Lower back pain is a common complaint among patients, but it can be more than just an inconvenience. It might signal something deeper, which is why it's crucial to understand the role of the lumbar vertebrae, particularly L1 and L2. Each vertebra plays a specific role in maintaining your health, ensuring the flow of electricity and life force energy to organs, muscles, and more. L1 and L2: COULD IT BE MORE THAN JUST A BACK PAIN? L1: The L1 vertebra, located in the lower back, is crucial for supporting the spine's structure. It is responsible for innervating parts of the large intestines and some abdominal muscles. This means that proper alignment of L1 not only helps maintain posture and flexibility but also influences the digestive system. Misalignment can lead to digestive problems like constipation or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and muscle pain or strains in the lower back. L2: The second lumbar vertebra, also supports the spine's structural integrity and affects nerves supplying the lower abdomen, thighs, and parts of the back. Proper alignment of L2 is essential for core stability and overall spinal health. Misalignment can lead to referred pain in the thighs and groin and affect lower abdominal organs, causing discomfort. While posture and exercise are critical for maintaining spinal health, backaches can sometimes indicate more severe issues. Conditions like herniated discs, where the discs between vertebrae slip out of place, can press on nerves, causing significant pain. Spinal stenosis, the narrowing of the spinal canal, can compress nerves and cause pain, numbness, or weakness. Spondylolisthesis, where a vertebra slips out of place, can also lead to nerve compression and pain. A CHIROPRACTIC SPINE ADJUSTMENT IS NOT ABOUT MUSCLES OR BONES PER SE: A physiotherapist enhances mobility and function through rehabilitation exercises and therapies, while a chiropractic adjustment restores nerve flow and spinal alignment which is very different because that is vital for your mind, body, and emotions to function. I've seen many patients over the years with conditions ranging from slipped discs to spinal stenosis. One common factor is that these problems often start as minor misalignments due to stresses on the spinal areas going undetected and untreated. Early indicators like changes in bladder habits, digestion, and sleeping patterns can signal that your spine needs checking for subluxations. Misaligned vertebrae adversely affect your nervous system, which controls your digestive system and other vital functions. The more intact your nervous system is, the fewer health problems your body will face. WHY A HOLISTIC APPROACH MATTERS MORE THAN EVER:
Aligning the spine ensures proper nervous system function. This is where health begins and what must be addressed to get to the root cause. From there I work outward if symptoms persist and go through the natural triggers that can cause dis-ease. Things like movement, nutrition, and even happiness in your career or life can be the difference between a healthy outlook and outcome or not. More and more studies prove that health begins in the mind so caring for yourself from the inside out rather than the outside in will garner you better results and longevity that is sustainable, less costly, holistic, and much more enjoyable. SOME PRACTICAL TIPS FOR LUMBAR HEALTH
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T10, T11, and T12 play pivotal roles in the health of various internal organs, like the small and large intestines, kidneys, reproductive organs, appendix, stomach, and bladder. Today, I’m going to dive into the digestive and kidney systems because of the growing number of problems in this area. It is worth focusing in on how alignment of your T10, T11, and T12 can help these vital organs perform at their best. I saw this in the 2023 UK Gut Health Report and saw some interesting statistics that I wanted to share due to the things I've been seeing: “How we’re feeling…
The survey went on to say that “41% of respondents find it difficult to break the cycle of bad gut health habits.” And “32% said they don’t know the root of their problem.” I suspect there are larger numbers of people with gut health problems than we know of. The gut is the seat of your health. From there, a lot more than runny or stuck poo can happen. An unhealthy gut can lead to far more serious problems and can even harm much more than just your stomach. As I always say, the first order of business is to start at your spine. Align that and then we work our way out and through all your symptoms. Whether it be lifestyle, stress levels at work, lack or too much movement, emotional well-being, or overall nutrition…a lot of things can have our tummies in knots and it’s important to get to the root of it. Your entire spine works as a unit housing a significant part of your spinal cord, so its health is vital to yours. T10: The Small and Large Intestine Connection The T10 vertebra is directly connected to the nerves that serve the small and large intestines. Proper alignment of T10 ensures efficient digestion and nutrient absorption. When misaligned, it can lead to digestive issues such as bloating, constipation, or diarrhea. Along with proper nutrition and exercise (Yes, exercise directly affects the strength of your intestines), making sure your T10 is aligned can help maintain a healthy gut, which is crucial for overall wellness. T11 and T12: Guardians of Kidney Health T11 and T12 are intricately linked to kidney function. The kidneys play a vital role in filtering blood, removing waste, and balancing fluids in the body. I saw a recent report that stated that, as of today, kidney disease is considered a public health emergency that threatens to overwhelm the NHS. It went on to say that the cost to our economy will jump to £13.9 billion in less than a decade from the current £7 billion a year cost. This is a 7x jump in just 15 years, which is a lot as that number will only increase at this rate, especially if we don’t address the root cause. Why are the numbers so high? The domino effect comes from a variety of lifestyle diseases on the rise, and I truly believe there is not enough information and education out there on HOW TO BE WELL. For example, one of the main reasons kidneys are affected so negatively is an increase in pain medication use. As I shared in my last newsletter, pharmaceutical drug use is on the rise for depression and anxiety, but it is also on the rise for a lot of other things. Our health system should be taking more time to educate people on HEALTH rather than the management of disease through medications. For years I have educated patients on vital things that seem so basic but could save your life and KEEP YOU WELL. Misalignments in T11 and T12 can disrupt important functions, potentially leading to symptoms like lower back pain, fatigue, and even urinary issues. While each vertebra has its specific role, the spine operates as a cohesive unit. Misalignments in T10, T11, or T12 can have cascading effects on other parts of the body, illustrating the importance of a comprehensive spinal healthcare plan. Adjustments aim to correct misalignments, restoring proper nerve function to the entire body. By addressing the root cause of symptoms rather than just the symptoms themselves, you not only help to correct the problem, but you avoid living with pain and suffering and all the costs that come with that. Regular adjustments can help prevent future issues, reverse current ones, improve organ function, and enhance your overall quality of life.
If you have any questions about your symptoms or spinal health, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Your health should be your priority! The state of health in the UK is dire. The rate of disease growth is far outweighing the right solutions to correct them. As many of you know, I am a proponent of addressing the cause of disease rather than the effects. I believe a holistic course of action can flip our staggering numbers around. An exponentially growing state of un-health affects us ALL. If the hospitals are overcrowded, doctors maxed out, and pharmaceutical drugs continue to rise like this, we are buying ourselves time for unsustainable outcomes. The health of our people affect the health of our schools, offices, neighborhoods, public services, and ultimately our nation. Doctors like me feel it is more important than ever to begin educating the general public en masse so we can be a part of the solution rather than watch the current quick fixes crumble the health of our communities before our eyes. The Alarm Bells Are Going Off, But Are We Listening? According to a report published by the Statista Research Department in January 2024, stress-related illnesses account for over $14.7 billion USD in healthcare expenditure per year in the UK. The cost is growing exponentially. Which is why I thought it important to talk about T9 by itself but, more importantly - stress, health, and working with your body instead of against it. DID YOU KNOW THAT ALIGNING YOUR T9 CAN HELP EASE YOUR STRESS? A simple adjustment of your T9 vertebra can ease stress, keep your feelings and mood more balanced, and give you greater peace of mind when going through everyday outside stressors. T9 is directly connected to your adrenal glands, which perform many essential functions in your body. YOUR ADRENAL GLANDS: Produce cortisol and adrenaline, regulate your blood pressure, support your metabolism, modulate your immune function, influence moods and emotions, and maintain your fluid balance and sleep cycles. IN OTHER WORDS THEY ARE VERY IMPORTANT. ALIGNING YOUR SPINE. IT’S AN INSIDE JOB: With an epidemic of illnesses and chronic diseases rising faster than we can treat them, I believe that keeping your spine aligned is the key place to START. When your adrenal functions are out of balance, it starts a snowball effect of symptoms piling on one another. As time goes by, they worsen, but attention tends to focus on the most recent flare-ups rather than addressing the root cause. Remember…inside out rather than outside in. I discuss this every day with patients so they see and understand the importance of it but most people go about their health in this way. Each vertebra in your body plays a vital role in the health of the nerves that are connected to it. Your spine is made up of 24 freely movable vertebrae. You have billions of neurons within your spinal cord and brain, and trillions of nerves that make up the nervous system. They all work in harmony to keep you alive, well, and functioning. Everything from your eyes 👀 reading these words to how your brain processes the information to how it makes you feel are all functions of your spine and nervous system working together. No one talks about or even thinks to talk about how essential the health of your spine is, and society has strayed far from looking to it as the core foundation of one’s health. WHY DO WE LOOK TO THE SPINE ANYWAY? No one really gets into great discussion as to why Hippocrates, the Father of Modern Medicine, is famously quoted as saying: “Look well to the spine for the cause of disease.” Let’s think about this. Hippocrates was alive during the Classical Greek period (between 470 and 370 BC). He is renowned to this day by all walks of doctors and healthcare professionals. He opened the door to evidence-based diagnosis after shifting the sole focus from supernatural causes. He believed that by looking, listening, and understanding what was going on in the spine as the starting point, one could then rule out a disruption of electricity or nerve supply as the cause of the disruption, interruption, or eruption. Not only could you analyze and treat symptoms more thoughtfully, but you could assure more success for the patient. Imagine if you went to the mechanic because your car was spluttering as you drive, and they told you that you should buff out the surface paint scratches and repaint your car? Back in Hippocrates’ days, it was known how important and vital it was to find the root cause of dis-ease by working inside-out instead of outside-in. I believe that addressing the cause is a much better long term strategy than just trying to suppress symptoms. MODERN MEDICINE AND MODERN FIXES: THE GOOD AND BAD OF IT While so many exciting advances have evolved from the days of Hippocrates, one of the biggest is pharmaceutical drugs. This really took off around the mid to late 20th century – with the 1980s marking a notable period of expansion, which is very recent when you think about it. Pharmaceuticals have their place, especially for some emergencies or life-and-death situations. They can be remarkable for what they can do. However, a pill for every ailment is not the right way to go. Some modern fixes, though seemingly great, take away our body’s natural strength, resilience, and ability to fight and function well. Instead of weakening our system, it is vital that we continually strengthen it as much as we can, naturally. We are living in a time of the highest stress rates ever, and we are treating the stress with drugs that have side effects longer than the symptom they are trying to treat. In the UK, more medications are being dispensed for depression and anxiety than we have ever seen in history. Yet the number of people experiencing symptoms from stress (including young people pre-puberty) is skyrocketing. I did a quick ask of AI: “What are the three main drugs for depression and their contrasting side effects.” This was the answer: “Three main drugs commonly prescribed for depression are:
At the rate that the use of these drugs is increasing as an "easy button" for relief, it seems the number of people "needing" them is also increasing. So what can you do? Why It's Important To Understand Chiropractic Philosophy
When I attended Palmer College of Chiropractic, we were taught the art, science, and philosophy of chiropractic. We went through rigorous schooling equal to and sometimes more in hours than a medical doctor. We earned the same biology degree, but our main expertise was the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system working together in harmony for the overall functioning of HEALTH within the entire body. Chiropractic education focused on how to keep patients well – IN HEALTH – from the inside out starting with aligning the spine, then working outward. The misconception is that a chiropractic adjustment helps you if you have a whiplash or sore back, but misalignments happen under a variety of circumstances depending on the individual. Everything from physical habits, mental and emotional traumas, a pattern of thinking, toxins in the environment, or malnourishment from eating too much processed food can cause our spine and nervous system to “speak up” and ask for attention. Performing an adjustment is not about “cracking bones” but undoing vital blockages and giving life energy back to where it was lost. Will You Help Spread The Word? The bottom line is your body has an incredible ability to heal itself when given the right support and conditions. By prioritizing spinal health and taking a proactive approach to wellness, you can unlock your body's innate potential for healing and vitality. And most of all for a happy, healthy, long life. If you found this information to be helpful and know someone who could benefit from it, please forward it and share it with them. Because everyone's health matters, Dr. Michael How many times have you ever been asked, "How much insulin did your pancreas have to produce today?” -OR- “What did you do to take care of your spleen today?” -OR- “What are the 500 functions of your liver?”...While these are very important questions to know the answers to, it is not something that we think about until something goes wrong, and you must. Which is how regular chiropractic adjustments help early detection and prevention of more serious problems. How? In our ongoing spine health series, we look at the roles of the T6, T7, and T8 vertebrae. Often overshadowed by their more renowned counterparts, these vertebrae are just as integral in maintaining optimal well-being and vitality as any other. And I hope you’re starting to see how each individual vertebra, your spine, spinal cord, brain, and nervous system are the foundation to you being alive AND WELL. T6: This vertebra innervates the pancreas, an organ responsible for producing insulin and digestive enzymes. When your T6 vertebra is out of alignment, it can throw off blood sugar readings or impair digestion. Left misaligned for long periods of time, this can contribute to or lead to more serious diabetes, IBS, or other symptoms down the road. BEFORE getting there, regular chiropractic adjustments can help with early detection and prevention. Not only do Doctors of Chiropractic align your spine, but most are versed and trained in a more holistic philosophy. They’ll go beyond the surface and toward the root cause of dis-ease and disease through diet, movement, mindfulness, and other expertise to help your issues.
T7: Your spleen is a key player in your body’s immune system. It works together with the liver and bone marrow to produce red and white blood cells. Your spleen is one of the organs within a vital system that helps filter your blood and fight infection. If you ever had to take it out due to trauma of some kind, your body would still be able to function with the help of your liver. T8: Your liver is arguably one of your body’s most versatile organs, boasting over 500 distinct functions. Here are a few of those functions and why I underscore the importance of maintaining optimal nerve flow and electrical balance to your T8:
Optimal health starts with prioritising regular spinal alignment and nerve function. I say “regular” because even without symptoms it is important to do. If you get to the point where you are experiencing symptoms such as mid-back pain, headaches, or digestive disturbances, then it is even more important to do. Getting to the root cause of your symptoms will always pave the way to lasting wellness and it all starts here. Sincerely, Dr. Michael From the year 2000 to 2019 there was an 80.4% surge in the number of gall bladder surgeries performed annually. This alarming statistic highlights the escalating prevalence of a few things that you probably never thought of – leaving your health vulnerable to something that maybe could have been avoided if diagnosed and treated at the ROOT LEVEL rather than the symptom level. The T4 and T5 vertebrae serve the gallbladder and stomach. Over the years I’ve had many patients come to me after chronic shoulder pain, digestive issues, gastric ulcers, and even fears of heart disease only to find that their T4 and T5 were out of alignment. As I’ve shared before, the spine, the nervous system, and the brain need to communicate properly for optimal health. This means that the electricity, fluids, nourishment, and messages must all have freedom to flow. If not, this is where miscommunication, delayed reactions, and blockages can occur which is why I will say over and over again – align your spine if you want peace of mind. At the very foundation of your health, if you correct the spine FIRST then you are starting at the root. Any symptoms thereafter should be addressed from the inside out. Relative to the gallbladder or digestive issues, the next thing I would investigate is a person’s nutritional intake. The main reason people remove their gallbladder is because of the presence of gallstones. All the organs in your body are there for an important purpose. Just because you can still be alive without something doesn't mean you should take it out. Once a gallbladder is removed, if the habits that got the person to that point are still in place, then the next organ affected will be the liver and you can't live without your liver. This is why it is important to get educated and create a plan of action BEFORE it is too late. The stones accumulating in the gallbladder happen over time, affect digestion and gut health and can become dangerous and harmful to one’s health. Committing to ongoing wellness rather than ongoing emergency reactions to dis-ease can save so much valuable time, emotional weight, mental anguish, physical trauma and financial burden. Benjamin Franklin is quoted saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” and I would say if you take these words to heart, you will find yourself in a much healthier and happier position. The benefits of your T4 and T5 aligned that you never thought of:
Regular chiropractic adjustments and spine health care not only help alleviate current symptoms but also prevents future issues from arising, allowing you to enjoy a lifetime of vitality and well-being. If you have questions about symptoms you may be experiencing, please do not hesitate to contact me at any time. It's important to connect the dots early. Your health matters! Sincerely, Dr. Michael In a previous issue, I called the thoracic spine the unsung hero when it comes to your health. Most problems that people associate with the spine are due to pain in the cervical or lumbar areas. (The upper and lower part of the back) The symptoms are usually neck, shoulder, and lower back pain. But the all-important thoracic is hardly thought of when it comes to issues with fingers, hands, elbows and the heart or lungs. For that, people will bypass getting a chiropractic adjustment for a medical diagnosis only which can often come back as possible arthritis symptoms, overuse of the arms or even the potential beginnings of heart or lung disease. Why is T1, T2, and T3 from a chiropractic adjustment standpoint so important to these diagnostics? Because first and foremost the body works, operates, and keeps itself in a health state through the spine and nervous system. It is why we are alive. When your vertebrae are subluxed (or misaligned), they can prevent your health operating system from performing at its best. Reiterating this point is crucial due to your health’s dependence on the well-being of your spine and nervous system. When those two fundamental elements are in alignment, addressing your symptoms becomes more accurate and effective, as it allows you to eliminate the subluxation factor which can also be at the root of it all. T1, T2, and T3 vertebrae. What they operate and how symptoms may show up: T1: The first vertebra of the thoracic spine, T1, innervates the arms, elbows, hands, and fingers allowing you to do things like grip or swing a golf club, pour tea, and pick up your cup to drink from it. You get the idea. If out of alignment, symptoms can show up as joint pain, muscle aches, poor grip, and numbness. Symptoms can start out minor and then become major over time. This, along with other factors, may cause or exacerbate other problems and deeper issues that make it harder to get back into a health state quickly. T2: This vertebra innervates the heart, arteries, and chest region. When misaligned, symptoms may show up as upper back or shoulder problems, tightness, or in some cases, chest pains. It is important for the electricity that runs through your body to get to your heart and arteries so that it can function and do its job. Your heart beats approximately 150,000 times a day without you having to do anything. For most of your life you don’t even know it’s happening. I bet you didn’t even realise that electricity is running through your body at all times to the tune of approximately 100 watts of output at rest and 300-400 watts of output during sports activities. Your health can take a beating and keep on ticking but what if you could give it the best chance to stay in a state of health for as long as possible? How much stress mentally, emotionally, physically, and financially would that alleviate? (Hint: A LOT.) This is why it is vital to keep T2 in alignment. T3: T3 innervates your lungs and bronchial tubes so that your respiratory system can make sure you are able to breathe deeply and oxygen can be delivered to your brain and your cells. Common symptoms like breathing issues, dizziness, asthma, COPD or other lung issues can be prevalent if T3 is misaligned. While you associate the lungs with breathing to get air, the function of the oxygen that you breathe into your body is also vital to your health. For example, if the oxygen is not delivered to your cells, things like breaking down your food may be compromised. The daily operations going on in your body are so vast which is why it is essential to keep your spine and nervous system in check. At each visit, I am interpreting your symptoms by way of your spine and looking for other signs that help me get to the root of your pain, discomfort, and overall dis-ease. In essence, the problem may not be in the location of the symptom. Misalignments of the T1, T2, and T3 vertebrae can result in not being able to golf well into your 80’s and 90’s or not being able to pour from your teapot or even keep a steady hand while drinking your cup of tea.
Health is more than just “not being sick”. Health is a commitment that, if made a priority every single day, can pay your life dividends for a long time to come. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to “feel my age” as the years get on. I’d much rather live my life feeling happy and healthy. If you have any questions about your T1, T2, and T3 or anything else related to your health, please reach out anytime and I’ll see you at your next visit! Sincerely, Dr. Michael - - - - - Be sure to forward Dr. Michael's Health and Wellness News to family and friends! Everyone can benefit from spinal adjustments! - - - - - The start of a new year gives you a clear “Point A” and the end of the year gives you a clear “Point B”. Each year becoming a segment of time in the grand scheme of your entire life. Why is this important? You can use the bite-size chunks to see, plan for, and measure your progress in a way that does not overwhelm or make you feel like you have to do so much, especially without knowing what you want way far into the future.
2024's Point A gives you a tangible fresh start and of course, HEALTH is something I believe to be your MAIN ASSET. Without it, there is no life. So what are some vital things you can add to your monthly, weekly, and even daily routines this year?
Thank you for allowing me to be part of your Health Journey. Wishing you a healthy and fulfilling New Year! Warm regards, Dr. Michael Every year for the past 21 years, Dr. Michael has done an annual charity campaign during the holidays for families and children in need.
This year, we are proud to be doing it again for SHARE Wokingham who serves approximately 2,000 people daily via 15 sites within our community. Our focus is to make Christmas wishes come true by providing new toys for SHARE to give out to the children who would otherwise not receive anything. If you'd like to participate, be sure to stop in to Health and Wellness Centres between 20th November through 16th December to gift a toy. (Please make sure toys are new, unopened, and not in any gift wrapping.) In return, Dr. Michael will gift YOU your next adjustment at a 50% discount! A little bit of hope goes a long way. Mark your calendars because a special treat is coming your way! On Saturday, 18th November, from 9am to 1pm, we're hosting an exclusive Patient Appreciation Day and Community Open Day. This fantastic event is all about CELEBRATING YOU, our wonderful patients, and opening our doors to our community.
Space is limited so be sure to RSVP NOW by email! Plan on bringing your family and friends and be sure to stick around for the day’s talks and mini-tours so you can learn and benefit and also be entered in our prize drawing at the end of the day! (You must be present to win!) Here’s what you can expect!
Putting YOU first, Dr. Michael Welcome to another edition of my health and wellness newsletter where I share the secrets to better health through the wisdom of the spine. If you are enjoying our Spine Education Series, I hope you share it with others so they may benefit also. Remember, your spine is the gateway to your health. Look to it and you will find all the answers you need. This month, we're moving on from the cervical spine to the thoracic spine. This segment of vertebrae can often be thought of as a group of “unsung heroes”. While persistent symptoms often come from the uppermost (cervical) and lowermost (lumbar) parts of the body, the middle section (thoracic) is uniquely important because of its connection to many organs and it being the largest section of singular vertebra in your spine. The thoracic spine consists of 12 individual vertebrae. They are numbered T-1 to T-12, and like all the vertebrae in your spine, correspond to a particular area of your nervous system. Your nervous system being the operating system of your entire brain and body. I think of the thoracic spine like the “middle child” as it is often overlooked. Why? In general, it is strong as a unit, rigid in foundation, flexible in function, and, in my opinion, the most stable. thus, causing less injury and problems.
Today pay attention to the way you are moving your entire body. You’ll notice that the middle part of your body is moving all day long. Even when sitting for extensive periods of time (thus often stagnating the lumbar spine), your thoracic spine is in constant movement. Whether it’s breathing, typing, leaning over to grab a pen, driving, walking (and swinging your arms) – there’s always a lot going on naturally. Conversely, sitting for long periods of time, staring at a screen all day keeps both the cervical and lumbar spines in precarious positions less likely to move, rotate, stretch, and bend. Your spine needs 3 things to be healthy:
Over the next days, do me a favor. Your thoracic spine starts at the base of your neck to just above the curve of your lower back. Pay attention to all the movements your body makes within that area.
When you’re in next, let me know what you found, and we’ll go through what it all means and how you can improve your health and live longer! Yours in health, Dr. Michael |
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