Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The Truth about Carpal Tunnel Syndrome 

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful and debilitating hand condition.  Sadly, it affects many people who use their hands repetitively or strenuously.

Do you have pain, tingling, numbness or burning sensations in your thumb and first three fingers?  Do you ever lose your ability to grip, pick things up, or control hand motions that require fine detail?  Carpal tunnel syndrome can cost people their jobs, hobbies, peace of mind and quality of daily living, not to mention hundreds and even thousands of dollars in lost wages.

If you have been diagnosed with CTS or suffer from one or more of those hand symptoms, please call our office to get checked out.

The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway located within the wrist. There are 8 tiny bones in the wrist arranged in a curved, horseshoe shape. Those 8 bones form 3 sides of the carpal tunnel and the 4^th side is from the transverse carpal ligament that overlaps the tunnel. There is a large nerve (the median nerve) that runs through the tunnel. There are also 9 tendons that pass through the carpal tunnel. Due to repetitive movements these tiny carpal (wrist) bones can lose their healthy alignment causing them to collapse inward, pressing on the median nerve. As a result the median nerve becomes flattened and pinched leading to the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.

One of the most popular ways to treat CTS is to have surgery. The surgeon will cut the ligament in an attempt to provide space for the median nerve and to relieve pressure. Unfortunately by cutting the ligament, the shape of the tunnel loses its healthy integrity as it flattens out slightly. This will often lead to wrist instability.

Patients may experience short-term relief following surgery, but over time their carpal tunnel can develop scar tissue from the surgery, and as a result they may encounter a return of symptoms in many cases. In fact post-surgical symptoms can be more severe than before having the surgery.

The most effective way to treat carpal tunnel syndrome is through specific gentle adjustments to the misaligned carpal bones. As opposed to being a painful process most patients report the adjustment as a pleasant experience. Unlike with surgery, there is absolutely no scar tissue related to this gentle carpal adjusting process.

Because of our unique focus on treating wrist and hand conditions we have helped many patients who suffered from conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

Disclaimer: This content is solely for informational purposes and should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. It is recommended that you seek professional advice by a licensed health care professional.

Scott Chiropractic and Wellness

Matthew Scott, DC

5080 Virginia Pkwy Ste 550

McKinney, TX 75071

(972) 540-5445

www.scott-chiropractic.com

Tips to Jump Start 2016

4 Health Tips to Jump Start Your 2016

Many people are excited to set ambitious goals at the start of a new year, but the real celebration is when they actually accomplish those goals.  A key factor in achieving your goals is how well you maintain a productive and active lifestyle.  However people often fall short of reaching their goals due to a lapse in health and therefore a deficiency in their overall productivity.  Subtle health challenges, such as reduced energy, compromised mental capacity and general lethargy are often to blame.

Here are 4 simple, but yet valuable health tips to help you reach your New Year’s resolutions. 

1.  Eat breakfast every day

This may seem elementary, but recent surveys show that 15-20% of working adults regularly skip breakfast. If you fall into this category and you can just give yourself 5-10 minutes that a healthy breakfast will take, you have started 2016 DIFFERENTLY. Prepare a healthy shake or smoothie if that is all you have time for.  It doesn’t really matter as long as you eat something healthy soon after awakening. Breakfast will do more than give you the nutrition you need. It will give you a strong and more productive start every single day.

2.  Drink an adequate amount of water

Statistics show that nearly 75% of Americans are dehydrated. Even mild dehydration can zap your energy making you feel tired. If you find it difficult to get the fluids your body requires, start by drinking at least 2 or 3 glasses of filtered water each day. As you form a habit for drinking water regularly you can begin to incrementally increase your intake over time.

3.  Sleep well

Getting your 8 hours of zzz’s every night will help reduce stress, inflammation, weight, depression, and provide a myriad of other health benefits. People who sleep adequately are much more productive with their daily activities and mental capacity compared to when they don’t get a good night’s rest. If you feel like you don’t get enough sleep most nights, we recommend that you begin a new habit of retiring one hour earlier each night.  This may be a challenge at first and you may have to sacrifice your favorite late night TV show, but it won’t take long until you begin to experience the profound health benefits of a better night’s sleep. 

4.  Get adjusted regularly

Chiropractic care helps to restore and maintain balance within your body, leaving you better prepared to live life to its fullest. Getting adjusted helps you function at a much higher level of activity and productivity. Additionally, injuries are far less common, and when they do occur they are less likely to be serious, therefore allowing your body to heal at a significantly faster rate.

If it has been a while since your last chiropractic adjustment, you should consider calling us and coming in to get one this week.  Your body will thank you for it! 

Disclaimer: This content is solely for informational purposes and should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. It is recommended that you seek professional advice by a licensed health care professional.

Scott Chiropractic and Wellness

Matthew Scott, DC

5080 Virginia Pkwy Ste 550

McKinney, TX 75071

(972) 540-5445

www.scott-chiropractic.com

Coconut Almond Cookies

Coconut Almond Cookies with Chia Berry Jam This is a remake of a classic holiday cookie that is gluten-free, swapping regular flour for low-glycemic almond flour, which won’t cause a quick rise in blood sugar. Add in chia seeds with the jam, which provide protein, fiber and anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. Amazingly delicious!   Ingredients: ½ cup almond butter 6 tablespoons maple syrup ½ teaspoon vanilla extract ¼ teaspoon almond extract 2 cups almond flour 2 tablespoons ground flax seeds or flax meal pinch of sea salt 1 ¼ cups fresh or frozen blueberries 2 tablespoons coconut sugar 1 tablespoon chia seeds 2 tablespoons shredded unsweetened coconut Instructions: Heat oven to 325° F. Cover a cookie sheet with parchment paper. In a small saucepan, stir together the blueberries and coconut sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the berries soften and sugar is melted, about 5 minutes. Add the chia seeds and stir well. Reduce heat and simmer for about 5 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat and cool.   Wisk almond butter, syrup and extracts until smooth. Add the almond flour, flax meal and salt and mix by hand with a spoon until dough forms. Add a drop or two of water if dough is too dry. Measure one tablespoon of dough and roll into a ball. Place on cookie tray, 2 inches apart. Press your thumb into the center of each ball and fill with ½ teaspoon of jam. Sprinkle with shredded coconut and bake for 18 minutes until golden brown. Cool completely.   Recipe adapted from www.adashofcompassion.com and contributed by Dawn Kurth of No Kidding Nutrition.         Disclaimer: This content is solely for informational purposes and should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. It is recommended that you seek professional advice by a licensed health care professional.

Scott Chiropractic and Wellness Matthew Scott, DC 5080 Virginia Pkwy Ste 550 McKinney, TX 75071 (972) 540-5445 www.scott-chiropractic.com

Foot Pain During The Holidays Got You Down?

Defeating Foot Pain During the Holidays

Did you know that 3 out of 4 people will suffer with foot pain and dysfunction?  The American Podiatry Medical Association has estimated that 72% of Americans will have foot pain.

 

There is a solution however to that disabling foot pain; and it doesn’t have to take a long time to experience relief. 

 

Addressing the root cause and correcting the underlying biomechanical problem that’s responsible for your foot condition is extremely important for long-term relief and correction.

 

Most people don’t think of their chiropractor first when it comes to their foot condition.  However, don’t let that to keep you from coming in to our clinic for a chiropractic evaluation for a foot problem.

 

We take great pride in providing a higher level of care for patients’ feet than what you would typically expect.

 

There are 26 bones in each foot and these bones are aligned into four separate arches.  These four arches are designed to absorb the shock from each step.  However, when you have misalignments of one or more of those 26 foot bones, it causes great stress to the arches of the foot as well as the surrounding muscles, joints and nerves.

 

 

Foot bone misalignments will often lead to foot pain, stiffness or dysfunction is they are left untreated.

 

Here at this clinic, we adjust the tiny bones and joints in the feet, restoring function and optimal performance.  Many of our patients have suffered for years with unbearable foot pain and dysfunction and we have been able to help them immensely.

 

The foot adjustment is a gentle process, and it’s generally a pleasant experience to have your feet adjusted. Your feet will move and feel better when they are properly aligned.

 

Many of our foot patients have been referred by other satisfied patients.  Thank you for recommending others to us for their foot health.

 

***Disclaimer: This content is solely for informational purposes and should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. It is recommended that you seek professional advice by a licensed health care professional.

Scott Chiropractic and Wellness Matt Scott, DC  5080 Virginia Pkwy Ste 550 McKinney, TX 75071 www.scott-chiropractic.com  (972) 540-5445

Ways to Increase a Child's Happiness this Holiday Season

4 Great Ways to Increase a Child's Happiness this Holiday Season And it's NOT What You Think!

 

According to a study by psychologists at the University of British Columbia, children are happier to give than to receive. In this study, children were asked to give away their own treats, as well as extra treats. They showed greater happiness about sharing their own possessions. The study suggested that the act of personal sacrifice was emotionally more rewarding to the children involved. 

 

What is the best way to increase your children’s holiday cheer?  According to the research, it’s allowing them the opportunity to give.

 

 

Here are 4 great ways you and your family can give back this holiday season.

 

1. Volunteer. If you are not in the position to give financially, there are many ways to serve and give of your time. Call a local charity and give them some hours of volunteer service. It is the best holiday therapy of all! Some example ideas would be to serve holiday dinner to the homeless, or sing Christmas carols as a family to those that do not get frequent visitors throughout the year, such as nursing homes, assisted living centers and disabled or handicapped service centers. Perhaps you can make a meal for someone that is sick or home-bound or even donate your time to babysit for a single mother.

2. Donate books. Spread your joy for books to others that like to read. Collect books that you may never read again and look for ways to give locally. You will save on shipping costs and help those in your community. Consider your local libraries, Goodwill, or Salvation Army. If shipping is not a problem, you may consider great charities such as “Books for Soldiers” or “Books for Africa”.

 

3. Deliver cookies. Baking cookies as a family is a common activity during the holiday season. Make a few extras to gift those who are serving the community by working on Christmas day. Hotels, airports, hospitals, fire stations and stores are open for business. Call ahead and check company policy before you deliver.

 

4. Give yourself. Pack up the kids for a quick holiday visit to those that matter most. Bring egg nog or hot chocolate and share a cup (…or two) with those relatives who you do not normally have the opportunity to spend extra time with during the year. Start a tradition while strengthening family bonds.

 

***Disclaimer: This content is solely for informational purposes and should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. It is recommended that you seek professional advice by a licensed health care professional.

Scott Chiropractic and Wellness Matt Scott, DC  5080 Virginia Pkwy Ste 550 McKinney, TX 75071 www.scott-chiropractic.com  (972) 540-5445

 

Cold Weather Affects on Your Body

 
Cold Weather Affects On Your Body

Your teeth chatter, your body shivers, and despite all your efforts to bundle up from head-to-toe, you can’t prevent it, the cold weather has arrived. Every person reacts differently to thermal stress. Age, fitness level and underlying diseases play a major part in someone’s reaction to cold. All these reactions are an attempt by your body to preserve heat, although not a very successful one.


With cold weather comes more impaired immune systems, and that’s pretty much an invitation for the common cold. In addition, the cold weather can affect your body in ways that never crossed your mind. Besides leaving you vulnerable to viruses, here are other ways the cold weather affects your body.

Migraines – With temperature change comes the falling of barometric pressure, also known as atmospheric pressure that is most noticeable in drastic shifts of the weather and temperature. The pressure can be so intense with cold weather that it can lead to sinus issues and migraines.

Muscle and Joint Stiffness – Our bodies, which are about 70 percent water, can become more sensitive in colder weather. As temperatures drop, our bodies can lose elasticity, and it becomes harder to stretch. Colder temperatures can also cause painful changes in joint fluid thickness.

Weakened Hair and Nails – Cold temperatures can warp hair cuticles and make hair scales weak causing split ends to form while blood circulation slows down in cold weather causing your nails to become weak and brittle.

Depression – Season Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression with a season pattern, occurring most often in months when there is less daylight. It is most common between the ages of 18 and 30 and affects more women than men. People with SAD may have abnormally low levels of serotonin and high levels of melatonin, which affects sleep quality and happiness.   

Vasoconstriction – When temperatures hit 50 degrees Fahrenheit, your blood vessels narrow to reduce blood flow near the body’s surface. Sometimes the blood vessels dilate and burst which causes redness and can also numb your hands.

Heat loss in cold, wet weather increases the risk for hypothermia, frost bite and other cold injuries. Heat loss can occur in warm temperatures through conduction. For those of you who live where the winters are bitter and brutal, it is important to pack on the layers when taking a trip outside. For those who experience warm winters, swimming or sitting in cool or cold water can cause the body to lose heat very quickly, so think twice before taking dip to cool down.

***Disclaimer: This content is solely for informational purposes and should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. It is recommended that you seek professional advice by a licensed health care professional.

Scott Chiropractic and Wellness Matt Scott, DC  5080 Virginia Pkwy Ste 550 McKinney, TX 75071 www.scott-chiropractic.com  (972) 540-5445

Chocolate Quinoa Chippers Recipe

Chocolate Quinoa Chippers With 13 grams of protein in a cup of quinoa flakes and over 5 grams in a mere tablespoon of hempseeds, this delicious cookie is packed with protein and contains more fiber, antioxidants, essential fatty acids and minerals than a traditional chocolate chip cookie. And they’re delicious! 1 ¼ cups whole wheat pastry flour ½ cup cacao powder or unsweetened baking cocoa 1 teaspoon baking soda ¼ teaspoon sea salt ½ pound (2 sticks) butter, softened 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar ¼ cup coconut sugar or regular sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 large eggs 1 ¾ cups dark chocolate chips (I use Enjoy Life brand) 1 ½ cups quinoa flakes (I use Ancient Harvest Quinoa Hot Cereal Flakes) ¼ cup hemp seeds Directions: Heat oven to 375° F. In medium bowl, combine flour, cacao, baking soda and salt; mix well.  In large bowl, beat butter, sugars and vanilla extract with electric mixer until creamy. Beat in eggs one at a time. Gradually add flour mixture, beating slowly to incorporate. Stir in dark chocolate chips, quinoa flakes and hemp seeds. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto parchment lined baking sheet.   Bake 9 to 12 minutes. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely. Makes about 4 dozen.   Contributed by Dawn Kurth of No Kidding Nutrition. Click here for more delicious and healthy recipes like this one.          ***Disclaimer: This content is solely for informational purposes and should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. It is recommended that you seek professional advice by a licensed health care professional.

Scott Chiropractic and Wellness Matt Scott, DC  5080 Virginia Pkwy Ste 550 McKinney, TX 75071 www.scott-chiropractic.com  (972) 540-5445