Top 10 Hip Hop Tracks For Chiropractors

Written by Dr. Prathap Addageethala

Okay, so this post doesn't have much to do with health tips, improving your health, or anything health related, really. It is a kind of awesome list though. Hip hop has long been fascinated with Chiropractic and its references to the back, having one's back (rapper E-40 uses exactly this reference on three different songs), or just referring to the backside (glutes) in general. Some of the biggest names in hip hop have referenced our profession with subject matter ranging from:

• blatant violence
•  ex. Notorious B.I.G on Dangerous MC's - "Ac-tor needs chiro-prac-tor for cracked jaw"
• lyrical genius 
• ex. Canibus on Collecting Taxes - "I lean you back like your spine just cracked/Rhyme chiropractor, get paid to adjust raps"
• sexual innuendo 
• ex. Nicki Minaj on Turn Me On - "I just want you to be my docta/we can get it crackin', chiropracta" 
• extra syllable filler 
• ex. Nas on Hero - "Exotic lady eye-catcha/holla atcha/call me the chiropracta"

Given the nature of our scope of practice, and being embraced by the hip hop community, here are the Top 10 Hip Hop Tracks for Chiropractors.

Disclaimer of sorts *Be forewarned! Although all of the videos are of the "edited" or "clean" variety, some of the language and images may not be suitable for all environments or audiences. Enjoy responsibly.

10. Push It - Salt-N-Pepa

The Chiropractic adjustment is the cornerstone of Chiropractic. In fact, many would suggest that it is the element that makes our profession separate and distinct from any others. Other practitioners do perform spinal manipulation, but the training a Doctor of Chiropractic is extremely unique. In other words, it's more than just pushing on a bone or a joint. Prior to graduation, it is common for most Chiropractic students to have participated in more than 1000 hours of adjusting practice. Palpate, contact, set, and p-p-push it real good!


9. Walk This Way - Run DMC

A little gait analysis goes a long way. Getting adjusted can help you functionally correct any disparities in leg length and pelvic level. We connect to the earth through our feet. Every motion our feet make in connection with a surface sends a flurry of forces through our legs, into our hips and pelvis, and finally into our spine. Having a solid base and improving your gait could be your gateway to pain relief. And I'm not even talking about orthotics yet!


8. Stronger - Kanye West 

Just ask anyone involved in any sport at a high level, seeing a Chiropractor could be just be the edge you need to set your next personal record, or achieve what you previously could not. Ask Michael Jordan, Tom Brady, or Usain Bolt, just a handful of world class athletes who got to the top of their game with the help of their Chiropractor. Harder, better, faster, stronger, indeed.


7. Protect Ya Neck - Wu Tang Clan

There was absolutely no way I could curate a hip hop list and leave the Wu-Tang Clan off.
Let's say you never brushed your teeth. Ever. Your teeth would probably turn yellow, rot and decay, and you'd develop serious gum disease (not to mention the worst case of the dragon). Luckily for you, these issues can be quickly resolved by visiting a dentist. The damaged teeth can be replaced, capped, drilled, and filled. Unfortunately, you can't do the same thing with your spine, and especially not your neck. You only get one neck, so getting checked regularly by your Chiropractor can protect against early degenerative changes. You best protect ya neck!


6. Back That Thang Up - Juvenile

The curve of the low back or lumbar spine is called a "lordosis," Some people, more commonly in women, are genetically predisposed to having a more pronounced curve in that region, called a "hyperlordosis," (historically called a "sway back") which can create pain and discomfort in the low back, as well as distortions in posture. While some remain asymptomatic, it's best to be evaluated by a Chiropractor before returning to the dance floor.


5. Baby Got Back - Sir Mix-A-Lot

Yup! It's true. Babies CAN be adjusted by Chiropractors (they have backs too). Actually, the birthing process can be quite traumatic for a newborn, involving a lot of torquing, turning, and pulling, which results in a lot of stress on a little spine. Many Chiropractors have an advanced training in pediatrics, and their specialized, safe, and super gentle techniques are wonderful for infants who are suffering from digestive issues, colic, and other ailments. Also, Chiropractic care for infants gives your child the best possible start to their lives by optimizing their nervous system and improving their immune system. And if you ask nicely, some Chiropractors might even be able to sing this song to your kid like Ross and Rachel on Friends.


4. I Need A Doctor - Dr. D.R.E.

I would argue that we all need a doctor! Medical Doctors are critical to community health and well being. While medicines and surgeries are sometimes necessary to save a life, they can be irreversibly damaging or toxic when they are prescribed as "optional" treatments. The best cure is prevention, and that's where Doctors of Chiropractic excel. In fact, even if you are not in pain, you should at least have your Chiropractor check your spine to achieve and maintain maximum wellness. Health is not just the absence of disease, according to the World Health Organization, and peer-reviewed research supports the notion of being adjusted regularly for maintenance of your spine.


3. New Workout Plan - Kanye West

 -
Yeezy made it to the list for a second time! This goes along with my post about sitting too much - health in the modern world is actually harder to attain than we think, especially with the barrage of information that we get blasted with on a day to day basis, care of the mystical Interweb. Having ANY workout plan is a great start. Having the same workout plan for the entire year? Not so much. Change your workout plan from time to time to keep your muscles and joints challenged. Chiropractors can help you attain your goals in the following ways:

• physically by improving your range of motion and decreasing joint restriction
• nutritionally by coaching you on your dietary choices; many will even sit and organize a meal plan that will best suit your needs and goals
• mentally by optimizing your nervous activity and decreasing stress

That's a plan that can work.

2. You Can Do It - Ice Cube (NSFW)

You can do it... Put your back into it... Two statements that have so many connotations. Truth is, you really can do it! Many successful people point to their positive mental attitude as their go to weapon in their arsenal to combat adversity. It's not as easy as it looks, especially if there is some history of stress, anxiety and depression in your life. That being said, putting your back into it, or putting in some effort towards achieving something is one way to overcome negativity. Sometimes stress can manifest in the body as physical pain, something doctors refer to as "psychosomatic" pain. Chiropractic care has been proven to decrease stress, leading to more feelings of positivity and increased energy.


10. Let Your Backbone Slide - Maestro Fresh Wes

Having a flexible and unrestricted spine can improve your quality of life, can decrease future issues like arthritis and spondylosis, and help you achieve your goals. How many people do you know who can't play with their kids because their back hurts too much? How many of your friends suffer from constant headaches that prevent them from accomplishing much work? Which of your family members still has chronic pain despite trying everything? Sliding in to see a Chiropractor could make a huge difference in your life, and those around you.


Honorable Mentions
* Kick, Push - Lupe Fiasco - For those lazy side posture adjusters.
* Lean Back - Fat Joe - Just... not too far. Unless you're in yoga class, of course.
* By Your Side  - Jadakiss - Chiropractors. They got your back. Now, please lay on your side.
* My Neck, My Back - Khia - Intentionally left off because I'd never hear the end of it. Ever.
* Lose Yourself - Eminem - For the ultra intense, block booking, high volume clinic rockstars, who need to get in the zone when they adjust.

- Dr. P

Are you a "Chronic Texter?"

Written by Dr. Prathap Addageethala

Originally posted September 18, 2013

Re-jigged March 17, 2015

You see it everywhere these days, people slaving over their smartphones and tablets! I imagine that if an intelligent being peeped down on us from outer space, it would wonder which was in charge- the fleshy creatures stumbling around, or the small electronic gadgets they hunched over. While the obvious strain on the pairs of unblinking eyes, terrible posture, and potentially deadly accidents are all problems associated with text mania (and addictions in some cases), I’d like to draw your attention to a new ergonomic crisis sweeping the globe – the repetitive strain injury (or RSI) – not-so-affectionately known as “Texter’s Thumb.”

Guided by GPS, they know exactly where to stop. Also notice the lane discipline!

To be fair, texting isn't the only major issue. Mobile video games, surfing the web, and other activities we normally engage in on our portable devices can also be labeled as chief causes of RSI.  Cell phone usage has exploded across the planet, other electronic devices notwithstanding. There are tablets, readers, laptops, GPS units, to name a few, all creating environments for stiff, repetitive motions to be performed. Of course, we’re also focusing here on the digits, most notably the thumb, but RSIs can occur at pretty well any joint in the body. The recipe is simple – do something in an awkward, disadvantageous, or ergonomically incorrect position, and repeat hundreds of times over several weeks. Like... pushing imaginary buttons on your phone's touch screen or obsessively swiveling the joysticks on your Playstation 4 controller.

"....braaaaaaains.....nom nom nom"

In classic “Texter’s Thumb”cases, sufferers experience pain or clicking at the base of the thumb, which is an area of high stress and chronic overuse.  At this joint, the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb, which involves the 1st metacarpal bone and the trapezium (a tiny bone in the wrist), interact at a much higher rate than the rest of the hand or wrist. Due to the involvement with the wrist, a decreased or painful range of motion might be experienced, as well as a possible decrease in grip strength.  The source of the pain can range from tendonitis (inflammation of a tendon due to acute injury) to tenosynovitis (inflammation of the sheath covering a tendon) which is simply from the repetitive nature of the action. This pain can even radiate all the way to the forearm.

In technical terms, the muscles and tendons affected are related to two muscles in the thumb – the extensor pollicis brevis and the abductor pollicis longus – which are both the main culprits in a more well known condition called “De Quervain’s Syndrome.” RSI, Texter’s Thumb, De Quervain’s Syndrome are all synonymous in this context. Although RSI can also occur in other parts of the body, this particular version seems to be on the rise. Staying active, stretching the wrists, and mobilizing the forearm should be a regular part of your day in order to avoid this emerging issue.

- Dr. P

Sensible Advice on Prevention of RSI Caused by Texting
(lovingly borrowed from http://solomonsseal.wordpress.com/2010/02/12/healing-texting-thumb-and-repetitive-stress-injuries-rsi-with-solomon%E2%80%99s-seal/)

You should always take measures to avoid any possible damage that might result from overstressing the hands, fingers or thumb. If you feel any pain or tingling, make some changes in your work, play and texting habits. The following tips are helpful:

• If texting starts to hurt. Stop. Use the other hand or call instead
• Vary the hand you use
• Vary the digits you use
• Don’t text for more than a few minutes without a break

Try these exercises. Obviously, stop if you feel any pain, otherwise you can do more harm than good.
In your texting hand:

• Tap each finger with the thumb of the same hand. Repeat 5 times (5x) Pull your thumb firmly with the other hand. Repeat 5x
• Wrap an elastic band around the tips of fingers and thumb and open your hand against the resistance. Repeat 20x
• Palms down, wrap an elastic band around each thumb and force apart. Repeat 20x
• Tap the palm and back of your hand on your thigh as quickly as you can. Repeat 20x
• Massage thumb web, back of forearm and front of forearm. 2 minutes.
• Press and rub in a circular motion the painful nodules in those muscles. 30 seconds for each nodule.
• Reach up high with both arms and shake your hands. Reach down low with both arms and shake. Repeat 3x.
• Arms at 45 degrees squeeze them behind you.
• If it still hurts after a week of doing exercises wrap an ice pack on sore hand and arm parts. Do not put ice directly on the skin but wrap in a thin cloth or piece of kitchen roll. 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off. Repeat 3x

Swiped from my own Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/doctorprathap