Archive for March, 2009
Can Chiropractic Assist in Relieving Carpal Tunnel Pain?
Introduction
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is the most well-known nerve entrapment disorder. As the term “nerve entrapment” implies, these disorders present when a nerve is trapped or compressed between body tissues creating inflammation and impairment of the nerve.
Anatomy
The carpal tunnel is situated 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 contains the nine tendons of the forearm muscles that are responsible for bending and flexing of the fingers and thumb. Also within the tunnel are arteries and lymphatic vessels that provide circulation to the hand. Wrist bones form the bottom and sides of the tunnel, while the top is shaped by the transverse carpal ligament, a strong band of connective tissue. The carpal tunnel is a densely-packed space about the size of an index finger. The flexor tendons, arteries and median nerve are designed to glide easily past each other during wrist and finger movement.
If the size of the tendon enlarges due to irritation or overuse, or if the carpal tunnel size decreases because of an improper use of the carpal bones, the median nerve can become squeezed or entrapped by the carpal tunnel. The initiatory symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome usually include pain, numbness, paraesthesia (pins and needles) and tingling in the fingers and hands especially the thumb and adjacent two fingers. These symptoms are especially noticeable in the night and often wake people from their sleep as the individual has to sit up in bed and shake-out and/or rub the hands in order decrease these unpleasant feelings. 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 generic 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
Though any of the causes and conditions listed can be partly responsible for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, often the actual root cannot be found. 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. The repetitive motions of typing on the keyboard and moving the mouse over extended periods of time is a primary indicator for many people with CTS.
Treatment
Proper diagnosis and management of this condition is essential in order to curtail the disabling symptoms associated with the advancement of CTS. I as, a 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. You might be advised to wear a splint or support, particularly at night, to help retain the wrist in a neutral position to decompress the carpal tunnel. Your Chiropractor will also give you specific exercises to stretch and/or strengthen muscles of the forearm and hand.
How Your Chiropractor Can Relieve Your Child's Earaches and Ear Infections
Earache is the most widespread purpose for office visits to pediatricians. By the age of three years, more than 70 percent of children will have had at least one episode of earache, and about a third will have had three or more occurrences. What you might not expect, however, is that earache is also the most widespread reason for children under the age of five years to be brought to the chiropractor’s office.
How Chiropractic Care Relates to Earache and Ear Infections
A pediatrician who thinks that a child with an earache has a middle ear infection will usually prescribe antibiotics as a customary course of treatment. Advanced study, however, has ascertained that such practices are often misguided. The reason for the child’s middle ear infection may not be due to bacteria, and inasmuch as antibiotics are only effective against bacterial pathogens, quite often there will be no positive reaction. This is because numerous cases of middle ear infection can be caused by a virus, and viruses do not respond to antibiotics. This may account for why children develop chronic ear infections.
One of the intentions of a chiropractor is to establish if the reason for the body’s inability to combat the earache or ear infection is produced by inflamation of the small nerves in the spine (called free nerve endings).
When these nerve endings are irritated, an undue tension is created in the small muscles of the neck. Pressure created on the lymphatic drainage ducts as a result of muscle tension can stop adequate drainage from inside the ear. This condition stops the body from naturally correcting the problem. Furthermore, balance can also be affected.
Inadequate drainage of lymphatic ducts can be discovered by a chiropractor if there is more tension in the neck and paraspinal muscles on the side with the earache. In addition, the chiropractor will palpate to see which spinal vertebrae are either marginally out of alignment or not moving within their normal range. This affliction may have been due to any one of the variety of bangs, jolts and falls that most children encounter in the early years of their life. Restoration of normal lymph drainage is usually accomplished with a short regimen of treatments that include spinal adjustments and manipulation of the neck muscles. If your child is struggling with an earache or an ear infection, call your chiropractor as soon as possible.
Advanced Research and Guidelines
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), ear infection, the most frequent childhood sickness second only to the common cold, accounts for nearly 30 million doctor visits each year. Furthermore, at least 6 million courses of antibiotics are extraneously prescribed for the affliction.Recently, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released new guidelines for treating pediatric ear inflammation, and specifically recommended a period of “watchful waiting” since, in many cases, infections clear up on their own, without medication.
The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) endorses 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.”
Chiropractic Adjustments Help Back Pain
Low Back Pain
Low back pain is a common health complication that often affects more than 80% of the population, making it second in commonality only to the common cold. However, unlike the common cold, back pain is often perplexing to most of its sufferers. Your Fort Worth Chiropractor is an expert at solving the puzzle.
Anatomy
To understand back pain, it is important to understand the anatomy of the spine. The spinal bones or vertebrae of the lower back consist of posterior joints called facets that link vertebrae to one another and serve to guide the action of the spine. Inter-vertebral discs, composed of tough cartilage, join the bodies of the vertebrae. This tough cartilage covers the nucleus, a soft material in the center of the inter-vertebral discs. The primary function of the disc is as a shock absorber and spacer between the vertebrae. Ligaments and muscles also connect the vertebrae. The wedge-shaped bone at the bottom of the spine is the sacrum and is joined to the two pelvic bones at the sacroiliac joint. The spinal cord is positioned between the facets of the vertebrae. The spinal nerves exit the spine between the vertebrae.
Causes of Back Pain
Most back pain patients have not experienced any trauma, accidents or major injuries prior to the onset of their problem. The source of most back pain is the cumulative effects of improper sitting posture, poor work habits, incorrect lifting, lack of regular exercise and other poor lifestyle-related factors. All of these factors create stresses and imbalances on the spine and eventually generate pain. This is why people can often injure their back just by bending over to pick up a piece of paper. The instability of the spine makes it vulnerable to even the most simple movements, such as bending. When this occurs, the surrounding back muscles go into spasm to protect the stressed or injured tissues of the back. Chiropractors are back pain specialists. Your Chiropractor can help you to get out of pain quickly.
Disc Problems & Sciatica
Prolonged sitting, specifically in a slouched position produces increased pressure on the intervertebral discs and imbalances in the muscles encompassing the spine. After a while the lower spine loses its ability to function normally during everyday stresses. Finally, the intervertebral disc develops small fissures, or cracks, permitting the soft nucleus to protrude the disc outward. If the disc pushes on sensitive tissues, it causes the pain that is often referred to as a slipped disc. If the disc presses on the spinal nerve, one can develop sciatica, which is defined as pain, tingling, numbness, and sometimes weakness in the lower extremities. On occasion if the disc protrusion or herniation is large and the condition is not managed correctly, surgery is needed to remove the herniated disc material. With chiropractic adjustments and care, which often includes postural exercises, most disc challenges, including sciatica, can be resolved. If you are experiencing any of the problems defined above, it is crucial for you to seek chiropractic assistance.
Spondylosis
Repetitive injury to the discs, facet joints, and surrounding ligaments may produce increased erosion and weight-bearing stress on the spine. Bone spurs are formed when the cartilage around the joints is negatively affected by stress that engenders calcium to deposit in the tissues around the vertebrae. These spurs can restrict 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 type of arthritis that appears to affect almost everyone at some point in life, as it is a common part of the aging process of the spine as well. However, influences 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 helping 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 attach the upper part of the body to the lower pelvic portion and are usually very strong and stable. However with disturbances such as falls, sports injuries, or lifting heavy objects, the joints can become unstable and relocate to an abnormal position. This condition is called a sacroiliac subluxation. Pregnancy can also cause this condition. The imbalances in the lower extremities caused by sacroiliac subluxation can create a functional long and short leg. Individuals with this condition 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 ameliorating sacroiliac problems. Ask your Fort Worth chiropractor how you can experience effective pain relief.
Spinal Subluxation
A prevalent disorder of the lower back, as well as the entire spine, is subluxated or misaligned facet joints. Subluxations can exist on their own or in conjunction with disc problems and Spondylosis. They not only create pain, but they can also imparel the spinal nerves as they exit the foramen or spaces between the vertebrae, and produce nerve compression, known as paraethesia. Paraesthesia is a change 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 eliminated by chiropractic adjustments.
Trauma
Damage such as a fall, car accident, or sports injury can cause over-stretching or tearing of the tissues of the spine and lower back and create extreme pain and immobility. In order to avoid long term disability or the development of any of the conditions listed above, chiropractic adjustments and treatment at the onset of symptoms is very important. 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 highly competent treatment for any of the above-mentioned conditions of the spine and lower back.
Chiropractors Explain, A Fat Mid-Section is a Pain in the Back
There are many people today battling to lose weight, particularly excess weight around the middle. But, the need to lose weight is, quite frequently, more than a simple cosmetic issue. The fact of the matter is, if people are lugging around extra weight in the front of their body, their back is going to be adversely affected as a consequence.
The majority of people who are overweight encounter moderate to severe back pain. This happens because the spine was not designed to carry something that is heavier than the body is at its normally healthy weight. As a person puts on added pounds, the spine starts to unduly stress and to compress, causing a lot of pain and discomfort. The pelvis can additionally be affected and become tilted forward forcing it to pinch the sciatic nerve. That is one of the main reasons why those who are overweight tend to have difficulties with their lower back. The pain is due to either sciatica or the distorting of the spinal column.
If you are suffering from this problem, certainly the thing to do is to get rid of some of the extra weight that you are toting around, and your spine will start to regulate and return to its regular position. But, weight loss is difficult and it can take time, even with the best of intentions. But, luckily you don’t have to continue to experience back pain as you lose the weight. A chiropractor can help you to get the pain relief you’ll want as you shed the extra pounds.
Even so, you will still need to lose the additional poundage, and being free of back pain will actually assist you in doing it. Two things that are simple (but not necessarily easy), but will be extremely beneficial to you in losing the extra weight naturally are doing some sort of exercise, even if it’s merely a little bit per day, and adapting the food you eat so that you are taking in fewer calories than you use throughout the day. Sure, you’ve heard about these two things before. Nonetheless, now that you know your back is depending on you, it’s the perfect time to get truly galvanized for success.
Start exercising slowly, especially if you’re having challenges with back pain. And, most importantly, be sure to seek out chiropractic care so that you don’t make the blunder that many people do, which is exercising into the pain. That will without a doubt make matters worse. Exercise, though sometimes 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 assisting in relieving back pain. Your chiropractor will be able to give you exercises that are best for you, individually. After a very short period of dedication to shedding the pounds that are 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.
Does Chiropractic Treatment Decrease Arthritis Pain?
Introduction
Arthritis is more often than not confusing to most people.When some people hear this word they contemplate a future with crippled and twisted joints. However “arthritis” is an all-inclusive word that comprises many different conditions from the benign to the severe. For our purposes we will limit this analysis to the most common forms of arthritis.
Osteoarthritis and Chiropractic Care
Osteoarthritis, degenerative arthritis, or degenerative joint disease (DJD) are the terms for the most common form of arthritis, which is also called, spondylosis, if it occurs in the spine. Basically, the condition is due to the erosion of the cartilage that lines the joint surfaces, and it is found not only in humans, but also in all mammals. Degenerative changes in the joint happens when joint cartilage is damaged and causes stress to the sensitive bone tissue that is normally preserved by the cartilage. Sometimes, osteophytes, or bone spurs, can occur when the bone around the joint increases quickly. Bone spurs create painful inflammation to other tissues surrounding the joint exacerbating the already grievous condition.
Degenerative joints as a rule occur in the lower neck and lower back, the knees, hips, and fingers. Everyone may experience DJD at one point in their lives, though previous trauma, ones occupation, activities, weight, diet, and heredity affect the degree of the condition and its onset.
The symptoms of DJD always involve some degree of pain and/or stiffness in the body part involved. As the condition advances there can be loss of mobility, notably when weight-bearing joints such as hips or knees are involved. As a last resort joints can be surgically replaced with synthetic devices. This should be done only in severe cases where the joint is sufficiently worn and movement is intolerable due to severe pain.
Prevention is unquestionably the best option, beginning at an early age.
- Making sure that all injuries to joints are properly treated will help to avoid future problems.
- People involved in occupations that demand standing or walking should wear proper shoes that provide good support and shock absorption.
- Excess body weight can produce increased stress upon the weight bearing joints of the body.
- 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 vital 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 can possibly help rebuild joint cartilage. However, it must be used over time 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 chiropractor has many of years of experience 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. On occasion a brace is necessary to help stabilize the joint in an attempt to alleviate pain. A chiropractor may suggest exercises such as stretching, yoga, tai chi and other gentle mobilizing activities to help maintain arthritic joints.
Gout
An high level of uric acid in the blood and the deposition of uric acid crystals in the joints produce gouty arthritis. The most common joints are the big toes, the knees, ankles and wrists, and is often characterized by acute pain and swelling. A large number of people who develop gout are predisposed through heredity, though episodes are more often than not brought on by binge eating of inflammatory foods, when dehydrated or fasting, or after a major surgery or illness. Particular foods such as red meat (especially organ meat), certain seafood, legumes, and mushrooms have the natural substance, Purines, that are metabolized in the liver to form uric acid. Since individuals with gout cannot properly metabolize uric acid, the accumulation in the bloodstream produces joint problems. In addition to the foods described and additional foods containing Purines, other dietary restrictions need to be followed including the avoidance of alcohol.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic inflammatory disease, is systemic in nature and thought to be caused by immune system dysfunction. 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. Morning stiffness made more painful by movement is most often associated with the disease. Other symptoms can involve general malaise and fatigue, and in its more advanced stages other systems of the body may be affected. There are specific blood tests to help identify Rheumatoid arthritis that can be easily run. Management includes medication and vitamin and diet therapy, as well as chiropractic adjustments. 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.
Can Chiropractic Treatment Help Shoulder Pain?
Introduction
The complexity of the shoulder joint allows it to achieve many different actions and activities. Anatomically, the shoulder involves three different bones – the scapula, the clavicle, and the humerus – many fastening ligaments, and approximately 20 different muscles. The main articulation, the glenohumeral joint, is connected by ligaments and a group of muscles (and their tendon attachments) known as the rotator cuff. Shoulder pain and disability are commonly caused by problems with the rotator cuff. Sports injuries, mechanical dysfunctions from muscle imbalances, or wear and tear of the tissues encompassing the joint are often the causes of shoulder problems. Arthritic changes do take place in the shoulder joint, but not as commonly as in the weight-bearing joints of the spine, hips and knees.
Anatomy
Problems in the shoulder often arise in the cervical spine as the nerves from this region innervate all of the muscles and other tissues of the shoulder, elbow, arm and hand. If these nerves are aggravated, the shoulder muscles can become tight or weak creating dysfunction in the ordinary mechanics of the joint, particularly in the rotator cuff. A similar situation can occur if one overburdens the shoulder causing sports injuries, or in other repetitive activities that cause the muscles of the joint to become overly tight or strained. Those who sit too often in a lazy position, or with their shoulders held forward, are also at risk for fostering these imbalances and shoulder problems.
Rotator Cuff Syndrome
Pain and restricted motion will continue to occur until the imbalances and inflammation are correctedchanged. The severity can vary from a slight “catching” or pain to an almost total inability to use the shoulder. Individuals of all ages are afflicted by this painful predicament known as Shoulder Impingement or Rotator Cuff Syndrome.
Frozen Shoulder
Another common condition is ” frozen shoulder. “This often debilitating condition happens when the ligaments and tendons of the glenohumeral joint grow so inflamed that adhesions occur making the joint nearly stuck together. This results in accute pain, as well as limitation of shoulder mobility that makes even dressing oneself difficult! Attention from a professional, such as your chiropractor is crucial because if left alone, frozen shoulder could take several years to heal if it heals at all. There are many other conditions of the shoulder although those mentioned above are almost certainly the most common.
Treatment
The treatment of most conditions of the shoulder is basically the same. Muscle imbalances can be corrected 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 offered by your Tampa chiropractor are also essential for a thoroughand fast recovery.