For commercial drivers, passing a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination is a crucial step in maintaining their commercial driver’s license (CDL) and ensuring the safety of both themselves and other road users. Unfortunately, many drivers fail these exams due to various reasons, leading to disqualification from operating commercial vehicles. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the common reasons why drivers fail a DOT physical and offer guidance on how to avoid these pitfalls.

1. High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a leading cause of DOT physical failures. Commercial drivers are required to maintain their blood pressure at or below specific thresholds, typically around 140/90 mm Hg. If your blood pressure exceeds these limits during the examination, you may not pass.

Prevention and Solution:

• Prior to your DOT physical, monitor your blood pressure regularly and maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, staying active, and managing stress.
• If you have hypertension, consult with your healthcare provider and work together on a treatment plan to control your blood pressure within DOT regulations.

2. Vision Problems

Visual impairments can also lead to DOT physical failures. Commercial drivers are required to have adequate vision, including distant and peripheral vision, color recognition, and depth perception, to ensure they can safely operate a vehicle. The minimum requirement is a 20/40 visual acuity with or without corrective lenses.

Prevention and Solution:

• Visit an eye care specialist regularly to monitor your eye health.
• If you have vision problems, consider corrective lenses or eyeglasses, and always wear them when driving.

3. Medications

Certain medications can disqualify drivers from passing their DOT physical if they have adverse side effects that affect driving performance or if they are on a medication that is prohibited by DOT regulations. Medications like benzodiazepines cannot be taken by commercial drivers.

Prevention and Solution:

• Consult your healthcare provider about medications you are taking and their potential effects on your ability to drive safely.
• Discuss alternative medications or treatment plans with your provider if necessary.

4. Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a common cause of disqualification. It is a sleep disorder that affects breathing and can lead to drowsiness and fatigue while driving.

Prevention and Solution:

• If you suspect you have sleep apnea, seek a diagnosis and treatment from a healthcare professional.
• Comply with recommended treatment, which may include using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device while sleeping.

5. Substance Abuse

Drug and alcohol use can be disqualifying factors. Positive results on drug tests or a history of substance abuse can lead to a failed DOT physical. Even in states where marijuana is now legal, you cannot use while having a CDL, even if this is during non driving hours.

Prevention and Solution:

• Avoid the use of illegal drugs or misuse of prescription medications.
• Seek help for substance abuse problems through counseling or rehabilitation programs.

6. Uncontrolled Diabetes

Diabetes can be disqualifying if it is uncontrolled. Drivers with diabetes must manage their condition effectively to pass the physical examination.

Prevention and Solution:

• Maintain proper blood sugar control by monitoring your glucose levels regularly and following a treatment plan prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Conclusion

Passing a DOT physical is essential for commercial drivers to maintain their CDL and continue their careers. By understanding these common reasons for failure and taking proactive steps to address them, you can increase your chances of passing the examination and ensuring the safety of yourself and others on the road. Regular communication with healthcare providers and a commitment to a healthy lifestyle are key to successfully navigating the DOT physical process.

Yours in health,

Dr. Glenn Ezell, Certified Medical Examiner

Wondering whether or not your DOT physical will be affected if you use or used marijuana? With many states now allowing medical marijuana use and others going further by allowing recreational marijuana use, it is important to know the regulations when it comes to driving a commercial motor vehicle and staying compliant with your DOT medical card.

In Missouri, medical and recreational use of marijuana is now legal. Does this mean that commercial drivers can use it and still stay compliant with their DOT cards? The answer is no.

Whether you have a medical card or you use marijuana recreationally, it is a disqualifier and you will not pass your DOT physical. Drivers that admit to prior use but no longer use may be subject to drug testing if the examiner feels it is necessary. Drug testing is not a normal part of DOT physical exams.

If you suffer from chronic pain, spinal decompression therapy may be the answer. A nonsurgical form of chiropractic care, this treatment aims to promote optimal health and wellness by stretching the spine, thereby relieving pressure on the spinal discs.

How Does Spinal Decompression Work?

During spinal decompression, you’ll don a harness that fits snugly around your trunk, head, or limb and then climb onto a mechanized table. Depending on the source of your pain, you might lie down on your back or your stomach.

For the next 10-15 minutes, your provider will make minor adjustments to the table that are designed to stretch your spine gently. For added effectiveness, your provider may recommend preceding or following the therapy with electrical stimulation, heat application, or cold therapy. 

Generally speaking, it takes multiple sessions to experience dramatic results. Most patients undergo between 4-20 treatments over time to achieve the best results.

What Does Spinal Decompression Treat?

Spinal decompression therapy has a number of applications. It’s most often used to relieve back or neck pain caused by disc injury and nerve compromise. It can also treat degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, knee, and hip issues.

Evidence indicates decompressing the spine and subsequently relieving pressure on a compressed spinal nerve can promote the body’s natural healing process. This therapy may be most effective when combined with other aspects of chiropractic care, especially if the compression is severe. 

To see if you’re a good candidate for spinal decompression, turn to Ezell Chiropractic. Located in St. Charles, this clinic is led by one of the top ten chiropractors in Missouri. A St. Charles native, Dr. Glenn Ezell is proud to help members of his community achieve much-needed relief through comprehensive chiropractic care. To grab our new patient promotion, click here. To make an appointment for quality chiropractic care, call (636) 486-7044.

11 Spinal Warning Signs

There are often signs that can alert you when something is not functioning properly in the body. Some are more commonly known than others.

Did you know that only 10% of your nerves perceive pain? Most people DO NOT recognize that they have a problem until it creates pain! Although pain is an indicator for spinal problems and bodily dysfunction, it it often a last resort, your body’s final push for help.

The overwhelming majority of patients that I see have had some underlying issue that preceded the painful event. Here are some other not so commonly heard body signs that indicate spinal misalignment. Look for these on family members, friends, and co-workers.

1. Rounded, slumped or hunchback posture.

2. One pant leg drags the ground or shoes wear unevenly.

3. Shoulders not level with the floor.

4. Restricted or reduced ranges of motion like looking over your shoulder when driving.

5. Asymmetrical muscle development.

6. Chronic muscle tightness.

7. Ringing in the ears.

8. Headaches. Migraines, tension, and plenty of others.

9. Numbness or tingling. This could be down the arms or legs.

10. Muscle weakness or wasting.

11. Constant feeling of having to “crack” your own neck or back.

Further assessment of these signs is vital in preventing future complications! Your chiropractor is trained to be able to look deeper into these health concerns to get to the root of the problem.

Yours in health,

Dr. Glenn Ezell

The Life of a Chiropractor (5 Facts)

As a chiropractor, I’ve witnessed many successes, been through the struggles, and laughed at the good times. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like, this is the life of a chiropractor in 5 short facts.

1. We’re really tired of the “Chiropractors are not real doctors” jab. Honestly, it’s just funny now. Please come up with a new one. In the mean time, I’ll be continuing my quest to help more people.

2. I am constantly judging your posture and movement. “Cell phone guy is going to have some neck issues soon”, “That deadlift is going to hurt tomorrow”, “How have your  ankles not broken yet with all of that pronation?”.

3. I hear some pretty funny stuff but the most common things I get are:

   • “I pop my own neck, it’s fine”
   • “I looked it up on google, here’s what I have”
   • “I usually have a high pain tolerance”
   • “Are you going to crack me today?”
   • “I heard people die from neck adjustments”
   • “Have you seen that ring dinger chiropractor on Youtube?”

4. I find myself yelling at the TV or some other social media post when “new” research comes out validating something that chiropractors have been saying for years.

5. Chiropractors need adjustments too. Arguably, we need it more than you. Can you imagine leaning over patients, dropping on mid and low backs, cranking wrists and shoulders out? It hurts, but part of the sacrifice I’m willing to endure to give back to my community.

I’m sure there are many more great stories that I could share but these should give you a glimpse into the life of a chiropractor 👨🏼‍⚕️

Yours in health,

Dr. Glenn Ezell

Disclaimer- This is meant to be comical, please laugh and enjoy!

Best Desk Stretches To Keep You Balanced

Approximately 80% or more of Americans sit at a desk all day at work. This is particularly troublesome. Sitting at a workstation for hours and hours has been known to stiffen joints, tighten muscles, and end up causing pain one way or another. By having proper ergonomics you can minimize the amount of stress on your body, but nonetheless, there is bound to still be some pain or tension that will accumulate. So what are the best desk stretches to keep you balanced? Let’s find out!

1. Seated Piriformis Stretch

This stretch is great for people who are experiencing pain or tightness in the glute area. This can be particularly effective for people suffering from sciatica as the sciatic nerve often runs beneath this muscle. To perform, simply cross a leg, put downward pressure on the knee, and lean your trunk forward but making sure to keep your back straight. Hold 10 seconds, perform 3 times.

2. Neck Stretches

Two ways to stretch the neck. By turning your chin towards the direction of stretch, it will hit more of the trapezius muscle. By turning the chin away from the direction of stretch, you will target more of the muscles that run into the top of the shoulder blade (levator scapulae). Use the opposite hand to pull on either side. Make sure to point your chin down a bit as well and not to have only ear to shoulder motion. Hold 10 seconds, perform 3 times.

3. Brugger’s Posture

Bruggers posture is a great way to reset poor posture that happens at a desk. Simply rotate your palms facing outwards, bring your chest up, drop your shoulders, and squeeze between the lower shoulder blades. This effectively stretches and strengthens the combination of muscles and joints that are required for best posture. Hold 10 seconds repeat 3 times.

4. Wrist/arm stretches

This is a great stretch for people who work at work at computers. This can prevent and help with wrist pain, tendonitis (golfers elbow, tennis elbow), carpal tunnel and more. With the arm fully extended, pull the palm towards you, using the other hand. Now turn the hand the other way, and pull it towards you again. The first stretch on the picture shown will treat the outside of the elbow, as well as the wrist. The second will treat the inside of the elbow. Hold for 10 seconds, repeat 3 times.

By performing these stretches, you will be better balanced and hopefully be able to reduce your pain while at your desk. These are best to be done at least 3 times daily. So 3 sets of 3 and 10 second holds.

For other posture tips check these out https://www.ezellchiropracticllc.com/low-back-pain-while-sitting-try-this/, https://www.ezellchiropracticllc.com/reduce-neck-and-back-pain-at-your-desk/

If you are still experiencing symptoms or they get worse, it’s time to see the chiropractor to evaluate more specifically what is going on.

Yours in optimal health and wellness,

Dr. Glenn Ezell

5 Can’t Miss Signs That You Are Dairy Sensitive

People are becoming more and more aware that their bodies just aren’t able to digest and eliminate certain types of food and food ingredients. It’s not really appropriate to label individuals as allergic or not. There are degrees of intolerance or sensitivity that cover a wide spectrum. Some of the main sensitivities that are affecting people today include: gluten, eggs, soy, nuts, shellfish, some chemicals in food (preservatives, coloring, etc.), and of course DAIRY.

The two main culprits in most dairy products are lactose and the protein, casein. In the case of lactose intolerance, or lactose sensitivity, those people are lacking an enzyme called lactase which is in charge of breaking down lactose. Casein is a very slow digesting protein and can cause digestive issues and irritation for many people. It is estimated that up to 65% of people have some degree of lactose intolerance.

So how would you know if you have trouble with dairy products? Check out these 5 can’t-miss signs that you are dairy sensitive:

1. Skin conditions and irritations
   • Acne
   • Redness
   • Eczema
   • Rashes
   • Hives
2. Abdominal pain
   • Generalized or local
   • Cramping
3. Bloating
   • Constantly feeling distended
   • Uncomfortable
4. Loose stools
   • Diarrhea 
   • Watery
   • Associated with gas
5. Lowered immune system (especially in kids) 
   • Tends to get sick more often
   • Ear infections

If you are having these types of symptoms, the best way to find out if they are coming from dairy products or not, is to do an elimination diet. Essentially, removing all dairy products from your diet and monitoring your symptoms for improvement. This should be done for at least 3-4 weeks to let your body re-establish a normal baseline.

Watch out for hidden dairy. Most of your protein supplements like shakes, bars, and others have whey protein which is a milk derivative. The good news is that there are a lot of dairy free options for your vices that are hard to give up. Ice cream, cheese, milk, whipped cream, all have dairy free alternatives made with either coconut or almond milk.

Contrary to former beliefs, we don’t need to drink milk. You can get calcium, vitamin D, and other great nutrients from other foods and supplements without all of the detrimental effects of dairy. Milk is a substance produced by mammals to nourish babies until they are able to eat food. So as adults, we certainly don’t need milk and especially not from cows.

Questions? Comments? Disputes? Shoot me an e-mail or message!

If you resonate with this article, please share it so your friends know this important information!

Yours in health.

Dr. Glenn Ezell