"StandUpRight News" by Dr. Donaldson

Do You Need a Back Brace?

Milwaukee Board Certified Chiropractic Orthopedist and Herniated Disc Doctor writes: A lumbar brace is a wrap-around or strap-on device that goes around the body to support the muscles and bony structures of the lower back. It may be called a lumbar brace, a belt or a corset. The purpose usually is to restrict the mobility of the spine. There are two basic kinds of braces, soft ones and rigid ones.

Soft braces are usually made of elastic or neoprene. They provide some degree of muscular support but mainly serve as a reminder to not move beyond a comfort range. They may help with better body mechanics and remind a person to stand upright but really do not aid in lifting ability or strength at all. People with arthritis or mild instability of the lower back may benefit from this type of brace.

Most spine problems are not the kind that need to be immobilized. The tissue heals better and faster with movement of the right kind. Excessive use of this soft type of brace does weaken the body's built-in muscular corset. We do not recommend the use of this type of brace for daily continuous use, even for weight-lifting. It may be used for specific tasks that may place you at risk of spinal injury by overloading the spine or putting you in a compromising position that might weaken your spine. Once that task is complete then the brace should be removed.

The rigid type of brace was made of plaster or stiff fiberglass in the past but modern ones are made of lighter materials like nylon, fiberglass and velcro. This allows greater comfort, better fit and adaptability.

There are certain circumstances when wearing a rigid belt is not only helpful but important. When the trunk musculature has been weakened to the point that it is unable to support the weight of the upper body, even normal motion can be damaging to the healing tissue. Immobilizing the spine becomes necessary until the muscles can regain enough strength and coordination to resume their normal role. We sometimes recommend the use of a rigid lumbar brace during the recovery period for people with herniated discs, degenerative discs or spinal stenosis in their lower spine.

While the brace can be uncomfortable or inconvenient, it is necessary to use for best healing. When you need it, you need it. And the time when you need it is when the spine needs to be immobilized to allow healing. Even in these cases the use of the brace should not be prolonged. Although a brace may require you to restrict some activities or form different habits, the support that a brace provides will speed your healing and may prevent further injury. It will be used during the treatment program and will be weaned when the muscle strength and coordination is rehabilitated.

So should you be wearing a brace?
The goal is to use the brace as little as possible but as much as is necessary. The muscles of the trunk are a built-in brace that makes the best support most of the time.  Adding an external brace to this complicates the motion pattern and may weaken the muscles. It is best in most cases to minimize the use of the brace so the muscles do not weaken.

Testing can show muscle weaknesses which can then be addressed. We will help determine if you will benefit from a brace and if so, which one. Then we will help you learn how to fit it comfortably and how to use it properly.

If you or someone you know has lower back pain, sciatica or a herniated disc, call us at (414) 355-0433 to schedule a Complimentary Consultation with Dr. Donaldson to find out if you qualify for one of our StandUpRight Spinal Disc Decompression programs or request an appointment online.

Stressed Out? Take a Deep Breath and Stop Rushing Through Life

Milwaukee Board Certified Chiropractic Orthopedist and Herniated Disc Doctor writes: Living too fast? Try this with a friend.

Get a watch with a second hand. Have your friend time you. Close your eyes. Open them in exactly sixty seconds. How long did you make it? Most people only get to 20-30 seconds. This is a sign of how fast we live. No wonder most people can’t relax and remain stressed all the time.

Stress contributes to most health problems. Shallow breathing patterns and muscle tension are signs of stress. There is a direct relationship between non-diaphragmatic, shallow breathing, and tense neck & shoulder muscles, and consequently headaches.

Most Americans breathe with only one third or less of their lung capacity.

But you can create a stress relaxation program in your brain by consciously changing your breathing pattern. Here’s an exercise to help with that.

Sit up comfortably straight. Breathe in to a count of 4. Then hold your breath for 7 seconds. Then breathe out to a count of 8, and pause again. Or modify the numbers so you are breathing out for twice the amount of time that you inhale in order to fully empty your lungs. Repeat this for three repetitions.

Consciously feel your breath to help become aware of the respiratory muscle motions. Then calmly and patiently "let go" fully while exhaling and allow your body to receive a breath of fresh air with each inspiration.

Become aware of the pauses between the inhale and exhale. You will be amazed at the change in your breathing rhythm after just a few of these guided breathing exercises.

So, it doesn’t always ‘take a lot of time’ to become healthy. You just have to be willing to slow down, notice how you’re breathing and breathe differently.

Just commit to doing this breathing break at least once a day and you will shortly notice it is easier to allow yourself to relax more completely. And you’ll enjoy more of the good things in life.

If you or someone you know has lower back pain, sciatica or a herniated disc, call us at (414) 355-0433 to schedule a Complimentary Consultation with Dr. Donaldson to find out if you qualify for one of our StandUpRight Spinal Disc Decompression programs or request an appointment online.

You'll Love Our No-Appointment-Needed Office

Milwaukee Board Certified Chiropractic Orthopedist and Herniated Disc Doctor writes: When was the last time you arrived for a doctor appointment and were able to see the doctor at your scheduled time? From what we hear, it doesn't happen very often. And what about when you get caught in nasty weather or traffic, arrive twenty minutes late and are told you missed your appointment? Frustrating.... and a waste of your time either way.

That's why people appreciate our No-Appointment-Needed policy. 

Over the years we have fine-tuned our office procedures so that our schedule is sometimes more flexible than yours. No longer will you have to worry about getting caught in traffic and missing your scheduled time, and you won't have to arrive at our office and find out that we are running so far behind that you could have stayed at work another hour. 

You don't need an appointment to come in during our open hours. And that applies to anyone you want to refer here for their first visit.

We find that we can do this because of the nature of the treatment we do. We can always be ready for you. The most you should ever have to wait is five or ten minutes maximum and that just gives you a bit of time to relax from your drive.

Of course there are a few situations when you may want to schedule an appointment. If you have a new injury that may take some more time, you can call ahead a bit so we have time to prepare for your visit.

Best yet, this allows you to just drop-in for a visit whenever you think about it, like on your way up North this summer or right before you leave for the golf course. 

So, no need to call, no need to schedule, just come on in.

The only exceptions to this policy are spinal decompression visits and special exams which require a scheduled appointment. 

PS. Want to really impress a friend? When you are referring your friend in for an evaluation, just tell them you are one of our VIPs and we always schedule your referrals within the hour for the Red Carpet service.

If you or someone you know has lower back pain, sciatica or a herniated disc, call us at (414) 355-0433 to schedule a Complimentary Consultation with Dr. Donaldson to find out if you qualify for one of our StandUpRight Spinal Disc Decompression programs or request an appointment online.