Archive for chiropractor
Santa Clara Chiropractor: Growing Older Doesn’t Have to Hurt
Posted by: | CommentsIt probably goes without saying that as we age our body feels and acts differently than it did when we were younger. It just doesn’t seem fair that as our mind appears to improve and become more “inventive,” our body seems to become less “cooperative.” We’re stiff in the morning; certain activities during the day make us sore at night; and, if we’re not truly careful, even a movement as simple as turning too fast or bending over to pick up a dropped pencil, can send our back or some other muscle group into spasm. But, our body doesn’t need to go from bad to worse because there is natural treatment for us, “boomers,” that can not only slow down the aging process of the body, but help us to avoid some of those problems altogether.
For an example, arthritis. Most of us would agree that, with the exception of pharmaceuticals, conventional medicine does little to take care of this age-related affliction. What is the basis for such a limited approach? It is because most medical professionals treat the symptoms of arthritis. The chiropractic method is to look for the root of the affliction and relieve the pain at its source. For over a hundred years, chiropractors, like your Santa Clara Chiropractor, have been helping individuals suffering from back pain and other challenges caused by arthritic changes in the musculoskeletal system.
Arthritic changes occur as your body ages because, over time, wear of various joints takes place as a consequence of repetitive stresses, and years of incorrect gait, improper posture, and insufficient movement. Chiropractic treatment restores motion back into your joints and reduces pain, and it readjusts any vertebral misalignment that may be causing irritation and restriction. In addition, did you know that misaligned vertebra, along with causing arthritic changes in the spine and escalating pain, can also weaker your resistance and immunity? It’s true, and this might be one of the reasons why it may seem to you that as you age you experience more health issues and that it frequently takes longer for you to feel better again. According to research done on men and women, those who received regular chiropractic care stayed healthier. In fact, you could say that, as you get older, chiropractic treatment is good for what ails you!
When it comes to the health of the musculoskeletal system, chiropractors are highly knowledgeable whether it’s the small, growing frame of an infant or the full-grown body of a mature adult. Your chiropractor is experienced in working with the aging process of the body and has exceptional observational and diagnostic skills that aid in detecting spinal misalignments and joint problems. In fact, a chiropractic examination can frequently reveal certain age-related conditions before they’ve begun to create noticeable pain. Moreover, your Santa Clara Chiropractor can evaluate your posture and analyze your gait to identify faulty patterns that might generate further arthritic changes.
So, if feeling your age has become a painful experience, make an appointment with your Santa Clara Chiropractor today!
Dr. David Hoewisch is a Santa Clara Chiropractor with over 25 years of experience helping thousands of patients get out of pain and get their lives back. His office is located at 1221 Lafayette St., Santa Clara, CA, 95050. Dr. Hoewisch has traveled around the world and is an avid outdoor enthusiast. He is a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults) and learned sign language at an early age. He treats many deaf patients in his clinic. For more information go to his website at http://www.santaclarachiropractor.net
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Sacramento Chiropractor: Golf Injuries Can Be Averted
Posted by: | CommentsInjuries are not uncommon with any kind of sport. So, it’s a good idea to discover what injury is inclined to happen in a specific sport and then to do whatever it takes to avoid it. The truth is, though, that sports injuries can’t always be avoided. As a result, it’s beneficial to take good care of your body to make injury less probable, or less traumatic. Prior to starting a sport, such as golf, the most important thing you can do is to be sure that you have the proper fitness level. You may very well keep your body safe from injury if you stick to these general guidelines: Cultivate a healthy lifestyle; keep your joints mobile and your muscles limber; prepare your body before to activity; use proper form and good postures during activity; give yourself plenty of cool down and relaxation time.
It isn’t only amateur golfers who get injured. It has been approximated that nearly a third of pro golfers playing in the same time frame are playing with injuries. The good news is that general good health and fitness can decrease the number of injuries that you may experience and might conceivably prevent them altogether.
It is very important for you to have good body strength in the muscle regions most utilized while playing golf. But, it’s prudent to determine that your spine is in good alignment and that it has good mobility before you set out to build muscle strength. A proficient golf swing is contingent upon your spine’s facility to efficiently rotate effectually. Back injuries are the most common type of injuries experienced by golfers. Your Sacramento chiropractor will establish that your spine is in healthy alignment and that there is effectual movement of the vertebrae. Chiropractic treatment can make a big difference in helping you to avoid back injury.
Once you’re “straightened” it’s time to strengthen. A safe, injury-free day on the green depends upon your being prepared for your golf activity. Golf stretching and flexibility routines will warm up your muscles and make injury them less likely. Flexibility in all regions of the body can be escalated relatively fast as the result of full body range of motion (ROM) exercises. Furthermore, elastic band conditioning offers targeted golf range of motion advantages and can increase needed strength in the shoulders, hips and deep muscles of the core. Since elastic band training provides the dynamic resistance that ordinary weight lifting does not, sports professionals, such as your chiropractor, are making them a part of their golf conditioning programs.
Besides back injuries, many golfers have painful “Golfer’s Elbow.” Though golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow are nearly the same injuries, there is a minor difference between them. Tennis elbow disturbs the outside of the upper arm whereas golfer’s elbow affects the inner arm. Golfer’s elbow, like tennis elbow, can be the consequence of a single violent action, such as (in golf) striking the mat at the driving range or thrusting down on a hard fairway surface. Repetitive stress from smaller shocks, though, is more commonly the protagonist. In addition, it can happen to those who abruptly start playing too much golf. As a case in point, if individuals that usually play golf once or twice a month elect to enter into a tournament, they are conceivably at risk for incurring the injury.
Golf makes unique requirements on the body. Fatigue can be a challenge because the game ordinarily lasts longer than many other sports. Whenever the body is fatigued, poor posture and impeded coordination frequently follow. Together, these two components can produce a variety of injuries. In addition, because of the constant swinging of the golf clubs, the shoulder muscles are prone to injury. Just as attention should be given to make sure that your muscles are stretched and warmed up prior to starting your golf game, be sure to rest your body properly between games.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is, perhaps, an unexpected injury related to golf. But, since it an affliction that comes about due to repetitive stress, many games of golf played over several months constantly may cause this injury. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be a an extremely damaging injury producing incapacitation and on occasion requiring surgery. However, chiropractic treatment and, sometimes the use of a brace will alleviate the problem if a health professional, such as your chiropractor, discovers it at an early stage.
Quite a few golfers seem to feel that injuries are merely an inevitable part of a golfer’s life. However, a healthy, mobile spine, judicious preparation, proper exercise and muscle conditioning, attaining and sustaining a an appropriate fitness level, and reasonable rest and recuperation after your game is over, can help to make injuries much less a part of your golfing experience.
Dr. Yong Kim is a chiropractor in Sacramento with over thirteen years of experience helping thousands of patients get out of pain and get their lives back. His office is located at 1707 Professional Drive, Sacramento, CA 95825. He has special training in the area of sports injuries. Dr Kim is himself an avid health enthusiast. For more information go to his website at http://www.sacramentochiropractor.org
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Your Seattle Chiropractor has treated hundreds of people suffering from foot pain, and knows all too well how commonplace painful foot problems are these days. Here’s why: We all know that movement is beneficial for the whole body, right? From our head to our toes, our good health is highly affected by how much physical activity we get on a regular basis. So, you may be wondering why so many people suffer from foot pain. After all, aren’t our feet made for walking? Yes, but they aren’t designed for mistreatment.
The normal, healthy human takes 3,000-5,000 steps per day, not counting activities like running and aerobic exercise. However, frequently those steps are made by individuals walking incorrectly, with clumsy gait patterns and bad posture.
Furthermore, many individuals wear poorly-designed, incorrectly-fitting shoes. Walking and exercising on feet that are impeded from performing as they were meant to cannot help but to produce painful problems not only in a number of places in the feet, but in other parts of the body, as well. For example, if a person over-pronates (walks like a duck) in a pair of poorly-made or unevenly-worn shoes, or in any pair of high heels, that person will not only develop foot and ankle conditions, but will probably experience challenges in the back, knees and legs.
The most commonplace foot problem is Plantar Fascitis (heel pain), which is generally caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is an extraordinary, multi-tasking band of connective tissue that encompasses the muscles on the bottom of the foot, connects the heel bone to the ball of the foot, reinforces the arch, protects the foot, and absorbs shock. Obviously, the healthy function of the plantar fascia is crucial for pain-free walking and exercise.
There are many factors that contribute to the development of Plantar Fascitis. One factor is short and tight calf muscles. Undue stress on the smaller and weaker plantar muscles and fascia occurs when calf muscles get short and tight, exerting a strong pull on the back of the heel bone. You may be wondering how calf muscles get short and tight. Besides aerobics, volleyball, running, basketball, tennis, and similar activities that involve running and jumping, the wearing of high heels can create the problem.
Sudden strenuous activity after a period of prolonged inactivity can contribute to Plantar Fascitis, as can such elements as aberrant walking patterns (e.g., over-pronation), unsuitable footwear, walking on hard or uneven surfaces (particularly with bare feet), and obesity.
Once an individual develops Plantar Fascitis, the condition is generally not easy to manage and can become exceedingly painful and constant. Without proper attention, Plantar Fascitis will only get worse.
If you are suffering from heel pain, your chiropractor will be able to determine the reason for your condition and what chiropractic management would be most beneficial. Management might include ultrasound therapy, laser, joint manipulation, Graston technique, muscle stretching and strengthening exercises, special taping and, in some cases, orthotics.
Can Chiropractic Treatment Eliminate Balance Problems?
Posted by: | CommentsSanta Barbara Chiropractor: 10 Most Frequent Questions
Managing and preserving body position while remaining still ormobile is the principal function of good balance. Good balance helps a person to walk without wobbling, arise from a sitting position without slipping, and to climb stairs without stumbling.
Approximately 9 percent of adults, age 65 and older, report having difficulties with balance. Good balance is vital in aiding an older person to stay independent, and perform daily chores and activities. Dizziness, “wooziness,” and problems with balance are encountered by a large majority individuals as they age.
The label, vertigo, applies to the feeling that a number of people have that they, themselves, or their environment is spinning. About 40 percent of Americans will experience dizziness that is severe enough to go seek out a health professional. And, among older adults, falls are the leading cause of serious injury and deaths.
Balance and Inner Ear Problems
Three types of balance disorders that are most familiar are benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, labyrinthitis, and Meniere’s disease, but there are a variety of other kinds of balance disorders. Of these three, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is the most widespread. Its symptoms encompass a brief, intense experience of vertigo with a change in head position, when rolling over to the left or right in bed or when getting out of bed, or when looking up for an object on a high shelf. This problem is more disposed in people 60 and older, but it can also occur in younger individuals.
The reasons for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo are varied. It may be produced by an inner ear infection, head injury, or simply aging. Whereas it can be linked to other disease processes, frequently a simple Epleys procedure can fix the problem. Your Santa Barbara Chiropractor has many years of experience in this procedure.
Labyrinthitis is an infection or iagitation of the inner ear that produces dizziness and loss of balance. It affects adults of any age and the cause is currently undiscovered.
Ménière’s disease is a balance disorder that creates vertigo, hearing loss that comes and goes, tinnitus (ringing or roaring in the ears), and a “full feeling” in the ear.
Age is not the only reason these conditions take place, but older individuals are more likely to encounter balance disorders. Depending on the cause of the balance disorder, care will vary. Sometimes, there’s a simple answer to balance disorders, such as simple exercises for vestibular rehab. A chiropractor is well-educated in assessing and treating a number of balance problems. Consult a health care professional, such as your Santa Barbara Chiropractor, if you have encountered, or are currently experiencing, dizziness, vertigo, or other challenges with balance.
Not every balance disorders are created by complications in the inner ear. Some may involve other regions of the body like the brain or heart. Head injury, stroke, certain medicines, circulation problems, upper respiratory infections and other viral infections, stress, fatigue, smoking, alcohol use, high or low blood pressure, and heart disease are all influences that, along with aging and ear infection, may produce balance disorders.
Balance disorders produced by high blood pressure can generally be managed by less sodium intake,sustaining a healthy weight, and exercise. To assist in making the symptoms of dizziness less intense, frequently eating low-salt or salt-free foods, and staying away from caffeine and alcohol, will help.
Balance disorders are significant. It is the number one cause of falls and fall-related injuries in older people. It is essential to have a suspected balance disorder accessed and treated as soon as possible.
If you can answer “yes” to any of the following questions, you should discuss the symptom(s) with your chiropractor:
• Do you have the feeling of being “unsteady?”
• Does the room seem to spin around you?
• Is there ever a time when you feel as if you are moving when you know you are standing still?
• Do you lose your balance and/or fall?
• Do you feel as if you are falling?
• Does your vision ever become “blurred?”
• Do you ever feel disoriented, or lose a sense of time, place or identify?
Don’t wait until it’s too late! Call your chiropractor today.
Can Chiropractic Treatment Help Scoliosis?
Posted by: | CommentsScoliosis: An Introduction
When the body is viewed from behind, a normal spine is straight without much deviation from laterally.Scoliosis is a disorder that is commonly associated with a lateral, or side-to-side, curvature of the spine.The affliction shouldn’t be confused with bad posture, although it oftentimes gives the appearance that the person is leaning to one side. Characterized by both lateral curvature and rotation of the vertebra, this puzzling deformity often causes a characteristic “rib hump” in the mid or thoracic spine. This is created by the vertebrae in the region of the major curve rotating toward the concavity and pushing their fastened ribs posterior thus producing the symptomatic rib hump seen in thoracic scoliosis. If the thoracic curve and rib rotation are severe, more than 70 degrees, pulmonary and cardiac function can be impeded. This intensity of curve and consequential cardiac and pulmonary changes are often seen later in life in untreated severe idiopathic infantile and juvenile scoliosis patients and, as such, present a threat to life.
Anatomy
If you were to view the trunk from a side view, the spine would disclose four normal curves: the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral. The thoracic, in the chest region, has a healthy round curve, “reversed C,” called a kyphosis, while in the lower spine there is a normal “C” curve, known as swayback or lordosis. Hyperlordosis is the term used to describe heightened swayback, while increased kyphosis in the thoracic spine is called hyperkyphosis. Alterations from normal that are visible from a side view regularly accompany scoliosis changes. Postural exercises can resolve some round back deformities that are simply due to bad posture. A small number of people with kyphosis have more rigid deformities than the postural type, which are coincidental with vertebral deformity. This type of deformity, called Scheuermann’s kyphosis, is much harder to treat than postural kyphosis, and it’s cause is unknown.
Even a layman can help to identify a child or adult with scoliosis merely by observing the person in a standing position, preferably with no shirt and in , and observing the following:
- One shoulder may be more elevated than the other.
- One scapula (shoulder blade) may be raised or more conspicuous than the other.
- There may be more space between the arm and the body on one side when the arms hang loosely at the side.
- One hip may seem to be higher or more prominent than the other.
- The head is not in plumb with the pelvis.
- One side of the back appears more raised than the other when the individual is observed from the rear and asked to lean forward until the the spine is horizontal.
The child or adult should be sent to a healthcare professional, such as a chiropractor, for further diagnosis once scoliosis is detected. your chiropractor would be happy to help.
The most prevalent type of scoliosis is, by far, Idiopathic, and even though there are many different causes and many varieties, Idiopathic Scoliosis accounts for about 85% of all cases. “Idiopathic” means “no known cause” and is witnessed with equal occurrence in boys and girls in the mild or low curve magnitudes. Depending on the age of onset, this affliction can be sub-classified into infantile, juvenile and adolescent categories. Idiopathic Scoliosis often runs in families and may be due to genetic or hereditary influences. However girls, for unknown reasons are five to eight times more likely than boys to have their curves increase in size and require treatment. The most general time for the development of Idiopathic Scoliosis is during adolescence when children are completing the last major growth spurt. It is smart to have this age group observed by a professional on a regular basis because young people are hesitant to allow their body to be looked at by parents or other adults.
If a scoliotic curve is found in the growing adolescent, it is vital that the curves be monitored for change by periodic examination and occasionally standing X-rays. In ninety percent of cases, the scoliosis is mild and does not require active treatment, however increases in spinal deformity demand evaluation to ascertain if a brace or other treatment is needed. In a small number of patients, surgical treatment may be needed.~Surgery may be needed for a small number of patients.
Brace treatment (orthosis) is recommended for newly-identified cases of moderate scoliosis or abnormal kyphosis, as well as when an increase in scoliosis or kyphosis is identified in both juvenile and adolescent children. There are a number of types of braces, all made to prevent curves from increasing by acting as a buttress for the spine during active skeletal growth. Braces normally will not make the spine perfectly straight, and cannot always keep a curve from increasing. Nevertheless, bracing is effective in stopping curve progression in a very large portion of skeletally-immature adolescents.
There is no simple answer for scoliosis. Most cases, even though regularly monitored, are not actively treated. The standard medical treatment for moderate cases is a brace, whereas severe cases in some cases are treated surgically. You may want to see your local chiropractor first.
Besides bracing, many other methods have been used successfully like specialized exercise, electric stimulation of spinal muscles, nutritional programs, and chiropractic treatments. It looks as if the best results have been sustained with a multi-faceted approach to the treatment of this abnormality.
There are chiropractors, that have excellent success managing scoliosis conditions.
Fat in the Front Means Pain in the Back
Posted by: | CommentsThere are many men and women today in a daily struggle to lose weight, particularly extra weight around the middle. But, the need to lose weight is, most often, more than merely a cosmetic issue. In actuality, if people are walking around with extra weight in their midsection, their back is going to be adversely affected as a consequence.
Many men and women who are overweight encounter moderate to severe back pain. This occurs because the spine was not made to carry a load that is heavier than the body is at its normally healthy weight. As an individual puts on added pounds, the spine starts to distort and to compress, causing a lot of pain and discomfort. Additionally, it can have an impact on the pelvis, tilting it forward and conceivably causing it to pinch the sciatic nerve. This is a major reason why individuals who are overweight tend to have challenges with their lower back. The suffering is due to either sciatica or the distorting of the spinal column.
If this problem sounds painfully familiar, and you want to get out pain, undoubtedly the thing to do is to get rid of some of the extra weight that you are lugging around, and your spine will immediately regulate and reestablish its regular position. Regrettably, losing weight is difficult and it can take time, even with the best of intentions. The good news is you don’t have to continue to experience back pain as you lose the weight. A Costa Mesa chiropractor can assist you in getting the pain relief you’ll require to help you as you shed the extra pounds.
However, you will still need to lose the extra pounds, and being free of back pain will actually help you do it. Two things that are simple (but not necessarily easy), but will be extremely beneficial to you in losing the extra weight naturally are getting some sort of exercise, even if it’s merely a little bit per day, and modifying the food you eat so that you are taking in fewer calories than you are using throughout the day. Sure, you’ve heard about these two things before. However, now that you know your back is depending on you, it definitely time to get truly motivated.
Start exercising slowly, particular if you’re having difficulties with back pain. And, most importantly, be sure to seek out Costa Mesa chiropractic care so that you don’t make the blunder that many people do, which is to exercise into the pain. That will only make matters worse. Exercise, though occasionally uncomfortable, should never be painful or cause pain. That’s why it’s crucial to see a chiropractor if you’re having difficulties with back pain.
Do simple stretching exercises and also concentrate on your core abdominal body muscles. Strong stomach muscles help to ease back pain. Your chiropractor will be able to provide exercises that are best for you, individually. After a very short period of dedication to losing the weight that is creating your back pain and perhaps other health issues as well, you ought to begin to notice an enormous difference in the way that you feel.
Can Chiropractic and Acupuncture Approaches Eliminate Your Back Pain?
Posted by: | CommentsIf you are experiencing back pain looking to a conventional healing technique may not necessarily be the solution for you. As a matter of fact, often when medical science is inadequate in helping a person overcome pain, some natural approaches have been found to be very effective. This is because natural techniques tend to look for a cure for the actual cause of the affliction whereas medical methods treat just the symptoms. If you’re curious about natural methods that have proved to help back pain and a number of other afflictions, you don’t need to look any further than chiropractic and acupuncture.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine. Nowadays, many sufferers all over the world are undergoing relief from their back pain and other problems by coming in to see an acupuncturist on a regular basis. Pursuant to traditional Chinese acupuncture therapy, small needles are inserted into the body at specific points that are said to affect a number of different areas of the body. In traditional therapy, only the needles are used, but sometimes and in particular in recent years, minute electrical currents are passed through the needles into the body. Despite the fact that it may seem as if it would be painful, it rarely ever is and, actually, many people feel tranquil and pleasurable sensations whenever they are undergoing acupuncture treatments.
Chiropractic
For over one hundred years, chiropractors, such as a Honolulu chiropractor, (also called doctors of chiropractic) have been treating men, women, and even children suffering from back pain and other health problems. A chiropractor cares for those who are in pain due to musculoskeletal and nervous system challenges. Chiropractic medicine treats the misalignments of the vertebral column that hamper the capacity of the nervous system. These misaligned vertebra can reduce resistance and immunity, thus producing new health problems. An effective chiropractor has superior observational and diagnostic skills that assist in uncovering physical anomalies and joint conditions. Many chiropractors complete neurological tests and orthopedic checks. Some will analyze the posture of a person in order to identify postural anomalies, and may also analyze a person’s gait to determine faulty movement patterns. Chiropractic therapy non-surgical, drug-free treatment and in addition will offer advice and provide education concerning the advantages of individual lifestyle changes, such as in exercise and nutrition.
So, if you have back pain, headaches, neck pain, hip pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, balance challenges, or arthritis, and you’ve tried a number of other things and they haven’t worked, chiropractic and acupuncture may be able to help. One way to find out for sure is to visit a good chiropractor or acupuncturist, and to allow them to clarify for you exactly what they are going to be able to do for you. It’s very possible that you will experience some relief from your suffering even after only one visit. With subsequent visits, you will continue to make improvements, and you might just discover that these natural treatments work best for your back pain.
Chiropractic Management Can Decrease the Pain of Sports Injuries
Posted by: | CommentsIn the past sports injuries were primarily limited to professional athletes, kids participating in school sports programs, and the occasional male “weekend warrior. Now, more than ever, men and women of all ages are committed to regular sports and fitness activities. A large percentage of people participate in sports like golf and tennis, and/or other healthy activities like running, aerobic classes, and weight training. Despite the activity, however, there is perpetually the risk of injury.
The majority of injuries can be divided into two primary types: injury from trauma such as a slip, fall or collision, and injury as the result of overuse or repetitive stress.
Traumatic Injuries
These injuries produce the debilitating problems often associated with trauma. As a rule injuries to the ligaments (the tissue that connects bone to bone) and to muscles are the most common, though the trauma of fractures and dislocations regularly occurs in contact sports. A strain is any injury to either a muscle or its tendon, and a sprain is an injury to ligaments. Sprains and strains most frequently occur in the ankles, knees, and shoulders, and less generally in the low back and neck. Because the spinal cord and/or spinal nerves can be involved, injury to the neck and low back can be quite serious.
A traumatic injury may be relatively mild, such as a “muscle pull” or ankle twist. But, some can be quite serious and require surgery. It is based upon the degree of tearing of the tissues, the area of the body, and the age of the person. The majority of sprains and strains are associated with some degree of swelling and on occasion with internal bleeding, in particular with injury to the ankles and knees. Strains and sprains demand competent attention, particularly during the initial stages of an injury, to guarantee proper healing and protect against future disability. Treatment from a competent health-care professional, such as your Santa Barbara chiropractor, is highly expedient.
If you’ve sustained an injury, the best course of action is to see a professional. Until help is attainable, remember the acronym, PRICE:
P Protect injury to prevent more damage
R Rest the injured area
I Ice injury to decrease swelling, bleeding, muscle spasm, and pain
C Compress injury with a specialized support or elastic bandage to support injured tissues
E Elevate the injury, expressly when dealing with ankles and knees
Of course it is necessary to get the injury appropriately examined by a chiropractor, or other competent health professional, to find out the extent of damage. When proper management is provided during the various stages of healing, the majority those who have suffered sprain and strain injuries will recover. 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. A chiropractor that is educated in the treatment of sports injuries can deliver the proper advice and treatment you’ll require to insure that your injury will mendl in the best possible way. Call your Santa Barbara chiropractor if you have sustained a traumatic injury.
Overuse or Repetitive Strain Injuries
These injuries are becoming more widespread, especially among those involved in sports such as golf, tennis, bowling, and any other activity that demands the same activity over and over (repetitively). Even running, particularly on a treadmill, can produce such problems.
Repetitious activity can often cause a very small strain to tissues, particularly tendons and muscles. Nevertheless, it is the accumulative effects of the repetition that creates the more serious problem. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is one of the most common kinds of overuse injuries. The pain, stiffness, and disability coincidental with carpal tunnel problems takes place over a period of time as the muscles and other affected tissue develop changes that no longer allow normal function. Specific factors predispose a person to these kinds of injury. A few are “intrinsic,” meaning the factor is found within a person’s own body. Other factors are “extrinsic,” i.e., that the factors are external and can often be changed or controlled by the sufferer.
Some of the most common intrinsic factors for injury
Age is the mostcommon intrinsic factor for injury. The older a person is, the easier it is for that man or woman 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 frequently prevent the joints or muscles from functioning properly.
Extrinsic factors for injury
Extrinsic factors are abundant. For instance, sports equipment can faulty–a wrong grip size of tennis racket or worn-out running shoes are clear examples, even a playing surface can be a factor, like a too-hard surface for soccer or an uneven treadmill. Inept technique in any sport, such as an incorrect golf grip is, as they say, an injury waiting to happen An additional factor is poor conditioning. A number of men and women are injured because they aren’t in shape. Increased frequency or lengthly duration of an activity, without easing slowly, can produce the setting for injury. Inadequate flexibility can produce injury if a person is too stiff to do an activity correctly. Warming up is essential prior to sports activities and not warming up, that is, not stretching or preparing for an activity is a widespread cause of injury. And, finally, but perhaps surprising to some, stress is a factor. Being tired or stressed can produce tense, inflexible muscles that are too tight for most activities.
It is encouraging to remember that almost all factors are extrinsic and, hence, they are factors that can be individually managed. However, most people require evaluation by a qualified health care professional to establish their overall body health, the severity of injury, and the answer to the problem. If left untreated, an injury will not only prohibit someone from participating in a favorite activity, but can significantly affect someone’s life in general. Treatment such as joint manipulation, massage, bracing, and specific exercises is often necessary to stabilize the condition. A chiropractor is a good 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.
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.