How to Get Back Pain Relief
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Can Chiropractic Help Back 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 a mystery to its sufferers. Your Fort Worth Chiropractor is an expert at solving the problem.
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 dictate the motion of the spine. Inter-vertebral discs, made of tough cartilage, link the bodies of the vertebrae. This strong cartilage encases the nucleus, a soft material in the center of the inter-vertebral discs. The discs act as shock absorbers and spacers between the vertebrae. Ligaments and muscles also join the vertebrae. The sacrum is a wedge-shaped bone at the bottom of the spine. It is connected to the two pelvic bones at the sacroiliac joint. The spinal cord is positioned between the facets of the vertebrae. The spinal nerves go out from the spine between the vertebrae.
Causes of Back Pain
Most often, back pain comes about without a trauma, an accident, or a major injury prior to the onset. The source of most back pain is the cumulative effects of awkward sitting posture, bad work habits, incorrect lifting, lack of regular exercise and other poor 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 challenge. When this happens, the surrounding back muscles go into spasm to protect the stressed or injured tissues of the back. Chiropractors are back pain specialists. Your Fort Worth Chiropractor can help you to get out of pain quickly.
Disc Problems & Sciatica
Prolonged sitting, especially in a slouched position causes increased pressure on the intervertebral discs and imbalances in the muscles around the spine. 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, allowing the soft nucleus to protrude the disc outward. If the disc pushes on sensitive tissues, it creates 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. Regrettably, if the disc protrusion or herniation is large and the condition isn’t managed properly, surgery may beneeded to remove the herniated disc material. Nonetheless, with the correct chiropractic adjustments and management, as well as postural exercises, most of these cases can healthfully recover. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms defined above, it is essential for you to seek chiropractic assistance.
Spondylosis
Increased erosion and weight-bearing stress on the spine occurs when there is repetitive assault to the discs, facet joints, and surrounding ligaments. This stress can negatively affect the cartilage around the joints and cause calcium to deposit in the tissues around the vertebrae, forming bone spurs. 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 kind of arthritis that is likely to affect almost everyone at some point in life, as it is a common part of the aging process of the spine as well. But, factors such as previous trauma, unhealthy lifestyle, and repetitive stress injury influence the time of onset in life. Regular chiropractic treatment and overall chiropractic management is very effective in slowing the aging process of the spine, as well as assisting Spondylosis sufferers in managing their condition. Your Fort Worth Chiropractor has assisted many Spondylosis sufferers.
Sacroiliac Problems
Another general area of dysfunction or injury in the low back is in the sacroiliac joints. These weight-bearing joints connect the upper part of the body to the lower pelvic portion and are normally very strong and stable. Damage from falls, sports injuries, or the lifting of heavy objects can cause the joints to become unstable and relocate to an abnormal position. This condition is called a sacroiliac subluxation. Pregnancy can also cause this condition. The imbalances in the lower extremities caused by sacroiliac subluxation can produce a functional long and short leg. Those with this problem will feel pain particularly with prolonged standing and walking, or during or after physical activity. Many complain of lack of energy and feeling tired easily. Many times this imbalance can affect structures further up the spine and people can develop neck and shoulder pain, as well as headaches. Chiropractic adjustments establish the proper alignment of the joints and are extremely affective in eliminating sacroiliac problems. Ask your Fort Worth chiropractor how you can experience effective pain relief.
Spinal Subluxation
Subluxated or misaligned facets joints are a common 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 cause nerve compression, known as paraethesia. Paraesthesia is an alteration of sensation described as a tingling, burning or “funny feeling.” Paraesthesia in the upper extremities oftenoriginates from nerve problems in the neck, while paraesthesia in the lower extremities is commonly associated with nerve dysfunctionin the lumbar region (lower back). Visceral problems such as asthma and gastric conditions can also becorrelated with, or complicated by, spinal subluxations and nerve compression. Subluxations are best treated by chiropractic adjustments.
Trauma
Trauma such as a fall, car accident, or sports injury can cause trauma to the spine and lower back. Often these traumas cause over-stretching or tearing of the tissues of the spine. When this occurs a person can feel considerable pain and immobility. Proper chiropractic care at the onset of symptoms is vital in order to escape 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 dysfunctions of the spine and lower back.
Carpal Tunnel Pain and Chiropractic Treatment
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Introduction
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome falls into the category of neurological conditions labeled nerve entrapment disorders and is clearly the most well-known of these disorders. As the name infers, these conditions take place when a nerve is trapped or constricted between other tissues of the body causing irritation and dysfunction of the nerve.
Anatomy
The carpal tunnel is positioned in the underside of the wrist and is a passageway in which the median nerve travels through on its way to innervate the hand and fingers. Along with the median nerve, the carpal tunnel includes the nine tendons of the forearm muscles that are responsible for bending and flexing of the fingers and thumb. There are also arteries and lymphatic vessels that furnish circulation to the hand located within the tunnel. The bottom and sides of this tunnel are formed by wrist bones and the top of the tunnel is covered by a sinewy band of connective tissue called the transverse carpal ligament. The diameter of the carpal tunnel is about the same as the index finger making the carpal tunnel an intensely-packed space. The flexor tendons, arteries and median nerve are intended to glide smoothly past each other during wrist and finger movement.
If the tendon size increases from inflammation or hypertrophy (growth), or if the carpal tunnel size shrinks due to an improper use of the carpal bones, the median nerve can become compressed or entrapped by the carpal tunnel. Initially, carpal tunnel symptoms mainly include, pain, numbness, pins and needles, and tinging in the fingers and hand, particularly the thumb and adjacent two fingers. The symptoms are markedly apparent at night, often awakening the sufferer from sleep and making it necessary for the person to “shake out” or rub the hands in an attempt to relieve the unpleasant sensations. In addition, activity can cause the hands to feel clumsy or weak, and fatigue easily. Eventually, grasping small objects using the thumb and fingers can be seriously affected and, without treatment, can result in complete debilitation of the hand.
The following are typical causes and corresponding conditions:
- repetitive and forceful grasping with the hands
- prolonged computer usage especially with poor wrist position
- activities that require repetitive bending of the wrist
- broken or dislocated bones in the wrist which produce swelling
- arthritis, especially the rheumatoid type
- thyroid gland imbalance
- sugar diabetes
- hormonal changes associated with menopause or pregnancy
Although any of the above can predispose one to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, in many cases the cause is unknown. Nevertheless, those who work with equipment that vibrates and/or perform their jobs in extreme temperatures often develop carpal tunnel symptoms. Even household activities as simple as repetitive wringing clothes by hand can help cause this syndrome. By far the most significant reason for the increase of people suffering with CTS is the continuous rise in the use of computers. This is becoming a major concern in the developed world where people of all ages are spending much of their time typing on a keyboard & clicking on a mouse.
Treatment
Proper diagnosis and management of this condition is essential in order to curtail the disabling symptoms associated with the advancement of CTS. Your Ventura Chiropractor has many years of experience in this area. Chiropractors are well-trained in treating CTS. Treatment by chiropractor can include ultrasound or low level laser to help reduce inflammation, electro therapy to strengthen weak muscles of the forearm, soft tissue massage to stretch contracted tissues and, of course, adjustments of the dysfunctional joints of the wrist. Your chiropractor may suggest that you wear a splint or support, especially at night, to help retain the wrist in a neutral position to decompress the carpal tunnel. Your Ventura Chiropractor will also give you specific exercises to stretch and/or strengthen muscles of the forearm and hand.
Chiropractic and Shoulder Pain Relief
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Tampa Chiropractor: Most Frequently Asked Questions
Introduction
The achievement of many different motions and activities is the result of the complexity of the shoulder joint. The shoulder bones, i.e., the scapula, clavicle and humerus, are fastened together by ligaments and nearly 20 different muscles. The primary articulation, the glenohumeral joint, is joined by ligaments and a group of muscles (and their tendon attachments) known as the rotator cuff. Problems with the rotator cuff are everyday causes of shoulder pain and disability. Sports injuries, mechanical dysfunctions from muscle imbalances, or wear and tear of the tissues around the joint are often the causes of shoulder problems. Arthritic changes do happen in the shoulder joint, though not as commonly as in the weight-bearing joints of the spine, hips and knees.
Anatomy
The nerves in the cervical spine region animate all of the muscles of the shoulder, elbow, arm and hand and can often pinpoint the origin of the shoulder problem. If these nerves are aggravated, the shoulder muscles can become tight or weak causing dysfunction in the conventional mechanics of the joint, principally in the rotator cuff. A similar situation can occur if one overworks the shoulder causing sports injuries, or in other repetitive activities that cause the muscles of the joint to become overly tight or strained. People are at risk of developing imbalance and shoulder problems if they sit too often in a slouched position, or with their shoulders held forward.
Rotator Cuff Syndrome
Pain and constricted motion will continue to occur until the imbalances and aggravation are rectified. The severity can vary from a slight “catching” or pain to an almost entire inability to use the shoulder. patients of all ages are afflicted by this painful predicament known as Shoulder Impingement or Rotator Cuff Syndrome.
Frozen Shoulder
“Frozen shoulder” is another common predicament.Extreme aggravation of the ligaments and tendons of the glenohumeral joint can cause adhesions to develop practically sticking the joint together, thus producing incapacitation the shoulder. This results in intense pain, as well as limitation of shoulder motion that makes even dressing oneself difficult! Attention from a professional, such as your Tampa chiropractor is crucial because if left unattended, frozen shoulder could take several years to clear up if it heals at all. The ailments mentioned above are the most prevalent of all shoulder disorders.
Treatment
Most shoulder treatments are relatively the same. Muscle imbalances can be fixed 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 recommended by your Tampa chiropractor are also vital for a completeand quick recovery.
Chiropractic Therapy Can Eliminate Elbow Pain
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“Tennis Elbow” is the common name for elbow pain beginning on the outside or lateral side of the elbow. This affliction arises from an irritation or inflammation of the tendons of one or more forearm muscles at their attachment to the bony protuberance approximal to the elbow joint, known as the lateral epicondyle. The medical term for this problem is lateral epicondylitis, in essence an inflammation of the epicondyle. If the affliction is located on the inside, or medial side, of the elbow it is generally referred to as Golfer’s Elbow or medial epicondylitis. This, however, is not as commonplace as lateral epicondylitis.
There are a number of whys and wherefores for epicondylitis - not just tennis and golf - as any activity or sport that requires repetitive gripping of objects can result in this affliction. There are those who develop “tennis” or “golfer’s” elbow from other activities like prolonged carrying of heavy bags, knitting, chopping food, and/or computer work using inappropriate wrist and arm posture. Using inappropriate techniques when beginning any sport, trying out new rackets or clubs, or extending the intensity or duration of an activity or exercise can also generate the problem.
Epicondylitis can sometimes start farther up the arm or even in the neck. The nerves that give movement to the forearm muscles may become irritated as the result of a disc condition or spinal subluxation, consequently making the muscles tense and placing undue strain on the tendon attachment(s). This creates a predisposition to elbow pain no matter the exacerbating cause. Complications such as further subluxations and arthritis can take place if the problem is left untreated. Evaluation and treatment by a qualified chiropractor, such as your Mount Laurel Chiropractor can remedy the condition and eliminate future complications.
Epicondylitis is a condition that rarely resolves of its own accord and so requires proper health management. Determination of the exact cause of the problem and a treatment plan are extremely important. This might include modalities such as ultrasound, electro-therapy, massage, hot and cold therapies, bracing, and home stretching and exercises. Mount Laurel Chiropractic care has proved, as a rule, to be extremely beneficial in the overall management of this problem.
Can Appropriate Posture Help With Knee Pain Elimination?
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San Jose Chiropractor: Ten Most Frequently Asked Questions
Knee pain and disability is prevalent, second only to spinal problems within the musculoskeletal system. Conditions concerning the knee can be separated into several groups including poor mechanics of the knee and reduced foot mechanics due to foot pain, frequent overuse of the knee joint, dysfunction due to arthritic changes in the joint, and traumatic injury from events such as sports and falls.
Non-trauma knee problems: Poor mechanics of the knee joint and the related stress on the soft tissues of the knee are, by far, the most common cause of non-traumatic pain. Usually, the part of the knee involved is the patella or knee-cap. Often the patella does not move evenly or does not move sufficiently on the femur during bending of the knee causing abnormal stress on the tendons, cartilage and ligaments. This specific condition is often called chondromalacia patella (CMP) or Patella Femoral Syndrome (Knee Cap Pain). The dysfunction generally originates when there are imbalances in the quadriceps muscles of the thigh that attach to and move the patella. Lower back problems, especially in the sacroiliac joints, are one of the foremost reasons for imbalances in the muscles associated with knee movement, and subsequent knee problems. Pain and dysfunction can also be generated by imbalances in the muscle groups that attach to the knee. For example, the muscles on the inside of the thigh, when strained and tight, can cause pain on the medial or inside of the knee. Mechanical knee pain is also produced by gait deviations such as pronation.
The correlative pain from overuse is most often felt during activity, especially stair climbing, running, jumping, and subsequent getting up from prolonged sitting. Many women seem to be predisposed to painful overuse problems for anatomical reasons, although such ailments are often due 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 some cases, a brace is used to help with the alignment of the patella or to stabilize the joint. Chiropractors, such as your San Jose chiropractor, are highly experienced in administering knowledgeable analysis and management of these conditions.
Knee problems due to trauma: Traumatic injuries frequently take place during sports that involve running and jumping, especially. When the knee is pulled or bent beyond the capability of the ligaments that hold the joint together, tearing of these tissues can happen producing a sprain. Strains to muscles that facilitate movement of the knee can occur when the muscles are torn during injury. As with a sprain, a muscle strain can range from a slight injury that necessitates little care to a extreme injury necessitating surgery. The knee also has two special “cartilages” - the menisci - between the tibia and the femur that allow fluid motion 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 intense pain and swelling and require prompt examination and treatment. In most instances a competent chiropractor, such as your San Jose Chiropractor, can take excellent care of these problems, however there are some injuries that may necessitate the dexterity of an orthopedic surgeon. Whatever the case, it is very important to stabilize the injured joint right away and to use ice on the hurt area, if possible, until the injury can be examined.
If poor mechanics, overuse problems, or traumatic injuries are not corrected at an early stage, the tissues of the knee joint, particularly the cartilage, will begin to wear out over the course of time. Consequently the bones will rub on one another, and changes such as bone spurs can eventuate. This painful problem, known as degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis, often advances with age. Usual treatment may involve medications such as NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Nevertheless, there are natural anti-inflammatory supplements that are highly effectual 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 very knowledgeable about anti-inflammatory supplements. In addition, sufferers can often assist themselves by keeping their weight down, doing exercises (especially in the pool), and wearing cushioned shoes or insoles.
How Chiropractic Can Help Your Children Stay Healthy
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Is It Safe To Adjust Children? FAQ#7
Today’s parents are more disturbed than ever about the adverse effects medications have on their children. Parents want to know if there is something better that they can do for their child than to give them medication.
Parents are adverse to simply mask symptoms with drugs, and they are worried about side effects. Today, parents are seeking out health care opportunities for their children that aid and maintain their child’s natural ability to be healthy.
Chiropractic care is that option because it helps a child’s nervous system in functioning optimally. When the nervous system is fully functioning, the immune system, which is directed by the nervous system, is able to do what it’s supposed to do, which is keep your child healthy. As far as a child’s health is concerned, “the best offense is a good defense.” Children are exposed to an extraordinary number of health-endangering illnesses every day that it would be impossible to immunize them against them all, even if there were such immunization available. Your Camarillo Chiropractor well-informed and has years of expertise when it comes to colds, sore throats, ear infections, fevers, colic, asthma, tonsillitis, allergies, bed-wetting, infections, pains, falls, stomach-aches, and the hundred and one little (and big) things children go through as they are growing up.
Most illnesses that affect children are avoidable. Chiropractic treatment assists in removing interferences to the inherent healing power that runs through your child’s body. When that power is released, the healthy results that take place quite frequently are profound.
Furthermore, a child has less tendency to be injured at play or in sports when his or her spine is in alignment. In addition, children who are brought in regularly for chiropractic care more often than not don’t experience as many “growing pains” as other children.
More than ever, we are finding at your Chiropractor that more and more moms and dads are bringing their children to us for everyday childhood health concerns. Every child is deserve the right to live at their fullest potentiality. Chiropractic care for children at your chiropractor is safe, gentle and effective.
Chiropractic Care Can Reduce Your Child’s Earaches and Ear Infections
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Earache is the most widespread purpose for office visits to pediatricians. More than 70 percent of children will have had at least one earache by the age of three, and almost one-third will have had three or more earache episodes. It may be surprising, however, that earache is also the most widespread basis for children under the age of five years to be escorted by parents to the chiropractor’s office.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help Earache and Ear Infections
When a child who has an earache is diagnosed with middle ear infection by the pediatrician, the usual treatment involves a course of antibiotics. Advanced analysis, however, has concluded that this type of treatment is often imprudent. The reason for the child’s middle ear infection may not be due to bacteria, and because antibiotics are only effective against bacterial pathogens, frequently there will be no positive result. The reason for this is that numerous cases of middle ear infection can be generated by a virus, and viruses do not respond to antibiotics. This may explain why children develop chronic ear infections.
One of the many evaluations that a Honolulu chiropractor can make is whether the earache or ear infection is produced by irritation of the small nerves in the spine, called free nerve endings.
When these nerve endings are irritated, an undue tension is produced in the small muscles of the neck. This muscle tension can put pressure on the lymphatic drainage ducts resulting in inadequate drainage from inside the ear, thus preventing the body from its ability to naturally fix the problem. Furthermore, balance can also be affected.
Inadequate drainage of lymphatic ducts can be discovered by a chiropractor if there is elevated tension in the neck and paraspinal muscles on the side with the earache. In addition, the chiropractor will check to see which spinal vertebrae are either moderately out of alignment or not moving within their normal range. This affliction may have been the result of any one of the many bangs, jolts and falls that the majority of children encounter in the early years of their life. Often, a short course of spinal adjustments and manipulation of the neck muscles will assist in restoring normal lymph drainage. If your child is experiencing the pain of an earache or an ear infection, contact your Honolulu chiropractor as soon as possible.
Advanced Research and Guidelines
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), ear infection, the most frequent childhood sickness after the common cold, accounts for nearly 30 million doctor visits each year. Furthermore, at least 6 million courses of antibiotics are unnecessarily prescribed for the condition.Not too long ago, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released new guidelines for treating pediatric ear inflammation, and expressly recommended a period of “watchful waiting” since, in many cases, infections clear up on their own, without medication.
The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) applauds the AAP on the guidelines and emphasizes that chiropractic management is a “good first option” for treating ear infection conservatively. “Doctors of chiropractic have been treating children for decades with great success - helping them to avoid painful ear infections, antibiotic overuse and resistance, and ear tube surgery,” said ACA President Donald Krippendorf, DC. “Particularly when dealing with young children, drugs and surgery should be an absolute last resort.”
Getting Rid of Excess Pounds Can Help Your Arthritis Pain
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San Diego Chiropractor: Chiropractic and Arthritis
Do you suffer from painful arthritis? Do you also have a problem with your weight? If you do, you are probably having back pain not only as the result of arthritis, but also as the eventuality of the strain your weight is putting on your spine. The body was not constructed to carry around extraneous weight in the form of body fat. If you are carrying around only an additional 20 or 30 pounds of extra weight, your spine, which supports the body, is being put under a great deal of strain. This kind of stress can cause irregularities of the vertebral column. These misaligned vertebra can generate arthritic changes in the spine and persist in aggravating the degenerative changes that are present already. Furthermore, your body may counteract in other ways, for instance your hips moving forward or tilting to support the extra poundage. This can pinch the sciatic nerve, which is extremely painful.
A current survey by the NPD Group, a leading market research company based in Rosemont, Ill., indicates that approximately 62% of adults and 34% of adolescents are overweight or obese. The ubiquitousness of arthritis escalates with accumulating weight. Research suggests that cultivating a healthy weight reduces the risk of developing arthritis in the first place and may decelerate degenerative progression. A weight decrease of just 11 pounds can decrease the occurrence (incidence) of new knee osteoarthritis and would do a great deal to reduce back pain as well.
A good diet and appropriate exercise is mandatory for an individual who is sincere about overcoming their back pain, knee pain, and joint pain in other regions of the body. Even though it’s an unmistakable solution, it genuinely is the only action for you to take in order to get out of pain and get your life back.
First of all, let’s discuss the topic of dieting. Most diets (and there are a large number to choose from) can be temporarily helpful. Obviously, if you were to lose weight for keeps, the diet industry would lose a regular customer! In order for you to lose weight efficiently, you must eat a healthy diet and also to cut your calories so that you use more calories than you take in. Losing a lot of pounds too fast is not only unhealthy, but perilous. A healthy weight loss rate is about 2 pounds every week in order for it to work well.
Research has proved that exercise and physical activity not only decreases pain and improves function, but actually delays disability. No less than 30 minutes of moderate physical activity, a minimum of 3 days a week, has been shown to be effective. Even at 10-minute intervals such movement is beneficial.
Chiropractic adjustments are a highly beneficial way to get mobility back in the joints of your spine and other areas of, and can be a good first step before starting an exercise program. A well-aligned spine makes exercise and physical activity a lot easier and will slow down arthritic degenerative changes. The Annals of Internal Medicine reported 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 saying they were taking advantage of some kind of “complementary care” as named by the study. Of those individuals, 31% were trying chiropractic. Possibly the most impressive statistic was that 73% of those utilizing chiropractic found it effective. Answering why they’d tried the non-medical chiropractic care, those surveyed offered a number of reasons: 1) to curb pain, 2) they’d been told that it helps, 3) they felt certain that it is safe, 4) it had aided someone they knew, and 5) because their prescription medication wasn’t stopping the pain.
Chiropractors, also called doctors of chiropractic, have been helping individuals suffering from back pain due to arthritis and other arthritic conditions for over a hundred years. Your San Diego chiropractor treats misaligned vertebra that, in addition to creating arthritic pain and degenerative changes in the spine, can decrease resistance and immunity, thus causing new health challenges.
It is always smart to consult a health care professional to get information about diet and exercise. Your chiropractor is a knowledgeable resource for education about the type of lifestyle changes that you will find necessary to help you to manage your arthritis. By the same token, in addition to getting your spine in alignment through gentle adjustments, your chiropractor will analyze any faulty gait patterns or posture irregularities that may be contributing to your arthritic pain.
Chiropractic Treatment for Arthritis
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Introduction
One of the most widely misunderstood conditions among patients is arthritis..When some people hear this word they anticipate a future with crippled and twisted joints. However, many conditions from benign to severe are catalogued under the term, arthritis. For our purposes we will confine this analysis to the most common forms of arthritis.
Osteoarthritis and Chiropractic Care
The most common form of arthritis has many names: osteoarthritis, degenerative arthritis, degenerative joint disease (DJD), and spondylosis if it is in the spine. This form of arthritis is not limited to humans, but occurs in all mammals, and is due to the deterioration of the cartilage that protects the joint surfaces. Degenerative changes in the joint happens when joint cartilage is harmed and causes stress to the sensitive bone tissue that is usually guarded by the cartilage. 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, in this way complicating the already hurtful condition.
Usually the areas of the body that develop degenerative joints are in the spine, particularly in the lower neck and lower back, the knees, the hips and the 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.
The symptoms of DJD invariably involve some degree of pain and/or stiffness in the body part involved. If the weight-bearing joints, such as the hips or knees are involved, ones mobility can be affected particularly in the more advanced stages of the condition. In some cases, if the joint is sufficiently worn and the person can no longer walk without severe pain, the joints are surgically replaced with synthetic devices. Of course, one should attempt to manage the condition early on in ones life to avoid the need for surgery.
The best management of DJD is, naturally, prevention that involves taking care of ones joints at an early age.
- One should always make sure that, especially when young, all injuries to joints are properly managed to insure proper healing to avoid future disability.
- Shoes with good support and shock absorption should be worn by those whose jobs necessitate extended periods of standing or walking.
- Weight loss through proper diet will help to lessen stress on weight-bearing body joints.
- Avoid kneeling on hard surfaces, such as when doing housework, as this can put strain and create knee pain.
- The natural vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants included in fruits and vegetables are essential for healthy joints and a healthy body.
Recently there have been some studies that show that the nutritional supplement, Glucosamine, can help with DJD and may actually help rebuild joint cartilage. However, it must be used over an extended period and does not work in all conditions.
Chiropractic adjustments are not only a smart idea, but an efficient treatment for arthritis, and can help to restore proper mobility and function to the spinal joints, thereby giving patients great relief. Your Chicago chiropractor has many of years of expertise 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 support the joint and relieve pain. Movement is vital to the maintenance of arthritic joints. A chiropractor often suggests gentle, mobilizing activities such as stretching, yoga, and tai chi can be beneficial.
Gout
Gouty arthritis is caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood and the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints. The most common joints are the big toes, the knees, ankles and wrists, and is often characterized by severe pain and swelling. Many people who develop gout are predisposed through heredity, though episodes are usually brought on by binge eating of inflammatory foods, when dehydrated or fasting, or after a major surgery or illness. Foods that must be avoided have a natural substance called Purines that are metabolized in the liver to form uric acid. Those with this condition cannot efficiently metabolize uric acid, thus the buildup in the bloodstream and the resultant joint problems. The foods most associated 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 connected to 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, while other areas of the body can be affected as well. The condition is usually 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. There are definitive blood tests to help identify Rheumatoid arthritis that can be easily run. Management includes medication and vitamin and diet therapy, as well as chiropractic manipulations. In addition, joint mobilization and modalities such as ultrasound, heat, electro-therapy and massage can help with the pain and stiffness associated the condition. Your Chicago chiropractor is dedicated to assisting people in getting relief from the pain and suffering associated with arthritis.
Ventura Neck Pain: Is Your Old Pillow a Pain in the Neck?
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Ventura neck pain: Very few people know that many pillows really need to be replaced every few years. Because pillows compress and get lumpy there is no way you can get a good night’s sleep once they are past their prime!
Do you wake up in the morning tired and terribly exhausted and with a dull ache in your neck? Maybe you have a hard time concentrating and focusing throughout the day as a result of neck pain or lack of sleep. If you’ve had trouble with neck pain it is likely because your pillow doesn’t support you and align your spine the way it should.
The best solution for your neck pain and discomfort is to discard your old pillow and replace it with a new one. You may opt for down feathered, poly-filled, or a foam-type pillow such as Temper Pedic makes. There are even buckwheat hull filled pillows you can choose as a replacement option!Whatever pillow you choose, quality is what will deliver the comfort that will grant you a better night’s sleep.
While pillow shopping, you’re likely to find pillows that cost less, but peaceful rest is worth the price of quality if you’ve been experiencing insomnia, an aching back or neck pain. Every major hotel and resort around the world stocks quality pillows as guests’ comfort is their top priority. If you’ve ever wondered about the great night’s sleep you’ve gotten while on the road, it could be the pillow that’s the reason just as much if not more than the mattress.
Any Ventura chiropractor will say there are several factors that will help you choose a quality pillow when it is time for replacement.
First, consider the material and any known allergies you might have. Second, consider the style of pillow that will be most comfortable. Foam material pillows are specially designed for individuals requiring a therapeutic sleep posture for health reasons and sleep comfort. Even if there are no medical conditions affecting your sleep position, you may simply prefer the comfort foam pillows provide. Others find a soft, plump down-filled pillow most comfortable. You may need to try out several different types of pillows before you find the ideal choice for you.
Be sure to select the right pillow size so that your head is neither too high nor too low, as this can put stress on the neck and actually inhibit breathing. Size selections of pillows range considerably, from smaller sizes such as 15 x 10 x 2.5 inches up to 34 x 14 x 4 inches. Standard size pillows generally measure 25 x 19 inches.
How often will you need to replace your pillow? It depends on your sleep style and of course, the type and quality of the pillow you buy. Nearly all well-made pillows will last several years. Some pillows will last up to 15 years! Check with the manufacturer of the pillow for details about how long it will last.
No matter what type of pillow you decide on, one thing is guaranteed. Once you lay your head down on a supportive new pillow you will never hang on to an old one again!