Concussion...The Invisible Injury

Many patients come to us after a mild traumatic brain injury or concussion with a very wide array of symptoms. Some have difficulty with balance, dizziness, nausea, migraines, brain fog, fatigue, change in vision, inability to concentrate or perform simple tasks, change in personality, loss of taste/smell, irritability, and depression, just to name a few.  The problem is that the injury seems invisible to the patient and to those around them.  If you have a broken leg, lacerated arm, or torn ligament, the injury is obvious and a standard course of care is completed.  With a concussion however, we cannot see and quantify the injury, and since each injury affects a different part of the brain, a different course of care is needed.

This invisible problem leaves the patients and their caregivers frustrated.  Is the patient dramatizing the injury? Are they really that tired, or just being lazy?  When will they return to pre-injury status? Is this a psychological problem?  These questions only scratch the surface of the issues considered after a head injury.

Is there a solution to this invisible problem, if so, what does it look like?  Yes!  It's called Functional Neurology (FN).  With FN we are able to quantify the health of a patient's brain with evidence based and objective testing.  At Smith Family Chiropractic, we us balance testing with Computer Aided Postural Screening (CAPS) that allows us to measure a patient's balance and sway patterns.  Videonystagmography (VNG) allows us to capture and quantify a patient's eye movements with different stimuli.  And, Saccadometry measures rapid eye movements and relays them in real time.  With all of these measures, we are able to diagnose an injury, determine which part of the brain is not working, prescribe a treatment plan designed to target the injured area of the brain, and track progress. 

The goal with FN is to force the brain to heal itself by making it respond in its weak areas.  At Smith Family Chiropractic, it is our goal to help anyone who has sustained a brain injury uncover their invisible injury.  We hope to make the injury visible with our exam and findings, so that the repair and rehabilitation can begin!

The Washington Post
February 3, 2015
Study: Many herbal supplements aren't what the label says.

We are often asked..."Is there really a difference between our vitamins/supplements and the ones at Wal-Mart?"  Our answer, YES, and the difference is frightening.  This Washington Post article speaks for itself...it's a must read if you take any kind of supplement.  All of our products are third party certified.  Which means a third party came in and tested all elements of the product and processing.  Clearly Target, Wal-Mart, and Wagreens were not certified by a third party...check out their red marks in this article.

Click Here to Read the Full Washington Post Article

After this read, you might ask how does a company produce a product that in fact doesn't contain what it advertises on the label?  Aren't there protection measures in place to protect consumers from issues such as this?
To answer this, you must understand the regulation in the vitamin and supplement industry.  The FDA regulates this industry, and it does so rather loosely.  This is not great for consumers when company's, such as those listed in this article, mislead consumers by filling a product with "cheap fillers such as wheat, rice, beans or houseplants."  However, it is to the consumer's advantage as this looser regulation keeps the cost of vitamins and supplements dramatically lower than it would be with more intense regulation.
So, instead, the burden is on the consumer to regulate the company they choose to buy from.  You might wonder, how can an untrained consumer do what the FDA is supposed to do?  Here is one simple way.  Check to see if the product is third party certified, or GMP certified.  GMP certification is only obtained by a company after they hire a third party to come in and review and test their products from raw materials, to tableting, to final packaging.  You will know if a company is third party certified, because they are proud of it and they will tell you.  It is costly to have a third party come in and when they do, it is hard to meet all their standards.  So, if a company has completed this kind of certification, they will be more than happy to tell you about it.
Beware!  Most companies that are NOT GMP certified will tell you instead that they follow good manufacturing practices.  This is not the same as being certified!  This would be like you getting pulled over for speeding.  When the officer asks you how fast your were driving you give him your estimated speed and hope he takes your word for it...this is like companies telling us they follow good practices.  Versus, the police office actually using his technology to clock your speed and telling you his objective data...this is like being third party certified.
Please know that all the products we carry are certified, and Metagenics, our primary supplier is triple third party certified...which means they have had 3 groups come in and test them, 3 different times!
This very interesting and informative Washington Post article underscores the importance of buying from quality, reputable, GMP certified companies, such as Metagenics.

Mark Your Calendars Concussion Care Seminar

Hosted By: Smith Family Chiropractic    Date: Wed., January 14th Time: 7:00 pm Location: Bigwood Event Center Register:  Admission is FREE, but you must register.  To register: Call us at: 218-736-4113 or Email: flt@smithfamilychiro.org

Please join us for an informational seminar hosted by our clinic regarding the impact of head injuries and concussions on our children and athletes. Over the last two years, our doctors have spent over 350 hours of post graduate training in the diagnosis and treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury/Concussion. In addition, over the last decade they have devoted their time to well over a thousand hours of classroom training in Clinical Functional Neurology. We are one of only ten other clinics in Minnesota with treatment options of this kind, and only two in North Dakota. Utilizing state of the art, contemporary diagnostic tests the doctors are able to quantify and objectively measure the severity of a patient's concussion. In addition to a comprehensive neurologic examination, these diagnostic tests help them determine if the athlete should or can safely return to their sport. If you, or someone you love has symptoms of a concussion, please join us for this unique opportunity to learn about the most comprehensive and contemporary approach to concussion management. 104 W. Lincoln Ave. Fergus Falls, Minnesota 56537 (218) 736-4113

Imagine the potential for learning when you combine hundreds of professionals in the field of functional neurology from around the globe for three days?
That, is called the International Association of Functional Neurology & Rehabilitation Conference. Once again, our doctors have the privilege of attending this event and being part of the lectures, presentations, and networking.

Check out this intense learning agenda that our doctors will be taking part in this weekend.  All of this new information and training allows them to offer better care to those in our area!

Presentations at the 2014 Conference Include:

Anat Baniel, founder of the Anat Baniel Method℠, is the author of Move Into Life: The Nine Essentials for Lifelong Vitality and Kids Beyond Limits. Anat was trained as a clinical psychologist, dancer, and was a close professional associate of Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais.

Frederick Robert Carrick, DC, PhD, Carrick Institute for Graduate Studies and Carrick Brain Centers

Dr. Louis J Cozolino, Ph.D. Professor of Psychology, Graduate School of Education and Psychology, Pepperdine University, California Author of The Neuroscience of Psychotherapy

Dr. Martha Herbert is an Assistant Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School, a Pediatric Neurologist at the Mass. General Hospital in Boston, and an affiliate of the Harvard-MIT-MGH Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging.

Dr. Datis Kharrazian is considered one of the leading experts in non-pharmaceutical applications to chronic illnesses, autoimmune disorders, and complex neurological disorders.

Dr. Gerry Leisman, of the National Institute of Brain and Rehabilitation Sciences, Israel as one of the speakers in alphabetical order.

Dr. Rob Melillo’s, a clinician for 25 years, a university professor, brain researcher and bestselling author, Dr. Melillo's cutting-edge research and success with over a thousand children in his private program are what led to the creation of Brain Balance Achievement Centers.

Dr. Dan Murphy offers the chiropractic profession the highest quality in whiplash education and to train doctors in the bulletproof management of personal injury cases with both documentation and treatment. 

Dr. Dan Siegel received his medical degree from Harvard University and completed his postgraduate medical education at UCLA with training in pediatrics and child, adolescent and adult psychiatry.

Clinical Workshops being presented by:

Dr. Robert Melillo hands on with Primitive and Postural Reflex Testing in Adults and Children
Dr. Shane Steadman on Ordering Lab Testing, Results and Interpretations
Dr. Mike Saatkamp on Attachment Disorders and Interpersonal Neurobiology and How it Relates practically to a Functional Neurology Practice.
Dr. Brandon Brock on Patient Examination: Differential Diagnosis for Vestibular Rehab.)

In your quest for optimum health, it is important to check your health scoreboard and get an objective measure. Most of us use the numbers on the scale as a marker of health and measure of weight. However, this number doesn't tell us much.

We use BIA (Bio Impedance Analysis) in our office to test body composition. This test tells you exactly what your weight is made up of and how you are functioning on the inside. This measure is often more motivating than just the numbers on the scale, plus we can create a plan that will help you see the results you need!

In order to take advantage of this enlightening test, we would like to invite you to stop in for a BIA check. We will review your results with your and no consult is needed, unless you request one.

Just $25 for your BIA check

OR

BIA is FREE if you purchase $100 in products.

Offer ends 12-31-14.

Autophagy - A word every one should know!

The word is formed from the Greek auto - 'self' and phagein - ' to eat.'  This term literally means self eating.  Or, the breakdown and use of cellular garbage during fasting to maintain current energy levels.  

The human body was created in an amazing way!  Did you know, if you took a break from eating, or fast for a period of time, your body will use up your stored garbage for energy.  

This is a simple principle with profound health benefits.  You will fire up with clean fuel and shed a few extra pounds of garbage.  Make a goal today to at least start thinking this way!  Calorie restriction and reduction is good for the brain and the body.  Work on burning your internal garbage today!

Get the Most Benefit From Your Fish Oil

 

By now almost everyone has heard of the many health benefits fish oil, or an omega 3 supplement has to offer.  However, to get the most benefit there are a few things to consider.  

First, the quality of the product.  Quality in any nutritional supplement is extremely important.  Since the FDA does not regulate the supplement industry like the pharmaceutical industry it is much easier to package a product and sell it.  That being said, the quality of products on the market varies dramatically.  Fish oil in particular really varies.  You want to consider the source.  What type of fish?  Were they cold water fish? Were they farm raised? How were the toxins removed?  The best source is fish found in cold water like salmon, sardines, mackerel, and herring.  Next, you want to be sure these fish are not farm raised.

Second, you will want to consider the ratio of EPA to DHA.  Both are different types of omega 3 fatty acids and each offer a unique set of benefits.  EPA is great to prevent inflammation and helps control aches, pains, and swelling.  However DHA is ideal for brain health.  It has been shown to reduce brain degeneration and improve memory and brain function.  DHA is especially important for young children as their brain are developing.

As previously stated, fish oil is an omega 3 fatty acid.  Ideally, your ratio of omega 3 intake should equal that of the omega 6 intake.  However most Americans consume 20 times more omega 6 than they do omega 3.  Omega 6 containing foods include fried foods, partially hydrogenated fats and processed vegetable oils.  Instead, try to add healthy fats to your diet through foods like cold water fish, olive oil, avocados, and raw nuts and seeds.

All things considered, to get the best bang for your buck when it comes to fish oil, you want to use a premium source, make sure you have the correct ratio of EPA to DHA for your particular case, and reduce the amount of omega 6 containing foods that you consume!