The Effects Of Smoking And How You Can Stop Smoking

Smoking is a habit that became highly popular in the 1920�s and most people had no idea how bad it was for their health. Through modern technology and researching various "modern" illnesses and diseases, it has now been established that smoking is very bad for your health and that it is also addictive. The nicotine inside cigarettes is a highly addictive substance that is basically a drug, and can also cause many health problems. This substance is found in tobacco leaves which belong to the nightshade species of plant. It has similar pharmacological properties of addiction as that of heroin and cocaine and is, according to the American Heart Association, one of the most difficult addictions to break. If you value your life and want to become healthy again, live for longer, and prevent nasty illnesses and life threatening diseases, then you need to stop smoking. When first isolated and analyzed by German chemists in 1828, they classified it as a poison, which just goes to s how how dangerous it really is.

Dangers of Smoking

On average it takes nicotine about 7 seconds to reach the brain once inhaled, as it is absorbed very quickly in the human body. The half life in the human body is about 2 hours, but this all depends on various factors including how high the dose was, how much was inhaled, how many cigarettes were smoked, or if tobacco was chewed. Usually the chewing tobacco or snuff that is held in the mouth is of a much higher potency than cigarettes.

Smoking is highly dangerous on many levels. First of all it is synthesized in the liver and this causes a lot of strain to the organ, especially if you are a heavy smoker. The blood brain barrier is quickly crossed when you smoke which means that it affects the babies of women that are pregnant if they light up. Similarly, people who are even around a smoker are affected by secondary smoke, because even though the nicotine is burned off, the smoke still contains enough of the chemical in its vaporous form. The drug causes various neurotransmitters in the central nervous system and the brain to function at higher levels, which causes the relaxation effect that gets so many people addicted, and through the stimulation of certain of these receptors adrenaline through an influx of calcium which it binds to is released into the blood stream which causes high blood pressure, increased heart rate, and a rise in blood glucose levels.

Tips for Quitting the Habit

If you want to stop your high blood pressure and high glucose levels before it is too late and you end up suffering from a heart attack or stroke, as well as develop diabetes and more, then you need to stop smoking. Aside from the illnesses that you can develop, smoking has also been linked to various cancers, and other diseases. To stop smoking you must first of all have the willpower and the desire. Once you want to stop, it becomes a whole lot easier. Many people use patches to quit, and some go under hypnotherapy, whilst others just go cold turkey. The best method of quitting will be dependent on the extent of your habit, but if you really want to get healthy, you should try any or all of them.

How often maybe you have attempted to stop smoking?

This article is certainly not regarding using moral high ground along with talking about the important things about quitting smoking cigarettes. It's really a simple article with what worked personally : the 47 yr old man who were smoking for upwards of 3 decades as well as ended up upon 58 tobacco each day. My spouse and i reckon easily are able to do it then possibly this information will help people to significantly consider stopping.
How often maybe you have attempted to stop smoking? In case you are something like me anyone quit, (for the time being), when you saw a thing for the Television set, a buddy stood a stoke, you had been less than resources or even... you'll find umpteen logic behind why folks stop trying and then begin anew when the initial "scare" has worn out.
As I said, I had been cigarette smoking 62 smokes a day along with has been nicely and also really passionate.
You've noticed every person occurring with anyone with regards to for you t o stop smoking. Generally the worst type of folks are whoever has given up using tobacco by themselves and have set out on a private campaign, (even though it sometimes finds a lot more like a vendetta), to remove each and every previous trace associated with smoking about the complete globe.
We endorse a far more reasoned approach to preventing cigarette smoking. The only real essential aspect within the complete course of action is basically that you.
It is definitely not concerning...
** performing what a person notifys you to complete.
** undertaking precisely what they have completed to stop smoking.
** experience difficult as well as guilty all-around individuals who tend not to smoke cigarettes.
Just when was The correct Time To Stop smoking?
The key reason why men and women stop smoking and then start again is merely given that they just weren't prepared to visit to that period.
I figured things by way of approximately 3-4 mont hs before My spouse and i lastly required the plunge and also however advised anyone who's was only an initial step I became getting in order to stop smoking and I might go only one day at an occasion : I discovered this specific took the pressure off of me to ensure that easily do start smoking yet again I would certainly not seem like a "failure".
Remember that smoking cigarettes is a very actual habit. It requires above all of your life. It is likely you find that whatever you decide and do revolves around if you are likely to have the next use your electronic cigarette. Whether or not it's working in the office, within the garden or even what ever... the mind is usually considering ending what you are doing to visit this will let you smoke cigarettes.
Do not sense responsible about it... as I said it's a quite genuine craving.
Just like a great apart, (a minimum of in the united kingdom), there are many plus more doctors that will stage blank usually treat a person for using tobacco linked illness an advanced smoking efficianado.
I'm these are sick and tired. Much better to relate a person pertaining to counselling, (which seriously works even with my primary skepticism with regards to getting someone pry into my behavior!).
Our counsellor, Doreen, continues to be marvelous from the phrase proceed. Reduced crucial, won't pry, no surprise strategies, absolutely no talks... simply a very laid-back talk about the best way will be able to stop smoking.
Doreen placed us in patches as well as filled me with a small puffer when i think of it as, (a new nicotine inhalator being posh), and also certain myself that at no time would certainly these kinds of always be all of a sudden removed following A couple of months as well as no matter what.
A governed amount of smoking directly into your body to take absent the particular desires does you absolutely simply no injury in any way. The real risk is from your smoke c igarettes commencing your lungs. I am not sure adequate to get specialized below however, if smoking causes the particular habit and you can have as much which can be as you would like provided it ought to be, in the form of sections as well as what ever, it's nothing but good reports for people.
I am not stating you'll not obtain cravings as soon as you plan to stop smoking though the urges in my case ended up generally connected with particular habits. For example I'd personally affiliate using tobacco together with java. A mug of strong sweet java with 5 or 6 cigarettes had been genuine nirvana. My partner and i even now pass up that right now to tell the truth but My partner and i generally consume teas if I truly do possess a java It's my job to have got my personal tiny puffer to get a fast blast.
Keep in mind that the craving to smoking merely is maintained one minute roughly. When you can think of something else for some units, (I realize it can be easier i n theory), though the craving will vanish entirely.
Although studying the net for many specifics ahead of writing this write-up My spouse and i grew to be so despondent concerning the "advice" from your so named professionals I made a decision to merely sit down and also compose when i sense coming from a private view.
One of several snippets involving "expert" assistance would have been to come up with a "Stop Cigarette smoking Contract" and also have your family and friends indicator this. After all, deliver some slack do you want to... Via a adding strain in an individual trying to stop smoking I don't know what is.
An additional specialist jewel would have been to plaster Absolutely no Cigarette smoking indications throughout the residence along with all-around your working environment. Great if you'd like a constant indication about smoking.
The whole concept should be to gently, is likely to moment, get away from the practices along with thoughts as sociated with using tobacco.
My spouse and i undoubtedly experience far better pertaining to stopping smoking. Apart from the huge amount of money that saves myself, our legs are not worn out all the time and i also usually have an overabundance vitality.
To summarize I'd personally state that with your mission for stop smoking make sure it is what you need at any given time which is good for you.
Proceed and pay attention to a medical expert to touch on you to a counsellor prior to giving up. Be honest while using counsellor... If you smoking 70 tobacco every day after that say a person light up Eighty smokes per day. It's self whipping to express you merely smoking Ten as well as 30 or perhaps "about a new bunch the day".
If you feel the occasion is appropriate to stop smoking after that do it although not ahead of. Do not let anyone force an individual into preventing.
The Top 10 Reasons to Stop Smoking Now

Why stop smoking? There are l ots of reasons to stop smoking, some more personal than others. What we have here are 10 facts that apply to everyone who smokes. These are 10 major health problems and every single time you take a puff, you increase your risk of developing one of them. Warning: Some of these are scary. If you really don't want to quit, then don't read.
Lung Cancer
Almost every case of lung cancer in the world, 90% according to recent research, is caused by cigarette smoke. Either the victim smoked or was constantly exposed to second hand smoke.
This has to be at the top of your list of reasons to stop smoking, because the 5 year survival rate for people diagnosed with lung cancer is as low as 1%. Even in the best case scenario, the survival rate is not above 67%. In other words, most people who get lung cancer die.
So, why stop smoking? You may think that because you smoke now, you've already done irreversible damage, but the risk of developing lung cancer goes down grad ually for every year that you do not smoke. After 15 years of not smoking, your risk is no greater than that of a person who never smoked.
Other Types of Cancer
One of the reasons that smokers are more likely to develop and die from lung cancer is that nicotine suppresses mechanisms in the immune system that would normally prevent the growth of cancerous tumors. Thus, smokers and those who use other forms of tobacco are more likely to develop cancers of all types than a person who does not use tobacco.
Emphysema
In emphysema, the lungs are damaged to the point that they are no longer elastic. It becomes difficult to exhale. It is accompanied by wheezing and shortness of breath and is irreversible. Even if you have been told or you believe that you are in the early stages of this disease, it is still one of the most important reasons to stop smoking, because when people with emphysema stop smoking and avoid all exposure to cigarette smoke, the progression of the disease slows down dramatically.
Heart Disease
Why stop smoking? Smoking leads to reduced blood flow in the arteries. Eventually this can lead to a heart attack. After 1 year of not smoking, your risk of developing heart disease is reduced by more than half.
High Blood Pressure
The nicotine and other chemicals in cigarette smoke increase your blood pressure. Over time this can damage the large arteries and tiny blood vessels. Eventually this can lead to one of the other reasons to stop smoking...
Stroke
Uncontrolled high blood pressure is the number one risk factor for having a stroke. Number four is cigarette smoking. Number two is heart disease, which can be caused by cigarette smoking. Why stop smoking? After only a few days of not smoking, your blood pressure will be lower, reducing your risk of having a sudden stroke that can end your life or cause permanent brain damage.
Blindness
This is probably one of the reasons to stop smoking that you have never heard of. You don't see this warning on a cigarette pack, but three separate studies all came to the same conclusion. Smokers are four times more likely to become blind because of age related macular degeneration than non-smokers.
Macular degeneration is a severe and progressive condition in which the central vision is lost. It is one of the most common causes of blindness in the elderly. Why stop smoking? Former smokers, those who have quit, have only a slightly greater risk than those who never smoked.
Alzheimer's disease
The rate of mental decline is five times faster in smokers than in non-smokers. If you have any family history of Alzheimer's or other neurological conditions, this should be one of your top reasons to stop smoking now, unless, you want to be a burden to your family or simply forget them.
Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis and other Auto-immune Diseases
Lupus is a chronic disease that causes pain and inflammation. Eventually there can be tissue damage throughout the body. Why stop smoking? Current smokers have an increased risk for the development of lupus, but for those who have quit, there is no increased risk.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic and sometimes disabling disease characterized by painful, swollen joints. Scientists have identified several genetic risk factors for developing RA. Smokers with one of these genetic risk factors are 16 times more likely to have rheumatoid arthritis.
Lupus and Rheumatoid arthritis are classified as auto-immune diseases. Because nicotine impairs the proper function of the immune system, cigarette smoking can increase your risk of developing either one of these auto-immune diseases. Studies concerning these facts were published recently in the Journal of Arthritis and Rheumatism.

The Consequences of Cigarette Smoking

A Science teacher in an Elementary class asked her students to bring a plastic alcohol bottle, a bunch of cotton balls, and a cigarette stick. The students were instructed to fill the bottle with cotton balls. After which, they bore a hole through the bottle, fit the size of the cigarette stick. They now have an instant lung model. With the cigarette placed in the hole, they squeezed the bottle in a pattern of a breathing lung. As the bottle is repeatedly squeezed, the cigarette eventually burned out and the cotton inside the bottle turned to yellow. This very same event occurs in the lungs of an active smoker.

There are more than four thousand (4000) chemicals condensed in a single cigarette stick. This fact explains the damaging effect of smoking. Nicotine, one of the chemicals released in cigarette smoking is the most potent above all. It is indirectly responsible for the release of what is called Dopamine, a chemical in the brain that controls pleasure and motivation. The effect is similar to the effects of other abusive and addictive drugs such as cocaine and heroin. Chronic exposure to nicotine results to addiction and tolerance. The pleasurable experience makes it harder for smokers to quit, instead it pushes them to crave more and more as time goes on.

There is more to just the addictive effect of smoking. The damaging substance, nicotine affects the whole body's normal functioning. To mention a few, these are: increased blood pressure, increased respiration, increased pulse and increased blood sugar content. Here's a simple pathology that explains the reason behind this event. As the body is continually exposed to nicotine, it releases adrenaline which is the substance that enables increased blood pressure and increased release of glucose. In addition, nicotine can suppress the release of what we call Insulin which is the chemical responsible for the absorption of sugar into the cells and not in to the blood. This is also the reason why smoking is a contributing factor to Diabetes. If not halted; the above mentioned pathological effects of smoking can lead to a more serious health condition such as Heart Failure, Chronic Pulmonary Disease, Cancer and other conditions concerning the circulatory system and respiratory system.

The danger of smoking that is mentioned above pertains not only to the active smokers, but also to the passive smokers as well. These are the people inhaling the smoke. Passive smokers are even situated in more danger than the active smokers as they are inhaling the unfiltered and the exhaled smoke of the active smoker. In certain studies, it was even stated that 40% of lung cancer patients are victims of passive smoking.

The public has to be well educated with the adverse effects that smoking has brought to humanity. Smoking Cessation campaigns with the help of mass media can help distribute the facts and realities of cigarette smoking.

Why Michigan Workers Comp Claims are Denied for Back, Neck, Shoulder or Knee Injuries

Some of the most difficult workers comp cases involve injuries to the back, neck, shoulder and knee. It is typical for employers and insurance companies to avoid accepting responsibility for these injuries because of the potential for lifetime workers comp benefits or findings of arthritis. An experienced workers comp attorney provides helpful descriptions of each injury and suggestions to help injured workers protect themselves.

Injury to the lumbar (back) and cervical (neck) spine from work

Spinal injuries can be devastating when they result in permanent work restrictions and a loss of substantial earnings. An individual who has always done heavy work might be forever limited to a sit down job and paid much less. This transition can be extremely difficult without proper retraining and vocational assistance.

Surgery could also be required for a herniated disc and recovery can take months or years. Common surgeries include laminectomy, discectomy, and spinal fusion. Some individuals never return to work because of chronic pain or other symptoms.

The Mayo Clinic provides an overview of these types of work-related injuries:

A herniated disc refers to a problem with one of the rubbery cushions (discs) between the individual bones (vertebrae) that stack up to make your spine. A spinal disc is a little like a jelly donut, with a softer center encased within a tougher exterior.

Sometimes called a slipped disc or a ruptured disc, a herniated disc occurs when some of the softer "jelly" pushes out through a crack in the tougher exterior. A herniated disc can irritate nearby nerves and result in pain, numbness or weakness in an arm or leg.

Sometimes, using your back muscles instead of your leg and thigh muscles to lift large, heavy objects can lead to a herniated disc, as can twisting and turning while lifting. Rarely, a traumatic event such as a fall or a blow to the back can cause a herniated disc.

Why back and neck injuries are denied by workers comp

Injuries to the back or neck cancause controversy because they are hard to diagnose and treat. It is difficult to pinpoint the exact source of pain and even more difficult to prove that a work injury was the cause.

You may find yourself having to prove that you actually got hurt. This is especially true if you have a preexisting condition. This is why it is critical that you report any injury to your employer when it happens and seek appropriate medical treatment. Insurance companies will tell you that your back or neck pain is just part of the aging process. If the insurance company tells you that you just have degenerative disc disease, be sure to get a second opinion from a doctor that you trust.

This is especially true when you have been diagnosed with a herniated disc, disc protrusion, ruptured disc, slipped disc, nerve damage, pinched nerve, sciatica or radiculopathy. If you were working without a problem until an injury, this is good evidence that workers comp should pay.

Injury to the shoulder from work

We see many individuals who have suffered a shoulder injury at work and are denied workers compensation benefits. These injuries tend to occur from lifting or repetitive arm activities. This is especially true for individuals who do throwing and overhead work.

Insurance companies frequently dispute these types of shoulder injuries because of incidental findings of arthritis. Almost everyone has some arthritis and it does not mean that you did not suffer a real injury at work.

Watch out for increased pain symptoms and report any injury when it occurs. You may have developed a torn rotator cuff or a torn labrum.

Injury to the knee from work

Employees who suffer knee injuries at work are often denied Michigan workers compensation benefits. These types of injuries tend to occur from any activity that causes you to twist or rotate your knee. Activities such as kneeling, pivoting, squatting, lifting, or sudden stops and turns can cause injury.

Insurance companies frequently dispute these claims because of incidental findings of arthritis. Almost everyone has some arthritis and it does not mean that you did not suffer a real knee injury at work. Watch out for increased pain symptoms, swelling, and stiffness. Be sure to report any knee injury when it happens to your employer. You should also ask for workers compensation benefits.

You are entitled to prompt medical care for your knee injury. Some individuals heal with just physical therapy while others need surgery. All reasonable and necessary medical treatment should be paid under workers compensation.

Don't let the insurance company doctor tell you that it is just degenerative changes in your knee. You have the right to choose your own doctor after 10 days. You may have a torn meniscus or internal derangement of the knee. Find a doctor that you trust and get appropriate medical care.

You are also entitled to lost wages if you cannot work because of your knee injury. You will get approximately 80% of your after-tax average weekly wage for as long as you are disabled.

Get all the benefits that you deserve under workers comp

Workers comp pays unlimited medical treatment for your work injury. You are also entitled to vocational rehabilitation services to help you get back to work. As long as you are disabled, you will receive weekly wage loss benefits equaling approximately 80% of your after-tax average weekly wage.

Even if you are currently getting benefits, you should speak with an experienced workers comp lawyer. Many people are not aware that they are entitled to mileage reimbursement and attendant care benefits. The insurance company will never tell you that your relatives could get up to 56 hours per week of compensation just to help you around the house.

For additional information on Michigan Workers Comp law including time limits and what to do if your claim is denied, visit the Michigan Workers Comp Lawyers website.

Exercises for neck pain | Shoulder Exercises

Wondering how to get rid of neck pain? Unknowingly we might be inviting stiff neck pain by ignoring the aspect of right posture. Other causes of neck pain could be a compressed nerve, muscle sprain, injury or neck arthritis. You might not realize how many times during a day you might be slouching or sitting in wrong postures. If your work involves sitting in front of the computer for long stretches, you might suffer from chronic neck pain due to strain and overuse of neck muscles. So, if you wish to avoid neck pain, you must first pay attention to your posture and correct yourself whenever you find yourself slouching. In case, the neck pain is becoming a daily occurrence, you need to take precautions to keep your neck muscles relaxed and try exercises for the neck pain relief. If you have been suffering from neck pain, it's time to increase your awareness about exercises and stretches to reduce and prevent neck pain.Head rotation is a neck exercise you could do anywhere. Y ou must do this exercise if your work requires you to sit in front of the computer for a long time. Sit in an upright posture and take a deep breath and then exhale. To start the neck rotation exercise, you need to turn your head very gently to your right side till you cannot move it any further. Stay in this position for a few seconds and then again come back to the original position. Repeat this step five times and then do this step by turning your head to the left side very gently. Stay in this position for a few seconds and come back to the original position. Repeat this step five times. You could also try the wall head rotation by standing with your back against a wall ensuring that the back of the head, shoulder blades and tailbone are in contact with wall. Rotate your head slowly to one side while trying to maintain contact with wall. Stay in the position for a few seconds and come back to the original position. Repeat this step five times with both side. Read more on neck exercises for neck muscles.Sit in an upright posture. Take in a deep breath and exhale. Now move your head in a downward motion and exhale. In a gentle and slow motion try to make your chin touch your chest. Exhale and slowly press your chin to your chest. Don't move your shoulders or lean forward while you try to do this chin-to-chest neck exercise. Stay in this position for a few seconds and raise your head and return to the starting position. Repeat this exercise for five times. These exercises help by stretching the structures at the back of the cervical spine. You could also try side neck flexions by leaning your head to the left so that your ear almost touches your shoulder. If your ear doesn't touch your shoulder, don't over exert your neck muscles. Repeat this step with the other side as well. You could also try shoulder shrugs. These are helpful in case you feel that neck pain extends to your back as well. If the pain is arising due to joint problems or any in jury, it would be advisable to seek medical help or alternative healing therapies like acupressure, neck massage techniques or aromatherapy.The term arthritis is used to refer to a group of medical conditions associated with inflammation of the joints. Stiffness, swelling in joints along with joint pain are the common symptoms of arthritis. Out of the various types of arthritis, gout, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are more commonly seen to affect people. People of any age can suffer from arthritis. Neck pain arising from arthritis is mainly caused due to osteoarthritis of the neck or rheumatoid arthritis. Here's some information on causes, symptoms and treatment of arthritis neck pain.As I mentioned earlier, arthritis n eck pain can be mainly attributed to osteoarthritis of the neck and rheumatoid arthritis. In medical terminology, osteoarthritis of the neck is referred to as cervical spondylosis. This condition is characterized by arthritis neck pain due to age-related degeneration of the neck bones, formation of bone spurs in neck, herniated discs and stiffness of muscles and ligaments. The sufferers might experience stabbing pain that generally radiates to the bottom of the skull. The pain might also radiate to the shoulder and the arm. The other neck arthritis symptoms include muscle weakness in the neck, headache in the back of the head, clicking sounds in the neck, muscle spasms and weakness in neck, shoulders, arms and hands, fatigue and restricted neck movement.Arthritis neck pain can also be caused due to rheumatoid arthritis. This is an inflammatory condition which causes damage to the joints. An early diagnosis of this inflammatory condition can help in slowing down the progression of this disease. Those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis generally experience morning stiffness, swelling, tenderness and redness in joints. If the neck joints located at the top of the spine are affected by this inflammatory condition, it could lead to dislocation of the joints. As a result, these dislocated joints could exert pressure on the spine and cause neck pain, weakness and tingling sensation in hands, legs and arms.Application of heat or ice along along with the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs might also help in alleviating the symptoms of arthritis in neck to some extent. Since rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition which can affect a person of any age, young people suffering from constant neck pain must get themselves medically examined to ascertain whether they are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis or not. The earlier this condition is diagnosed, the better equipped you will be to manage it properly. This autoimmune inflammatory condition cannot be treated completely but with the help of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs and certain precautionary measures, you will certainly be able to slow down the progression of this disease.
Since neck arthritis can surely have a negative impact on the flexibility and the range of motion of the neck, those suffering from arthritis neck pain must go for physical therapy sessions. This will help you to get an idea about the cervical spondylosis exercises. These exercises will help you in maintaining a correct posture. You can also perform neck strengthening exercises. A physiotherapist can guide you regarding the appropriate exercises that can be performed without causing stress on the neck joints. Following an arthritis diet will also help in alleviating the symptoms of arthritis. If you are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, make sure that you avoid foods that cause inflammation. You can also check out the alternative healing therapies such as massage, aromatherapy, acupressure and acupuncture for neck arthritis treatment. Since overuse of neck muscles can aggravate the symptoms of neck arthritis, take ample rest. Though arthritis can be managed well with the help of medicines, exercises and a healthy diet, but in rare cases, surgery might be recommended. For instance, painful bone spurs caused due to osteoarthritis might need to be removed surgically. Since the dislocated joints might sometimes exert pressure on the spinal cord, surgery might be required to avoid spinal cord complications. If a joint is severely damaged, joint replacement surgery might be recommended. Reconstruction of tendons and clearing up the inflamed tissues will also require surgery.So, this was some in formation on arthritis neck pain treatment options. Those of you who have been grappling with the problem of pain in the neck region must consult a doctor to determine the underlying cause of neck pain soon. If you are suffering from neck arthritis, consult a doctor for arthritis treatment for neck pain immediately.

How and Why Upper Cervical Chiropractic Improves Health

Upper Cervical Chiropractic restores vital function to the nervous system. This is done by removing upper cervical spinal misalignments that cause interference or blockages to communication between the nervous system and the body. These misalignments are called vertebral subluxations, and can be caused by physical, chemical, and emotional stress. If left unchecked, vertebral subluxations may eventually lead to numerous conditions in all areas of the body, such as high blood pressure, vertigo, migraines, shoulder pain, low back pain, allergies, ear infections, acid reflux, carpal tunnel, parasthesia, tinnitus, trigeminal neuralgia, Meniere's disease, and more.

Chiropractic is the science, philosophy, and art of restoring nervous system function, thereby allowing clear communication between the brain and the body via the brain stem. The brain stem controls all communication between the nervous system and the body. Most people do not realize this includes the cardiovascular system, the respiratory system, pain sensitivity, and consciousness among other things.

Most people think of Chiropractic simply as back pain relief. Of course, the stereotypical Yellow Pages ad of the man wincing in pain, supporting his arching lower back as cartoon-esque lightning bolts shoot out don't help the Chiropractic image either.

Sure, Chiropractic alleviates pain. But at its core, Chiropractic is about restoring proper function to the nervous system. This is done by removing a bony misalignment that results in irritation and interference to the nervous system.

Upper Cervical Chiropractic is focused on the top of the spinal column, the upper cervical spine, where this irritation and interference is at its worst. This bony misalignment resulting in interference to nervous system communication is what we call the vertebral subluxation.

The first cervical vertebra, Atlas or C1, is the most freely movable vertebra in the spine, and the one most likely to cause irritation or tension to the spinal cord. It pivots around the second cervical vertebra, Axis or C2, connected only by ligaments and tendons, but no disc as in the rest of the spine. This is what allows the majority of spinal rotation to occur, but at the price of instability. In most cases, you will not feel the vertebral subluxation in your upper cervical spine.

When a vertebral subluxation occurs in the upper cervical spine, you won't feel it in most cases, but it will have a number of negative effects on the body. Because it is causing irritation and/or tension near the brain stem, vital organ function can be negatively impacted. Conditions such as high blood pressure, asthma, allergies, and digestive problems can arise. Because of a high number of sensory nerves in the upper cervical spine called mechanoreceptors, a vertebral subluxation can manifest itself in various conditions such as neck pain or stiffness, or tension headaches. You could even experience other conditions like migraines or vertigo as a result of having an upper cervical vertebral subluxation.

A vertebral subluxation can also cause an overall body imbalance that, because of the misalignment component of the upper cervical spine, will result in overall spinal compensation. This will be characterized by spinal curvature, contracted or tight muscles on one side of the spine, postural imbalances such as a tilted head, high shoulder, and high hip, and an imbalance in leg lengths. Over time this will lead to advanced forms of degeneration like bone spurs and fusion of the vertebrae, as well as back and shoulder pain, and even herniated discs.

In short, a vertebral subluxation CAN and WILL decrease the quality of your life if not found and removed. If you live in the Dallas area, contact us here to schedule an appointment.

Erection Problems and Possible Treatments

Problems of achieving a satisfactory erection are fairly common. If the problem does not originate from lack of lust and is great enough to make normal intercourse impossible, the condition is called erectile dysfunction (impotence). Erection problems are caused by combined physical and psychological factors.

THE ERECTION MECHANISM

The penis has three bodies containing a dense network of blood vessels along all its length. During erection blood is filled into the vessels of these bodies. The bodies then engorge, make the penis hard and rise it up. The filling of these bodies occur when the vessels leading blood to the penis relax and vessels draining the penis constrict their volume.

Before and during erection nerves lead impulses to the genitals. The nerve ends in this area then releases the substance nitrogen oxide. Nitrogen oxide will diffuse through the genital area and the penis and stimulate the reaction of the blood vessels in the penis.

PHYSICAL CAUSES OF ERECTION PROBLEMS

Erection problems can occur because of disorders in the nervous system sending impulses to the genital area, problems with the blood supply to the penis and anatomical problems in the penis or genital area. Specific causes can be:

- Accidents, stroke, surgery or tumours hurting brain areas or areas in the spinal cord responsible for erection impulses.
- Multiple sclerosis, a disease hurting the isolating sheets around the neural fibres in the brain and spinal cord, can give erection problems.
- Accidents or diseases hurting nerves from the spinal cord to the genital region.
- Atherosclerosis caused by age or an unhealthy lifestyle, giving narrowing and hardening of blood vessels to the genital region.
- Injury to the erectile bodies caused by inflammation, accidents or diseases.
- Congenital malformations in the penis or genital region, for example hypospadias and epispadias.
- Peyronie's disease, a common inflammatory disease causing abnormal bending or twisting of the penis, and sometimes also hinder the filling of blood into the erectile bodies, sometimes gives problems for the erections.
- Circumcision causing the penile skin to be too tight, or causing extensive inelastic scars.
- Side effects of medicines, such as medications taken for high blood pressure or depression.
- Zinc deficiency.
- Heart disease.
- Diabetes causing injury to the nerves and blood vessels to the penis.
. High blood pressure (hypertension).
. Liver or kidney disease.
- Alcohol or drug abuse impairing psychological and neural functions.

PSYCHOLOGICAL CAUSES OF ERECTION PROBLEMS

Psychological causes can interfere with the erection process by distracting a man from stimuli that normally would give him sexual arousal. Psychological issues account for about 40% of erection problems. Erection problems in men under age 50 are most likely to be caused by psychological factors. Psychological causes of erection problems include:

- Anxiety for not being able to perform sexually as well as the partner demands.
- Prolonged emotional upset, such as worrying, anxiety or anger due to a man's economical, professional or social situation.
- Relationship problems, for example when the woman has different preferences of sexual practice than the man.
- A man who looses sexual desire for his partner may develop erection problems.
- Recently widowed men can get erection problems.
- Some men have difficulty having sexual intercourse with their partner after she has given birth because he does not like the changes that the birth process has caused to the woman's body.

CAUSATIVE TREATMENT

When a specific organic and psychological condition causes problems for the erections, this problem should be treated with appropriate methods that will vary according to the actual disease.

If the cause is heart disease or atherosclerosis, lifestyle changes and training adapted to the medical situation can often improve the general health situation and improve the erectile abilities.

If the cause of the erection problems is a problematic penile shape, for example curved or twisted penis by Peyronie's disease, using a mechanical penis reaction device for some time may help.

On the marked you can also find herbal products to treat injured or diseased blood vessels in the genital area. These products typically contain herbal elements that experience has proven to stimulate tissue repair in blood vessels.

POSSIBLE FUNCTIONAL TREATMENT

It is not always possible to cure the condition causing erectile problems. Still the problems can be overcome by medication that stimulates the vessels leading blood to the penis to relax and the vessels draining the penis to constrict. These drugs typically achieve this task by stimulating the release of nitrogen oxide in the genital area.

Viagra and Cialis are the best known pharmacological treatment for erection problems. In spite of what people often think, these drugs do not increase the sexual drive. If the sexual excitement is there, Viagra can help to achieve erection, if the drive and excitement lack in the first place, Viagra will not help.

There are also herbal products on the market that stimulate the erection mechanism. Erection oils give an instant erection response, but the response only last 2-3 hours. Erection or potency pills take a longer time to give effect, but the effect lasts for many hours. The herbal product will often contain components that increase the sexual excitement in addition to improving the pure erection mechanism.

If it is not possible at all to achieve erection with any treatment, surgical implants can help to make the penis stiff and raised up enough to perform an intercourse. One type of implant is partly rigid bodies that make the penis permanently partially erected. Another type of implant is inflatable bodies that can make the penis fully erected when the need rises.