Chiropractic holds that much of illness occurs as a result of disturbances in the nervous system, aka poor spinal health. Such disturbances are caused by misalignments of the musculoskeletal structure. These disturbances may cause or aggravate disease in various parts or functions of the body.

Our bodies were not designed to sit for long periods of time, and modern sedentary lifestyles consisting of little exercise and long periods of sitting, either at desks, in cars, or at home, puts an unnatural strain on the spine thus, the spine does not receive the degree of daily movement required to keep it healthy.

Modern lifestyles and poor nutritional choices often impede a normal, healthful degree of flexibility. Chiropractic hold that health is further compromised by other aspects of lifestyle, such as inadequate nutrition, pollution and chronic stress. All these factors together create a situation in which the flow of vital force through the nervous system is impaired at a time when it is needed to be at its optimum. This results in the variety of chronic and degenerative illnesses we face today.

The spine is made up of 24 individual movable bones called vertebrae which sit on top of the sacrum. This spinal structure is the major support for the body and encases the entire spinal cord.

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Pain, Illness and Disease

Billions of nerves form this spinal cord, and then branch off to form the spinal nerves that extend through the small openings between these vertebrae, carrying vital, life-controlling nerve impulses from the brain to every part of the body.

These nerve impulses or messages from the brain coordinate and control all the body's organs and parts (GRAY'S ANATOMY). A misalignment of one or more of these vertebrae can irritate or cause pressure or pinching on spinal nerves and result in a serious health-robbing, damaging interference (irritation or blockage) to normal nerve control of your body.

Since the brain controls all parts of your body through the nervous system, this nerve interference can cause pain and many specific health problems. It can also lower your body's resistance so that you become even more susceptible to infections, illness and disease. Return to Top

Flip-flops and Leg Pain

People who wear flip-flops as their primary footwear option during warm summer months may experience lower leg pain and a change in their stride, according to research presented today at the 55th Annual Meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) in Indianapolis.

"Flip-flops are very common, and this study began with the observation that most people appear to be wearing them beyond their structural limit," said Justin F. Shroyer, lead author on the study. "It's also apparent that individuals alter their gait while wearing flip-flops. Based on this, we expected to find that flip-flops may be a cause of pain in the leg or foot, and if so, would be counterproductive to alleviating that pain."

The study compared flip-flops to sneakers to assess the angles at which they impact the floor and the force at contact with the ground during walking. Researchers analyzed the gait of flip-flop wearers compared to their gait while wearing sneakers.

By compiling the forces that the foot is exerting on the ground, they found a statistically significant decrease in the vertical (straight-down) force in flip-flop wearers. This decreased force may explain anecdotal evidence that persons who wear flip-flops alter their normal gait and therefore may shed light as to why some experience lower leg pain.

"Flip-flops are not designed for prolonged use or for walking long distances," said Shroyer. "They lack the support that a walking or running shoe provides. Flip-flops should only be worn casually and for shorter periods of time. They probably should also not be a primary footwear choice."

Some flip-flops on the market may provide more support, but are usually more expensive. For someone with lower-leg or foot problems, Shroyer recommends they limit their usage, and choose a flip-flop with more support. - Flip-flops should be replaced often. However, many people claim flip-flops are the most comfortable when they are "broken in," just like a pair of sneakers. Flip-flops should be replaced every few months just as a runner would with running shoes.

Researchers also found that when barefoot, participants had the highest heel strike. They also noted that when walking barefoot, participants landed with greater force at the heel strike, which may indicate a more confident approach to the last step. "Walking barefoot has its advantages, such as giving the intrinsic muscles of the foot more work and therefore making them stronger," said Wendy Miletello, Ph.D., who was involved in the study. "Stronger feet mean more stability for the entire body." Return to Top

Source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com

The Following are a few of the top Dirtiest Places/Surfaces where researchers have found germs able to survive for anywhere from a few hours to several weeks.

• The Kitchen Sink. There are typically more than 500,000 bacteria per square inch in the drain alone. Plus your sponge, basin and faucet handles are crawling with bacteria as well.
• Airplane, Train, Bus and other Public Restroom Doors, Toilets, and Faucets
• Airplane Armrests, Pillows and Blankets
• Bus Rails/Armrests
• Hotel and Motel Rooms
• Shopping Cart Handles
• Escalator Handrails
• Playgrounds
• Movie and Theater Armrests
• ATM Buttons
• Elevator Buttons
• Gas station Pump Handles
• Fast Food Restaurant Trays
• Coffee Pot Handles in Convenience Stores and Gas Stations
• Vending Machine Buttons
• Shared Telephones
• Pay Phones: if any still exist!
• The bottom of a woman's handbag; think of the various places you sit it down on...

Once picked up, germs spread quickly to your face, hair, desktops, computer keyboards and other personal items. From there, the germs spread into your car and on to your home, ending up on kitchen appliances, eating utensils, faucets, furniture, remote controls, ect.. Return to Top