Free Dinner Talk At Portobello's

Dr. Butler will be hosting a "Pain Free" dinner seminar this Monday, April 2. This dinner is the ideal setting for your friends, family members or co-workers, who are suffering from stenosis, herniated discs, neuropathy or severe spinal arthritis, to learn about the Butler Spine Program - a revolutionary new treatment that has a 90% success rate. Also, a special offer will be made at the dinner to save them thousands of dollars on the cost of the program.

The free gourmet dinner and "Pain Free" presentation will be held at Portobello's Banquets this Monday, April 2nd at 6:00pm. Please let all of your friends and family, who are suffering from any of these conditions, know that help is on the way! Seating is limited, so have them reserve their spot today by calling us at (862) 226-0928.

Testimonials

When I first came to Dr. Butler's office, I had been to several specialists. I had undergone MRI and it was determined I had three herniated discs. One in particular was causing all the pain I have had. It was constant in the back of my right thigh and numbness in my right foot. The pain would shift depending if I was sitting or standing rapidly becoming unbearable. I had gone to doctors for consultation and epidural shots none of which worked. I was also prescribed celebrex which also was ineffective. After my last consultation I was told surgery was my only option. While searching through my medical plan website looking for doctors for surgery I saw one of Dr. Butler I also saw an ad for him in The Bergen Record Sports section. I called the office and setup an appointment. Dr. Butler explained to me how the pain was happening and what could be done to correct it. I was a bit skeptical at first but did the two complimentary treatments. After the second one, I felt a lot better the next day, I was able to move around pain free under no medication what so ever. Additionally the staff at the Oakland Spine Center is extremely friendly, especially (Jen, Kirstin). I highly recommend Dr. Brad Butler and Dr. Jeff Wells to anyone that has any neck and back pain.
~Donald H. Ringwood, NJ

I became Dr. Butler's patient in August 2010. Before my first visit to his office, in July 2010, I was in the emergency room with herniated cervical disc, and received two epidurals: first one in the E.R., second one as a follow-up with pain management. Both times, I was told surgery, surgery, surgery. But my preferred option was a non-invasive, more natural type of treatment. I found that in Oakland Spine & Rehabilitation Center with Dr. Butler. When Dr. Butler saw me in his office for the first time I was still in pain (on the pain scale 1-10, my pain level was about 7-8) and very limited movement of my arm and my neck. Dr. Butler is very knowledgeable and a very good listener. He listened and he heard what I was saying, he explained how, what and why I was having severe pain and discomfort; he came up with the treatment plan that was appropriate for me. As of mid September 2010, I received about 12-14 treatments of laser, chiropractic adjustment, spinal decompression. I noticed end of my fourth treatment, I was moving my arm, my neck more comfortably with less pain; end of my sixth treatment I was in the plane going on vacation. After eight hours of flight, my eight-year-old neice and I were in Paris, walking, shopping, enjoying the view of Paris from the Eiffel Tower. All these could not be possible if it was not for Dr. Butler and his entire staff in Oakland Spine & Rehabilitation Center. I am very, very grateful to Dr. Butler, Dr. Wells, and the entire staff for their knowledge, their care, their help with everything and giving me my preferred option of non-invasive, natural healing type treatment. Thank you.
~Ayse S. Pequannock, NJ

Good Friday & Passover Office Hours

Our office will be closed on Friday, April 6th in observance of Good Friday and Passover.

The office will be open on Thursday, April 5th to accommodate any patients usually scheduled on Friday.

In order to keep from falling behind in treatment, please speak with the front desk to make an appointment for Thursday, April 5th.

Wishing you a safe and healthy holiday!

As always,The Staff at Oakland Spine and Rehab

Mental Attitude: Standby Mode?
When the metabolic energy supply to brain cells is low (such as in comatose patients, in babies with serious neurodevelopmental disorders, and for a short period in some babies born prematurely) the brain enters a state called "burst suppression." Researchers believe burst suppression is a type of intermittent standby mode, where cells remain inactive until metabolic energy levels increase enough to resume normal brain activity.
Massachusetts General Hospital, Feb 2012

Health Alert: Stomach This?
The bacterium Helicobacter pylori is found in the stomachs of half the world's population. Although persistent infection with H. pylori increases an individual's risk of developing stomach cancer, it also decreases the risk of developing asthma. Researchers found that H. pylori modulated immune cells known as dendritic cells such that they did not activate an aggressive immune response but instead activated what is known as a tolerogenic immune response, which ultimately protects against allergic asthma.
Journal Of Clinical Investigation, Feb 2012

Diet: Weight On The Brain?
One-third of US adults are obese. A big part of the environment that encourages weight gain is the availability and consumption of calorie dense, high-fat foods. In particular, what we eat can alter the brain regions that regulate body weight. Leptin is a key hormone secreted from fat tissue and its main function is to inhibit appetite. Eating a high-fat diet reduces the actions of leptin in the brain. This miscommunication can lead to increased food intake and weight gain. Evolutionary speaking, we are designed to want to eat foods high in fat and gain weight because it made it easier to survive times when food was scarce. That is no longer a real concern since food is always available, but we still have a biological desire to eat calorie dense foods.
Cell Metabolism, Feb 2012

Exercise: Good Reasons.
Exercise helps you maintain proper muscle balance, reduces the rate and severity of medical complications associated with hypertension, and helps to alleviate certain menstrual symptoms.
Surgeon General's Report on Physical Activity and Health, 1996

Chiropractic: Growing.
In 1970, there were an estimated 13,000 chiropractors in the United States. In 1990, the number swelled to approx. 40,000. As of 2012, there are nearly 58,000 licensed chiropractors in the United States.
Agency for Health Care Policy and Research, 1997 & MPA Media, 2012

Wellness/Prevention: Fish Oil.
Omega-3 fatty acids help adolescents and young adults (ages 12-25) who are at elevated risk for severe psychiatric disorders to function better in school, work and other social environments..
National Institute of Mental Health, Feb 2012

Maintenance Chiropractic for Chronic Low Back Pain

When people think of chiropractic, they immediately think of low back pain and are often surprised to find out that chiropractic can benefit many conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, rotator cuff tears, as well as hip, knee, and ankle conditions. There is also research support for manipulation (a key component of chiropractic) and its role in managing “somatovisceral” related conditions such as pneumonia, dizziness, stage 1 hypertension, PMS, asthma, colic, and bed wetting.

Research clearly shows that chiropractic manipulation out performs other forms of treatment for acute, subacute and chronic low back pain. But, the question remains, can “maintenance chiropractic” PREVENT problems down the road? Ironically, two medical doctors in August of 2011 published an article in a leading medical journal (SPINE) entitled, “Does maintained spinal manipulation therapy for chronic nonspecific low back pain result in better long-term outcome?” The study’s objective was to determine if treating chronic low back pain patients (pain >6 months) after a course of 12 treatments in the first month would do better, the same or worse if treatments were continued at 2-week intervals for an additional 9 months. They compared 3 groups of patients: 1.) 12 treatments of “sham” (placebo) manipulation over a 1-month period. 2.) 12 treatment of “real” spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) for 1 month but no treatments for the subsequent 9 months. 3.) The same as #2 but with treatments every 2 weeks over the next 9 months. To determine the differences between these 3 groups, the authors measured pain and disability scores (using questionnaires), generic health status (questionnaire), and back-specific patient satisfaction (questionnaire) at 1, 4, 7 and 10-month intervals.

The results showed that groups 2 (SMT for 1 month only) and 3 (SMT for 1 month + every 2 weeks for 9 months) had significantly lower pain and disability scores than the 1st group (sham/placebo group) at the end of the 1st month or, 12 visits. However, only group 3 (treatments were continued for 9 months at 2 week intervals) showed more improvement in pain and disability scores at 10 months. Equally important, the scores for the non-maintained group 2 patients returned to near their pre-treatment levels by month 10!

The authors concluded that not only is spinal manipulative therapy effective for chronic low back pain, but more importantly, REGULAR ADJUSTMENTS EVERY 2 WEEKS after the initial course of concentrated care (3x/week for 4 weeks) was needed, “…to obtain long-term benefit,” suggesting that, “…maintenance SM after the initial intensive manipulative therapy,” is appropriate care to obtain long-term results.

This study FINALLY supports the recommendations made by chiropractors for many years –regular adjustments are beneficial to obtain a higher quality of life, less pain and less disability!

We realize you have a choice in who you choose to provide your healthcare services. If you, a friend or family member requires care for low back pain, we sincerely appreciate the trust and confidence shown by choosing our services and look forward in serving you and your family presently and, in the future.

Weekly Health Update

Mental Attitude: Depression and Negative Peer Relationships At School.
Often, the assumption is that problematic peer relationships drive depression; however, it was found that depression symptoms predicted negative peer relationships. No evidence was found to suggest that peer relationships forecasted depression among a school-based sample of adolescents.
Child Development, Feb 2012

Health Alert: Weighty Physician?
Physicians with a normal BMI, as compared to overweight and obese physicians, were more likely to engage their obese patients in weight loss discussions, 30% vs. 18%, and more likely to diagnose a patient as obese if they perceived the patient's BMI met or exceed their own, 93% vs. 7%.
Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, Feb 2012

Diet: Vitamin D.
Vitamin D deficiency has been linked with muscle weakness, increased fall risk, and bone fractures. 26% of the distal radius fracture patients were vitamin D insufficient (having vitamin D serum levels between 20-32 mg/ml), compared to 11% in the control group.
Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, Feb 2012

Exercise: Tai Chi And Parkinson's.
A new exercise study has shown significant benefits for patients with mild-to-moderate Parkinson's disease. A tailored Tai Chi training program of 60-minute exercise sessions 2x/week for 24 weeks resulted in improved postural stability and walking ability, and reduced falls in the participants.
New England Journal of Medicine, Feb 2012

Chiropractic: Alf!
Famous neurosurgeon Dr. Alf Breig reviewed the adverse mechanical tensions on the central nervous system from abnormal postural loads. He concluded that abnormal posture affects the nervous system, which in turn, affects the sympathetic nervous system, which plays a large part in controlling the immune system.
Breig, 1976

Wellness/Prevention: Waist-Hip Ratio and the Cardiovascular System.
The Waist-Hip Ratio (WHR) is the ratio of a person's waist circumference with hip circumference. The smallest waist measurement is taken just above the navel and is divided by the hip circumference at its widest part. In a thin person, the waist is measured at its narrowest point. For the larger person with a big belly, it is measured 1 inch above the belly button. Hips are measured at the widest point of the buttocks in the lean person and at the great trochanters in larger individuals. If an adult female has a 27-inch waist and 36-inch hips, her WHR is .75. (27 divided by 36). WHR for men: < 0.9 means he has a very low risk of having cardiovascular health problems; from 0.9 to 0.99 means he is at moderate risk of cardiovascular health problems; > 1 means his risk of cardiovascular problems is high. WHR for women: < 0.8 means she has a very low risk of having cardiovascular health problems; from 0.8 to 0.89 means she is at moderate risk of cardiovascular health pro blems; > 0.9 means her risk of cardiovascular problems is high.

The Whiplash Syndrome: Ringing in the Ears

Whiplash can result from a number of causes, not just from motor vehicle accidents. A fall on the ice or a slippery floor, from a sports related injury, or even at the county fair on one of those rides that throws you around can result in the same type of injury. Whiplash occurs when the head is literally “whipped” either forwards and backwards or from side to side. It can include hitting the head but often does not. Symptoms vary considerably and therefore the term, “whiplash associated disorders” or WAD has been adopted, based on the clinical presentation of the patient and on the specific tissues injured. Common symptoms include neck pain, loss of motion, headache and sometimes arm pain or numbness resulting in difficulty driving, working, sleeping and concentrating.

Spinal manipulation of the neck has been found to be highly effective in the treatment of whiplash or WAD, and hence, Chiropractic is often the recommended first order of treatment for patients suffering from this condition. We have previously discussed the steps involved when presenting to a chiropractic clinic, from taking a detailed history and performing a thorough physical examination, and well as the many types of treatment options that exist. Exercise is one of the most important forms of treatment as they can and should be performed multiple times a day as directed by us, so that a return to normal function with no pain can occur as quickly as possible. Presented here are a few VERY EFFECTIVE exercises that we frequently give to patients suffering from WAD:

*For #3, ALWAYS apply a push or resistance with your hand through the FULL range of comfortable motion in that plane. That means, in one direction let the head “win” (like in arm wrestling) and when moving in the opposite direction, let the hand “win,” (but don’t let up pushing with the head). In other words, you are ALWAYS resisting against the movement in both directions moving as far as you can in both directions.

We realize you have a choice in where you choose your healthcare services. If you, a friend or family member requires care for whiplash, we sincerely appreciate the trust and confidence shown by choosing our services and look forward in serving you and your family presently and, in the future.

Neck Pain & Headaches & The “Power of Placebo”

We have all heard about the “placebo effect” and the “power of positive thinking.” A placebo, according to Wikipedia, is “…a simulated or otherwise medically ineffectual treatment for a disease or other medical condition intended to deceive the recipient.” When a placebo is used, it will sometimes have a perceived beneficial effect. When this occurs, it is referred to as “the placebo effect.” Placebos are commonly used in research where one group will be given the “real” treatment, another a “placebo” and a third group will be given nothing at all. The evaluators are usually blinded as to who received which of the 3 approaches. The group receiving the placebo is carefully compared to the other 2 groups (the real treatment group and the no treatment group). Common placebos include inert tablets (sugar pills), sham treatment (which may include surgery, detuned electrical stimulation, sham acupuncture, sham manipulation, and many more). What is compelling and interesting is that the placebo often has a surprisingly positive effect on the patient’s symptoms and because of this, research is quite extensive trying to figure out why even placebos can benefit patients.

The phrase, “…the power of positive thinking” has also been around a long time. Again, studies have shown that when a patient’s treatment plan is presented in a detailed fashion with a “positive spin” compared to when the health care provider seems skeptical that it might help, the results favor the positive presentation. Call it what you will – the power of positive thinking, faith, hope - it does appear to be an important part of the formula to obtain a positive outcome from treatment, any treatment.

When considering the placebo effect of chiropractic, specifically cervical manipulation and its effect on neck pain and headache, a landmark study published by medical doctors revealed significantly greater benefits of cervical manipulation for acute, as well as subacute and even chronic (pain > 3 months) neck pain when compared to other forms of treatment (muscle relaxants or “usual medical care”). They reported that the highest quality study demonstrated that spinal manipulation benefits patients with tension-type headaches. They also reported that the complication rate for cervical spine manipulation is low, estimated to be between 5-10 per 10 million manipulations. Another very supportive study looked at the immediate effects from only one cervical spine manipulation (CSM) using objective instruments that measured pain (algometry) and strength (grip strength dynamometer) on patients with elbow tendonitis pain (lateral epicondylitis). The patients received either CSM or a “sham” method they refer to as “manual contact intervention” or MCI. The “real” treatment group (CSM) showed a significant increase in grip strength and reduced pain compared to the MCI/sham group.

The “take-home” message here is clear. Cervical spine manipulation was found to be superior to sham manual treatment (placebo), as well as muscle relaxers, or “usual medical care” for neck pain and headaches. Second, cervical manipulation clearly out performed the placebo effect in patients with elbow pain. Simply put, chiropractic works!!!!

We realize that you have a choice in where you choose your healthcare services. If you, a friend or family member requires care for neck pain, we sincerely appreciate the trust and confidence shown by choosing our services and look forward in serving you and your family presently and, in the future.

Fibromyalgia: The Challenge of Treatment

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a disorder involving chronic pain that has no known cause. It is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, sleep disturbance, fatigue and mood disorders. FM affects about 2% of the US population and ranges between 1% and 11% in other countries. It is more prevalent in adult women than men (3.4% vs. 0.5%) and is most common with increasing age with the highest occurrence between 60-79 years of age. The criteria for the diagnosis of FM was established in 1990 by the American College of Rheumatology as widespread pain of at least 3 month duration and pain on palpation (pushing with the fingers) of at least 11 of 18 specific tender sites on the body. Pain, fatigue and sleep disturbance are observed in all patients with FM. Additional features can include: stiffness, skin tenderness, post-exertional pain, irritable bowel syndrome, cognitive disturbances, overactive bladder syndrome or interstitial cystitis, tension or migraine headaches, dizziness, fluid retention, paresthesias (numbness), restless legs, Reynaud’s phenomenon (white finger disease), and mood disturbances. FM is also strongly associated with anxiety, depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, myofascial pain syndrome, hypothyroidism, and many of the inflammatory arthritic diseases. Though there are no specific tests for FM, neurotransmitter deregulation including serotonin, norepinephrine, and substance P, result in an abnormal sensory processing in the brain and spinal cord. This results in a lower pain threshold commonly seen in FM.

The treatment of FM may be best looked at from 3 specific goals which include: 1. Alleviate pain; 2. Restore sleep; and 3. Improve physical function. Thus the most successful approach to the treatment of FM has been reported to be multidisciplinary or, involving several different types of health care providers. Clinical tools often used by doctors to monitor symptom change include a 0-10 pain scale, a body function scale called the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) which measures physical function, common FM symptoms and general well-being; and, for measuring the physical and emotional side of FM, the SF-12 or SF-36 (SF = “short form” and either a 12 or a 36 item tool). The use of these tools helps monitor the success of the treatment that is being applied to the patient.

Though medications are reported as an important treatment option (such as an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anticonvulsant, hypnotic, corticosteroids, opiates, various injections and more), the focus of this discussion is aimed at the alternative or complementary treatment approaches, as many FM patients cannot tolerate the side effects of the many different medications. Alternative approaches include cognitive behavioral therapy (counseling), exercise (strength & flexibility), acupuncture, and chiropractic treatment approaches, particularly manipulation but also soft tissue therapies and guided exercise training. Physiological therapeutic approaches frequently used in chiropractic clinics include low-power laser therapy, hydrotherapy such as whirlpool, Balneotherapy – using minerals and oils in the moving water, pulsed electromagnetic field, traction and massage therapy. Another exercise approach that can have great value in managing stress and facilitating sleep is Yoga. The key to a successful treatment outcome requires finding a “team” of health care providers that are willing to listen to the patient and work together to improve the patient’s quality of life. Through this concerted team approach, in addition to the patient taking responsibility by performing exercises on a regular basis, following a proper diet, and getting adequate restful or restorative sleep, FM can be quite well “controllable” and, a relatively “normal” lifestyle can be enjoyed.

If you, a friend or family member requires care for FM, we sincerely appreciate the trust and confidence shown by choosing our services!

Carpal Tunnel: 3 Great Exercises!

Because carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is technically a tendonitis that happens to be near a nerve (the median nerve), one treatment option for CTS is to manage the tendonitis and by doing so, the pressure on the median nerve will resolve. Also, because the movement of the hand and wrist are controlled by opposite functioning muscles (that is, when we flex the wrist and fingers, the palm side tendons are doing the job and when we extend the wrist/fingers, the back of the forearm and hand tendons are doing the work), these opposite functioning actions need to be balanced. Moreover, if the muscles on one side of the forearm are tight and inflamed, very often so are the muscles on the opposite side.

Therefore, an exercise program for the forearm and hand should include BOTH sides, not just the flexor or palm side of the forearm/hand where the carpal tunnel is located. Perform these exercises multiple times a day for 3-10 second hold times. You can modify #2 and #3 by NOT using the opposite hand to pull but rather, simply make the movement without the opposite hand assisting in the stretch. That way, you can perform BOTH at the same time IF your time is short (such as when performing these during a busy work day, for example).

Feel for the stretch where the arrows are pointing – it should be a “good” hurt/stretch!

We realize you have a choice in who you consider for your health care provision and we sincerely appreciate your trust in choosing our service for those needs. If you, a friend or family member require care for CTS, we would be honored to render our services.

Weekly Health Update

Mental Attitude: Facebook.
Social networking is the #1 online activity, used by 1.2 billion people worldwide. Nearly one in 5 minutes online is spent on social networking websites, and 75% of that is on Facebook. Facebook has 845 million active worldwide users. Researchers found the biological signals in the brains of Facebook users correspond to what they describe as the "Core Flow State." Core Flow is a state that people reach in which their skills are challenged and they are highly aroused and enjoying what they do, a biological signal that makes people want to repeat their experience. Some studies have found flow is linked to quality of performance and quality of life.
Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, Feb 2012

Health Alert: Air Pollution.
Air pollution at levels experienced by most Americans or considered safe by the Environmental Protection Agency is linked to higher risk of cognitive decline and stroke.
Archives of Internal Medicine, Feb 2012

Diet: A Sweet Dessert In The Morning?
In a surprising discovery, researchers found that dessert, as part of a balanced 600-calorie breakfast that also included proteins and carbohydrates, helped dieters lose more weight. On average, those in the group who ate dessert with breakfast lost just as much weight as the control group (no dessert with breakfast), approx. 32 lbs. However, after a 16-week follow up period, the no dessert group gained back all but 3.5 lbs and the group who ate dessert with breakfast lost another 13 lbs, on average. In the morning, the body's metabolism is most active and able to work off the extra calories throughout the day. Attempting to avoid sweets entirely can create a psychological addiction to these same foods in the long-term. Adding dessert items to breakfast can control cravings throughout the rest of the day.
Tel Aviv University, Feb 2012

Exercise: A Pulse.
Champion cyclist, Lance Armstrong has a resting heart rate of about 32 beats per minute. Ideal normal pulse rates at rest, in beats per minute: Newborn baby: 120 to 160; Baby aged from 1-12 months: 80 to 140; Baby/toddler aged from 1-2 years: 80 to 130; Toddler/young child aged 2-6 years: 75 to 120; Child aged 7-12 years: 75 to 110; Adult aged 18+ years: 60 to 100; Adult athlete: 40 to 60. Checking your own heart rate: With your hand palm up, gently place 2 fingers on the thumb side of your wrist. You will feel your pulse beating. Count the beats for one minute.
National Health Service

Chiropractic: Bad Posture.
"The beginning of the disease process starts with postural distortions."
~ Dr. Hans Seyle, Nobel Laureate

Wellness/Prevention: Dare To Compare.
Comparing yourself to others with the same health problem can influence your physical and emotional health. Focusing on similarities between you and people doing well will likely lead to feeling good, as will focusing on differences between you and people doing poorly. But, if you focus on differences between you and someone doing well, or similarities between you and someone doing poorly, you'll likely feel worse.
Health Psychology Review, Feb 2012

Weekly Health Update

Mental Attitude: Think About It... Smoking?
In 2010, the number of dementia diagnoses around the world was estimated at 36 million with numbers increasing and predicted to double every 20 years. In a study of 6000+ men (average age 56 years), those who smoked were linked to a more rapid cognitive decline. However, those who quit smoking at least 10 years before the start of the study had similar scores as non-smokers.
Archives of General Psychiatry, Feb 2012

Health Alert: Memory Boost?
6 million Americans and 30 million people worldwide are diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease each year. It is the 6th leading cause of death in the US and the 5th leading cause of death for those aged 65 and older. New research shows that stimulating key areas of the brain can improve memory. A research team looked at 7 epilepsy patients who already had electrodes implanted in their brains. When nerve fibers in the patients' entorhinal cortex were stimulated during learning, they later recognized landmarks and navigated better, reflecting improved spatial memory. This may lead to neuro-prosthetic devices that can activate during certain stages of information processing or daily tasks.
New England Journal of Medicine, Feb 2012

Diet: Soft Drinks, Smoking and Asthma.
A high level of soft drink consumption is associated with asthma and/or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). 13.3% of participants with asthma and 15.6% of those with COPD reported consuming more than half a liter of soda per day. Furthermore, smoking makes this relationship even worse, especially for COPD. Compared with those who did not smoke and consume soft drinks, those who consumed more than half a liter of soft drink per day and were current smokers had a 6.6-fold greater risk of COPD.
Respirology, Feb 2012

Exercise: My Max Heart Rate.
This is the maximum number of times your heart can beat per minute (bpm). It is a useful measure for workouts, to gauge training intensities. People over 35 years of age who are overweight or have not done exercise for a long time are advised to have their maximum heart rates clinically tested by a trained health care professional. Max Heart Rate For Adult Males: 220 minus your age. For a 25 year-old man it would be 195 bpm (220 minus 25). Max Heart Rate For Adult Females: 226 minus your age. For a 25 year-old woman it would be 201 bpm (226 minus 25).
American Heart Association

Chiropractic: Important Posture.
Poor posture is associated with asymmetries in motion, leading to accelerated degenerative spinal joint pathology that will, in time, adversely affect the nervous system.
Koch et al, 2002

Wellness/Prevention: Constantly Changing.
Your body is constantly sloughing off old cells and growing new ones. For example, you shed 600,000 particles of skin every hour, about 1.5 lbs a year. By 70 years of age, you will have lost 105 lbs of skin.
Gray's Anatomy