Posts Tagged ‘chiropractor’
Can Proper Posture Help With Knee Pain Elimination? Ask a Chiropractor
Along with spinal problems, knee pain and disability is one of the most frequent ailments of the musculoskeletal system. Insufficient mechanics of the knee, as well as faulty foot mechanics as compensation for foot pain often produce painful knee complaints. Additional causes most often include overuse of the knee joint, ailments as the result of arthritic changes in the joint, and traumatic injury from sports and falls.
Non-trauma knee problems: The most prevailing cause of non-traumatic pain is poor mechanics of the knee joint and the corresponding stress on the soft tissues of the knee. The patella or knee-cap is normally the area affected because frequently the patella does not move adequately on the femur during bending of the knee causing unusual stress on the tendons, cartilage and ligaments. This specific condition is often called chondromalacia patella (CMP) or Patella Femoral Syndrome (Knee Cap Pain). This problem is due to imbalances in the quadriceps muscles of the thigh that connect 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 resultant knee problems. Pain and dysfunction can also be caused 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. Insufficient foot mechanics that produce gait abnormalities such as pronation, are one more cause of mechanical knee pain.
The correspondent pain from overuse is most generally noticeable during activity, especially stair climbing, running, jumping, and following standing after prolonged sitting. Many women are likely to be predisposed to painful overuse ailments for anatomical reasons, although such conditions are often related 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 specific cases, a brace is used to help with the alignment of the patella or to secure the joint. Chiropractors, such as your chiropractor, are highly experienced in administering the correct diagnosis and care of these problems.
Knee problems due to trauma: Traumatic injuries commonly happen during activities that involve running and jumping, particularly. When the knee is pulled or twisted beyond the capability of the ligaments that hold the joint together, tearing of these tissues can occur creating a sprain. The muscles that give motion to the knee can also be torn during injury causing a strain or pull of the muscle. As with a sprain, a muscle strain can range from a mild injury that needs little treatment to a extreme injury needing surgery. The knee also is comprised of two special “cartilages” – the menisci – between the tibia and the femur that provide for smooth motion and cushioning. These cartilages can also be torn during trauma, and often necessitate surgical repair, or even removal if damaged severely.
Traumatic knee injuries can cause severe pain and swelling and require urgent examination and treatment. In most instances a competent chiropractor, such as your Chiropractor, can treat these problems, but there are some injuries that require the dexterity of an orthopedic surgeon. Nevertheless, it is crucial to stabilize the injured joint immediately and to use ice on the hurt area, if possible, until the injury can be evaluated.
If poor mechanics, overuse problems, or traumatic injuries are not fixed at an early stage, the tissues of the knee joint, expressly the cartilage, will begin to wear out sooner or later. If tissue and cartilage erode, the bones will rub together unprotected and changes such as bone spurs can take place. This painful affliction, known as degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis, often increases with age. Common treatment may involve medications such as NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Nevertheless, there are natural anti-inflammatory supplements that produce excellent results such as rosemary, glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, bioflavinoids, curcumin. Conservative treatment, such as chiropractic, can be extremely helpful in alleviating the pain. Your San Jose chiropractor is will gladly discuss anti-inflammatory supplements. In addition, people can frequently aid themselves by keeping their weight down, doing exercises (especially in the pool), and wearing cushioned shoes or insoles.
Chiropractic and the Health of Your Child
Today’s moms and dads are more disturbed than ever about the detrimental effects pharmaceuticals have on their children. Moms and dads are increasingly asking, when handed a prescription for a child’s recurrent problem, “Is this really all I can do for my child? Isn’t there a safer alternative?”
Many children’s prescription and non-prescription drugs often not only mask a child’s symptoms, but can generate serious side effects. Their intent to maintain a state of true health for their children has encouraged parents to find health care alternatives that support their child’s own inherent ability to be healthy.
Chiropractic care is that option because it aids a child’s nervous system in functioning optimally. When the nervous system is optimally functioning, the immune system, which is directed by the nervous system, is able to do what it’s intended to do, which is keep your child healthy. As the adage goes, “the best offense is a good defense.” Everyday, children are exposed to massive amounts of airborn, food-born, and contact bacteria. So many bacteria, in fact, that it would be impossible to immunize them against them all. Your 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 grow up.
One of the functions of a chiroractor is to keep your child healthy and strong so that the complaints that seem to be an unavoidable part of childhood, either won’t affect your child as fiercely or will not affect them at all. The objective of chiropractic manipulation is to eliminate interferences to the inherent healing power running through the body. When that power is freed, the changes that take place many times appear to be profound.
Furthermore, when a child’s spine is in alignment, he or she is far less vulnerable to sports and play injuries. In addition, children who receive regular chiropactic care more often than not don’t experience as many “growing pains” as other children.
Each day at your Camarillo Chiropractor we are happy to see that more and more parents are bringing their children to our clinic to address the questions and concerns they have regarding their children’s health. Every child is have the right to express their entire potential. Chiropractic treatment for children at your chiropractor is safe, gentle and effective.
Chiropractic Care Can Ease the Pain of Sports Injuries
Sports injuries, these days are not just limited to professional athletes or boys who participate in school sports programs. Now, more than ever, men and women of all ages are committed to regular sports and fitness activities. A large percentage of people are involved in sports like golf and tennis, and/or other healthy activities like running, aerobic classes, and weight training. Regardless of the activity,though, there is constantly the risk of injury.
Nearly all of injuries can be put into two groups: 1) traumatic injury, such as a slip, fall, or collision and, 2) repetitive stress or overuse injury.
Traumatic Injuries
These injuries produce the debilitating difficulties often associated with trauma. As a rule injuries to the ligaments (the tissue that connects bone to bone) and to muscles are the most frequent, although the trauma of fractures and dislocations often occurs in contact sports. Damage to a ligament is called a sprain, while trauma to a muscle or its tendon is a strain. Sprains and strains often 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 affected, injury to the neck and low back can be very serious.
Traumatic injuries can vary from a mild “muscle pull” or ankle twist to a serious problem necessitating surgery. The enormity of the injury depends upon several factors, such as the degree of tearing of the tissues, the location of the injury, and the age of the person. Some degree of swelling occurs with most sprains and strains. However, with certain injuries, especially those of the ankle and knee, there can be some internal bleeding as well. Strains and sprains need proper attention, especially during the initial stages of an injury, to assure correct healing and avoid future disability. Therapy from a competent health-care professional, such as your Santa Barbara chiropractor, is highly advisable.
If you’ve sustained an injury, the best course of action is to see a professional. Until aid is accessible, remember the acronym, PRICE:
P Protect injury to avoid further damage
R Rest the damaged body region
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, particularly when dealing with ankles and knees
Naturally it is important to get the injury appropriately examined by a chiropractor, or other competent health professional, to ascertain the amount of damage. When appropriate management is provided during the various stages of healing, most individuals who have suffered sprain and strain injuries will recover. If not cared for attentively, some sprains and strains can result in long-lasting problems such as joint instability, painful or weak joints and muscles, and lack of mobility. A chiropractor that is experienced in the treatment of sports injuries can deliver the proper advice and management you’ll require to insure that your injury will recoverl in the best possible way. Call your chiropractor if you have sustained a traumatic injury.
Overuse or Repetitive Strain Injuries
Sports such as golf, tennis, and bowling, as well as any other activity that demands the same motions over and over are prevalent reasons for repetitive stress injuries. An action as natural and healthy as running, particularly on a treadmill, can also be a factor.
Repetitious activity can frequently create a very slight strain to tissues, expressly tendons and muscles. But, it is the accumulative effects of the repetition that produces the more serious problem. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is one of the most common types of overuse injuries. Over time the muscle or other affected tissue develops changes that no longer permit it to function correctly, resulting in pain, stiffness and disability. There are two kinds of factors that predispose a person to these types of problems: 1) Intrinsic, i.e., found within a person’s own body, and 2) Extrinsic, i.e., external factors that can generally be changed or controlled by the sufferer.
Some of the most prevalent intrinsic factors for injury
Age is the mostwell-established 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, ultimately, previous injuries are a factor as they generally prohibit the joints or muscles from functioning properly.
Extrinsic factors for injury
Extrinsic factors are abundant. An improper grip size of a tennis racket, worn-out running shoes, an uneven treadmill surface, or a too-hard surface for soccer are all instances of deficient sports equipment that can produce problems. Incorrect technique in any sport, such as an unsuitable golf grip is, as they say, an injury waiting to happen All sports activities demand a bit of pre-conditioning, which is why people who aren’t in shape who continue to prolong the duration of an activity without building up slowly, as well as those who lack flexibility, are injured more frequently. 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, lastly, and maybe surprising to some, stress is a factor. Muscles that are tense and inflexible as the result of stress are too tight and, therefore, unprepared for most sports activities.
There are many factors that are extrinsic and, therefore, within a person’s control. But, most people must have evaluation by a qualified health care professional to establish their overall body health, the nature of an injury, and the solution to the problem. If left untreated, sports injuries can considerably affect a person’s life and limit a favorite activity. Treatment such as joint manipulation, massage, bracing, and specific exercises is frequently needed to stabilize the condition. A chiropractor is and excellent 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.
Balance, Inner Ear Problems, and the Advantages of Chiropractic Care
Controlling and preserving body position while staying still or moving is the essential function of good balance. Good balance helps someone to walk without wobbling, arise from a sitting position without slipping, and to climb stairs without slipping.
Balance difficulties are often reported by 9 percent of adults, aged 65 and older. Good balance is vital in assisting an older person to stay independent, and perform daily chores and activities. Dizziness, “wooziness,” and difficulties with balance are experienced by a large majority people as they age.
The term, vertigo, refers to the experience that some people have that they, themselves, or the things around them are spinning. About 40 percent of people nationwide will experience dizziness that is serious enough to go seek medical assistance. And, among older adults, falls are the most widespread cause of extreme injury and deaths.
Balance and Inner Ear Conditions
Three types of balance disorders that are most prevalent are benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, labyrinthitis, and Meniere’s disease, but there are quite a few other types of balance disorders. Of these three, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is the most prevalent. Its symptoms include 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 affliction is more disposed in people 60 and older, but it can also happen in younger individuals.
The reasons for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo are varied. It may be created by an inner ear infection, head injury, or simply aging. Many times times a simple Epleys procedure can fix the condition, although it can be connected with other disease processes. Your 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 people|individuals of any age and the cause is unknown.
Ménière’s disease is a balance disorder that creates vertigo, hearing loss irregular, tinnitus (ringing or roaring in the ears), and a “full feeling” in the ear.
Though people who are older are more likely to experience balance disorders, age is not the only cause for why these problems occur. Therapy for balance disorders varies based upon the reason. A chiropractor is well-educated in assessing and treating many of the causes. Not infrequently, even simple exercises for vestibular rehab can be the answer to balance challenges. Call a health care professional, such as your Chiropractor, if you have experienced, or are currently experiencing, dizziness, vertigo, or other abnormalities with balance.
Not every balance disorders are produced by complications in the inner ear. A few may include other areas of the body like the brain or heart. Head injury, stroke, certain medicines, circulation challenges, upper respiratory infections and other viral infections, stress, fatigue, smoking, alcohol use, high or low blood pressure, and heart disease are all factors that, in addition to aging and ear infection, may create balance disorders.
Balance disorders produced by high blood pressure can normally be managed by less sodium intake,maintaining a healthy weight, and exercise. To assist in making the symptoms of dizziness less intense, most often eating low-salt or salt-free foods, and avoiding caffeine and alcohol, will help.
Balance disorders are serious. It is the primary cause of falls and fall-related injuries in older people. It is crucial to have a suspected balance disorder analysed and treated as soon as possible.
If you can answer “yes” to any of the questions listed below, 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.
Acupuncture Techniques and Chiropractic Treatment Can Ease Your Back Pain
It isn’t always fundemental for you to find a traditional healing technique if you are experiencing back pain. As a matter of fact, often when medical science is ineffectual in helping a person overcome pain, some natural methods have been discovered to be highly effective. Medical techniques, by their nature, are disposed to treat the symptoms of a problem, not the source. Whereas, natural methods seek out the fundemental cause of the symptoms. If you’re interested in experiencing natural techniques that have been shown to be effective in helping back pain and quite a few other problems, you need look no further than chiropractic and acupuncture.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been performed for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine. It is earning popularity in a number of other areas of the world and for an excellent reason: A vast number of people have felt relief from their back pain and quite a few other afflictions by visiting an acupuncturist on a systematic basis. According to traditional Chinese acupuncture therapy, small needles are put into the body at specific points that are said to affect various areas of the body. In traditional therapy, only the needles are used, however at times and particularly today, minute electrical currents are directed through the needles into the body. Even though it may seem though it would be painful, it seldom ever is and, actually, many people experience relaxation and pleasurable sensations while undergoing acupuncture treatments.
Chiropractic
For over one hundred years, chiropractors, such as a chiropractor, (also called doctors of chiropractic) have been assisting men, women, and even children experiencing back pain and other health problems. A chiropractor treats those who are in pain due to musculoskeletal and nervous system challenges. Chiropractic medicine treats the deviations of the vertebral column that impede the function of the nervous system. These misaligned vertebra can reduce resistance and immunity, thus creating new health challenges. An effectual chiropractor has excellent observational and diagnostic skills that help in discovering physical abnormalities and joint conditions. Many chiropractors complete neurological tests and orthopedic examinations. Some will analyze the posture of someone as a tool for identifying postural anomalies, and additionally may analyze someone’s gait to identify faulty movement patterns. Chiropractic management non-invasive, drug-free treatment as well as advice and education concerning the advantages of individual lifestyle changes, such as in exercise and nutrition.
So, if you are experiencing back pain, headaches, neck pain, hip pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, balance challenges, or arthritis, and you’ve tried a number of other things and and you’re still suffering, 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 let them to explain to you precisely what they are able to do for you. It’s very possible that you will experience some relief from your pain even after only one visit. With subsequent visits, you will make more advancements and improvements, and you might just determine that these natural treatments work best for your back pain.
How Can Chiropractic Help Foot Pain?
Introduction
In general, we, humans, take 3,000-5,000 steps everyday. Add to that activities such as running and aerobic exercise, and we add not only more steps, but stress, to our already overly-worked feet. Is it any wonder then why plenty of people have aches and pains in their feet? Several components influence whether or not a person will get foot and ankle pain, such as flat or over-pronated feet, individual walking and running style, and the type of shoe a person wears. However these factors can also affect the health of a person’s back, knees and legs. Listed below are a few of the most prevalent conditions that affect the feet and ankle.
Hallux Valgus and Bunions
Hallux Valgus, a slow-developing affliction, is noticeable when the big toe or hallux deviates towards the outside of the foot, often practically overlapping or bumping into the adjacent toe. In addition, a bump, called a bunion, many times occurs on the inside of the big toe. The pain associated with Hallux Valgus is normally experienced during weight-bearing activities such as walking or prolonged standing.However, if someone has developed a bunion, the pain can be present at rest and is frequently described as a “numbing” or “burning” sensation in the big toes.
To be clear, the true challenge is not in the bone, itself, but in the joint between the big toe and the first metatarsal bone, i.e., the first metatarsal-phalangeal. The pain and deformity associated with Hallux Valgus is due to damage to this joint. The challenge is normally the result of wear and tear over a long period of time from factors such as over-pronation that creates undue pressure on the big toe and first metatarsal during walking. A further cause of Hallux Valgus is inflammatory arthritis that can harm the joint and produce degenerative changes. A broken toe that does not heal properly can also predispose a person to Hallux Valgus. But, one of the more common causes of the affliction is the high-heeled and pointed shoes that women often wear. These shoes not only put extra stress on the joint, but also aid in pushing the big toe to the outside.
If you think you may have Hallux Valgus, your chiropractor can examine your foot to determine which factors are contributing to your challenge, and then use a range of chiropractic techniques and modalities to decrease pain and improve the function of your foot.
Plantar Fascitis ( Heel Pain )
Heel pain, known as Plantar Fascitis, is a well known foot ailment caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia, a band of connective tissue that encases the muscles on the bottom of the foot, connects the heel bone to the ball of the foot. It supports the arch, protects the foot, and absorbs shock.
People with Plantar Fascitis frequently complain of pain in the morning after first standing when they get out of bed and also when they stand up after having sat for a while. The pain originates just in front of the heel bone, but can spread over the entire bottom of the foot.
If left untreated, aggravation associated with the condition can lead to the development of scar tissue, calcium deposits and eventually heel spurs. Heel spurs, a bony growth on the front part of the calcaneus of the heel bone where the plantar fascia attaches, can cause a severe stabbing pain with walking.
There are many factors that are instrumental in the development of Plantar Fascitis although people who have other foot conditions, especially Pes Planus (flat feet) and over-pronation are most susceptible. One of the most crucial contributing factors is muscle imbalances between the calf muscles and the muscles on the bottom of the foot, both of which attach to the calcaneus or heel bone. Frequently the calf muscles get short and tight exerting a strong pull upon the back of the calcaneus. This creates too much stress on the smaller and weaker plantar muscles and its fascia that adhere to the other side of the calcaneus. In addition to running and jumping activities, wearing high heels can also produce a shortening and tightening of the calf muscles. Other factors that stress the plantar fascia include: sudden strenuous activity after a period of long-term inactivity, abnormal walking patterns, unsuitable footwear, walking on hard or uneven surfaces especially barefooted, and obesity.
Nurses, teachers, and waiters who are required to be regularly on their feet, and those whose activities include aerobic, volleyball, running, basketball, and tennis are more susceptible to Plantar Fascitis.
It is often difficult to manage Plantar Fascitis once it has developed, and the ailment can become extremely painful and ceaseless. A chiropractor will be able to determine the cause of your problem and what care is most fitting. Management might include ultrasound therapy, laser, joint manipulation, muscle stretching and strengthening exercises, special taping and, in some cases, orthotics.
Achilles Tendonitis
The Achilles tendon (the heel cord), is a large tendon that is an extension of the two largest calf muscles. It travels down the back of the lower leg and attaches to the heel bone. Achilles Tendonitis is an extremely painful, and often debilitating aggravation of the tendon. Harm to this valuable tendon can make it hard or even impossible to walk. Most frequently, a debilitating injury to the tendon is the result of an accumulation of smaller stresses that cause small tears over time, although a sudden, single incident, such as jumping, can also be the cause of a serious problem. Generally, the appearance of symptoms is gradual. The pain may be relatively minor at first, but continuously worsens if the individual tries to “work through” the pain. Many Achilles tendonitis sufferers associate their initial discomfort to the aches and pains that have to do with age or fatigue. In severe cases, a total rupture of the tendon can arise, resulting in traumatic injury and intense pain that makes walking virtually impossible and may even require corrective surgery.
Athletes and performers, such as dancers, whose activities contain not only running and jumping, but sudden starts and stops, are especially vulnerable to Achilles tendonitis. Also at risk are women who regularly wear high-heeled shoes then switch to sport shoes for exercise because the tendon and muscles have gradually conformed to the shortened position caused by wearing high-heels. When this occurs, the change to exercise or flat shoes forces the Achilles tendon to stretch further than it is accustomed to, hence producing stress and inflammation. If possible, high-heels should not be worn everyday. But, if it is not possible, then stretching every morning and night can help to keep the Achilles tendon lengthened.
As mentioned above, Achilles tendonitis is often age-related, especially in men who are athletes. As a person ages, the arch tends to flatten causing over-pronation and increased stress on the Achilles tendon, as well as the calf and foot muscles. Achilles tendon conditions are also prevalent in those who exercise infrequently, such as the “weekend warrior” and in those who are just novices at exercise. In both cases, muscles and tendons have little flexility due to inactivity. Therefore, people who are just commencing to exercise after a long layoff should stretch properly, start slowly, and increase gradually.
Despite the origin, if you are experiencing Achilles tendonitis symptoms, it is vital for you to see a qualified professional. Your chiropractor is a highly-skilled professional who can help you to manage the ailment before it becomes severe.
Pes Planus ( Flat Feet )
Flat Feet, or Pes Planus as it is called by the medical community, is quite prevalent. It is approximated that at least one quarter of humans have flat feet. Newborns have flat feet, but somewhere between the ages 3-10 we develop an arch. However in certain people this development never occurs. There are a number of factors, along with genetic disposion that can produce flat feet, or predispose a person to the problem. A person’s job, level of activity, and lifestyle can create a previously-developed arch to collapse later in life. Age and weight also are implicated in the development of the problem. Middle-aged people who have been working on their feet for years often experience flat feet, as do overweight sufferers who are placing added stress on their feet and legs.
Some people have flat feet and never feel any annoyance, while others experience pain in the feet and knees, and sometimes in the hips and lower back as well. If you think you have flat feet and are experiencing discomfort, you might want to see your chiropractor to determine a plan of care that can relieve your pain and prevent more symptoms from developing. Chiropractic treatment includes joint adjustments to improve foot function and eliminate painful symptoms. Your chiropractor may also prescribe arch-supporting insoles, called orthotics, for additional support and stability.
Metatarsalgia ( Pain in the ball of the foot )
Metatarsalgia is occasionally called “ball-of-foot pain,” as it is a pain on the sole of the foot just behind the toes where the foot bends during walking. The pain is caused by a dyfunction in one or more of the five metatarsal bones that extend from about halfway up the foot to the toes.
The feeling of pain can be limited to where the metatarsal bones attach the toe bones or it can extend along the entire length of the metatarsals, and likely between them. Challenges vary from stiffness upon movement to a burning or stinging sensation. The degree of discomfort depends upon whether the affliction is due to a dysfunction in the joints or an aggravation to the nerves as they travel along the metatarsals.
The reason for the condition can be either structural or functional. When a structural problem takes palce, such as when the metacarpal bones are either too long or too short, it creates abnormal mechanics in the feet and undue stress on the entire area. Flat feet or too much arch can also alter the stresses on the metatarsals causing similar symptoms.
There are other factors that can affect these bones that are many times in the control of the sufferer. These include excess body weight, tight or high-heeled shoes, and excessive or poor running or athletic training. Surplus weight and the wearing high-heeled shoes both increase stress upon the metatarsal, which leads to joint pain and nerve irritation. Repetitive foot activities, like running, directly stress the metatarsals by exposing them to constant trauma.
A chiropractor is able to effectively treat metatarsalgia, no matter what the cause may be. After analyzing the underlying factors, you will receive a number of non-invasive therapies, inluding orthotics when necessary, and you will be advised on how you can avoid future pain.
See your chiropractor as soon as possible if you are experiencing any of the foot problems mentioned above.
Chiropractor says, Taking Off Extra Pounds Can Decrease Your Arthritis Pain
Do you have back pain due to arthritis? Do you also have a difficult time with your weight? If you do, you are probably having back pain not only because of arthritis, but also as a consequence of the burden your weight is putting on your spine. The body was not designed to carry around extraneous weight in the form of body fat. If you are carrying around only an additional 20 or 30 pounds on a regular basis, your spine, which supports the body, is being put under a tremendous amount of strain. This sort of burden can cause aberrations of the vertebral column. These misaligned vertebra can generate arthritic changes in the spine and continue to irritate the degenerative changes that have already taken place. Furthermore, your body may counteract in other ways, like your hips moving forward or tilting to accommodate the additional poundage. This can restrict 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 men and women and 34% of adolescents are overweight or obese. The prevalence of arthritis amplifies with increasing weight. Research indicates that sustaining a healthy weight decreases the risk of developing arthritis in the first place and may slow disease progression. A weight decrease of just 11 pounds can reduce the occurrence (incidence) of new knee osteoarthritis and would be extraordinarily effective in relieving back pain as well.
In order for anyone to eliminate their back pain, knee pain, and pain in the joints in other areas of the body, a nutritious diet and appropriate exercise is definitely required. Although this counsel presumably doesn’t strike you as anything new, it really is the only action for you to take in order to stop suffering and get your life back.
First of all, let’s talk about the topic of dieting. There are a huge number of different ways to diet and most of them work only as a Band-Aid. It may sound cynical, but let’s face it, if you were to lose weight permanently, the diet industry would lose a life-long customer! In order for you to lose weight productively, you are simply going to need to eat a healthy diet and additionally to cut your calories so that you are at a slight calorie deficit. Don’t plan on losing 20 pounds every week because that is a limited and dangerous fix. You should be losing about 2 pounds every week in order to have positive results.
Research has shown that exercise and physical activity not only relieves pain and augments function, but actually delays disability. Be certain to get a minimum of one-half hour of moderate physical activity at least 3 days a week. Even at 10-minute intervals such movement is beneficial.
Besides the good your joints will experience from exercise, chiropractic treatment is an excellent way to get mobility back in the joints of your spine and other places in your body. A well-adjusted spine makes exercise and physical activity a good deal easier and actually slows down arthritic degenerative changes. The Annals of Internal Medicine released the findings of a survey of 232 people who were under a rheumatologist’s care for their arthritis. Of those people, 63% responded to the survey by saying they were utilizing some form of “complementary care” as named by the study. Of those responders, 31% were utilizing chiropractic. Possibly the most consequential statistic was that 73% of those trying chiropractic found it helpful. Indicating why they’d tried the non-medical chiropractic care, the responders gave 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 helped someone they knew, and 5) because their prescription medication wasn’t stopping the pain.
Chiropractors, also called doctors of chiropractic, have been aiding individuals suffering from back pain due to arthritis and other arthritic conditions for over a hundred years. Your chiropractor treats misaligned vertebra that, in addition to creating arthritic pain and degenerative changes in the spine, can decrease resistance and immunity, which can lead to new health challenges.
It is always smart to visit a health care professional to talk about diet and exercise. Your chiropractor is an experienced resource for advice on the sort of lifestyle changes that you will need to assist you in managing your arthritis. Furthermore, 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 compounding your arthritic pain.
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.