Back Pain
Since back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide, it is vital to know how to prevent the cause of back pain. By maintaining a healthy diet and weight, remaining active and avoiding prolonged inactivity or bed rest are all important ways to avoid back pain. Before doing exercises or any physical activity, it is recommended to warm up and/or stretch.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a repetitive use injury that occurs when the primary nerve that travels from the nerve to the hand becomes compressed or “pinched” where it enters the wrist. This area of the wrist, called the carpal tunnel, is quite narrow. When inflammation or irritation occur in these tissues as a result of repetitive motions, it can cause impingement and irritation of the nerve and the sheath that surrounds and protects the nerve. Carpal tunnel syndrome can be caused by repetitive motions like typing on a computer keyboard or other ongoing tasks that require repeated motion of the wrist and hands. Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common work-related injuries in the U.S. In some people; the syndrome may be caused by an injury to the wrist, hand or lower arm.
What symptoms does carpal tunnel syndrome cause?
Carpal tunnel syndrome can cause debilitating pain in the hand and fingers, as well as symptoms like diffuse aching, numbness or burning sensations that extend from the palm into the fingers. The little finger typically is not affected, but any of the other fingers, including the thumb, can experience symptoms. Eventually, grip strength may become weaker, and it can become difficult to perform specific tasks.
What does a chiropractor do to treat carpal tunnel syndrome and relieve symptoms?
Chiropractors have considerable experience in treating nerve-related injuries. Using special techniques like deep tissue manipulation, therapeutic massage and gentle stretching exercises are usually part of an effective treatment plan for carpal tunnel syndrome. Bracing, use of ice packs and ultrasound treatments may also be prescribed. Often, there are additional nerve-related issues farther along the arm and even into the cervical spine (the portion of the spine located in the neck). Using hands-on evaluation methods, a chiropractor can also determine if additional issues are present so symptoms can be treated and corrected at their source for long-lasting relief.
Neck Pain
Neck pain can occur for different reasons, including as a result of car accidents, sports injuries, and slip-and-fall accidents. An uneven or excessive strain on neck muscles and other soft tissues can also cause neck pain, and can occur as a result of keeping the head bent while working on a computer or using a cell phone or providing inadequate support for the neck when sleeping or sitting. Poor posture and poor ergonomics in the workplace can also contribute to neck pain as can carrying uneven or heavy loads supported by the shoulders or upper back. Other pain can be caused by diseases like arthritis or spine-related problems.+
What is cervical radiculopathy?
Cervical radiculopathy is a condition that occurs when the nerves in the neck become compressed, often as a result of a herniated or “slipped” disc. The mechanism that causes cervical radiculopathy is similar to the mechanism that causes sciatica symptoms in the lower back and surrounding areas. Cervical radiculopathy causes symptoms like localized and radiating pain, numbness, burning sensations and weakness in the neck, upper back, shoulders and upper arms.
How can a chiropractor help relieve neck pain and related symptoms?
Neck pain typically involves the spine or the muscles and soft tissues that support it, as well as nerves that travel through it. Because chiropractic care is focused on treating issues affecting the musculoskeletal and nervous system, it can be an ideal solution for both acute and chronic types of neck pain. Chiropractic treatment for neck pain may involve different techniques, including spinal adjustment to help realign vertebrae and discs and relieve nerve compression, deep tissue massage to release trigger points in the shoulder and upper back, physical therapy, acupuncture and lifestyle guidance to improve posture and other activities, as well as other techniques. Each plan of treatment will be focused on the unique needs of the patient for optimal relief of symptoms.
Headaches/ Migraines
Headaches can be caused by many factors, including chronic and acute stress and anxiety, poor posture, traumatic injury, surgery, medications, food and other allergies, underlying diseases like high blood pressure, sleep problems, and spine- and nerve-related issues. Because so many factors can contribute to headaches and their symptoms, customized treatment plans based on the needs, symptoms and underlying causes of each patient is the best way to provide both immediate and long-term relief of symptoms.
What is a migraine headache?
A migraine headache is a type of a headache that is associated with severe pain and other symptoms, like nausea, increased sensitivity to light and sound, and often, visual disturbances called a migraine aura. Both vascular and nerve-related factors contribute to migraines, which can be debilitating. Chiropractic care can be an ideal solution for migraines since the techniques used in chiropractic care are designed to improve both circulation and nervous system function.
How does chiropractic care help treat headaches and their symptoms?
First, chiropractors perform hands-on evaluations that can identify specific sources of pain that may go undiagnosed by traditional medical care practitioners. Chiropractic treatment techniques are designed to tap into the body’s natural healing processes to promote healing based on the specific symptoms and medical needs of each patient. By relieving nerve impingements and promoting circulation in the head and neck area, chiropractic care can help reduce inflammation and irritation associated with many causes of headache pain. Deep tissue massage and manipulation techniques can release tension in muscles and “break up” painful trigger points in the shoulders and upper back. Plus, lifestyle guidance can help patients improve posture, alter work environments, and learn other techniques to help reduce strain and even relieve chronic stress and anxiety. Finally, chiropractors help patients learn how to use therapeutic exercise and stretching techniques at home to help prevent headaches and their associated pain from occurring in the future.
Sports Injury
Many sports injuries occur as the result of a direct impact with equipment, surfaces or other players. However, a large number of injuries occur for other reasons, including overextension of muscles and other soft tissues, overuse or repetitive strain, or from twisting or torquing a limb or joint, like when pivoting or making a fast change of direction. Different sports are associated with different types of injuries, and even relatively low-impact sports like swimming can cause injuries that require prompt attention to relieve pain and prevent more serious issues from developing. Many injuries can cause radiating pain as well as referred pain in addition to localized symptoms.
How does chiropractic treatment address sports injuries?
Because sports injuries can have so many causes and because there are so many different types of injuries related to sports and physical activities, any treatment plan must be carefully tailored to suit the specific needs of the athlete. In every case, a thorough examination using hands-on techniques and other approaches, including diagnostic imaging like x-rays or CT scans when necessary, ensures treatment is on target throughout the course of care and recovery. Many injuries can benefit from more than one type of care, and common treatment options include chiropractic adjustment to realign the spine and relieve nerve impingements, deep tissue manipulation and massage, active release techniques to address deep muscle knots and adhesions and physical therapy to relieve symptoms while promoting strength, flexibility and range of motion.
Can chiropractic care help reduce the risk of sports injuries?
Yes, chiropractic care and treatment is aimed at promoting whole-body health by optimizing neural pathways throughout the body, so reflexes, mobility, flexibility, and strength can all be improved. Plus, chiropractors can guide help athletes of all levels perform better so they can avoid injury and strain.
Neuropathy
Neuropathy is a medical condition caused by damaged nerve cells and often associated with autoimmune diseases, infections, diabetes, tumors, or hereditary conditions. Peripheral neuropathy currently affects over 20 million people in the United States with symptoms ranging from tingling or burning pain and nausea to muscle spasms, difficulty moving your arms or legs, or atrophy.
Sciatica
Sciatica is a type of low back pain that develops when the sciatic nerve becomes compressed or “pinched” where it exits the spine. The sciatic nerve comprises two main branches. Each branch travels down one leg. In sciatica, one or sometimes both branches become compressed, causing pain and deep aching in the low back and, usually, additional symptoms of pain, numbness or burning that radiate into the buttocks, hips, and legs. Treating sciatica focuses on addressing the underlying nerve compression, which often responds well to spinal adjustment or physical therapy.
Plantar Fasciitis
The plantar fascia is a strong band of supportive tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot, from the base of the toes to the heel. Its function is to support the arch and bones of the middle section of the foot. When the plantar fascia becomes irritated or inflamed, it can cause pain across the bottom of the foot as well as painful symptoms centered in and around the heel.
What risk factors are associated with plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis occurs more commonly with age as the plantar fascia becomes stiffer and less flexible, and it is also more common among people who are overweight or obese, as pressures from excess pounds bear down on the tissues, causing them to weaken and become strained and inflamed. Plantar fasciitis also tends to develop in people who spend long periods of time standing on their feet each day. Symptoms of plantar fasciitis are often worse in the morning or after a long period of inactivity when the band of tissue has time to stiffen up. After movement, pain may resolve or lessen as tissues warm up and become more flexible, but the pain will return after another period of inactivity.
How can a chiropractor help relieve the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?
Chiropractors can help relieve the pain and stiffness of plantar fasciitis by optimizing the neural pathways in the feet, heels, and ankles, as well as improving circulation that is necessary to heal tissues that have become damaged due to persistent inflammation or constant pressure. Plus, chiropractic techniques are also aimed at reducing inflammation and swelling which can also compromise healing. Deep tissue manipulation and therapeutic massage can be used directly at the site of pain and inflammation to promote optimal healing for both immediate and long-term improvements.
Hip Pain
The hip joint is subjected to considerable strains all day long when walking, sitting or performing other tasks. Some of the most common causes of hip pain include:
- Osteoarthritis that can cause stiffness in addition to pain
- Herniated discs that cause nerve compression in the lower back and pain that radiates into the hip
- Sprains and strains and other injuries affecting the tendons, ligaments, and muscles
- Slip-and-fall accidents and other types of traumatic injuries
- Knee-related problems that cause uneven strain on the hips
- Being obese or overweight which places excess strain on all the weight-bearing joints
How does sciatica cause hip pain?
Sciatica occurs when a spongy disc located between two spinal bones (vertebrae) slips out of position and winds up pressing on one or both branches of the sciatic nerve as they exit the spine. The branches of the sciatic nerve travel through the buttocks and hips and down each leg. When the sciatic nerve becomes “pinched,” the compression causes considerable pain and aching sensations in the lower back as well as pain, numbness and weakness radiating into the hip and often down the leg as well.
What does a chiropractor do to address hip pain?
Before any treatment is performed, the chiropractor will perform a thorough assessment of the hip as well as a review of the symptoms to determine the cause of those symptoms. The evaluation will include exercises or movements performed in the office as well as a hands-on assessment to determine which areas and movements are associated with pain. In some cases, x-rays, CT scans, MRIs or ultrasounds may be ordered to obtain additional information that can help guide treatment. Once the cause has been determined, treatment options can include chiropractic adjustments to relieve nerve compressions, therapeutic massage, and deep tissue manipulation to release tension and relieve inflammation and pain, and physical therapy to promote an optimal range of motion and function in the joint.
Functional Wellness
Functional wellness offers the opportunity to reverse the progression of certain health conditions and alleviate many of the symptoms associated with chronic disease and illness. This improves your quality of life and allows you to be more active and productive on all levels. Functional wellness includes methods and techniques chosen specifically for your individual needs. The primary goal is not to cover up the signs or symptoms that you experience, but to identify the cause and take the necessary measures to treat it effectively.
- Herbs and botanicals
- Natural supplements
- Massage therapy
- Aromatherapy
These elements and others are meant to be used in addition to conventional healthcare offering you a full spectrum of opportunities and resources.
Why is functional wellness important?
Science has turned aging into a process with many phases. Functional wellness assesses the physical health and well-being of the body in each stage in an attempt to address specific illnesses and diseases that have a negative impact on quality of life. It offers the option to blend both conventional medicine with alternatives therapies in an attempt to provide a level of healthcare that addresses each of your issues on all levels of wellness. The main concepts are meant to sustain wellness through limiting the advancement of chronic illness and reduce the risk of suffering from a lower quality of life due to overmedication and the side effects of harsh medications.
Who qualifies for functional wellness?
In order to qualify for functional wellness treatment options, you need to answer the following questions:
- Do you expect immediate results?
- Do you look to your healthcare provider as someone who can “fix” or “cure” all of your complaints?
- Has your level of activity dropped with each passing year because “getting older is supposed to slow you down”?
- Do you expect your body to recover as if you’re 20 years younger?
Optimal living takes work. You must make an effort to identify potential risks and be willing to take the appropriate action. This involves playing an active role in forming your treatment plan and establishing positive lifestyle habits that empower you physically, mentally, and emotionally. Breaking the habits that are the result of mental programming used by pharmaceutical companies is the first step in taking control of your health and changing your life for the better.