QuestionQUESTION: I have fairly significant DDD of my Cervical Spine. I spent 24 years in the Army. Throughout those years, I did numerous exercises for physical training, especially the bent knee sit-up with the fingers laced behind the neck and with someone holding your feet. My question is this: Can an exercise such as the bent knee sit-up cause cervical spine problems? Thank you!
ANSWER: DDD, DJD, OA, OsteoArthritis, Degenerative Joint Disease, Degenerative Disc Disease, Staten Island Arthritis,
Hello Stephen,
#1)--- Twenty-four years in the Army of the USA,,,, THANK YOU for your service and sacrifice.
NEXT:
I am sorry to hear of your pain, sorry hear of your condition.
I hope you are doing exercises to keep segmental and regional motion in your spinal joints, I hope you are doing Tai Chi (sometimes we see older Orientals doing this slow motion dance in the public parks), or yoga, I hope you are seeing your local Doctor of Chiropractic, I hope you are taking joint support supplements such as Glucosamine, Chondroitin, SAMe, MSM, Omega 3 EFAs, proteolytic enzymes when inflammed.
You state: ".....I have fairly significant DDD of my Cervical Spine....."; DDD = Degenerative Disc Disease, same/similar to DJD- Degenerative Joint Disease, same/ similar to OA- OsteoArthritis. Often called a disease of aging, often called a 'normal' progression of life.
Although this is sometimes (medically) seen as a 'normal variant of aging', often just accepted by our society as a price for living long enough,,,,, DDD, from a Chiropractic perspective is not 'normal' even if it is 'average'. DDD does USUALLY happen to people, because people USUALLY do not handle the wear and tear of life PROPERLY.
DDD, DJD, OA, OsteoArthritis is a 'disease' of misalignment, or malalignment. Let me explain that: The joints ANYWHERE in the body wear out faster after injury because the injury leaves them misaligned. Injury can be just a little thing,,, but repeated every day for years. Injury can be a BIG thing- like a car accident, but hopefully that only happens once or twice in a lifetime. Poor posture is a small injury--- but it is repeated all day every day.
You ask, "....I did numerous exercises for physical training, especially the bent knee sit-up with the fingers laced behind the neck and with someone holding your feet.....", now- a-days I do not think the proper technique is interlacing the fingers behind the head- this could indeed have contributed to your problem!
When we interlace the fingers behind our head,,, it becomes tempting to pull ourselves up with our arms, rather than staying strictly with our abdominal muscles. When we interlace the fingers behind our head, even if we do not attempt to cheat and assist our situp, it can place our neck in a poor posture. Poor posture!?, see above = poor posture is a regional malalignment which obviously shows evidence of segmental misalignment (subluxation- more on that later).
Let me explain more about the 'wear and tear' disease, the disease of 'aging'; DDD, DJD, OA. If we have a car that hits a pothole, it misaligns the front end- sometimes to the point of pulling the car to one side, SOMETIMES to the point of being really noticeable, really a problem, and when THAT bad, we go to the service station and get the front end aligned properly. We do not HAVE to go and have the front end adjusted, if we want to we can continue driving with the pull to one side. BUT if we have that pull, if we have a front end out of proper alignment; the car does not perform as well as it could, the car is more prone to an accident (pulling to one side), AND the front end of the car- the tires, ball bearings, tie rods, shocks, springs (whatever)--- WEAR OUT FASTER. Misalignment = uneven, accelerated wear and tear. Misalignment = accelerated aging.
Same in our joints. Same in our spinal joints. Accelerated wear and tear. Acclerated Degeneration, accelerated osteoarthritic progression.
In my Staten Island Chiropractic office I have patients 30 years old with severe arthritic degeneration in their neck, or lower back, or a knee, or a shoulder--- thirty years old with degenerative joints...... why? Because they had/ have poor biomechanics, they have poor joint alignment. Why?- because they have had a trauma (large or small) which has resulted in a misalignment of a joint, which leads to accelerated wear and tear, degenerating the joint, 'aging' the joint (aging the individual). Why?- because these patients have done the 'usual' American thing---- taken a pain medication to cover up the pain, allow the misalignment to stay, cover the pain- while degeneration is progressing. 'Usual', 'normal', routine in our society, average in our culture.
At this point i would like to give you some information I hand out in my office to my Staten Island Degenerative Disc Disease patients, this may be of help to you:
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PAIN
Pain is a 憆ed light on the dashboard?
Pain is your body telling you that something is wrong.
Think you should listen??
That RED LIGHT on the dashboard of your car-
-- do you ignore it until the car breaks down,
or do you get it checked and correct the problem?
Pain,
pain in your body-
-- do you ignore it until your body breaks down,
or do you get it checked and correct the problem?
Pain,
do you cover up the pain by taking a painkiller?
Take a painkiller,
mask the pain,
and allow a problem to progress in your body?
Pain Killing medication??? = 16,000 deaths ( probably under-reported )
DEATH ! ? ! ? better watch out on those medications!!!
NOTICE ON PAIN RELIEVERS:
Label changes ORDERED by FDA; the FDA announced proposed label changes for OTC over-the-counter pain relievers to include the potential for stomach bleeding and liver damage (FDA news 206- 207; 12-9-06) ;
SIXTEEN THOUSAND DEATHS: "Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are effective medications for the treatment of many chronically painful medical conditions. However, it is estimated that 25% of all serious adverse drug reactions involve NSAIDs, with more than 100,000 hospitalizations and 16,000 deaths occurring annually due to NSAID-induced gastrointestinal (GI) events."----- http://hhc.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/13/6/468 Home Health Care Management & Practice, Vol. 13, No. 6, 468-475 (2001) Motrin, Advil = NSAIDS
The American Heart Association issued a scientific statement recommending medical doctors change the way they prescribe OTC pain relievers from a first choice to an alternate of recommending non-pharmacologic treatment (AHA statement 2-26-07).
NSAID Acceleration of ARTHRITIS; an important side effect of Aspirin and other NSAIDS is that it will inhibit cartilage repair and accelerate cartilage destruction ( Journal of Rheumatology, 1982; 9: 3- 5 ). Many times people take NSAIDS for the pain of Arthritis, not realizing these drugs may make the underlying condition worse. These medications cover up the pain, and cause the problem to worsen.
Pain can often be the result of the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
Vertebral Subluxation ( 慥SC?, 憇ubluxation? )
Vertebral Subluxation is actually a quite common condition. Doctors of Chiropractic look for pathological conditions which may require referral to other specialties, and also look for 慡ubluxation? Other disciplines look for pathology, but overlook the importance of alignment and movement in the spine which affects our nervous system (the master control system- ALL health disciplines learn this). VSC- 慡ubluxation??can be the cause of many symptoms and conditions.
Only a Doctor of Chiropractic will evaluate and treat for VSC, as well as other pathology.
The course of VSC is highly variable. Some patients with VSC literally cannot walk, yet other patients with similar test findings may be able to run marathons or lift heavy weights. Some patients immediately develop symptoms related to the VSC, some patients take years to develop symptoms. Some people suffer for only a few days with pain and symptoms, some people suffer for months. Some people recover in days, some take months or years, depending upon severity of the condition.
A subluxation interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system (the master system which controls and coordinates all function within the body) and may cause various other conditions, symptoms and problems.
The Vertebral Subluxation Complex describes what happens when spinal bones lose their normal movement patterns and position. When subluxated, joints are in a stressed, vulnerable, compromised condition. Subluxation may cause Arthritis, Disk Herniation, or aggravate such conditions.
Vertebral Subluxation cannot be corrected through chemicals (medicine), stretching, yoga, vitamins or physical therapy alone. Subluxation- a neuro/skeletal/muscular- mechanical- problem requires a mechanical correction- - - a manipulation, best performed with the chiropractic adjustment.
Dr. Victor E. Dolan, Doctor of Chiropractic; Diplomate, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians; Diplomate, American Academy of Pain Management; Certified Clinical Nutritionist (IAACN); FIRST Chief of Chiropractic in a Hospital in New York State (DHSI); As Seen in PREVENTION Magazine , Invited to Colorado Springs (Olympic Training Center) to Care for USA Olympic Athletes 2010
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The usual American way of handling their pain is to take a pain killer, an anti-inflammatory, a msucle relaxant,,,, these things ALL treat SYMPTOMS. If you read the labels, the instructions will often even say "....for SYMPTOMATIC relief....". The medications are TELLING YOU that they are not correcting the CAUSE of the problem, the meds are COVERING UP the problem by hiding the pain, the CAUSE of the inflammation, the instigator of the muscle spasm.
This MEDICAL Research on pain killing medications gives us strong reason to be cautious in the use of pain meds.
Perhaps, instead of coving up the problem, covering up the cause, perhaps it makes more sense to lookd for the CAUSE of the problem, in your case- the CAUSE of your Degenerative Disc Disease.
In addition to the above information sheet, my Staten Island Arthritis patients get the following handout as well:
Degenerative Disk Disease
( DDD, DJD, OA )
Degenerative Disc, Degenerative Joint Disease, progressive OsteoArthritic Degeneration
Degenerative Disc Disease (old term = DJD) is actually a quite common condition. However, the course of the condition is highly variable. Some patients with DJD literally cannot walk, yet other patients with similar X-ray/ MRI findings may be able to run marathons or lift heavy weights. Some people suffer for only a few days with pain and symptoms, some people suffer for months. Although the course is highly variable, there are certain steps that are always helpful to follow: Ice the area when painful- 10/ 15minutes on, 30/ 45 minutes off; avoid certain postures and movements; bend the knees when coughing or sneezing; bend the knees when lifting anything; do not extend legs straight out when sitting, laying down, lifting, or driving. Avoiding certain movements and postures will prevent aggravation of the condition. Practicing good postures and movement patterns will help the condition heal and be less painful. Degenerative disk disease, degenerative joint disease, deteriorating discs (disk) is/ are often caused by, or often concurrent with the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
Vertebral Subluxation Complex (a.k.a. 憇ubluxation?
The vertebral subluxation complex is the underlying cause of many healthcare problems.
A subluxation interferes with the proper functioning of joints, and can cause osteo-arthritic degeneration, Degenerative Disk Disease, degenerative joint disease, etc.
A subluxation interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system (the master system which controls and coordinates all function within the body) and may cause various other conditions, symptoms and problems.
Subluxation is a serious condition identified by its five parts:
Spinal Kinesiopathology:
This is fancy way of saying the bones of the spine have lost their normal motion and position. It restricts your ability to turn and bend. It sets in motion the other four components.
Neuropathophysiology:
Improper spinal function can choke, stretch, or irritate delicate nerve tissue. The resulting nerve system dysfunction can cause symptoms elsewhere in the body.
Myopathology:
Muscles supporting the spine can weaken, atrophy, or become tight and go into spasm. The resulting scar tissue changes muscle tone, requiring repeated spinal adjustments.
Histopathology:
A rise in temperature from an increase in blood and lymph supplies result in swelling and inflammation. Discs can bulge, herniate, tear, or degenerate. Other soft tissues may suffer permanent damage.
Pathophysiology:
The VSC contributes to OsteoArthritic degeneration. Bone spurs and other abnormal bony growths attempt to fuse malfunctioning spinal joints. This spinal decay, scar tissue, and long-term nerve dysfunction can cause other systems of the body to malfunction.
The Vertebral Subluxation Complex describes what happens when spinal bones lose their normal movement patterns and position. When subluxated, joints are in a stressed, vulnerable, compromised condition. Subluxation may cause Arthritis, Disk Herniation, Disk Degeneration, or aggravate such conditions.
Vertebral Subluxation cannot be corrected through chemicals (medicine), stretching, yoga, vitamins or physical therapy alone. Subluxation- a neuro/skeletal/muscular- mechanical- problem requires a mechanical correction- - - a manipulation, best performed with the chiropractic adjustment.
Dr. Victor E. Dolan, Doctor of Chiropractic; Diplomat, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians; Diplomat, American Academy of Pain Management; Certified Clinical Nutritionist (IAACN); FIRST Chief of Chiropractic in a Hospital in New York State (DHSI); As Seen in PREVENTION Magazine
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You ask directly, "....Can an exercise such as the bent knee sit-up cause cervical spine problems....", yes it could. Improper technique, improper biomechanics, as explained above could have contributed or caused your complaints.
I haope this all helps.
If you need further do not hesitate to REcontact me here at All Experts.
Good Luck,
Dr. Victor Dolan, DC DACBSP
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thanks Dr. Dolan. Not a real follow-up question, just a comment. I did in fact have a car accident in 1982. I was stopped and a guy hit me in the rear at 35 MPH. I had some whiplash effect for a few weeks, sore and stiff neck, etc. I believe this was the catalyst for my cervical spine problems and the sit-ups, among other Army lifestyle events, simply exacerbated the problem. You have pretty much confirmed my belief with your answer. Thanks again. I also appreciate your service and sacrifice. You provide expertise and assistance to those that need it. That is a very noble endeavor. Kindest regards, Stephen
AnswerThank YOU Sir,
This came through as a question, so I have to answer this in this manner.
Good Luck,
Dr. Vic Dolan, DC, DACBSP
Email Newsletter: . . . . . . http://drvictordolan.chiroweb.com
Dr. Victor E. Dolan, Doctor of Chiropractic; Diplomat, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians; Diplomat, American Academy of Pain Management; Certified Clinical Nutritionist (IAACN); Manipulation Under Anesthesia Proctor, Certified Emergency Medical Technician - NYS and National Registry ; FIRST Chief of Chiropractic in a Hospital in New York State (DHSI); As Seen in PREVENTION Magazine ; Invited to Colorado Springs (Olympic Training Center) to Care for USA Olympic Athletes 2010
