Automobile collisions, work, sports, and personal accidents can cause neck injuries that can affect other areas, leading to long-term health problems. Neck injuries involving soft tissue damage frequently persist after the incident. One of the injuries includes vocal cord damage caused by impact to the larynx. The larynx, or voicebox, is an organ that is behind the Adam’s apple. A neck injury impacting the larynx can affect the ability to speak and breathe and cause vocal cord paralysis. Treatment can involve surgery, voice therapy, physical therapy, and chiropractic.
Vocal Cord Injury
The vocal cords are two flexible bands of muscle tissue at the entrance of the trachea. The vocal cords are normally in a relaxed open position to allow breathing. When talking, the bands combine and vibrate to make a sound. Surgery, viral infections, certain cancers, and neck trauma can cause vocal cord paralysis. In this condition, nerve damage blocks or inhibits impulses from transmitting to the voice box. The muscles, usually one of them, become paralyzed, preventing swallowing and ingesting saliva through the windpipe/trachea. In rare cases, both muscles are unable to move.
Trauma to the neck or chest can injure the voice box nerves.
Infections
Infections like Lyme disease, Epstein-Barr virus, and herpes can cause inflammation and nerve damage.
Tumors
Tumors, cancerous and noncancerous, can grow inside or around the muscles, cartilage, and nerves.
Neurological
Neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease can lead to vocal cord paralysis.
Surgical Injury
Surgical procedure mistakes or complications on or near the neck or upper chest can result in damage to the voice box nerves.
Surgeries to the thyroid or parathyroid glands, esophagus, neck, and chest have an increased risk.
Stroke
A stroke chokes blood flow to the brain and can damage the region of the brain that transmits messages to the voice box.
Treatment
Treatment is determined by a doctor based on the individual medical condition and diagnostic tests. Treatment can involve:
Speech Therapy
Speech therapy is recommended as the laryngeal muscles are strengthened through various exercises, improving breathing function. A speech therapist will begin working with the individual on exercises targeting the weakened vocal folds by enhancing airflow and blood circulation.
Physical Therapy and Chiropractic
Treatment involves performing gentle exercises that work on the vocal cords gradually and progressively but does not stress them. Chiropractors work with the physical therapist performing high-velocity, low-amplitude manipulation targeted at the lower neck and upper thoracic area, the C3/T1 vertebrae. A treatment plan will also use massage, non-surgical decompression, instrument/tool-assisted soft-tissue mobilization, low laser or ultrasound, and at-home stretches and exercises.
Surgery
Surgery could be necessary for individuals experiencing no improvement despite doing the prescribed speech and physical therapy exercises. Different types of procedures are based on the degree and extent of the paralysis:
Injections – Collagen and fillers are injected into the vocal cords to reposition the affected muscles closer to the larynx.
Phonosurgery – The vocal cords are repositioned through restructuring.
Tracheotomy – If the vocal folds are closing, a surgeon may make an incision in the neck at the opening of the windpipe and insert a breathing tube. This bypasses the air blockage caused by the vocal folds and promotes proper air circulation.
Cervical Spine Instability
References
Chen, Ching-Chang, et al. “Long-term result of vocal cord paralysis after anterior cervical discectomy.” The European spine journal: official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society vol. 23,3 (2014): 622-6. doi:10.1007/s00586-013-3084-y
Dankbaar JW, et al. Vocal cord paralysis: Anatomy, imaging, and pathology. Insights in Imaging. 2014; doi:10.1007/s13244-014-0364-y.
Fitzpatrick, P C, and R H Miller. “Vocal cord paralysis.” The Journal of the Louisiana State Medical Society: official organ of the Louisiana State Medical Society vol. 150,8 (1998): 340-3.
Kriskovich, M D et al. “Vocal fold paralysis after anterior cervical spine surgery: incidence, mechanism, and prevention of injury.” The Laryngoscope vol. 110,9 (2000): 1467-73. doi:10.1097/00005537-200009000-00011
Vocal fold paralysis. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/vocal-fold-paralysis. Accessed May 18, 2022.
Vocal fold paralysis. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/Vocal-Fold-Paralysis. Accessed May 18, 2022.
Waddell, Roger K. “Chiropractic care for a patient with spasmodic dysphonia associated with cervical spine trauma.” Journal of chiropractic medicine vol. 4,1 (2005): 19-24. doi:10.1016/S0899-3467(07)60108-6
Sports exercise medicine – SEM addresses and treats physical activity/sports-related injuries using chiropractic care, physical therapy, therapeutic massage, functional nutrition, and targeted rehabilitation exercises. Sports medicine aims to prevent injury and keep individuals safe when pursuing their training goals. It combines general medical education with sports science principles, exercise physiology, biomechanics, orthopedics, nutrition, and sports psychology.
Sports Exercise Medicine
Sports medicine specialists focus on medical, therapeutic, and functional aspects to rehabilitate and strengthen the body to improve physical performance. Conditions include:
A sports exercise medicine team can include medical and non-medical specialists. This includes:
Coaches
Athletic trainers
Personal trainers
Chiropractors
Physical therapists
Nutritionists
Physicians
Surgeons
Sports psychologists
Sports exercise medicine is not a medical specialty but means the health care providers have undergone training focused on the medical aspects of physical activities/sports, fitness, and exercise.
Doctors and Physicians
Sports medicine physicians are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating sports and exercise-related injuries and conditions. These physicians are certified in family medicine, emergency medicine, pediatrics, internal medicine, or orthopedics. They are qualified to treat:
Muscle, bone, joint, and nerve injuries.
Head injuries.
Chronic conditions.
Return-to-play decisions.
Injury prevention.
Nutrition and supplements.
Orthopedic surgeons focus on the surgical treatment, repair, and restoration of sports and physical activity injuries.
Psychologists
Sports psychology focuses on athletes’/sports enthusiasts’ mental and emotional states. Athletes go through various stresses that a sports psychologist can train to regulate anxiety and improve focus specifically on their sport. They use tools and techniques like psychotherapy, stress management, and goal-setting to help athletes maintain mental and emotional balance during competition or injury recovery. Professional sports teams employ psychologists to help prepare the team for competition or develop strategies to overcome mental or emotional challenges affecting performance.
Sports Science
Sports science is the focused study of physiology, anatomy, and psychology related to human movement and physical activity. Exercise science is primarily focused on clinical research, including:
Physiological responses to exercise.
Effectiveness of exercise techniques.
Impact of performance supplements.
Chiropractic Sports Physician
Chiropractic care is a non-invasive, medication-free treatment alternative that can help individual athletes find relief from various musculoskeletal issues. A chiropractic sports physician has the tools and skills necessary to optimize the performance of an individual’s musculoskeletal and nervous systems. This specialized training allows sports chiropractors to provide therapies to heal injuries effectively, maintain strength and prevent injury. The benefits of applying chiropractic medicine include the following:
It is a non-invasive treatment.
Improves overall range of motion.
Reduces and alleviates discomfort symptoms.
Stretches and strengthens the body.
Assists in post-surgical repair.
Decreases recovery time.
Sport Rehabilitation
References
Brown, G J. “Sports medicine at work.” British journal of sports medicine vol. 33,1 (1999): 5.
Hsu, Joseph R et al. “Clinical Practice Guidelines for Pain Management in Acute Musculoskeletal Injury.” Journal of orthopedic trauma vol. 33,5 (2019): e158-e182. doi:10.1097/BOT.0000000000001430
Kaufman, Matthew W et al. “The Impact of Supplements on Sports Performance for the Trained Athlete: A Critical Analysis.” Current sports medicine reports vol. 21,7 232-238. 1 Jul. 2022, doi:10.1249/JSR.0000000000000972
King, J B. “Sports medicine.” Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine vol. 79,8 (1986): 441-2. doi:10.1177/014107688607900803
Kreher, Jeffrey B, and Jennifer B Schwartz. “Overtraining syndrome: a practical guide.” Sports health vol. 4,2 (2012): 128-38. doi:10.1177/1941738111434406
McCrory, P. “What are sports and exercise medicine?.” British journal of sports medicine vol. 40,12 (2006): 955-7.
Nutrition and Chiropractic Care: Chiropractic care treats the body as a whole. It can relieve and alleviate ailments from injuries, conditions, or diseases to help maintain optimal health. A treatment plan includes nutrition recommendations to support the body’s systems, reduce inflammation responses, build muscle and bone strength, and maintain chiropractic adjustments.
Nutrition and Chiropractic Care
Individuals can influence musculoskeletal system health by balancing what they consume. If food choices are unhealthy, the benefits of chiropractic may be lessened from the negative effects of unhealthy foods on the body.
Muscle Repair
Muscle injuries are common from normal wear and tear, work, sports, and personal injuries. Calorie-heavy foods can lead to increased weight. Increased weight puts extra stress on the body as it is healing, making the healing process last longer and less effective. A recommended nutritional plan to build muscle strength around the injured areas will supplement chiropractic care.
Foods include sweet potatoes, salmon, eggs, spinach, bananas, nuts, and seeds.
Bone Health
Misalignment, imbalances, and injuries can be caused in part by weakness in various bones.
Calcium is integral in improving bone strength.
Foods high in calcium can benefit chiropractic adjustments by strengthening the skeletal system.
A balanced intake of calcium and magnesium helps build bone strength and decreases the chances of developing osteoporosis.
Magnesium can be found in almonds, spinach, avocado, cashews, and bananas.
Digestion
Chiropractic treatments also help promote healthy digestion by relieving tension in the stomach and helping to restore proper function in the organs and muscles. Regular chiropractic has been shown to reduce symptoms associated with constipation, bloating, diarrhea, nausea, irritable bowel syndrome – IBS, Crohn’s disease, colitis, GERD – Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, and vomiting.
Foods that help maintain a healthy gut include brown rice, beans, oats, and fruits and vegetables.
Respiratory Health
Breathing problems come in various forms depending on the individual and their case. The ribs, upper chest, and neck muscles all support breathing. Stress can cause rapid and shallow breathing that overworks these muscles. Breathing problems often correlate with other health issues, including back and neck pain, poor digestion, fatigue, and tension headaches. Chiropractic pinpoints subluxations or undue interruption of the nerve signals and corrects any misalignments so that nerve signals flow properly.
Foods that help with lung health include tomatoes, apples, berries, and broccoli.
Nervous System Health
Chiropractic focuses on restoring the body to optimal function so that it can heal through normal nervous system function. Treatment resets the vertebrae into proper alignment, reducing swelling, blockages, and nerve stress, allowing the nervous system to function at full capacity.
Foods that can help are dark chocolate, spinach, avocados, garlic, and asparagus.
Circulatory System
Chiropractic adjustments increase blood circulation. Adjustments and massage loosen the muscles attached to the specific areas, which also promotes the flow and movement of waste in the lymphatic system in and out of specific areas.
Foods that help with circulation include onions, beets, citrus fruits, tomatoes, walnuts, and fatty fish.
Nutrition and chiropractic care go hand in hand. When the body gets the nutrition it needs, it works more efficiently.
An unhealthy diet can cause sluggishness, low energy, and increase inflammatory responses that can lead to chronic conditions. A nutritionist can create a personalized nutrition plan to maximize the benefits as they work together to improve overall health and wellness.
Intermittent Fasting
References
Elma, Ömer, et al. “Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain and Nutrition: Where Are We and Where Are We Heading?.” PM & R: the journal of injury, function, and rehabilitation vol. 12,12 (2020): 1268-1278. doi:10.1002/pmrj.12346
Elma, Ömer, et al. “Do Nutritional Factors Interact with Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain? A Systematic Review.” Journal of clinical medicine vol. 9,3 702. 5 Mar. 2020, doi:10.3390/jcm9030702
Holtzman, Denise, and Jeanmarie Burke. “Nutritional counseling in the chiropractic practice: a survey of New York practitioners.” Journal of chiropractic medicine vol. 6,1 (2007): 27-31. doi:10.1016/j.jcme.2007.02.008
Koehler, Karsten, and Clemens Drenowatz. “Integrated Role of Nutrition and Physical Activity for Lifelong Health.” Nutrients vol. 11,7 1437. 26 Jun. 2019, doi:10.3390/nu11071437
Lee, Mi Kyung, et al. “The use of nutritional guidance within chiropractic patient management: a survey of 333 chiropractors from the ACORN practice-based research network.” Chiropractic & manual therapies vol. 26 7. 20 Feb. 2018, doi:10.1186/s12998-018-0175-1
Mangano, Kelsey M et al. “Dietary protein is associated with musculoskeletal health independently of dietary pattern: the Framingham Third Generation Study.” The American journal of clinical nutrition vol. 105,3 (2017): 714-722. doi:10.3945/ajcn.116.136762
Mendonça, Carolina Rodrigues et al. “Effects of Nutritional Interventions in the Control of Musculoskeletal Pain: An Integrative Review.” Nutrients vol. 12,10 3075. 9 Oct. 2020, doi:10.3390/nu12103075
Tajary, Zahra, et al. “Musculoskeletal Pain Is Associated with Dietary Diversity Score among Community-Dwelling Older Adult: A Cross-Sectional Study.” International journal of food science vol. 2022 4228925. 7 Feb. 2022, doi:10.1155/2022/4228925
Spinal Stenosis Walking Issues:Stenosis means a narrowing. Spinal stenosis can happen in any spine region, but the neck and lower back are the most common locations. The spinal canal becomes narrower and can cause the nerves to become compressed, pinched, and irritated and can extend from the lumbar spine through the hips, buttocks, legs, and feet. Individuals with lumbar spinal stenosis may have difficulty walking caused by sensations of discomfort like numbness, electrical shocks, and pain, requiring the need to lean forward to relieve pressure and symptoms. Additionally, symptoms are likely to worsen the longer the walk. Chiropractic treatment can treat spinal stenosis because it corrects and re-aligns the spine, thus reducing pressure on the spinal cord, joints, and nerve roots.
Spinal Stenosis Walking Issues
The spine is made up of interlocking vertebrae. The regions are cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral bones with a foramen opening. These openings form the protective tunnel/spinal canal surrounding the spinal cord. The spinal cord is a group of nerves that run through the tunnel. The narrowing suffocates the nerves supplying the lower extremities that can influence walking activity.
Symptoms
There may be no symptoms with early lumbar spinal stenosis. Most individuals develop symptoms gradually and may begin to notice them while walking or standing. These can include:
Lower back pressure sensations when standing upright or walking.
Leg numbness, tingling, weakness, burning, and/or cramping.
Muscle weakness.
Persistent pain in the back, hips, buttocks, or legs while walking.
Difficulty lifting the top part of the foot – known as drop foot.
Loss of sensation in the feet.
A weak foot that drops/slaps down when walking.
Loss of sexual ability.
In more serious cases, severe numbness, bladder problems, and inability to stand.
Individuals begin to lean forward when symptoms start, bringing relief by reducing the pressure on the nerves. However, constantly leaning forward leads to other posture and health problems.
Diagnosis
A doctor or chiropractor will ask questions about symptoms and medical history and perform a complete physical examination to diagnose lumbar spinal stenosis. During the physical examination, a healthcare provider will look for signs, such as loss of sensation, weakness, and abnormal reflexes.
Tests:
X-rays of the lumbar spine may show bone growths called spurs that push on spinal nerves and/or narrowing of the spinal canal.
Imaging tests – A CT or MRI scan can provide a detailed look at the spinal canal and nerve structures.
Other studies include – bone scans, myelogram, which is a CT scan that uses a color dye, and EMG, which is an electrical test of muscle activity.
Chiropractic Treatment
Chiropractic care combined with physical therapy is a tried-and-true treatment for spinal stenosis. A chiropractic treatment plan can include targeted and passive exercise programs. Targeted exercises involve strengthening the core and back muscles. Passive treatments include hot and cold therapy, massage, decompression, and electrical stimulation. The objective of chiropractic therapy is to:
Strengthen muscles in the core and legs
Correct posture and body mechanics.
Improve mobility.
Maintain ability to perform day-to-day activities.
Recommend stretches.
Educate on how to keep the spine and back muscles safe.
Train on using devices like a back brace, cane, or walker properly.
Advise about shoe inserts and splints.
Suggest work and home environment modifications, such as ergonomics and cushions.
Chiropractic Relief
References
Conway, Justin, et al. “Walking assessment in people with lumbar spinal stenosis: capacity, performance, and self-report measures.” The spine journal: official North American Spine Society journal vol. 11,9 (2011): 816-23. doi:10.1016/j.spinee.2010.10.019
Lurie, Jon, and Christy Tomkins-Lane. “Management of lumbar spinal stenosis.” BMJ (Clinical research ed.) vol. 352 h6234. 4 Jan. 2016, doi:10.1136/bmj.h6234
Macedo, Luciana Gazzi, et al. “Physical therapy interventions for degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis: a systematic review.” Physical therapy vol. 93,12 (2013): 1646-60. doi:10.2522/ptj.20120379
Tomkins-Lane, Christy C et al. “Predictors of walking performance and walking capacity in people with lumbar spinal stenosis, low back pain, and asymptomatic controls.” Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation vol. 93,4 (2012): 647-53. doi:10.1016/j.apmr.2011.09.023
The nervous system is a network of roads that feed into highways that connect to an interstate system. The roads are the nerves that innervate the muscles and the extremities; the interstate is the spinal cord. When the system works optimally, the nerves consistently transmit signals/messages to and from the brain without any problems. The signals travel back and forth, and the traffic flows smoothly. When the activities of these nerves and cells get disrupted, the central nervous system fails to perform basic functions that can cause musculoskeletal issues, conditions, and CNS diseases. Keeping the nervous system strong can be done by adopting ways to maintain health and function.
The Nervous System
The system regulates and coordinates body activities and is made up of two major divisions, these include the following:
Central nervous system – consists of the brain and spinal cord.
Peripheral nervous system – consists of all other neural elements, including the peripheral and autonomic nerves.
The principal organs of the nervous system include:
Brain
Spinal cord
Eyes
Ears
Sensory taste organs
Sensory smell organs
Sensory receptors are located in the muscles, joints, skin, and other areas throughout the body.
A complex network of nerves, the nervous system reacts to internal and external stimuli through several physical actions to maintain vital bodily functions. These include:
The symptoms of a nervous system disorder may present like other medical conditions or problems. Always see a professional healthcare provider for proper diagnosis.
Keeping the Nervous System Strong
Nutrition To Transmit Signals
Nerves need minerals, proteins, and vitamins to send electrical impulses. Foods that contain these nutrients include:
Calcium — regulates the generated and transmitted electrical impulses. Milk, leafy greens and eggs are rich sources of calcium.
Potassium – bananas, oranges, pomegranates, and prunes, are good sources of potassium.
Dark chocolate contains tryptophan, an amino acid that produces and maintains neurotransmitters.
Vitamin B — Vitamins B1, B2, and B6 assist the nerves in sending impulses from the brain to the body.
B Vitamins Provide Nerve Protection
A myelin sheath covers the nerves for protection and provides insulation for transmitting. Worn-out or damaged myelin sheaths have been associated with illnesses like Alzheimer’s. Vitamin B12 helps repair damaged nerves and regenerate fibers. It is found in beef, poultry, eggs, and seafood.
Folate or vitamin B9 promotes Schwann cell proliferation, migration, and production of nerve growth factor. This vitamin is found in spinach, pomegranates, and beets.
Stretching and Breathing
Stress produces the hormone cortisol. Constant production of cortisol affects the nervous system, which can affect reflexes, concentration, and memory. Stretching the body and learning breathing exercises and relaxation techniques activates the part of the nervous system responsible for breathing and heart rate, decreasing cortisol levels.
Chiropractic Care and Functional Medicine
The spinal cord has multiple functions in restoring, rejuvenating, and keeping the nervous system strong. Chiropractic care has a highly responsive therapeutic effect on the nervous system because of its focus on the spine. Spinal decompression, traction, soft tissue manipulation, and other treatments help regulate and restore the function of the nervous system. Chiropractic benefits:
Reduces or eliminates pain.
Regulates respiration.
Lowers heart rate.
Improves the quality of sleep.
Increases energy.
Improves digestive function.
Improves cognition and clarity.
Improves balance and coordination.
Increases flexibility and mobility.
Reduces or eliminates headaches and migraines.
Hyperhomocysteinemia
References
Archibald, Lennox K., and Ronald G. Quisling. “Central Nervous System Infections.” Textbook of Neurointensive Care 427–517. 7 May. 2013, doi:10.1007/978-1-4471-5226-2_22
Bhagavati, Satyakam. “Autoimmune Disorders of the Nervous System: Pathophysiology, Clinical Features, and Therapy.” Frontiers in neurology vol. 12 664664. 14 Apr. 2021, doi:10.3389/fneur.2021.664664
Gyer, Giles, et al. “Spinal manipulation therapy: Is it all about the brain? A current review of the neurophysiological effects of manipulation.” Journal of integrative medicine vol. 17,5 (2019): 328-337. doi:10.1016/j.joim.2019.05.004
Jessen, Kristján R et al. “Schwann Cells: Development and Role in Nerve Repair.” Cold Spring Harbor perspectives in biology vol. 7,7 a020487. 8 May. 2015, doi:10.1101/cshperspect.a020487
Powers, Scott K et al. “Disease-Induced Skeletal Muscle Atrophy and Fatigue.” Medicine and science in sports and exercise vol. 48,11 (2016): 2307-2319. doi:10.1249/MSS.0000000000000975
Nutrition is integral to optimal health and can help treat and manage diseases that threaten the body. Mushrooms come in various shapes, sizes, and colors and have been used for their unique ability to add flavor and taste without sodium or fat. They are also healthy and tasty and contain various vitamins and minerals. Different mushrooms can provide distinct health benefits that can be increased brain function, help with hormonal balance, and as an antioxidant.
Mushroom
Research continues to uncover how mushrooms can improve everyday health and help mitigate the risk of developing health conditions like Alzheimer’s, heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Mushrooms are recommended because they are:
Fat-free
Low in sodium
Low-calorie
Cholesterol-free
Packed with fiber
Nutritional benefits vary depending on the type of mushroom.
B vitamins
Mushrooms are rich in B vitamins: riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid, which help maintain heart health. Riboflavin supports red blood cells. Niacin assists the digestive system and helps keep healthy skin. Pantothenic acid supports nervous system function and helps the body make necessary hormones.
Minerals
They are a great source of minerals – Selenium, Copper, Thiamin, Magnesium, and Phosphorus. Copper helps the body create red blood cells to deliver oxygen and maintain healthy bones and nerves. Potassium supports heart, muscle, and nerve function.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants help protect the body from damaging free radicals that can cause heart disease and cancer. They also protect against damage from aging and increase immune system function.
Beta-glucan
Beta-glucan is a soluble dietary fiber linked to improved cholesterol levels and supports heart health. It helps the body regulate blood sugar, which helps reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Cordyceps
Cordyceps increases energy levels by utilizing oxygen more efficiently and enhancing circulation. This can be especially helpful for athletes or individuals who regularly work out and has been shown to improve exercise and athletic performance and speed up muscle recovery.
Shiitake
This mushroom has benefits that are particularly good for the heart, as they contain phytonutrients, which aid in:
Preventing plaque buildup
Maintaining blood pressure
Maintaining circulation
Lowering cholesterol
Chaga
Chaga mushrooms are full of antioxidants, making them excellent for fighting free radicals and inflammation. This mushroom combats oxidative stress, inflammation, and aging. And it can help prevent or slow cancer growth and has been found to help lower low-density lipoprotein – LDL cholesterol.
Mushroom Preparation
Mushrooms are almost always available in the produce section of any grocery or health food store. Make sure to wash them thoroughly first. Example: Cremini mushrooms can be:
Eaten raw or cooked, sliced or unsliced.
Simmered in water for 5 minutes until soft
Sauteed – cook the mushrooms in a pan with olive oil on medium heat for eight minutes, frequently stirring until they brown at the edges.
Sprinkled raw over meals to add more texture and flavor.
Ways to add mushrooms to a nutrition plan:
With eggs in the morning.
Mix into cooked beef, chicken, or turkey.
Cook mushrooms with garlic and butter for a side dish.
Add to a stir-fry with other vegetables.
Add to homemade pizza.
As an ingredient in pasta sauce.
Add to salads.
Make cream of mushroom soup.
Always talk to a doctor, nutritionist, or dietician before to confirm whether adding mushrooms is safe, especially if pregnant or using medications, as certain mushrooms can cause side effects like an upset stomach or allergies.
Food as Medicine
References
Fukushima, M et al. “Cholesterol-lowering effects of maitake (Grifola frondosa) fiber, shiitake (Lentinus edodes) fiber, and enokitake (Flammulina velutipes) fiber in rats.” Experimental biology and medicine (Maywood, N.J.) vol. 226,8 (2001): 758-65. doi:10.1177/153537020222600808
Kabir, Y et al. “Effect of shiitake (Lentinus edodes) and maitake (Grifola frondosa) mushrooms on blood pressure and plasma lipids of spontaneously hypertensive rats.” Journal of nutritional science and vitaminology vol. 33,5 (1987): 341-6. doi:10.3177/jnsv.33.341
Kolotushkina, E V et al. “The influence of Hericium erinaceus extract on myelination process in vitro.” Fiziolohichnyi zhurnal (Kiev, Ukraine : 1994) vol. 49,1 (2003): 38-45.
Ma, Gaoxing, et al. “Health benefits of edible mushroom polysaccharides and associated gut microbiota regulation.” Critical reviews in food science and nutrition vol. 62,24 (2022): 6646-6663. doi:10.1080/10408398.2021.1903385
Rop, Otakar, et al. “Beta-glucans in higher fungi and their health effects.” Nutrition reviews vol. 67,11 (2009): 624-31. doi:10.1111/j.1753-4887.2009.00230.x
Tuli, Hardeep S et al. “Pharmacological and therapeutic potential of Cordyceps with special reference to Cordycepin.” 3 Biotech vol. 4,1 (2014): 1-12. doi:10.1007/s13205-013-0121-9
Venturella, Giuseppe, et al. “Medicinal Mushrooms: Bioactive Compounds, Use, and Clinical Trials.” International journal of molecular sciences vol. 22,2 634. 10 Jan. 2021, doi:10.3390/ijms22020634
Any form of physical sports activity puts the body at risk for injury. Chiropractic care can prevent injury for all athletes, weekend warriors, and fitness enthusiasts. Regular massaging, stretching, adjusting, and decompressing enhances strength and stability, maintaining the body’s readiness for physical activity. A chiropractor assists in sports injury prevention through analysis of the body’s musculoskeletal system addressing any abnormalities from the natural frame and adjusts the body back into proper alignment. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic provides various sports injury prevention therapies and treatment plans personalized to the athlete’s needs and requirements.
Sports Injury Prevention
Individuals involved in sports activities push themselves through rigorous training and play sessions to new levels. Pushing the body will cause musculoskeletal wear and tear despite meticulous care and training. Chiropractic addresses potential injuries by proactively correcting the problematic areas within the musculoskeletal system to improve body functionality. It ensures that all system structures, spine, joints, muscles, tendons, and nerves are working correctly and at their healthiest, most natural state.
Performance
When muscles are restricted from moving how they are designed to, other areas over-compensate and over-stretch to make the movement possible, increasing the risk of injury as they overwork. This is how the vicious cycle starts. Regular professional chiropractic:
Regularly assesses the alignment of the body.
Keeps the muscles, tendons, and ligaments loose.
Spots any imbalances and weaknesses.
Treats and strengthens the imbalances and deficiencies.
Advises on maintaining alignment.
Treatment Schedule
Consecutive treatments are recommended to allow the musculoskeletal system to adapt to regular treatments. This allows the therapists to get used to how the body looks, feels, and is aligned. The chiropractic team gets used to the body’s strengths and weaknesses and learns the areas that need attention during each treatment. Initial treatment could be every week or two, allowing the chiropractor to spot any discrepancies in movement patterns and giving the body a chance to acclimate to the therapy. Then regular treatment every four to five weeks depending on the sport, training, games, recovery schedule, etc., helps maintain a relaxed, balanced, and symmetrically aligned body.
Pre-Workouts
References
Hemenway, David, et al. “Injury prevention and control research and training in accredited schools of public health: a CDC/ASPH assessment.” Public health reports (Washington, D.C.: 1974) vol. 121,3 (2006): 349-51. doi:10.1177/003335490612100321
Nguyen, Jie C et al. “Sports and the Growing Musculoskeletal System: Sports Imaging Series.” Radiology vol. 284,1 (2017): 25-42. doi:10.1148/radiol.2017161175
Van Mechelen, W et al. “Incidence, severity, etiology and prevention of sports injuries. A review of concepts.” Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) vol. 14,2 (1992): 82-99. doi:10.2165/00007256-199214020-00002
Weerapong, Pornratshanee et al. “The mechanisms of massage and effects on performance, muscle recovery, and injury prevention.” Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) vol. 35,3 (2005): 235-56. doi:10.2165/00007256-200535030-00004
Wojtys, Edward M. “Sports Injury Prevention.” Sports health vol. 9,2 (2017): 106-107. doi:10.1177/1941738117692555
Woods, Krista et al. “Warm-up and stretching in the prevention of muscular injury.” Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) vol. 37,12 (2007): 1089-99. doi:10.2165/00007256-200737120-00006
IFM's Find A Practitioner tool is the largest referral network in Functional Medicine, created to help patients locate Functional Medicine practitioners anywhere in the world. IFM Certified Practitioners are listed first in the search results, given their extensive education in Functional Medicine
