Chiropractic Works

Archive for March, 2009

Sports injuries, these days are not just limited to professional athletes or kids who participate in school sports programs. Today, men and women of all ages are committed to regular sports and fitness activities. The vast majority of people are involved in sports like golf and tennis, and/or other healthy activities like running, aerobic classes, and weight training. No matter what the activity,though, there is constantly the risk of injury.

Most of injuries generally fit into two groups: 1) traumatic injury, such as a slip, fall, or collision and, 2) repetitive stress or overuse injury.

Traumatic Injuries

As the name implies, this sort of injury creates the kind of incapacitation and debilitation most commonly associated with trauma. Nearly all traumatic injuries are to the ligaments, the tissue that connects bone to bone, and to body muscles, but fractures and dislocations do take place at times, especially with contact sports. Damage to a ligament is called a sprain, while an injury to a muscle or its tendon is a strain.  Sprains and strains most frequently occur in the ankles, knees, and shoulders, and less frequently in the low back and neck. Because the spinal cord and/or spinal nerves can be affected, injury to the neck and low back can be very serious.

Traumatic injuries can range from a mild “muscle pull” or ankle twist to a serious problem needing surgery. The seriousness of the injury depends upon several factors, such as the severity of tearing of the tissues, the whereabouts of the injury, and the age of the person. Most sprains and strains are identified with some degree of swelling and sometimes with internal bleeding, particularly with injury to the ankles and knees. Strains and sprains need proper attention, especially during the initial stages of an injury, to insure correct healing and avoid future disability. Treatment from a competent health-care professional, such as your Santa Barbara chiropractor, is highly advisable.

Listed below is an acronym for the post-injury management of sprains and strains expressly if no professional aid is available: PRICE
P    Protect injury to avoid additional damage
R    Rest the damaged body region
I     Ice injury to decrease swelling, bleeding, muscle spasm, and pain
C    Compress injury with a specifically designed or elastic bandage to support injured tissues
E    Elevate the injury, expressly when dealing with ankles and knees

As formerly mentioned, appropriate evaluation and care are essential to a thorough recovery. A chiropractor can determine the magnitude of your injury and institute needed recovery treatment. Nearly all of these injuries can recover, although they do require knowledgeable treatment during the various stages of healing. If not carefully monitored and treated, a sprain or strain injury can result in persistent joint instability, painful or weak joints and muscles, and lack of mobility. Expert care of your sports injury by a chiropractor with years of experience in sports injury management will insure that your injury mends properly. Call your chiropractor if you have sustained a traumatic injury.

Overuse or Repetitive Strain Injuries

These injuries are becoming more widespread, particularly among people going out for sports such as golf, tennis, bowling, and any other activity that requires the same activity over and over (repetitively). Even running, particularly on a treadmill, can generate such afflictions.

Essentially, overuse or repetitive stress injuries come about when a person is occupied in a repetitious activity that produces a very small strain to tissues, particularly tendons and muscles, that by itself would not cause a problem, but repeated many times has an accumulative effect.  Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is one of the most common classes of overuse injuries. Over time the muscle or other affected tissue develops changes that no longer allow it to function correctly, resulting in pain, stiffness and disability. There are two categories of factors that predispose a person to these types of problems:  1) Intrinsic, i.e., found within a person’s own body, and 2) Extrinsic, i.e., external factors that can generally be changed or controlled by the sufferer.

Some of the most widespread intrinsic factors for injury

Age is the mostwell-established intrinsic factor for injury. The older a person is, the easier it is for that individual to get injured. Congenital abnormalities are another factor. Some people are born with joint or muscle problems. And, finally, previous injuries are a factor as they often keep the joints or muscles from functioning properly.

Extrinsic factors for injury

Extrinsic factors are abundant.  An inappropriate grip size of a tennis racket, worn-out running shoes, an uneven treadmill surface, or a too-hard surface for soccer are all instances of faulty sports equipment that can create problems. Incorrect technique in any sport, such as an awkward golf grip is, as they say, an injury waiting to happen All sports activities necessitate some pre-conditioning, which is why people who aren’t in shape who continue to prolong the duration of an activity without easing in slowly, as well as those who lack flexibility, are injured most often. Warming up is very important before sports activities and lack of warm-up, that is, not stretching or preparing for an activity is a widespread cause of injury.  And, lastly, but perhaps surprising to some, stress is a factor. Muscles that are tense and inflexible because of stress are too tight and, as such, unprepared for most sports activities.

There are many factors that are extrinsic and, hence, within a person’s control. Before embarking on a new sport, or as a way to ward off injury in a current sport, it’s wise to get an assessment of your overall body condition. If you’ve been injured, it is vital to seek out a qualified professional, like a chiropractor, to diagnose the nature of the injury and design a plan of therapy. If left untreated, an injury will not only stop someone from participating in a favorite activity, but can greatly affect someone’s life in general. Treatment such as joint manipulation, massage, bracing, and specific exercises is generally needed to stabilize the condition. A chiropractor is your best source of help. Call a chiropractor if you’re either thinking of beginning a new activity, you’re feeling pain related to a current sports activity, or you’ve sustained a sports injury. Your Santa Barbara Chiropractor has years of experience helping people just like you.

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Introduction

The average person takes between 3,000 and 5,000 steps everyday. Not to mention, many of us participate in activities, such as running and aerobic exercise, that add many more steps, as well as stress to our poor, overworked feet. It is no wonder that many people have aches and pains in this part of the body. Components such as flat feet or over-pronated feet, individual walking and running style, and the type of shoe a person wears can determine if a person will experience foot and ankle pain. Also these factors can also affect the health of a person’s back, knees and legs. Listed below are several of the most prevalent conditions that affect the feet and ankle.

Hallux Valgus and Bunions

Hallux Valgus, a slow-developing condition, is apparent when the big toe or hallux angles off towards the outside of the foot, frequently practically overlapping or bumping into the adjacent toe. Furthermore, a bump, called a bunion, frequently is generated on the inside of the big toe. Hallux Valgus pain is normally felt during weight-bearing activities such as walking or prolonged standing, although if a bunion has developed, a “numbing” or “burning” pain in the big toes can be felt at rest.

The joint between the big toe and the first metatarsal (the first metatarsal-phalangeal) is the true difficulty, and not the bone, itself. It is the injury to this joint that causes the pain and deformity associated with Hallux Valgus. Over-pronation that creates abnormal pressure on the big toe and first metatarsal during walking causes the prolonged wear and tear that often results in Hallux Valgus. Inflammatory arthritis that damages the joint and causes degenerative changes is another cause. But, one of the most prevalent causes of the condition is the high-heeled and pointed shoes that women commonly wear. These shoes not only put added stress on the joint, but also aid in pushing the big toe to the outside.

If you have symptoms of Hallux Valgus, your chiropractor can examine your foot to determine which factors are contributing to your challenge, and then use a variety of chiropractic techniques and modalities to decrease pain and improve the function of your foot.

Plantar Fascitis ( Heel Pain )

One of the most well known foot problems is heel pain, and the cause is generally aggravation of the plantar fascia or Plantar Fascitis. The plantar fascia, a band of connective tissue that encases the muscles on the bottom of the foot, attaches the heel bone to the ball of the foot. It supports the arch, protects the foot, and absorbs shock.

Those with Plantar Fascitis many times complain of pain in the morning after first standing when they get out of bed and also when they stand up after having sat for a while. The pain begins just in front of the heel bone, but can advance over the entire bottom of the foot.

Eventually, aggravation associated with the ailment can lead to the development of scar tissue, calcium deposits and eventually heel spurs. These spurs are a bony growth on the front part of the calcaneus of the heel bone where the plantar fascia adheres and can create a sharp stabbing pain with walking

Individuals with other foot conditions, especially Pes Planus (flat feet) and/or over-pronation, are most susceptible to Plantar Fascitis, however other factors often partly responsible as well. Muscle imbalances between the calf muscles and the muscles on the bottom of the foot are a crucial contributing factor. Many times the calf muscles get short and tight exerting a strong pull upon the back of the calcaneus. This creates too much stress on the smaller and weaker plantar muscles and its fascia that adhere to the other side of the calcaneus. Wearing high heels will cause a shorting and tightening of the calf muscles, as will running and jumping activities. Sudden strenuous activity after a period of prolonged inactivity, aberrant walking patterns (such as over-pronation), inappropriate footwear, walking on hard or uneven surfaces (especially barefooted), and obesity all stress the plantar fascia.

People who are constantly on their feet, such as nurses, teachers and waiters, are more susceptible to Plantar Fascitis, as are athletes who participate in foot-stressing activities such as aerobics, volleyball, running, basketball, and tennis.

Once an individual develops plantar fascitis, it is often not easy to manage and can become intensely painful and persistent. Chiropractors are experts in not only determining the cause of your pain, but in recommending appropriate therapy, such as joint manipulation, muscle stretching and strengthening exercises, special taping, ultrasound therapy and, in some cases, orthotics.

Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles Tendonitis is a painful, and often, debilitating irritation of the Achilles tendon, also called the “heel cord.” This large tendon is a continuance of the two biggest calf muscles and runs down the back of the lower leg attaching to the heel bone or calcaneus. Damage to this valuable tendon can make it challenging or even impossible to walk. The challenge may be caused by a sudden single incident, such as jumping, but more frequently it results from an accumulation of smaller stresses that create small tears in the tendon over time. Usually, the appearance of symptoms is gradual. The irritation may be relatively minor at first, but slowly worsens if the sufferer tries to “work through” the pain. Many Achilles tendonitis sufferers ascribe their initial discomfort to the aches and pains that go along with age or fatigue. In severe cases, a total rupture of the tendon can occur, resulting in traumatic harm and excruciating pain that makes walking virtually impossible and may even require corrective surgery.

Athletes and performers, such as dancers, whose activities contain not only running and jumping, but sudden starts and stops, are especially vulnerable to Achilles tendonitis. In addition, women who regularly wear high-heeled shoes are also at risk, particularly if they switch to sport shoes for exercise. In these cases, the Achilles tendon and muscles gradually habituate to the shortened position created by wearing high-heels, as the heel does not have to stretch all the way to the ground. When this happens, the change to exercise or flat shoes forces the Achilles tendon to stretch further than it is used to, thereby producing stress and irritation. This is why, high-heels should not be worn everyday. If they are unavoidable, stretching should be done every morning and night to keep the Achilles tendon lengthened.

As mentioned above, Achilles tendonitis is often age-related, especially in men who are athletes. As a person ages, the arch tends to flatten producing over-pronation and increased stress on the Achilles tendon, as well as the calf and foot muscles. Achilles tendon pain is also common in those who exercise infrequently, such as the “weekend warrior” and in those who are just novices at exercise. In both cases, muscles and tendons have little flexility due to inactivity. Therefore, people who are just beginning to exercise after a long layoff should stretch properly, start slowly, and increase gradually.

Regardless of how it happened, if you are experiencing Achilles tendonitis symptoms, it is crucial for you to see a qualified professional. Your chiropractor is a highly-skilled professional who can help you to manage the condition before it becomes severe.

Pes Planus ( Flat Feet )

It is estimated that nearly one quarter of people have Pes Planus, more commonly known as flat feet. Every baby has flat feet, but somewhere between the ages 3-10 we develop an arch. However in certain people this development never takes place. There are a number of factors, in addition to genetic disposion that can cause flat feet, or predispose a person to the affliction. On occasion people develop arches only to have them collapse later in their life. This many times depends upon lifestyle, job, and level of activity. Age and weight also play a role in the development of the problem. Middle-aged individuals who have been working on their feet for years often experience flat feet, as do overweight individuals who are placing added stress on their feet and legs.

Some individuals have flat feet and never feel any distress, while others experience pain in the feet and knees, and occasionally in the hips and lower back as well. If you have flat feet and are experiencing pain, your chiropractor can develop a treatment plan to not only help with pain reflief, but assist in preventing further problems from developing. Chiropractic therapy includes joint adjustments to correct foot function and resolve painful symptoms. Your chiropractor may also prescribe arch-supporting insoles, called orthotics, for additional support and stability.

Metatarsalgia ( Pain in the ball of the foot )

Metatarsalgia, sometimes called “ball-of-foot pain,” is a pain in the bottom of the foot just behind the toes where the foot bends during walking. The pain is caused by a problem in one or more of the five metatarsal bones that extend from about halfway up the foot to the toes.

The feeling of pain can be limited to where the metatarsal bones connect the toe bones or it can extend along the entire length of the metatarsals, and possibly between them. Problems vary from stiffness upon movement to a burning or stinging sensation. The amount of pain depends upon whether the condition is due to a dysfunction in the joints or an inflammation to the nerves as they travel along the metatarsals.

The reason for the condition can be either structural or functional. An example of a structural cause is when the metacarpal bones are either too long or too short causing abnormal mechanics in the feet and too much stress upon this area. Flat feet or extreme arch can also alter the stresses on the metatarsals causing similar symptoms.

There are other factors that can affect these bones that are frequently in the control of the individual. These include excess body weight, tight or high-heeled shoes, and excessive or poor running or athletic training. Excess weight and the wearing high-heeled shoes both augment stress upon the metatarsal, which leads to joint pain and nerve inflammation. Repetitive foot activities, like running, directly stress the metatarsals by exposing them to constant trauma.

A chiropractor is able to expertly treat metatarsalgia, no matter what the cause may be. After diagnosing the underlying factors, you will be offered a number of non-invasive therapies, inluding orthotics when necessary, and you will be advised on how you can avoid future pain.

See your chiropractor as soon as possible if you are experiencing any of the foot problems mentioned above.

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Along with spinal conditions, knee pain and disability is one of the most frequent ailments of the musculoskeletal system. Poor mechanics of the knee, as well as reduced foot mechanics due to foot pain often create painful knee conditions. Additional causes normally include overuse of the knee joint, inflammation as the result of arthritic changes in the joint, and traumatic injury from sports and falls.

Non-trauma knee problems: The most widespread cause of non-traumatic pain is insufficient mechanics of the knee joint and the related stress on the soft tissues of the knee. The patella or knee-cap is the most common area affected because frequently the patella does not move sufficiently on the femur during bending of the knee producing undue stress on the tendons, cartilage and ligaments. This distinct condition is normally called chondromalacia patella (CMP) or Patella Femoral Syndrome (Knee Cap Pain). The problem generally starts when there are imbalances in the quadriceps muscles of the thigh that attach to and move the patella. Imbalances in the muscles associated with knee movement frequently start from lower back dysfunction, particularly in the sacroiliac joint. Imbalances in muscle groups that connect to the knee can also lead to pain and dysfunction. For example, pain on the medial or inside of the knee occurs when the muscles on the insides of the thigh are stretched and tight.   Faulty foot mechanics that create gait deviations such as pronation, are an additional cause of mechanical knee pain.

The associated pain from overuse is most frequently experienced during activity, in particular stair climbing, running, jumping, and after rising after prolonged sitting. A number of women appear to be predisposed to painful overuse problems for anatomical reasons, but such problems are frequently related to wearing high heels on a regular basis.

The main treatment for mechanical or overuse injuries to the knee is to re-establish proper balance of the muscles, restore proper movement to the patella and other joints of the knee, and to correct any subluxations of the sacroiliac joints and bones of the foot.  In certain cases, a brace is used to aid with the alignment of the patella or to support the joint. Chiropractors, such as your chiropractor, are highly experienced in providing the proper diagnosis and treatment of these conditions.

Knee problems due to trauma: Traumatic injuries often occur during activities that involve running and jumping, such as football, basketball, and skiing. Sprains happen when tissue is torn by virtue of the knee being pulled or bent beyond the facility of the ligaments that hold the joint together. Strains to muscles that give motion to the knee can take place when the muscles are torn during injury. As with a sprain, a muscle strain can vary from a mild injury that requires little treatment to a extreme injury necessitating surgery. The knee also has two special “cartilages” – the menisci – between the tibia and the femur that facilitate frictionless mobility and cushioning. These cartilages can also be torn during trauma, and commonly need surgical repair, or even removal if damaged severely.

Traumatic knee injuries can cause serious pain and swelling and necessitate urgent examination and care. Almost always an experienced chiropractor, such as your chiropractor, can manage these problems, but there are some injuries that do need the craft of an orthopedic surgeon. Nevertheless, it is very important to stabilize the injured joint right away and to ice the injured area, if possible, until the injury can be evaluated.

Conditions such as poor mechanics and problems due to overuse, as well as traumatic injuries, need to be fixed at an early stage. If not, the tissues of the knee joint, expressly the cartilage, will eventually erode. As a result the bones will rub on one another, and changes such as bone spurs can eventuate. This painful condition, known as degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis, is commonly progressive with age. Usual treatment may involve medications such as NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Nevertheless, there are natural anti-inflammatory supplements that are very effective such as rosemary, glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, bioflavinoids, curcumin. Conservative treatment, such as chiropractic, can be extremely beneficial in reducing the pain. Your San Jose chiropractor is will gladly discuss anti-inflammatory supplements. In addition, sufferers can often aid themselves by keeping their weight down, doing exercises (especially in the pool), and wearing cushioned shoes or insoles.

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Are you suffering from back pain due to arthritis? Do you also have a challenge with your weight?  If so, it’s conceivable that you’re having back pain not only as the result of arthritis, but also because of the burden your weight is putting on your spine.  The body was not intended to carry around additional weight in the form of body fat.  Your spine, which supports your body, is being put under a great deal of strain even if you are only carrying a surplus 20 or 30 pounds all the time. This kind of stress can cause irregularities of the vertebral column. These misaligned vertebra can produce arthritic changes in the spine and persist in aggravating the degenerative changes that have begun. Furthermore, your body may compensate in other ways, like your hips moving forward or tilting to support the excess poundage.  This can pinch the sciatic nerve, which is extremely painful.

A current survey by the NPD Group, a leading market research firm based in Rosemont, Ill., reveals that approximately 62% of men and women and 34% of adolescents are overweight or obese. The pervasiveness of arthritis amplifies with accumulating weight. Research implies that cultivating a healthy weight lessens the risk of developing arthritis in the first place and may slow degenerative progression. A reduction of just 11 pounds can decrease the occurrence (incidence) of new knee osteoarthritis and would do a great deal to relieve back pain as well.

A healthy diet and routine exercise is definitely necessary for a person who wants to overcome their back pain, knee pain, and joint pain in other places in the body.  Although this counsel presumably doesn’t seem like anything new, it truly is the only action for you to take in order to get out of pain and regain your life. 

First of all, let’s tackle the issue of dieting.  Most diets (and there are plenty to choose from) can be temporarily effective.  Obviously, if you were to lose weight for keeps, the diet industry would lose a life-long customer!  Eating a life-enriching diet (as a lifestyle choice and not just a temporary fix) and decreasing your calories so that you are using more calories than you are taking in is the only method of losing weight in a healthy, permanent manner.  Don’t try to lose 20 pounds every week because that is a limited and dangerous fix. Losing about 2 pounds every week will help you to lose the weight permanently and healthfully.

Research has shown that exercise and physical activity not only reduces pain and improves function, but truly delays disability. It is important for you to get a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate physical activity a minimum of 3 days a week. You can get activity in 10-minute intervals.

Chiropractic manipulation is a proved way to get movement back in the joints of your spine and other places in, and can be a smart first step before you begin an exercise program. A well-aligned spine makes exercise and physical activity a good deal easier and will slow down arthritic degenerative changes. The Annals of Internal Medicine released the results of a survey of 232 people who had arthritis and were under a rheumatologist’s care.  Of those people, 63% responded to the survey by stating that they were utilizing some kind of “complementary care” as named by the study.  Of those people, 31% were utilizing chiropractic. Likely the most consequential statistic was that 73% of those utilizing chiropractic found it helpful.  Answering why they’d tried the non-medical chiropractic care, those surveyed gave a number of reasons: 1) to reduce pain, 2) they’d been told that it helps, 3) they felt assured that it is safe, 4) it had assisted someone they knew, and 5) because their prescription medication wasn’t doing the job.

Chiropractors, also called doctors of chiropractic, have been aiding men and women suffering from back pain due to arthritis and other arthritic conditions for over a hundred years. Not only can arthritic pain and degenerative changes in the spine be produced by the misaligned vertebra that your chiropractor will adjust, if left unchanged misalignments can reduce resistance and immunity, which can create new health conditions.

It is always wise to visit a health care professional to discuss diet and exercise. If you want to find highly knowledgeable advice on the type of lifestyle changes that you will required to help you to manage your arthritis, your chiropractor will be very happy to help you. Furthermore, in addition to correcting any misalignments in your spine, your chiropractor will diagnose any faulty gait patterns or posture irregularities that may be adding to the pain you are experiencing.

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Introduction

Arthritis is more often than not confusing to most people.When some people hear this word they contemplate a future with crippled and twisted joints.  However “arthritis” is generic word that comprises many different conditions from the benign to the severe. For our purposes we will limit this discussion to the most common forms of arthritis.

Osteoarthritis and Chiropractic Care

The most common form of arthritis has many labels: osteoarthritis, degenerative arthritis, degenerative joint disease (DJD), and spondylosis if it is in the spine. Essentially, the condition is due to the wearing out of the cartilage that lines the joint surfaces, and it is found not only in humans, but also in all mammals. When joint cartilage is harmed, the sensitive bone tissue that is usually protected by the cartilage becomes stressed causing degenerative changes in the joint. Sometimes the bone around the joint will proliferate and make osteophytes, or what are more commonly called bone spurs. These spurs can cause painful irritation to other tissues adjacent to the joint, thus complicating the already distressing condition. 

Degenerative joints principally occur in the lower neck and lower back, the knees, hips, and fingers. Everyone may experience DJD at one point in their lives, though previous trauma, ones occupation, activities, weight, diet, and heredity influence the degree of the condition and its onset.

Pain and/or stiffness in the affected joints are primary indicators of DJD. As the condition continues there can be loss of mobility, particularly when weight-bearing joints such as hips or knees are implicated.  As a last resort joints can be surgically replaced with synthetic devices. This should be done only in severe cases where the joint is appreciably worn and movement is intolerable due to severe pain.

Prevention is unquestionably the best option, beginning at an early age.

• Making sure that all injuries to joints are properly treated will help to avoid future problems.
• People involved in occupations that demand standing or walking should wear proper shoes that offer good support and shock absorption.
• Excess body weight can cause increased stress upon the weight bearing joints of the body.

• Care should be taken to protect knees from pain aad strain when kneeling on hard surfaces.

• The natural vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants included in fruits and vegetables are crucial for healthy joints and a healthy body.

Recent studies have shown that long-term use of the nutritional supplement, Glucosamine, can not only assist with DJD symptoms, but can possibly help to rebuild joint cartilage.

Chiropractic adjustments are not only a smart idea, but an effective treatment for arthritis, and can help to restore proper mobility and function to the spinal joints, thereby giving patients great relief. Your chiropractor has many of years of training in helping people with arthritis pain. In addition, chiropractic modalities such as joint mobilization, ultrasound, cold laser therapy, massage and electro-therapy may be used to aid in the treatment of painful and stiff joints. Occasionally, a brace is necessary to secure the joint and relieve pain. A chiropractor may suggest exercises such as stretching, yoga, tai chi and other gentle mobilizing activities to help maintain arthritic joints.

Gout

An increased level of uric acid in the blood and the deposition of uric acid crystals in the joints cause gouty arthritis. The most common joints are the big toes, the knees, ankles and wrists, and is often characterized by excruciating pain and swelling. A large number of people who develop gout are predisposed through heredity, though episodes are generally brought on by binge eating of inflammatory foods, when dehydrated or fasting, or after a major surgery or illness. Foods that must be avoided contain a natural substance called Purines that are metabolized in the liver to form uric acid. Individuals with this condition cannot effectively metabolize uric acid, thus the accumulation in the bloodstream and the subsequent joint problems. The foods most connected with high purine content are: red meat especially organ meat, certain seafood, legumes, mushrooms and other foods as well. There are other dietary restrictions that must be followed including avoiding alcohol.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease of systemic origin. The direct cause is not known, but it is thought to be associated with a problem with the immune system. The most common joints affected are the small joints of the hands and fingers, the feet, knees, and shoulder, although other areas of the body can be affected as well. The condition is generally associated with morning stiffness that is aggravated by motion. Many times people complain of general malaise and fatigue, and the disease in its more advanced forms can affect many of the other body systems. Rheumatoid arthritis can be easily identified through specific blood tests. Though, currently, there is no cure, in addition to medication and vitamin and diet therapy, treatment should include chiropractic manipulations to mobilize joints and help to relieve the pain and stiffness associated with this disease. Additional modalities such as ultrasound, heat, electro-therapy, and massage may also be valuable. Your Chicago chiropractor is dedicated to assisting individuals in getting relief from the pain and suffering associated with arthritis.

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Low Back Pain

Low back pain is second in commonality only to the common cold. It affects more than 80% of people. Although most people are aware that the common cold is due to a viral infection, back pain is often puzzling to its sufferers. Your Fort Worth Chiropractor is an expert at solving the puzzle.

Anatomy

Knowledge of the anatomy of the spine is essential in understanding back pain. The spinal bones or vertebrae of the lower back are made of posterior joints called facets that link vertebrae to one another and serve to guide the action of the spine. The inter-vertebral discs join the bodies of the vertebrae and are comprised of a form of tough cartilage that surrounds a soft material in the center, called the nucleus. The primary function of the disc is as a shock absorber and spacer between the vertebrae. Ligaments and muscles also join the vertebrae. The wedge-shaped bone at the bottom of the spine is the sacrum and is joined to the two pelvic bones at the sacroiliac joint. The spinal cord is located between the facets of the vertebrae. The spinal nerves leave the spine between the vertebrae.

Causes of Back Pain

A large number of back pain patients have not experienced any trauma, accidents or major injuries prior to the onset of their problem. The cause of most back pain is the cumulative effects of unhealthy sitting posture, poor work habits, incorrect lifting, lack of proper exercise and other negative lifestyle-related factors.  All of these factors cause stresses and imbalances on the spine and eventually produce pain. This is why people can often injure their back simply by bending over to pick up a piece of paper. The spine was already put in jeopardy and just the simple act of bending was enough to set off the problem. When this comes about, the surrounding back muscles go into spasm to protect the stressed or injured tissues of the back. Chiropractors are back pain specialists. Your chiropractor can help you to get out of pain quickly.

Disc Problems & Sciatica

Increased pressure on the intervertebral discs and imbalances in the muscles around the spine can happen during and after prolonged sitting, particularly in a slouched position. Eventually the lower spine loses its usual function and no longer can accommodate for the normal day-to-day stresses in ones life. In the end, the intervertebral disc develops small fissures, or cracks, letting the soft nucleus to bulge the disc outward. If the disc pushes on sensitive tissues, it produces the pain that is often referred to as a slipped disc. If the disc presses on the spinal nerve, an individual can develop sciatica, which is defined as pain, tingling, numbness, and sometimes weakness in the lower extremities. Occasionally if the disc protrusion or herniation is large and the condition is not managed correctly, surgery is necessary to remove the herniated disc material. However, with the correct chiropractic adjustments and management, as well as postural exercises, most of these cases can healthfully mend. If you are experiencing any of the problems defined above, it is crucial for you to seek chiropractic attention.

Spondylosis

Repetitive injury to the discs, facet joints, and surrounding ligaments may produce increased erosion and weight-bearing stress on the spine. Bone spurs are formed when the cartilage around the joints is unfavorably affected by stress that causes calcium to deposit in the tissues around the vertebrae. These spurs can compress adjacent nerves, blood vessels and soft tissue resulting in symptoms ranging from minor pain and numbness to gross sensory loss and muscular atrophy. This condition – known as Spondylosis – is a form of arthritis that seems to affect almost everyone at some point in life, as it is a common part of the aging process of the spine as well. However, determinants such as previous trauma, unhealthy lifestyle, and repetitive stress injury influence the time of onset in life. Regular chiropractic adjustments and overall chiropractic management is extremely beneficial in slowing the aging process of the spine, as well as aiding Spondylosis sufferers in managing their condition. Your Fort Worth Chiropractor has helped many Spondylosis sufferers.

Sacroiliac Problems

Another prevalent area of dysfunction or injury in the low back is in the sacroiliac joints. These weight-bearing joints link the upper part of the body to the lower pelvic portion and are usually very strong and stable. However with damage such as falls, sports injuries, or lifting heavy objects, the joints can become unstable and relocate to an abnormal position.  This condition is called a sacroiliac subluxation. Women may encounter this condition during or after their pregnancy. Sacroiliac subluxation produces imbalances in the lower extremities giving a person a functional long and short leg. Those with this syndrome will feel pain specifically with prolonged standing and walking, or during or after physical activity. Many complain of lack of energy and exhaustion.  Many times this imbalance can affect structures further up the spine and individuals can develop neck and shoulder pain, as well as headaches. Chiropractic adjustments and treatment are extremely effective in ameliorating this problem by establishing proper alignment of the joints.. Ask your Fort Worth chiropractor how you can receive effective pain relief.

Spinal Subluxation

Subluxated or misaligned facets joints are a prevalent disorder of the lower back, as well as the entire spine. Subluxations can prevail on their own or in conjunction with disc problems and Spondylosis. They not only cause pain, but they can also imparel the spinal nerves as they exit the foramen or spaces between the vertebrae, and produce nerve compression, known as paraethesia. Paraesthesia is an alteration of sensation described as a tingling, burning or “funny feeling.” Paraesthesia in the upper extremities usuallyoriginates from nerve problems in the neck, while paraesthesia in the lower extremities is very often associated with nerve challengesin the lumbar region (lower back). Visceral problems such as asthma and gastric conditions can also beassociated with, or complicated by, spinal subluxations and nerve compression. Subluxations are best eliminated by chiropractic adjustments.

Trauma

Trauma such as a fall, car accident, or sports injury can cause over-stretching or tearing of the tissues of the spine and lower back and cause extreme pain and immobility. Proper chiropractic care at the onset of symptoms is very important in order to prevent long term disability and the development of any of the above conditions. If you experience a trauma, call your chiropractor as soon as possible.

Scoliosis

Scoliosis is often associated with low back pain. Chiropractic care offers exceptional pain relief.

When it comes to the spine, chiropractors have more education and training than medical doctors. I can provides state of the art diagnosis and skilled treatment for any of the above-mentioned problems of the spine and lower back.

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Introduction

The complexity of the shoulder joint allows it to achieve many different movements and activities. Anatomically, the shoulder involves three unique bones – the scapula, the clavicle, and the humerus – many fastening ligaments, and approximately 20 different muscles. The main articulation, the glenohumeral joint, is attached by ligaments and a group of muscles (and their tendon attachments) known as the rotator cuff. Shoulder pain and disability are generally caused by problems with the rotator cuff. Sports injuries, mechanical dysfunctions from muscle imbalances, or wear and tear of the tissues encompassing the joint are often the causes of shoulder problems. Arthritic changes do take place in the shoulder joint, though not as commonly as in the weight-bearing joints of the spine, hips and knees.

Anatomy

Problems in the shoulder often originate in the cervical spine as the nerves from this region animate all of the muscles and other tissues of the shoulder, elbow, arm and hand. If these nerves are aggravated, the shoulder muscles can become tight or weak creating dysfunction in the normal mechanics of the joint, principally in the rotator cuff. A similar problem can occur if one overuses the shoulder causing sports injuries, or in other repetitive activities that cause the muscles of the joint to become overly tight or strained. Many persons are at risk of developing imbalance and shoulder problems if they sit too often in a hunched position, or with their shoulders held forward.

Rotator Cuff Syndrome

Pain and limited motion will continue to occur until the imbalances and inflammation are correctedchanged. The severity can vary from a slight “catching” or pain to an almost total inability to use the shoulder. people of all ages are afflicted by this painful predicament known as Shoulder Impingement or Rotator Cuff Syndrome.

Frozen Shoulder

Another common problem is ” frozen shoulder. “This often debilitating condition happens when the ligaments and tendons of the glenohumeral joint become so aggravated that adhesions develop making the joint practically stuck together. This results in extreme pain, as well as limitation of shoulder motion that makes it difficult for some individuals to even get dressed! Left alone, frozen shoulder can take several years to resolve on its own, if ever, and therefore treatment by a professional, such as your chiropractor is vital. There are many other afflictions of the shoulder however those mentioned above are by far the most common.

Treatment

Most shoulder treatments are generally the same. Muscle imbalances can be resolved with chiropractic treatment that includes soft tissue mobilization modalities to restore proper mobility to the shoulder joints and to correct any subluxations in the spine. Special rehabilitation exercises suggested by your chiropractor are also essential for a completeand quick recovery.

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If we awaken in the morning with a stiff and painful neck, the propensity is to blame the situation on our pillow, bed, or sleep position during that night. We also try to figure out what is occurring when sudden neck movement causes a sharp pain that feels as if “something” has slipped out of position or that a nerve is being “pinched.” It is useful to understand that most neck problems are seldom caused by a single incident, but usually by the cumulative effects of incorrect sitting posture, unhealthy work and living habits, lack of proper exercise and flexibility, and other lifestyle-related factors. Obviously, some neck problems are due to traumatic events such as a whiplash accident, a fall, or a sports injury.

In order to understand neck pain, it is helpful to understand the anatomy of the spine. The spinal bones or vertebrae of the neck are made up of posterior joints, called facets, that connect vertebrae to one another and serve to direct the motion of the spine. The inter-vertebral discs link the bodies of the vertebrae and are composed of a form of strong cartilage that encases a soft material in the center, called the nucleus. The discs act as shock absorbers and spacers between the vertebrae. In a canal positioned between the body and the facets of the vertebrae is the spinal cord. Spinal nerves exit the spine between the vertebrae and provide energy to muscles and organs of the body. They also carry sensory impulses, including pain information, from the body to the brain.  The nerves that leave from the neck are assigned to the entire upper extremity including the shoulder, elbow and hand, as well as structures of the head and neck. The natural forward curve of the neck balances the weight of the head and lessens stress on neck vertebrae. For more information please feel free to visit your chiropractor.

Risk Factors: Neck Pain and Computer Use

Computer use has risen considerably over the years, at home and in the workplace. Nowadays, many people spend eight to ten hours a day, or more, bent over a keyboard and staring at a monitor. Sitting with the head in a forward bent position (the posture most computer users adopt), puts enormous strain on neck ligaments and muscles. Furthermore, the normal forward curve of the neck may become reversed and create more stress on the surrounding tissue of the neck. Unhealthy posture and repetitive stress can produce spinal problems including disc herniation and subluxations, which are the primary causes of spinal nerve irritation. Besides general pain, spinal nerve inflammation in the neck can cause symptoms including headaches, eye problems, giddiness, arm and hand pain (and paraesthesia), as well as shoulder pain.

Headaches and Chiropractic Care

Headaches or migraines are commonly associated with dysfunction of the cervical spine. When the cervical vertebrae lose their normal position or motion, sensitive nerves and blood vessels that are related to structures in the head are stretched or irritated thus causing symptoms from a dull ache to throbbing pain. In many conditions the tight knots in the muscles of the neck, called trigger points, can also refer pain to the head.  Of course there are other factors connected with headaches including toxic fumes, certain foods, additives such as MSG, alcohol, caffeine, and stress. But, the alignment of the neck and the irritation of surrounding tissues should be a primary consideration when treating headaches and migraines. Chiropractic care has been shown to singularly beneficial in the treatment of headaches. Your chiropractor can give you further information regarding treatment and pain relief.

Whiplash and Chiropractic Care

Unfortunately, many people are involved in car accidents. Beyond question the most common auto accident is when one car collides into the rear-end of another car. During such a collision, the head of the passenger in the front automobile is powerfully jerked back, and then forward, causing injury to the structure of both the front and back of the neck. Such a strong force can cause damage to the ligaments, muscles, facet joints, discs, and spinal nerves. Besides neck pain and immobility, symptoms such as headaches, nausea, vertigo, arm and shoulder pain, tingling in the hands and fingers and weakness of the arm and hand are coincidental with whiplash injury. Immediate evaluation and x-rays are crucial in order to rule out a fracture. However in most cases, the injuries are mainly to the soft tissues and joints. Proper management is essential in healing from the pain and symptoms of whiplash, and also to prevent future disability. Your chiropractor is extremely knowledgeable in the area of whiplash injury, and is more than capable of managing the case from start to finish.

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