Neurologists have identified six seemingly innocuous reasons for the risk of stroke, dementia and cancer.
Dr. Baibing Chen shared that common habits such as going to the chiropractor, neck ringing, and not getting enough sleep can increase the risk of brain injury.
And as temperatures drop across the country, a Michigan-based neurologist warns against using heating devices or exercising in winter weather, which can emit dangerous carbon monoxide. He recommended taking special precautions, such as stretching beforehand.
Dr. Chen, known online as Dr. Bing, elaborates on his “no-no” in two TikTok videos that have more than 3.7 million combined views.
First on Dr. Bing’s list of no-nos is “forced neck surgery,” which is usually performed by chiropractors, but also includes neck cracking.
This involves applying force to the neck joints to improve alignment and reduce pain.
One in 10 Americans gets a neck and back adjustment each year, but the safety of going to a chiropractor has long been debated.
Dr. Bing said, “Forcing the neck to adjust can pose a rare but serious risk: vertebral artery dissection.”
Dr. Baibing Chen, known as Dr. Bin on social media, shared on TikTok things he would never do due to increased risk of stroke, dementia, and cancerous tumors.
Dr Bing said an unusual or more severe headache could be a sign of a brain bleed or aneurysm (pictured)
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This is a tear in the artery that supplies blood to the brainstem and spine. When an artery ruptures, blood can leak and a blood clot forms, blocking blood flow to the brain and potentially causing a stroke.
Dr. Bing said, “The risk is small for a normal person, but if the blood vessel wall is already weak or there is an undetected tear, the risk of having a stroke after surgery is much higher.”
He also said that a brainstem stroke “can lead to one of the scariest things I’ve ever seen, and it’s called locked-in syndrome.”
This extremely rare condition leaves the body almost completely paralyzed. Although the patient cannot move or speak, he is fully aware of everything happening around him.
It has only been reported a few times in the medical literature.
Dr. Bing said, “I continue to choose safer options for neck pain, such as stretching, gentle exercise, and physical therapy.”
He also said he would never dismiss a headache that “feels different” than a normal headache.
Headaches are often ignored by people who suffer from chronic headaches and migraines. But if new symptoms or patterns emerge, Dr. Bing said, “it could be a sign of a more serious illness, such as bleeding, a tumor, or an aneurysm.”
According to Harvard experts, symptoms that need immediate attention include sudden, severe pain, changes in personality or mental function, pain that increases with coughing or movement, and headaches with neck pain or fever.
Dr. Bing also prioritizes getting enough sleep.
“Chronic sleep deprivation may increase the risk of dementia,” he said.
During sleep, brain cells and their connections shrink, and the spaces between them widen. This helps flush out beta-amyloid, a protein that clumps together to form plaques, which interferes with and destroys brain communication and causes dementia.
Dr. Bing recommends getting at least 6 hours of sleep each night, but ideally you should get 8 hours of sleep.
He suggests not using heating devices, especially during the winter season.
Dr Bing said that in addition to the fire hazard, these “could be extremely dangerous” due to the increased risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Dr. Bing said he would never undergo a neck adjustment because it can damage arteries in the brain and increase the risk of stroke. I also try to get 6 hours of sleep a night, as lack of sleep can lead to dementia.
Dr Bing said gas stoves can increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning when used in poorly ventilated spaces (stock image)
Electric space heaters do not produce carbon monoxide by themselves, but gas heaters can emit carbon monoxide in spaces that are not properly ventilated because the fuel cannot burn completely in poorly ventilated spaces. .
Carbon monoxide poisoning is known to increase the risk of dementia because the brain is deprived of oxygen and brain cells die.
If you go outside to shovel snow, be sure to stretch.
Dr. Bing says, “Cold weather tricks your brain into thinking you’re not working as hard as you normally would because you don’t feel hot or sweat as much.”
“This is dangerous because something as simple as shoveling snow can be more strenuous than people realize.”
He noted that overexertion can lead to fainting and increase the risk of head injury.
“We always recommend stretching for at least 5 to 10 minutes and taking frequent breaks before winter activities such as shoveling snow,” he said.
Dr. Bing also warned against ignoring the signs of seasonal affective disorder, a type of depression caused by lack of sunlight and short winter days.
He said: ‘This is not just about feeling depressed; in fact, it can cause significant cognitive and emotional changes, including difficulty concentrating, fatigue and decreased motivation.
He said that’s because low light levels interfere with the brain’s production of serotonin, a mood-boosting hormone, and melatonin, which tells the body it’s time to go to bed.
He recommends 20 to 30 minutes of light therapy in the morning, regular exercise and sleep, and getting outside during the day to boost serotonin levels and prevent melatonin decline.