Chiropractic Works

Posts Tagged ‘pain’

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.

Technorati Tags: back, chiropractic, chiropractor, chiropractors, pain

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.

Technorati Tags: chiropractic, chiropractor, chiropractors, pain, shoulder

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.

Technorati Tags: chiropractic, chiropractor, chiropractors, neck, pain