ReQuest: Relieve Spinal Stenosis Pains

IMPROVE YOUR IMMUNE RESPONSE NEWSLETTER Health & Wellness Newsletter Live Life Pain-free

One of your best defenses against the recent outbreak is improving your immune response. The news about the Covid-19 virus has most of us taking extra precautions, such as covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Washing your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, and cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like flu. While these are all excellent guidelines to follow and will help prevent the spread of the virus, a healthy immune system should be your first priority. Currently the elderly, especially those with preexisting conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and lung disease and immune compromised, appear be severely affected by the new virus and have the highest mortality rate. From70 to 85 percent of all flu-related deaths, and 50 to 70 percent of flu-related hospitalizations, occur among those 65 years and over, according to the CDC. This is most likely related to not having a strong immune system response to the virus. A recent research article out of the Journal of American Medical Association, which is the largest study on COVID-19 published so far, showed the case fatality rate was close to 15 percent in patients over the age of 80 compared to the average overall case fatality rate of 2.3 percent. Having a strong immune response is one of the best defenses against this virus. So what will improve your immune response?

Get 7-8 hours of Sleep per night. Studies investigating how sleep effects the immune system demonstrate that people who got less than 6 hours sleep per night had a significant suppression of their immune system of up to 70% and have been shown to be more prone to get sick with the ‘common cold’, and influenza viruses. Exercise and Activity. Acute exercise is an immune system booster that improves defense activity and metabolic health. Research demonstrates a clear inverse relationship between moderate exercise training and disease risk. Another study found that people who exercised 5 or more days a week reported fewer days with cold symptoms and less severe symptoms than people who did little exercise and reported being unfit. Nutritious Foods that will support a strong immune response are vitamin C rich foods like red peppers, kiwi, papaya, citrus fruits, broccoli, greens like spinach and kale. Foods that may reduce inflammation like turmeric, and ginger, and the immune boosting capacity of fresh garlic and garlic powder should be a part of dietary choices. Foods high in antioxidants like blue berries, strawberries, raspberries, green tea. Additionally nuts and seeds that provide vitamins and minerals like vitamin E and zinc that support the immune response. While there is nomagic pill that will protect you from the virus, being vigilant at both good hygiene following the CDC guidelines and incorporating the above-mentioned areas to boost your immune system can only help to keep you healthy.

- Jeff Gilliam, PT, PhD, OCS

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NEWSLETTER

RELIEVE YOUR SPINAL STENOSIS PAINS WITH SPINAL MANIPULATION

INSIDE: • How Can Spinal Manipulation Help? • Exercise Essentials • Patient Success Spotlight • Healthy Recipe • 5 Health Benefits of Spring Cleaning

Whether you have pain or have been suffering for a long time, seeing a physical therapist at ReQuest Physical Therapy can help you return to a more active and pain-free life. Give us a call today:

According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, approximately 2.4 million Americans will suffer from spinal stenosis by 2021. It is a silent epidemic that generally affects people aged 50 or older; however, it can also occur in younger adults who have a history of arthritis. Spinal stenosis refers to the narrowing of the canals in your spine that are formed by the vertebrae. This narrowing can impinge on the nerves exiting your spine and/or the spinal cord itself. Symptoms can vary, but often include radiating pain in the back, buttocks and even legs. Furthermore, weakness and poor balance in the legs can often occur, making it difficult to tolerate walking long distances and prolonged standing. Fortunately, targeted physical therapy treatments, such as spinal manipulation, can helpmanage the symptoms of spinal stenosis and provide pain relief. Spinal manipulation helps relieve pressure on joints, reduce inflammation, and improve nerve function. It is a gentle, hands-on form of manual therapy that focuses on evaluating and enhancing spinal function. To learn more about how spinal manipulation can help relieve your pain, contact ReQuest Physical Therapy today.

• GAINESVILLE: (352) 373-2116 • TIOGA CENTER: (352) 692-2131

What happens when spinal stenosis develops? The most common form of spinal stenosis is known as foraminal stenosis. Foraminal stenosis occurs when there is a narrowing of the foramen canals on either side of the spine, formed by the vertebrae above and below the segment. In each foramen canal, spinal nerves exit the lower back, in order to help different parts of the pelvis and legs function properly. With age and deterioration of the discs between the spine, the canals shrink in size. It is also possible for them to develop bone spurs. This irritates the nerve roots, especially when the spine is extended. People living with spinal stenosis typically feel better when sitting, but notice increased levels of pain with standing and backwards bending.

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HOWCAN SPINALMANIPULATION HELP?

Your spine is a complicated structure of vertebrae, discs, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves. Therefore, it takes a delicate balance to make sure it is at its peak level of health and function. Spinal manipulation is a treatment method that has been known to relieve a large variety of painful conditions, including spinal stenosis and its accompanying symptoms. In fact, a study published by the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy supports spinal manipulation as an effective mode of treatment. The study, titled “Effectiveness of Physical Therapist Administered Spinal Manipulation for the Treatment of Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review of the Literature” analyzed >Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6

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