheeses with stronger flavors. If you can handle stronger-tasting cheese, then a little will go a long way when it comes to topping off a salad or filling up a sandwich. Parmesan and goat cheese are two good options, both of which would require just a fraction compared to weaker cheeses.

Indulge in low-fat or fat-free sauces. A healthy meal does not necessarily have to mean a meal without flavorful sauces. Avoid cream-heavy alfredo or cheese sauces and opt for lighter sauces instead. Options include reduced-sodium soy sauce for Asian dishes; a yogurt, cucumber and mint sauce with chicken; and light mayo with fresh herbs for fish.

Add the spice of life. Spices add flavor and aroma to food. As an added bonus, many of them are high in antioxidants and have been shown to assist in cancer and cardiovascular disease prevention. And you don’t need much for a huge boost in your health: Studies have been shown that you only need small quantities of healthy spices to reap the benefits.

Article Source: Cut The Calories, Not The Taste

The trapped nerve is the most common sort of nerve irritation and happens when a nerve exits the spine it can become pinched between 2 bones or maybe compressed by a bulging or otherwise unhealthy disk. Stenosis can also cause pinched nerves which is a bony overgrowth that shrinks the exit canal for spinal nerves. A chiropractor can use the location of the pain or shivering to find the source of the pinching. Pinching in the neck can cause tingling or agony in the shoulders, arms and hands and pinching in the back, like sciatica, can cause pain or tingling in the legs and feet. The commonest chiropractic technique for treating a pinched nerve is tiny manual alterations. Certain types of adjustments will be used dependent on the cause of the trapped nerve.

The trapped nerve is a nerve that has become stuck to surrounding soft tissue such as muscles or ligaments and is mostly the result of repeated motion. So how can this happen? When a repeated motion happens, the rubbing of the nerve against the more delicate tissue can lay down scar tissue and cause the nerve to stick to the tissue. Persistent muscle contraction can also have a similar effect. Both situations deprive the delicate tissue of oxygen and cause the scar tissue to form and the sticking process to worsen.

One thing to notice is that occasionally these wounds can be forming for years before symptoms become agonizing enough to cause concern. Most chiropractors would recommend a technique called Active Release Technique which involves applying precise pressure with a thumb or finger to the site of the adhesion and moving the influenced body part thru a full range of motion.

Because these kinds of nerve irritation can be painful and cause lasting damage it is very important to consult a chiropractor as quickly as symptoms happen and not just presume that the issue originates with the muscle. Nerve irritation can adversely affect your life and relief does exist.

Vincent Phillips is an educator on all things healthy. Have you ever considered visiting abaltimore chiropractor? Consider a visit to this maryland chiropractor.

Article Source: http://thechiroblog.com/back-pain-neck-pain-leg-agony-could-be-nerve-irritation/

Why is good posture important?
Good posture helps us stand, walk, sit, and lie in positions that place the least strain on supporting muscles and ligaments during movement and weight-bearing activities. Correct posture:

• Helps us keep bones and joints in correct alignment so that our muscles are used correctly, decreasing the abnormal wearing of joint surfaces that could result in degenerative arthritis and joint pain.
• Reduces the stress on the ligaments holding the spinal joints together, minimizing the likelihood of injury.
• Allows muscles to work more efficiently, allowing the body to use less energy and, therefore, preventing muscle fatigue.
• Helps prevent muscle strain, overuse disorders, and even back and muscular pain.

Several factors contribute to poor posture-most commonly, stress, obesity, pregnancy, weak postural muscles, abnormally tight muscles, and high-heeled shoes. In addition, decreased flexibility, a poor work environment, incorrect working posture, and unhealthy sitting and standing habits can also contribute to poor body positioning.

How do I sit properly?

• Keep your feet on the floor or on a footrest, if they don't reach the floor.
• Don't cross your legs. Your ankles should be in front of your knees.
• Keep a small gap between the back of your knees and the front of your seat.
• Your knees should be at or below the level of your hips.
• Adjust the backrest of your chair to support your low- and mid-back or use a back support.
• Relax your shoulders and keep your forearms parallel to the ground.
• Avoid sitting in the same position for long periods of time.

How do I stand properly?

• Bear your weight primarily on the balls of your feet.
• Keep your knees slightly bent.
• Keep your feet about shoulder-width apart.
• Let your arms hang naturally down the sides of the body.
• Stand straight and tall with your shoulders pulled backward.
• Tuck your stomach in.
• Keep your head level-your earlobes should be in line with your shoulders. Do not push your head forward, backward, or to the side.
• Shift your weight from your toes to your heels, or one foot to the other, if you have to stand for a long time.

What is the proper lying position?

• Find the mattress that is right for you. While a firm mattress is generally recommended, some people find that softer mattresses reduce their back pain. Your comfort is important.
• Sleep with a pillow. Special pillows are available to help with postural problems resulting from a poor sleeping position.
• Avoid sleeping on your stomach.
• Sleeping on your side or back is more often helpful for back pain.
• If you sleep on your side, place a pillow between your legs.
• If you sleep on your back, keep a pillow under your knees.

Your doctor of chiropractic can assist you with proper posture, including recommending exercises to strengthen your core postural muscles. He or she can also assist you with choosing proper postures during your activities, helping reduce your risk of injury 

Source: American Chiropractic Association 

I recently discovered a WikiHow article entitled “How to Crack Your Neck.” Let me ask you this… Have you ever felt compelled to skip the dentist’s office, reach for your rechargeable Dewalt drill, and attempt to fix your own toothache?

Pretty silly, right? Well wrenching your neck from side to side hoping to elicit pain relief isn’t much smarter.

I’ve lost count how many times someone has asked me if it’s okay to “crack” their own neck. In case you’re wondering too… the answer is a resounding NO. It’s never okay to manipulate your own neck, no matter how good you think it feels.

The cervical spine is one of the most delicate and complex parts of your body. It consists of joints, ligaments, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels, as well as your lower brainstem and spinal cord. Arteries along the sides of your neck are responsible for sending blood directly to your brain. Meddling with it for momentary relief is ill-advised.

The more you give in to “cracking” your neck, the worse the underlying problem gets. And you might be thinking…”But if I don’t do it, my neck begins to hurt even more!” – I know, it’s a vicious cycle, and a real Catch-22. All the more reason to address the cause of the problem at a chiropractor’s office.

Here’s the bottom line… Your spine likes to be stable. It’s not happy when it’s unbalanced. If your neck is tight, painful, or stiff, there’s a good chance you’ve got a developing structural problem. Spinal degeneration is not okay, and I can promise you that bending, twisting, and contorting your neck to induce popping sounds is not the solution!

Source: http://drtanase.com/2010/02/01/stop-popping-your-neck/

Participation in sports or exercise is an important step in maintaining your health. Exercise strengthens your heart, bones, and joints and reduces stress, among many other benefits. Unfortunately, injuries during participation in sports are all too common. Often, these injuries occur in someone who is just taking up sports as a form of activity, doesn’t use proper safety equipment, or becomes overzealous about the exercise regimen.

The more commonly injured areas of the body are the ankles, knees, shoulders, elbows, and spine. Remember that you should discuss any exercise program with your doctor of chiropractic before undertaking such activities.

Strains and Sprains
Although bones can sometimes be fractured with acute sports injuries, the most commonly injured structures are the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Tendons attach muscles to bones, and ligaments attach one bone to another.

An acute twisting or overextension of a joint can lead to tears of muscles and tendons, called “strains,” and tears of ligaments result in “sprains.” These tears range from mild to severe. In mild injuries, just a few fibers are torn or stretched. Severe injuries, where there is a tear through the full thickness of the structure, are most often considered unstable injuries and frequently require surgical intervention. The intervertebral disc, a ligament between the vertebrae of the spine that works as a shock absorber, can also be torn, resulting in a disc bulge and/or herniation.

Ankle sprains most often involve tears of one or more of the ligaments along the outside of the ankle. Knee ligaments, including the larger external supportive ligaments and the smaller internal stabilizing ligaments, can also be torn. The cartilage on the back of the patella (knee-cap) can also become eroded from overuse, leading to a condition termed chondromalacia patella.

Tendinosis
In those who are training too much, overuse of a particular joint or joints in the body can result in pain and dysfunction. These injuries are called “overuse syndromes.” A common overuse injury is tendinosis, also called tendinitis. In this condition, the tendon becomes inflamed from repetitive use. In the shoulder, the rotator cuff (a complex of muscles that stabilizes and moves the shoulder) becomes inflamed, resulting in rotator cuff tendinitis. Tennis elbow is another form of tendinitis that occurs along the outside of the elbow, most commonly in tennis players. In golfer’s elbow, the tendons on the inside of the elbow are affected.

Stress Fractures
Some athletes may experience a stress fracture, also called a fatigue fracture. This type of fracture occurs when an abnormal amount of stress is placed on a normal bone. This might occur in a runner who rapidly increases the amount of mileage while training for a race. Stress fractures also occur in people who begin running as a form of exercise but overdo it from the start, rather than gradually progress to longer distances.

One final common injury is worth mentioning, and that is shin splints. This overuse injury is caused by microfractures on the front surface of the tibia (shin bone). This is most often seen in runners, although other athletes can also be affected.

Diagnosis and Treatment
Sports injuries are most often diagnosed from the history of the activity that brought on the pain, along with a physical examination. In some cases, x-rays are necessary to rule out a fracture. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diagnostic ultrasound are also used in finding soft-tissue injuries, like tendinitis and sprains.

Fractures require the application of some stabilizing device, such as a cast, after the bone is put back into position. Rarely, surgical intervention is required. There is a relatively standard treatment protocol for most of the other overuse types of injuries. This protocol involves the following:

Rest
Generally no more than 48 hours of rest and/or immobilization is needed, depending on the severity of the injury. In most cases, the sooner the person becomes active after an injury, the more rapid is the recovery. In fact, long-term immobilization can sometimes be harmful to recovery. Your doctor of chiropractic will guide this process, as too early a return to activity, choosing the wrong type of activity, or excessive activity can be detrimental.

Ice or heat
Ice or heat can be helpful with pain reduction and tissue healing.

Compression
Compression of the area may reduce the amount of swelling from the injury. Your doctor of chiropractic will determine if this will be beneficial in your case.

Elevation
Elevation of the injured arm or leg above the level of the heart is thought to be helpful in reducing swelling.

Pain relievers
Recent research has demonstrated that some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may actually slow the healing process by restricting the body’s natural healing mechanisms, so they should be used sparingly.

Joint manipulation
Recent research has shown us that, in some cases, joint manipulation can be helpful with pain reduction and more rapid recovery. Your doctor of chiropractic will determine if this procedure will be helpful in your case.

A Word about Prevention
In many cases, sports injuries can be prevented. Proper conditioning and warm-up and cool-down procedures, as well as appropriate safety equipment, can substantially reduce injuries. Understanding proper techniques can also go a long way toward preventing injuries. 
Sufficient water intake is also an important preventive measure.

Article Sourch: ACA (American Chiropractic Association)

The scientific evidence is conflicting. Some studies find a strong relationship between short, cold, damp days and arthritis flare-ups. Research from Tufts University suggests changes in barometric pressure worsen knee pain in people with arthritis, while colder temperatures can cause painful changes in the viscosity of joint fluid. Other studies have found little or no link between weather and joint pain.

How old are your hips, knees, and hands? Find out with our JointAge Test. 
 

Well, tell that to our Facebook fans who say a cold snap does aggravate joint pain. Whether your aches are sparked by the weather or other causes, these three steps can help you feel better.

Eat Right
Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (think salmon and nuts) help curb inflammation to ease joint pain. Leafy greens, such as spinach and kale, may also help quell painful inflammation, as can antioxidants in green tea.

Oranges, red peppers, tomatoes, and other foods packed with vitamin C can help, too. They halt the cartilage loss (and resulting pain) that comes with arthritis.

Load your plate with these 8 foods that fight chronic pain. 
Avoid foods high in omega-6 fatty acids (such as corn oil), which may trigger painful inflammation. Also swap refined grains for whole grains. Early research suggests refined grains have an inflammatory effect, whereas high-fiber whole grains may help quiet inflammation.

Add Supplements
Glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin may help by nourishing cartilage and increasing lubrication in your joints. A large-scale study funded by the National Institutes of Health found a daily combo of 1,500 milligrams of glucosamine and 1,200 milligrams of chondroitin might help ease symptoms in people with moderate-to-severe joint pain.

Also make sure you're getting plenty of vitamin D (look for a supplement with 1,000 milligrams of D3, the kind your body manufactures from sunlight) to help keep your bones strong and prevent joint pain.

Check with your doctor first because some supplements can interact with prescription and over-the-counter drugs.

Move It!
One reason cold weather is linked to joint pain is people are less likely to work out when it's chilly and damp. A recent study of elderly Chicago-area arthritis patients found people are significantly more sedentary when days are short, wet, and cold. Being a couch potato is bad news for your joints because exercise helps lubricate your joints to prevent pain. 

Try these 6 safe, easy exercises for arthritic knees. 

Too cold out? Bring your workout indoors — and don't overdo it! (Ten percent of our Facebook fans said intense workouts trigger joint pain.) Choose low-impact aerobic moves that are easy on joints, such as walking, and yoga or tai chi, which enhance your range of motion. Lifting weights can also help, as it builds joint-supporting muscles.

Article Source: Shine from Yahoo!