Oxnard Acupuncture

Scoliosis: An Introduction

A normal spine appears straight, without much change from laterally, when the body is viewed from behind. But, if the spine is observed to have a lateral, or side-to-side, curvature, the individual might have a condition called scoliosis.The affliction shouldn’t be confused with unsatisfactory posture, although it oftentimes gives the appearance that the individual is leaning to one side. Scoliosis is a complicated deformity that is defined by both lateral curvature and rotation of the vertebra oftentimes causing a characteristic “rib hump” in the mid or thoracic spine. This is created by the vertebrae in the zone of the major curve rotating toward the concavity and pushing their fastened ribs posterior hence producing the distinctive rib hump seen in thoracic scoliosis. If the thoracic curve and rib rotation are severe, greater than 70 degrees, pulmonary and cardiac function can be interfered with. Often later in life in untreated severe idiopathic infantile and juvenile scoliosis patients, this intensity of curve and subsequent cardiac and pulmonary changes can be life threatening.

Anatomy

If one were to look at the trunk from a side view, the spine would reveal four normal curves: the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral. In the lower spine there is a normal “C-shaped” curve called swayback or lordosis, while the thoracic curve in the chest vicinity has a “reverse C” called a kyphosis. Hyperlordosis is the term used to describe heightened swayback, while increased kyphosis in the thoracic spine is called hyperkyphosis. Scoliosis changes generally accompany alterations from normal on a side view. Some round back deformities are simply due to bad posture and can often be eliminated with postural exercises. A small percentage of individuals with kyphosis have more rigid deformities than the postural type, which are seen in conjunction 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 nonprofessional can help to identify a child or fully-grown individual with scoliosis just by viewing the person in a standing position, preferably bare-chested and in shorts, and observing the following:

• One shoulder may be more elevated than the other.

• One scapula (shoulder blade) may be higher or more conspicuous than the other.

• With the arms hanging freely at the sides, there may be more area between the arm and the body on one side.

• One hip may seem to be higher or more conspicuous than the other.

• The head is not aligned 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 flex forward until the the spine is horizontal.

The child or adult should be sent to a healthcare professional, such as a chiropractor, for further evaluation once scoliosis is identified. your chiropractor would be happy to help.

There are various origins and many kinds of scoliosis, however the most prevalent, by far, is Idiopathic Scoliosis, which accounts for approximately 85 % of all cases. “Idiopathic” means “no known cause” and is seen with equal occurrence in boys and girls in the mild or low curve magnitudes. This affliction can be sub-classified into infantile, juvenile and adolescent categories, based upon the age of onset. Idiopathic Scoliosis may be linked to genetic or hereditary influences as it frequently runs in families. However girls, for unknown reasons are five to eight times more likely than boys to have their curves develop in size and require treatment. As the term “Idiopathic Scoliosis” suggests, this class of scoliosis commonly happens when children are finishing their last major growth spurt. Unfortunately, at this age young people are hesitant to allow their body to be seen by parents and other adults, so it is wise to have this age group viewed on a regular basis.

If a scoliotic curve is found in the growing adolescent, it is vital that the curves be monitored for advancement by periodic examination and sometimes standing X-rays. In ninety percent of instances, the scoliosis is mild and does not require active treatment, though| increases in spinal deformity necessitate evaluation to determine if a brace or other treatment is required. In a small number of people, surgical treatment may be required.~Surgery may be necessary for a small number of individuals.

Brace support (orthosis) is recommended for newly-identified conditions 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 many kinds of braces, all created to prevent curves from increasing through the process of acting as a buttress for the spine during active skeletal growth. Braces normally will not make the spine completely straight, and cannot always keep a curve from increasing. However, bracing is effective in preventing curve progression in an impressive number of skeletally-immature adolescents.

Scoliosis has no simple resolution. The majority of cases, even though frequently monitored, are not actively treated. The usual 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.

Along with bracing, many other modalities have been used successfully like specialized exercise, electric stimulation of spinal muscles, nutritional programs, and chiropractic treatments. It appears that the most effective results have been sustained with a multi-faceted approach to the care of this condition.

There are chiropractors, that have expertise treating scoliosis cases.

Technorati Tags: back pain, chiropractor, scoliosis

Santa Barbara Chiropractor: 10 Most Frequent Questions

Managing and keeping body position while remaining still ormobile is the essential function of good balance. Good balance helps a person to walk without wobbling, arise from a sitting position without falling, and to climb stairs without tripping.

About 9 percent of adults, age 65 and older, report having challenges with balance. Good balance is vital in aiding an older person to stay independent, and to carry out daily chores and activities. Quite a few older individuals, however, suffer from dizziness, “wooziness,” and difficulties with balance.

The sensation by individuals that they, themselves, or objects are spinning is known as “vertigo.” About 40 percent of people nationwide will experience dizziness that is consequential enough to go seek out a health professional. And, among older adults, falls are the leading cause of extreme injury and deaths.

Balance and Inner Ear Challenges

Three types of balance disorders that are most familiar are benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, labyrinthitis, and Meniere’s disease, though there are quite a few other types of balance disorders. Of these three, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is the most widespread. Its symptoms encompass a brief, intense feeling 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 likely to occur in people 60 and older, but it can also happen in younger individuals.

There are diverse causes for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Inner ear infection, head injury, or simply aging can cause the affliction. While it can be connected with other disease processes, often a simple Epleys procedure can eliminate the affliction. Your Santa Barbara Chiropractor has many years of experience in this procedure.

Labyrinthitis is an infection or iirritation of the inner ear that cause dizziness and loss of balance. It affects people|individuals of any age and the cause is currently undiscovered.

Ménière’s disease is a balance disorder that produces vertigo, hearing loss inconsistent, tinnitus (ringing or roaring in the ears), and a “full feeling” in the ear.

Even though those over 65 years are more likely to experience balance disorders, age is not the only cause for why these problems take place. Depending on the cause of the balance disorder, therapy will vary. Sometimes, there’s a simple answer to balance problems, such as simple exercises for vestibular rehab. A chiropractor is well-educated in assessing and treating a number of balance dysfunctions. Make an appointment with a health care professional, such as your Santa Barbara Chiropractor, if you have encountered, or are currently experiencing, dizziness, vertigo, or other abnormalities with balance.

Although some balance disorders are produced by challenges in the inner ear, other disorders may involve another area of the body, like the brain or the heart. Other components, besides aging and ear infection, may include head injury, certain medicines, challenges with blood circulation, upper respiratory infections, viral infections, stress, fatigue, smoking, alcohol use, stroke, high or low blood pressure, and heart disease.

Balance disorders created 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 acute, generally eating low-salt or salt-free foods, and avoiding caffeine and alcohol, will help.

Balance disorders are significant. It is the primary cause of falls and fall-related injuries in older people. It is essential to have a possible balance disorder accessed and treated as soon as possible.

If you can answer “yes” to any of these 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.

Technorati Tags: balance, chiropractic, chiropractor, dizziness, falls, vertigo

pediatric chiropractic

The most prevailing reason for visits to a pediatrician is earache. More than 70 percent of children will have had not less than one earache by the age of three, and almost one-third will have had three or more earache incidents. However, what might be unexpected is that earache is also the most common basis for children under the age of five years to be taken to the chiropractor’s office.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help Earache and Ear Infections

A pediatrician who determines that a child with an earache has a middle ear infection will usually prescribe antibiotics as a typical course of treatment. Current study, however, has ascertained that this is often misguided. Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial pathogens, and because the child’s middle ear infection may be caused by a virus, antibiotics are ineffectual. This may be the explanation for a child’s chronic ear infections.

One of the many assessments that a Honolulu chiropractor can make is whether the earache or ear infection is caused by inflamation of the small nerves in the spine, called free nerve endings.

An abnormal tension in the small muscles of the neck is produced when these nerve endings are inflammed. This muscle tension can put pressure on the lymphatic drainage ducts resulting in inadequate drainage from inside the ear, thereby stopping the body from being able to naturally correct the problem. Additionally, balance can also be affected.

Identification by a chiropractor of such a situation is made by the detection of increased tension in the neck and paraspinal muscles. Normally more tension is felt on the side of earache. The chiropractor also checks for spinal vertebrae that are either moderately out of alignment or are not moving within their normal range. This problem may have been the result of any one of the many bangs, jolts and falls that the majority of children experience in the early years of their life. Many times, a short course of spinal adjustments and manipulation of the neck muscles will assist in restoring normal lymph drainage. If your child is experiencing the pain of an earache or an ear infection, see your Honolulu chiropractor as soon as possible.

Advanced Research and Guidelines

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), ear infection, the most prevalent childhood sickness after the common cold, accounts for nearly 30 million doctor visits every year. What’s more, at least 6 million courses of antibiotics are unnecessarily prescribed for the affliction.Not too long ago, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released new guidelines for treating pediatric ear inflammation, and definitively recommended a period of “watchful waiting” since, in many cases, infections clear up on their own, without medication.

The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) commends the AAP on the guidelines and underlines 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.”

Technorati Tags: children's earaches, chiropractic, chiropractor, ear infections, earache, earaches

Is It Safe To Adjust Children? FAQ#7

The negative effects of many medications on children’s health has many moms and dads concerned. Parents are increasingly asking, when given a prescription for a child’s periodic problem, “Is this really all I can do for my child? Isn’t there a safer alternative?”

Many children’s medications often not only mask a child’s symptoms, but can produce serious side effects. Today, parents are looking for health care alternatives for their children that encourage and sustain their child’s inherent ability to be healthy.

Chiropractic care is that option because it assists a child’s nervous system in functioning optimally. The immune system is directed by the nervous system. When it is functioning optimally, children stay healthier.  As far as a child’s health is concerned, “the best offense is a good defense.” Everyday, children are exposed to a huge variety of airborn, food-born, and contact bacteria. So many bacteria, in fact, that it would be inconceivable to immunize them against them all. Your Camarillo Chiropractor well-informed and has years of expertise when it comes to colds, sore throats, ear infections, fevers, colic, asthma, tonsillitis, allergies, bed-wetting, infections, pains, falls, stomach-aches, and the hundred and one little (and big) things children go through as they grow up.

The majority of illnesses that affect children are avoidable. The function of chiropractic manipulation is to remove interferences to the innate healing power running through the body. When that power is released, the healing results that take place many times appear to be profound.

Furthermore, a child is less inclined to be injured at play or in sports when his or her spine is in alignment. In addition, children who are brought in regularly for chiropractic care more often than not don’t experience as many “growing pains” as other children.

Each day at your Camarillo Chiropractor we are happy to see that more and more parents are bringing their children to our clinic to help to take care of the questions and concerns they have about their children’s health. Every child is entitled to manifest their absolute potential. Chiropractic adjustments for children at your chiropractor is safe, gentle and effective.

Technorati Tags: children's health, chiropractic, chiropractor

Does it Hurt to Get Adjusted

In the past sports injuries were usually limited to professional athletes, young people participating in school sports programs, and the occasional male “weekend warrior. Everyday, men and women of all ages are committed to regular sports and fitness activities. Many people of both sexes play golf, tennis, basketball, and/or participate in aerobic activities like running. Despite the activity, however, there is always the risk of injury.

The majority of injuries can be put into two categories: 1) traumatic injury, such as a slip, fall, or collision and, 2) repetitive stress or overuse injury.

Traumatic Injuries

As the name implies, this kind of injury causes the sort of incapacitation and debilitation most 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. An injury to a ligament is called a sprain, while an injury to a muscle or its tendon is a strain. Sprains and strains generally occur in the ankles, knees, and shoulders, and not as commonly in the low back and neck. Because the spinal cord and/or spinal nerves can be harmed, injury to the neck and low back can be quite serious.

Traumatic injuries can extend from a mild “muscle pull” or ankle twist to a serious problem requiring surgery. It all depends upon the degree of tearing of the tissues, the location, and the age of the person. Some amount of swelling occurs with almost all sprains and strains. In addition, with certain injuries, particularly those of the ankle and knee, there can be some internal bleeding as well. Strains and sprains need competent attention, especially during the initial stages of an injury, to insure correct healing and avoid future disability. Therapy from a competent health-care professional, such as your Santa Barbara chiropractor, is highly advisable.

Listed below is an acronym for the post-injury attention to sprains and strains particularly if no professional aid is available: PRICE
P    Protect injury from further damage
R    Rest the damaged body region
I     Ice injury to abate swelling, bleeding, muscle spasm, and pain
C    Compress injury with a specifically designed or elastic bandage to support injured tissues
E    Elevate the injury, especially when dealing with ankles and knees

As already mentioned, knowledgeable diagnosis and treatment are vital to a total recovery. A chiropractor can determine the magnitude of your injury and institute proper recovery treatment. When proper management is provided during the various stages of healing, nearly all those who have sustained 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 management of sports injuries can offer the proper advice and management you’ll require to insure that your injury will heall in the best possible way. If you have sustained a traumatic injury, call your Santa Barbara chiropractor.

Overuse or Repetitive Strain Injuries

These injuries are becoming more widespread, particularly among people involved in sports such as golf, tennis, bowling, and any other activity that necessitates the same movement over and over (repetitively). Even running, particularly on a treadmill, can cause such problems.

Fundamentally, overuse or repetitive stress injuries happen when an individual is occupied in a repetitious activity that creates a very slight strain to tissues, particularly tendons and muscles, that by itself would not generate a problem, but performed many times has an accumulative effect.  Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is one of the most widespread types of overuse injuries. The pain, stiffness, and disability coincidental with carpal tunnel problems occurs over a period of time as the muscles and other affected tissue develop changes that no longer let proper function. 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 frequently be changed or controlled by the person.

Some of the most common intrinsic factors for injury

Age is the mostgeneral intrinsic factor for injury. The older a person is, the easier it is for that individual to get injured. Congenital abnormalities are another factor. A number of people are born with joint or muscle problems. And, ultimately, previous injuries are a factor as they frequently prevent the joints or muscles from functioning correctly.

Extrinsic factors for injury

There are many extrinsic injury factors.  A wrong 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 insufficient sports equipment that can produce problems. Improper technique, like an awkward golf grip or swing, can cause stress and strain injuries. Another factor is poor conditioning. Some people are injured because they are deconditioned. Added frequency or lengthly duration of an activity, without developing slowly, can create the circumstances for injury. Lack of flexibility can cause injury if an individual is too stiff to do an activity properly. Warming up is very important before sports activities and not warming up, that is, not stretching or preparing for an activity is a common cause of injury.  And, finally, but perhaps surprising to some, stress is a factor. Muscles that are tense and inflexible due to stress are too tight and, as such, unprepared for most sports activities.

There are a number of factors that are extrinsic and, hence, within a person’s control. However, most people require an examination 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 generally needed 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.

Technorati Tags: chiropractic, chiropractor, repetitive stress, sports injuries, sprain, strain

Tampa Chiropractor: Most Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction

The complexity of the shoulder joint allows it to achieve many different motions and activities. Anatomically, the shoulder involves three different bones – the scapula, the clavicle, and the humerus – many attaching ligaments, and approximately 20 different muscles. The principal articulation, the glenohumeral joint, is joined by ligaments and a group of muscles (and their tendon attachments) known as the rotator cuff. Shoulder pain and disability are usually caused by problems with the rotator cuff. As with other joints, shoulder problems can be caused by trauma such as sports injuries, mechanical dysfunction due to imbalances in the muscles, or by wear and tear of the tissues around the joint. Arthritic changes do occur in the shoulder joint, though not as commonly as in the weight-bearing joints of the spine, hips and knees.

Anatomy

The nerves in the cervical spine region animate all of the muscles of the shoulder, elbow, arm and hand and can often pinpoint the source of the shoulder problem. If these nerves are inflamed, the shoulder muscles can become tight or weak producing dysfunction in the conventional mechanics of the joint, particularly in the rotator cuff. A similar condition can occur if one overworks the shoulder causing sports injuries, or in other repetitive activities that cause the muscles of the joint to become overly tight or strained. Those who sit too often in a slouched position, or with their shoulders held forward, are also at risk for fostering these imbalances and shoulder problems.

Rotator Cuff Syndrome

Regardless of the reason, if the imbalances and irritation to the shoulder are not rectified, pain and restriction of normal motion will eventually develop. The severity can vary from a slight “catching” or pain to an almost total inability to use the shoulder. This painful predicament is often called Shoulder Impingement or Rotator Cuff Syndrome, and can afflict patients of all ages.

Frozen Shoulder

Another common predicament is ” frozen shoulder. “Extreme aggravation of the ligaments and tendons of the glenohumeral joint can cause adhesions to develop practically sticking the joint together, thus producing  crippling of the shoulder. This results in accute pain, as well as limitation of shoulder mobility that makes it difficult for some individuals to even get dressed! Attention from a professional, such as your Tampa chiropractor is vital because if left unattended, frozen shoulder could take several years to resolve if it heals at all. The conditions mentioned above are the most common of all shoulder disorders.

Treatment

Most shoulder treatments are relatively the same. Muscle imbalances can be fixed with chiropractic treatment that includes soft tissue mobilization modalities to restore proper mobility to the shoulder joints and to correct any subluxations in the spine. Special rehabilitation exercises suggested by your Tampa chiropractor are also crucial for a completeand fast recovery.

Technorati Tags: rotator cuff, shoulder pain, Tampa chiropractor

Introduction

Generally speaking, most of us take 3,000-5,000 steps each day. Not to mention, many of us participate in activities, such as running and aerobic exercise, that add many more steps, as well as stress to our poor, overworked feet. Is it any wonder then why plenty of people have aches and pains in their feet? Factors such as flat feet or over-pronated feet, individual walking and running style, and the type of shoe a person wears can determine if an individual will experience foot and ankle pain. These determinants not only affect feet and ankles, but also the health of the back, knees and legs. Defined below are several of the most common conditions that affect the feet and ankle.

Hallux Valgus and Bunions

Hallux Valgus, a slow-developing affliction, is evident when the big toe or hallux deviates towards the outside of the foot, in many cases nearly overlapping or bumping into the adjacent toe. Moreover, a bump, called a bunion, often is generated on the inside of the big toe. The pain associated with Hallux Valgus is generally apparent during weight-bearing activities such as walking or prolonged standing.But, if someone has developed a bunion, the pain can be apparent at rest and is generally described as a “numbing” or “burning” sensation in the big toes.

To be clear, the true problem 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. It is the harm to this joint that causes the pain and deformity associated with Hallux Valgus. Over-pronation that produces undue pressure on the big toe and first metatarsal during walking causes the prolonged wear and tear that frequently results in Hallux Valgus. Inflammatory arthritis that damages the joint and creates degenerative changes is an additional cause. However, one of the more common causes of the condition is the high-heeled and pointed shoes that women frequently wear. These shoes not only put added stress on the joint, but also aid in pushing the big toe to the outside.

If you are experiencing 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 lessen pain and improve the function of your foot.

Plantar Fascitis ( Heel Pain )

One of the most prevalent foot problems is heel pain, and the cause is generally irritation of the plantar fascia or Plantar Fascitis. The plantar fascia is a band of connective tissue that surrounds the muscles on the bottom of the foot . It connects the heel bone to the ball of the foot, supporting the arch, protecting the foot, and absorbing shock.

A repeated compaint by sufferers with Plantar Fascitis is pain upon first arising in the morning, as well as pain upon rising after prolonged sitting. The pain originates just in front of the heel bone, but can advance over the entire bottom of the foot.

Eventually, irritation associated with the problem can lead to the development of scar tissue, calcium deposits and eventually heel spurs. These spurs are a bony growth on the front part of the calcaneus of the heel bone where the plantar fascia attaches and can create a sharp stabbing pain with walking

Individuals with other foot conditions, especially Pes Planus (flat feet) and/or over-pronation, are most susceptible to Plantar Fascitis, however other factors often contribute as well. Muscle imbalances between the calf muscles and the muscles on the bottom of the foot are a crucial contributing factor. Many times the calf muscles get short and tight exerting a strong pull upon the back of the calcaneus. Such a ailment produces unnatural stress on the smaller, weaker plantar muscles and its fascia that are connected to the other side of the calcaneus. In addition to running and jumping activities, wearing high heels can also cause 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, inappropriate footwear, walking on hard or uneven surfaces especially barefooted, and obesity.

Nurses, teachers, and waiters who are required to be constantly 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 problem can become extremely painful and unremitting. A chiropractor will be able to determine the cause of your pain and what care is most appropriate. 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 runs down the back of the lower leg and attaches to the heel bone. Achilles Tendonitis is an excruciatingly painful, and often debilitating irritation of the tendon. Harm to this valuable tendon can make it challenging or even impossible to walk. The condition may be created by a sudden single incident, such as jumping, but more often it results from an accumulation of smaller stresses that produce small tears in the tendon over time. Because the symptoms appear gradually, in the beginning many Achilles Tendonitis sufferers may associate the initial pain to the aches and pains that have to do with age or fatigue. Nevertheless, the condition will gradually worsen, especially if the person makes an effort to “work through” the pain. In severe cases, a total rupture of the tendon can arise, resulting in traumatic injury and severe pain that makes walking virtually impossible and may even require corrective surgery.

Achilles tendonitis is frequently associated with athletes and performers, such as dancers, who participate in running and jumping activities, particularly those that include sudden starts and stops. In addition, women who regularly wear high-heeled shoes are also at risk, particularly if they switch to sport shoes for exercise. In these cases, the Achilles tendon and muscles gradually adapt to the shortened position caused by wearing high-heels, as the heel isn’t required to stretch all the way to the ground. When this occurs, the switch to exercise or flat shoes forces the Achilles tendon to stretch further than it is adapted to, hence producing stress and aggravation. 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, expressly in men who are athletes. As a person ages, the arch tends to flatten producing over-pronation and increased stress on the Achilles tendon, as well as the calf and foot muscles. Correspondingly, problems are also common in the “weekend warrior” who exercises infrequently, as well as those who are just beginning to exercise. In such people, the muscles and tendons have little flexibility due to inactivity, and overdoing exercise in the beginning can cause tendonitis. Therefore, people who are just starting to exercise after a long layoff should stretch properly, start slowly, and increase gradually.

Regardless of how it happened, if you are experiencing Achilles tendonitis symptoms, it is crucial for you to see a qualified professional. Your chiropractor is a highly-skilled professional who can help you to manage the problem before it becomes severe.

Pes Planus ( Flat Feet )

Flat Feet, or Pes Planus as it is called by the medical community, is a widespread condition. It is estimated that at least one quarter of the population has flat feet. Human beings are not born with an arch, but develop them somewhere between ages 3-10. Although in certain people this development never occurs. There are a number of factors, in addition to genetic disposion that can cause flat feet, or predispose a person to the condition. A person’s job, level of activity, and lifestyle can produce a previously-developed arch to collapse later in life. Age and weight also are a factor in the development of the affliction. Middle-aged people who have been working on their feet for years often experience flat feet, as do overweight people who are placing added stress on their feet and legs.

Some individuals have flat feet and never feel any discomfort, while others experience pain in the feet and knees, and occasionally in the hips and lower back as well. If you have flat feet and are experiencing pain, your Orlando chiropractor can give you a treatment plan to not only help with pain reflief, but assist in preventing additional problems from developing. Chiropractic care includes joint adjustments to promote good foot function and resolve 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, sometimes called “ball-of-foot pain,” is a pain in the bottom of the foot just behind the toes where the foot bends during walking. The metatarsal bones extend from halfway up the foot to the toes. A dysfunction in one or more of these five bones is the cause of pain.

The feeling of pain can be limited to where the metatarsal bones join the toe bones or it can extend along the entire length of the metatarsals, and most probably between them. Problems in this area can vary from a stiff feeling upon movement of these bones to a burning or stinging sensation. This depends upon whether the condition is due to a dysfunction in the joints or an aggravation to the nerves as they travel along the metatarsals.

The reason for the distress can be either structural or functional. An example of a structural cause is when the metacarpal bones are either too long or too short producing aberrant mechanics in the feet and too much stress upon this area. Flat feet or excessive arch can also alter the stresses on the metatarsals causing similar symptoms.

Surplus body weight, as well as wearing high-heeled shoes, are both contributing factors as they increase stress on the metatarsal that can lead to joint pain and nerve irritation. In addition, excessive or poor running or athletic training can exasserbate the condition because repetitive foot activities directly stress the metatarsals by exposing them to constant trauma.

Whatever the cause, a chiropractor can beneficially treat metatarsalgia. After analysing what factors are underlying your condition, your chiropractor can offer a variety of non-invasive therapies, including orthotics, as well as offer recommendations on how you can avoid future pain.

See your Orlando chiropractor as soon as possible if you are experiencing any of the foot problems mentioned above.

Technorati Tags: achillies tendonitis, bunions, chiropractic care, flat foot, foot pain, orlando chiropractor, plantar fascitis

San Jose Chiropractor: Ten Most Frequently Asked Questions

Knee pain and disability is widespread, second only to spinal conditions within the musculoskeletal system. Conditions concerning the knee can be divided into several groups including poor mechanics of the knee and reduced foot mechanics as the result of foot pain, regular overuse of the knee joint,  dysfunction due to arthritic changes in the joint, and traumatic injury from events such as sports and falls.

Non-trauma knee problems: Insufficient mechanics of the knee joint and the related stress on the soft tissues of the knee are, by far, the most widespread cause of non-traumatic pain. Normally, the part of the knee implicated is the patella or knee-cap. Frequently the patella does not move evenly or does not move sufficiently on the femur during bending of the knee generating too much stress on the tendons, cartilage and ligaments. This particular condition is often called chondromalacia patella (CMP) or Patella Femoral Syndrome (Knee Cap Pain). The dysfunction usually starts when there are imbalances in the quadriceps muscles of the thigh that connect to and move the patella. Lower back conditions, especially in the sacroiliac joints, are one of the primary reasons for imbalances in the muscles associated with knee movement, and ensuing knee problems. Pain and dysfunction can also be generated by imbalances in the muscle groups that connect to the knee. For example, the muscles on the inside of the thigh, when strained and tight, can create pain on the medial or inside of the knee.   Mechanical knee pain is also caused by gait irregularities such as pronation.

The correspondent pain from overuse is most frequently felt during activity, especially stair climbing, running, jumping, and following rising after prolonged sitting. A number of women appear to be predisposed to painful overuse conditions for anatomical reasons, but such conditions are often due to wearing high heels on a regular basis.

It is important to re-establish proper muscle balance, restore appropriate motion to the patella and other knee joints, and to correct any subluxations of the sacroiliac joints and bones of the foot.  In some cases, a brace is used to assist with the adjustment of the patella or to secure the joint. Chiropractors, such as your San Jose chiropractor, are experts in administering the proper diagnosis and care of these problems.

Knee problems due to trauma: Traumatic injuries often occur during physical exertion that involves running and jumping, particularly. When the knee is pulled or contorted beyond the strength of the ligaments that hold the joint together, tearing of these tissues can happen producing a sprain. Strains to muscles that move the knee can take place when the muscles are torn during injury. As with a sprain, a muscle strain can range from a mild injury that necessitates little attention to a extreme injury needing surgery. In addition the two special knee “cartilages” located between the tibia and femur (called the menisci), which allow for smooth mobility and cushioning, may also be torn during traumatic injury. This serious injury commonly necessitates surgical repair, or even removal if damaged severely.

Traumatic knee injuries can create serious pain and swelling and necessitate prompt examination and care. Almost always a qualified chiropractor, such as your San Jose Chiropractor, can take excellent care of these types of injuries, but there are some injuries that do need the skills of an orthopedic surgeon. Whatever the case, it is vital to stabilize the injured joint as soon as possible and to use ice on the damaged area, if possible, until the injury can be assessed.

If poor mechanics, overuse problems, or traumatic injuries are not corrected at an early stage, the tissues of the knee joint, expressly the cartilage, will begin to wear out over the course of time. In that event the bones will rub on one another, and changes such as bone spurs can occur. This painful affliction, known as degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis, is frequently progressive with age. Usual treatment may involve medications such as NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). However, 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 beneficial in alleviating the pain. Your San Jose chiropractor is will be happy to recommend anti-inflammatory supplements. In addition, sufferers can usually aid themselves by keeping their weight down, doing exercises (especially in the pool), and wearing cushioned shoes or insoles.

Technorati Tags: chiropractic, chiropractor, knee injury, knee pain

San Diego Chiropractor: Chiropractic and Arthritis

Do you suffer from painful arthritis? Do you also have a difficult time with your weight?  If so, you are probably having back pain not only because of arthritis, but also because of the strain 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 of extra weight, your spine, which supports the body, is being put under a lot of strain. This type of strain can created abnormalities of the vertebral column. These misaligned vertebra can produce arthritic changes in the spine and continue to irritate the degenerative changes that have already taken place. Furthermore, your body may offset in other ways, such as by your hips moving forward or tilting to support the extra poundage.  This can compress the sciatic nerve, which is extremely painful.

A recent survey by the NPD Group, a leading market research organization based in Rosemont, Ill., shows that about 62% of adults and 34% of adolescents are overweight or obese. The pervasiveness of arthritis escalates with increasing weight. Research implies that sustaining a healthy weight lessens the risk of developing arthritis in the first place and may slow degenerative progression. A loss of just 11 pounds can reduce the occurrence (incidence) of new knee osteoarthritis and would be highly effective in relieving back pain as well.

A good diet and regular exercise is mandatory for a person who is sincere about overcoming their back pain, knee pain, and pain in the joints in other places in the body.  Even though you have probably been hearing this for the better part of your life, it genuinely is the only way for you to get out of pain and regain your life.

First of all, we’ll talk about the dieting issue.  There are a huge number of different ways to diet and most of them are useful only for a limited period.  Just think about it, if you were to lose weight for keeps, the diet industry would lose a good customer!  If you’re interested in losing weight effectively, you need to eat a healthy diet and additionally to cut your calories so that you are at a slight calorie deficit.  Dropping a lot of pounds too fast is not only temporary, but perilous. Losing about 2 pounds every week will take off the weight and improve your health.

Research has shown that exercise and physical activity not only relieves pain and improves function, but truly delays disability. It is important for you to get a minimum of one-half hour of moderate physical activity at least 3 days a week. You can get activity in 10-minute intervals.

Chiropractic treatment is an excellent way to get movement back in the joints of your spine and other areas of, and can be a smart first step prior to starting an exercise program. A well-aligned spine makes exercise and physical activity a good deal easier and will slow down arthritic degenerative changes. The Annals of Internal Medicine published the findings of a survey of 232 people who were under a rheumatologist’s care for their arthritis.  Of those people, 63% answered the survey by indicating they were utilizing some kind of “complementary care” as named by the study.  Of those responders, 31% were utilizing chiropractic. Undoubtedly the most consequential statistic was that 73% of those using chiropractic found it beneficial.  Answering why they’d tried the non-medical chiropractic care, people offered a number of reasons: 1) to control pain, 2) they’d heard that it helps, 3) they felt assured that it is safe, 4) it had helped someone they knew, and 5) because their prescription medication wasn’t doing the job.

Chiropractors, also called doctors of chiropractic, have been assisting people suffering from back pain due to arthritis in addition to other arthritic problems for over a hundred years. Not only can arthritic pain and degenerative changes in the spine be caused by the misaligned vertebra that your San Diego chiropractor will fix, if left unattended misalignments can lower resistance and immunity, which can create new health problems.

It is always smart to visit a health care professional to talk about diet and exercise. If you want to find expert advice on the sort of lifestyle changes that you will required to assist you in managing your arthritis, your chiropractor will be pleased to assist you. Moreover, besides getting your spine in alignment through gentle adjustments, your chiropractor will diagnose any faulty gait patterns or posture irregularities that may be contributing to the pain you are experiencing.

Technorati Tags: arthritis, chiropractic, chiropractor, weight loss

Costa Mesa Chiropractor

There are plenty of people today in a daily struggle to lose weight, notably excess weight around the middle. But, the imperative to lose weight is, most often, more than a simple cosmetic issue.  The fact of the matter is, if people are carrying around too much weight in their midsection, their back is going to be in pain as a result.

The majority of people who are overweight suffer from moderate to severe back pain. This happens because the spine was not designed to move anything that is heavier than the body is at its generally healthy weight.  As an individual puts on additional poundage, the spine starts to unduly stress and to compress, causing a lot of pain and discomfort.  Additionally, it can have an effect on the pelvis, tilting it forward and possibly compelling it to pinch the sciatic nerve. This is a major reason why people 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 condition, undoubtedly the thing to do is to get rid of some of the extra weight that you are carrying around, and your spine will start to respond and go back into its regular position.  But, weight loss is hard and it can take time, even with the best of intentions. But, luckily you don’t have to endure 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.

Even so, you will still need to lose the extra weight, and not having back pain will genuinely assist you in doing it. Losing the extra weight naturally and healthfully is necessary, and there are two (simple but not easy) things that can’t fail: Get some sort of exercise every day, even if it’s just a bit, and be certain that you take in fewer calories than you burn! Sure, you’ve heard about these two things before. Nonetheless, now that you’re aware your back is depending on you, it definitely time to get truly galvanized for success.

Start exercising slowly, especially if you’re having problems with back pain. And, most importantly, be sure to seek out Costa Mesa chiropractic care so that you don’t make the mistake that many people do, which is exercising into the pain. That will without a doubt make your condition worse. Exercise, though at times uncomfortable, should never be painful or cause pain. That’s why seeing a chiropractor is essential if you’re experiencing back pain.

Do simple stretching exercises and also concentrate on your core abdominal body muscles. Strong stomach muscles aid in relieving back pain. Your chiropractor will be able to offer exercises that are best for you, personally. Within just a week or two of dedication to losing the weight that is producing your back pain and conceivably other health difficulties as well, you most likely being to notice an enormous difference in the way that you feel.

Technorati Tags: back pain, chiropractor, fat, overweight