Archive for June, 2009
Chiropractic Therapy Can Eliminate Elbow Pain
Posted by: | Comments“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?
Posted by: | CommentsSan 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
Posted by: | CommentsIs 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
Posted by: | CommentsEarache 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.