local insight

Let’s Talk About ‘Low T’

by David Pollack, D.C.

The first time I heard testosterone deficiency referred this way was from a patient a few years back. “My doctor said I have low T,” he said. “I'm taking this cream and it’s not working right.” What a nondescript way to describe an uncomfortable subject. In my usual slightly cynical Socratic way, I asked, “So you have a deficiency in synthetic soy-based pharmaceuticals?” He looked at me, puzzled. “Is your body supposed to make testosterone normally?” I asked. “I would guess so,” he said, “but I’m getting older. I hear a lot of guys are getting this issue.” “Have you ever met or heard of guys in their 70s still running around after girls?” “Of course,” he said. “So why do you think that is?” I asked. “Because their body is working better,” opined my new patient. “Exactly” was my response. Testosterone is a steroid hormone, part of a large system of interrelated hormones. These several dozen different hormones are primarily produced by the adrenal glands, which are located on top of the kidneys. They make about 20 percent of the total finished testosterone in the body and 100 percent of all precursors that will become testosterone in the gonadal tissues. It’s important to understand what these other steroid hormones are that can be converted to and from testosterone. The most famous is cortisol, the hormone triggered by stress, which is also associated with our weight, blood sugar and immunity, among other functions. Cortisol can be converted to testosterone—but more importantly, it can be converted from testosterone.

The Many Faces of ‘T’

What does that mean to us? It means in situations of prolonged stress, sugar imbalance or sickness, our testosterone (or estrogen, in women) will be converted to cortisol to try to deal with the increased demand. Even testosterone creams and other treatments can be converted this way. There are other hormones in this system that can steal testosterone the same way. These are the primary hormones controlling everything, including blood pressure, blood sugar, mood, sleep, electrolytes, healing, cholesterol levels, digestion, growth and much more. What I’m suggesting is that when there are problems in any of these areas, the body will sacrifice what it considers to be a less-critical hormone—testosterone—in exchange for much more critical compounds to control these important functions. You’d think administering testosterone would help create these other hormones, but the reverse conversion can occur, although it’s much more difficult. Often testosterone will convert and create estrogens or DHT in many men, causing weight gain or hair loss and anger, respectively. The opposite can happen in women taking estrogens, with the creation of too much testosterone, leading to hair growth in the wrong places. So how can we deal with these issues? Many of my patients find that when they conquer their overall health issues, their hormones tend to come into balance, with increased libido and virility as the result. Often this is concurrent with huge increases in energy, an even temper, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and many other improvements. That’s why when a patient comes to me asking about “low T,” I ask, “Do you want to just deal with this one symptom, or really solve the cause of what’s going on?”

Dr. David L Pollack is founder of Pollack Wellness Institute, in Commack, NY. For more information, contact him at 631-461-0801 or davidpollackdc@gmail.com, or visit PollackWellness.com. See ads, pages 4 and 21.

How to Prevent Travel-Related Aches and Pains

by Gina Marino, D.C.

Travel is exciting, but it can come with unpleasant side effects. Sitting for hours in a car, plane, bus or train stresses the spine, joints, ligaments, discs and muscles, leading to days of neck or back pain. Being stuck in one position can make our joints and muscles tighten, decreasing our range of motion so that the slightest movement can lead to muscle spasms or even strained muscles. Just reaching forward to change the radio station or turning to look out the window can trigger jolts of pain if our muscles and joints are too tight. Long trips can also aggravate existing back or neck conditions, including arthritis, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease and sciatica. Sitting affects the spine’s ability to support the body adequately. When we sit, the natural curve in the lower back flattens, while pressure on the spinal discs increases, according to a study in the Asian Spine Journal. Seat design is another issue. It’s hard to make a seat that fits everyone equally well. If the headrest is too tall or the seat doesn’t offer enough lower-back support, whoever is sitting there will probably experience some degree of pain if the trip lasts more than an hour or two.

How to Prevent Travel-Related Pain

Fortunately you can avoid or at least decrease travelrelated pain by following a few of these suggestions: Take regular breaks: Break long car trips into two- or three-hour segments. On plane or train trips, walk up and down the aisle a few times every two or three hours. Walking not only keeps muscles and joints limber but also reduces the risk of blood clots on long trips. Try some stretches: Stretching before, during and after long trips will help keep the joints and muscles limber, reduce spasms and prevent range-of-motion restrictions. Be prepared: Pack a few things to make the trip more comfortable, like a headrest pillow or U-shaped neck pillow, a cushion that provides lower-back support or a cushion to sit on to prevent leg and back pain on long trips. Use pain-relieving patches, ointments or tape: Capsicum patches or ointments can ease muscle pain, while kinesiology tape applied to the neck or shoulders can reduce stress, pain and swelling. If cold packs are an option, they can help too. Maintain good posture: Slouching increases pressure on the back and neck, worsening aches and pains. An upright seat makes it harder to slouch. If sciatica or tailbone pain is a problem, put most of your weight on your legs when you sit. Get chiropractic care: Visiting a chiropractor before and after long trips can help travelers avoid pain. During a pre-trip visit, a chiropractor can offer treatments to improve spinal alignment and reduce muscle tension. A post-trip visit will focus on restoring spinal alignment, eliminating spasms and muscle pain, reducing inflammation and improving range of motion.

Gina Marino, D.C., owns the Center for the Alignment of Body, Mind and Spirit, located at 2050 Wantagh Ave., Wantagh, NY. For appointments or more information, call 516-221-3500 or visit Align-Me. com. See ad, page 14.