January 27, 2004 [Volume 5, Issue 3]

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In this issue of To Your Health:

• Giving TMJ Pain an Adjustment
• NSAID Use Increases Lymphoma Risk
• Mom, I Have a Soda Headache!
• The Endless Benefits of Exercise

You use the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) hundreds of times every day, making it one of the most utilized structures in the human body. In fact, most people use the TMJ approximately every three minutes - every time they talk or swallow. But what is it?

The TMJ is the joint where the lower jaw joins the skull, immediately in front of the ear on each side of the head. In addition to its involvement in talking and swallowing, the TMJ also moves whenever you bite down hard on something. With this type of constant participation in common functions, it's no wonder TMJ pain can be so frustrating.

But there are potential solutions to the anguish of TMJ pain, and evidence suggests chiropractic may provide the best option. A recent study revealed that chiropractic treatment using a specific adjusting instrument eased patients' discomfort after only three visits a week for two weeks. Before treatment, patients reported TMJ-related symptoms lasting an average of eight years, but following chiropractic care, they experienced reduced pain and improvements in other symptoms, with no noted side-effects.

If you're suffering from TMJ pain, isn't it good to know there's something you can do about it? Make an appointment with a doctor of chiropractic today. For more on the benefits of chiropractic, visit www.chiroweb.com/find/whatis.html

Reference: DeVocht JW, Long CR, Zeitler DL, et al. Chiropractic treatment of temporomandibular disorders using the Activator adjusting instrument: a prospective case series. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, Sept. 2003:26(7), pp421-5.

We all have lymph nodes - pea-sized glands that are most noticeable in the neck, armpits and groin. Lymph nodes are an important part of the lymphatic system, which is the body's natural defense against infection and disease. When cancer strikes this system, it is known as either Hodgkin's disease (named after the doctor who first described it) or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), of which there are approximately 20 different forms.

The cause of NHL is largely unknown, although a recent study suggests use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) might play a role in the onset of the disease. The family of NSAIDs includes several over-the-counter medications most people have used before, including aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), and some use at least one of these several times a week. This study evaluated the association between NSAID use and lymphoma risk in 27,290 postmenopausal women, using questionnaire data and a state cancer registry to calculate risks.

Results: Compared with women who did not use NSAIDs at all, women who used either aspirin exclusively or aspirin and another type of NSAID had a greater risk of developing NHL.

If you reach for the medicine cabinet for a pain-reliever and/or anti-inflammatory medication several times a week, you're among the millions who do so; however, now you know the potential danger involved. Always talk to your doctor before taking any medication -- even the over-the-counter variety.

For more information on the dangers of drugs, visit www.chiroweb.com/find/archives/general/drugs/index.html.

Reference: Cerhan JR, Anderson KE, Janney CA, et al. Association of aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use with incidence of non-Hodgkins lymphoma. International Journal of Cancer, June 2003:106(5), pp784-88.

A recent survey* sponsored by baby food manufacturer Gerber products revealed, among other things, that some parents actually let their babies drink soda. As early as 7 months of age, these bundles of joy are taking the first step toward poor nutrition and tooth decay (in most cases, before they've even taken their first steps).

Obesity and dental problems may be the two most documented consequences of drinking soft drinks, but what about chronic headaches? Previous research links coffee and tea intake to headaches, but a study that appeared in the June issue of Cephalagia found that soft drink consumption had the same deleterious effect. Thirty-six children and adolescents who visited a hospital over a five-year period with complaints of daily or near-daily headaches were deemed "excessive caffeine consumers," predominately in the form of soda - an average of 11 liters per week!

Before you say, "Yes, but my children don't drink that much," keep in mind that 11 liters is the equivalent to fewer than three 12 oz cans per day -- or one 32 oz Big Gulp^®. And who knows how much your teenager pours into a bottomless plastic cup from that 2 liter bottle in your refrigerator?

The point is, kids (and adults) are drinking way too much soda these days, and it's having negative consequences on their health. Talk to your doctor of chiropractic about the essentials of sound nutrition for yourself and your children.

For more about the important vitamins and minerals you're being deprived of by consuming nutrient-deficient soft drinks, visit www.chiroweb.com/find/tellmeabout/nutrients.html.

*To read a comprehensive review of this survey, visit www.chiroweb.com/archives/22/01/01.html.

Reference: Hering-Hanit R, Gadoth N. Caffeine-induced headache in children and adolescents. Cephalagia, June 2003:23(5), pp332-5.

It's no secret that exercise has myriad health benefits, including improving heart function, reducing the risk for stroke, lowering blood pressure, increasing HDL (good) cholesterol and facilitating weight loss. But did you know that exercise helps ease the suffering of people in the early stages of rheumatoid arthritis?

In a recent study, 300 rheumatoid arthritis patients were assigned to either an exercise or physical therapy program over a two-year period. The exercise training program included 20 minutes of weight training, 20 minutes of bike riding and 20 minutes engaged in a sport, such as badminton, volleyball, soccer or basketball.

The exercise group showed significant improvements in levels of aerobic fitness over the physical therapy group; in fact, the fitness level of the physical therapy group actually decreased. Additionally, the exercise group showed emotional improvement over their physical therapy counterparts, and demonstrated more optimism.

If you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis or any other debilitating musculoskeletal or immune-related condition, talk to your chiropractor about designing an exercise plan suitable to your needs, and how chiropractic care an benefit you.

Visit www.chiroweb.com/find/whatis.html for more on the benefits of chiropractic.

Reference: De Jong Z. Arthritis & Rheumatism, September 2003:48, pp 2451-2424.

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