Oxnard Acupuncture

Chicago Chiropractor and Arthritis

Introduction

Arthritis is universally confusing to most patients.When some people hear this word they anticipate a future with crippled and twisted joints.  However “arthritis” is a very general word that includes many different conditions from the benign to the severe. For our purposes we will restrict this analysis to the most common forms of arthritis.

Osteoarthritis and Chiropractic Care

Osteoarthritis, degenerative arthritis, or degenerative joint disease (DJD) are the names for the most common form of arthritis, which is also called, spondylosis, if it occurs in the spine. This form of arthritis is not limited to humans, but occurs in all mammals, and is due to the degradation of the cartilage that protects the joint surfaces. Degenerative changes in the joint occurs when joint cartilage is harmed and causes stress to the sensitive bone tissue that is ordinarily protected by the cartilage. Sometimes the bone around the joint will proliferate and make osteophytes, or what are more commonly called bone spurs. These spurs can cause painful irritation to other tissues adjacent to the joint, in this way complicating the already hurtful condition.

The most common areas of the body that develop degenerative joints are in the spine, principally in the lower neck and lower back, the knees, the hips and the fingers. Everyone may experience DJD at one point in their lives, though previous trauma, ones occupation, activities, weight, diet, and heredity influence the degree of the condition and its onset.

Pain and/or stiffness in the affected joints are primary indicators of DJD. As the condition advances there can be loss of mobility, notably when weight-bearing joints such as hips or knees are affected.  As a last resort joints can be surgically replaced with synthetic devices. This should be done only in severe cases where the joint is measurably worn and movement is unattainable without severe pain.

The best management of DJD is, of course, prevention that involves taking care of ones joints at an early age.

• Making sure that all injuries to joints are correctly treated will help to avoid future problems.
• Shoes with suitable support and shock absorption should be worn by those whose jobs demand extended periods of standing or walking.
• Weight loss through proper diet will help to reduce stress on weight-bearing body joints.

• Care should be taken to guard knees from pain aad strain when kneeling on hard surfaces.

• The natural vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants provided by fruits and vegetables are essential for healthy joints and a healthy body.

Recently there have been some studies that offer proof that the nutritional supplement, Glucosamine, can help with DJD and may actually help rebuild joint cartilage. However, it must be used over time and does not work in all conditions.

Chiropractic adjustments are not only safe, but an effective treatment for arthritis, and can assist in restoring proper mobility and function to the spinal joints, thereby giving patients great relief. Your Chicago chiropractor has many of years of training in helping people with arthritis pain. In addition, chiropractic modalities such as joint mobilization, ultrasound, cold laser therapy, massage and electro-therapy may be used to aid in the treatment of painful and stiff joints. Sometimes a brace is required to help stabilize the joint in an effort to alleviate pain. A chiropractor may suggest exercises such as stretching, yoga, tai chi and other gentle mobilizing activities to help maintain arthritic joints.

Gout

Gouty arthritis is produced by elevated levels of uric acid in the blood and the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints. Generally, gouty arthritis is characterized by intense pain and swelling of the joints in the big toes, knees, ankles and wrists. Most people who develop gout are predisposed through heredity, though episodes are usually brought on by binge eating of inflammatory foods, when dehydrated or fasting, or after a major surgery or illness. Certain foods such as red meat (especially organ meat), certain seafood, legumes, and mushrooms include the natural substance, Purines, that are metabolized in the liver to form uric acid. Since individuals with gout cannot efficiently metabolize uric acid, the accumulation in the bloodstream produces joint problems. In addition to the foods mentioned and additional foods containing Purines, other dietary restrictions need to be followed including the avoidance of alcohol.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease of systemic origin. The primary cause is not known, but it is thought to be connected to a problem with the immune system. The most common joints affected are the small joints of the hands and fingers, the feet, knees, and shoulder, while other areas of the body can be affected as well. The condition is usually associated with morning stiffness that is aggravated by motion. Often people complain of general malaise and fatigue, and the disease in its more advanced forms can affect many of the other body systems. There are particularized blood tests to help identify Rheumatoid arthritis that can be easily run. Though, currently, there is no cure, in addition to medication and vitamin and diet therapy, treatment should include chiropractic adjustments to mobilize joints and help to relieve the pain and stiffness associated with this disease. Additional modalities such as ultrasound, heat, electro-therapy, and massage may also be helpful. Your Chicago chiropractor is dedicated to assisting people in getting relief from the pain and suffering associated with arthritis.

Technorati Tags: arthritis, Chicago chiropractor, joint pain, joint swelling, pain relief

Chiropractic and Neck Pain

Our pillow, bed, or sleep position is not always explanation for our stiff and painful neck when we arise in the morning. We also attempt to figure out what is happening when we move our neck suddenly and feel a sharp pain that feels as if something has suddenly slipped out of position or is pinching a “nerve.” It is helpful to understand that most neck problems are seldom caused by a single incident, but rather by the cumulative effects of unsuitable sitting posture, poor work and living habits, lack of proper exercise and flexibility, and other lifestyle-related factors. Obviously, some neck problems are due to traumatic events such as a whiplash accident, a fall, or a sports injury.

To understand neck pain, it is helpful to be aware of the anatomy of the spine. The spinal bones or vertebrae of the neck consist of posterior joints, called facets, that link vertebrae to one another and serve to direct the motion of the spine. Inter-vertebral discs, comprised of strong cartilage, join the “bodies” of the vertebrae. This dense cartilage surrounds the nucleus, a soft material in the center of the inter-vertebral discs. The discs act as shock absorbers and spacers between the vertebrae. In a canal located between the body and the facets of the vertebrae is the spinal cord. The spinal nerves leave the spine between the vertebrae and impart the energy to make the muscles and other organs of the body function. They also carry impulses from the body to the brain concerning pain, touch, position, temperature, as well as other senses.  The nerves that go out from the neck are assigned to the entire upper extremity including the shoulder, elbow and hand, as well as structures of the head and neck. The natural forward curve of the neck balances the weight of the head and decreases stress on neck vertebrae. For more information please feel free to visit your Colorado Springs Chiropractor.

Risk Factors: Neck Pain and Computer Use

Computer use has risen dramatically over the years, at home and in the workplace. Nowadays, a large number of people spend eight to ten hours a day, or more, bent over a keyboard and staring at a monitor. When we sit with our head in a forward bent position-the posture that most desk workers adopt-the ligaments that hold the facets together and the muscles in the neck are put under immense strain. In addition, the normal forward curve of the neck becomes reversed creating more stress upon all the surrounding tissues of the neck. All of this can lead to spinal problems including disc herniation and subluxations, which are the principal causes of spinal nerve irritation. Besides general pain, spinal nerve inflammation in the neck can generate symptoms including headaches, eye problems, giddiness, arm and hand pain (and paraesthesia), as well as shoulder pain.

Headaches and Chiropractic Care

Headaches or migraines are frequently associated with dysfunction of the cervical spine. When the cervical vertebrae lose their essential position or motion, sensitive nerves and blood vessels that are associated with structures in the head are stretched or inflamed thus producing symptoms from a dull ache to throbbing pain. In many cases the tight knots in the muscles of the neck, called trigger points, can also refer pain to the head.  Of course there are other factors connected with headaches including toxic fumes, certain foods, additives such as MSG, alcohol, caffeine, and stress. Nevertheless, the alignment of the neck and the irritation of surrounding tissues should be a foremost consideration when treating headaches and migraines. Chiropractic manipulation and management have proved to be very effective in the treatment of headaches. Ask your Colorado Springs Chiropractor about the benefits of Chiropractic care.

Whiplash and Chiropractic Care

Unfortunately, many people are involved in car accidents. Rear-end collisions are the most common. During such an accident, the passenger in the front automobile gets his or her head powerfully jerked backward and then forward causing damage to the structures of the back and front of the neck. Such a intense force can cause injury to the ligaments, muscles, facet joints, discs, and spinal nerves. Whiplash injury includes neck pain and immobility, and other symptoms such as headaches, nausea, vertigo, arm and should pain, tingling in the hands and fingers, and weakness of the arms and hand. It is vital to get immediate evaluation and x-rays to rule out the possibility of fracture. More often than not in many cases, the injuries are principally to the soft tissues and joints. Proper management is vital in recovery from the pain and symptoms of whiplash, and also to prevent future disability. Your Colorado Springs Chiropractor is extremely knowledgeable in the area of whiplash injury, and is more than capable of managing the case from injury to recovery.

Technorati Tags: chiropractic care, headache, neck pain, whiplash

If you are experiencing back pain looking to a conventional healing approach may not necessarily be the solution for you.  As a matter of fact, some natural methods will often be able to help you overcome the pain, even when medical science is unable to do so.  This is because natural approaches tend to look for a cure for the actual cause of the problem while medical techniques treat only the symptoms.  If you’re interested in experiencing natural techniques that have proved to help back pain and many other problems, you don’t need to look any further than chiropractic and acupuncture.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine.  It is gaining in popularity many places around the world and for an excellent reason: A vast number of individuals have undergone relief from their back pain and quite a few other afflictions by going to see an acupuncturist on a regular basis.  Pursuant to traditional Chinese acupuncture therapy, small needles are inserted into the body at precise points that are known to affect various areas of the body.  Traditionally, only the needles are used, though sometimes and particularly in recent years, tiny electrical currents are sent through the needles into the body.  Even though it may seem as if it would be painful, it rarely ever is and, in fact, most people experience relaxation and pleasurable sensations while undergoing acupuncture treatments.

Chiropractic

A Honolulu chiropractor, also called a doctor of chiropractic, has been treating people suffering from back pain and other problems for over a hundred years. A chiropractor cares for people who are in pain due to musculoskeletal and nervous system dysfunctions. Chiropractic medicine addresses the abnormalities of the vertebral column that impede the capacity of the nervous system. These misaligned vertebra can lower resistance and immunity, thus producing new health difficulties. An effectual chiropractor has excellent observational and diagnostic skills that assist in uncovering physical abnormalities and joint complications. Many chiropractors perform neurological tests and orthopedic checks. Some will analyze the posture of a person in an effort to identify postural irregularities, and additionally may analyze an individuals gait to pinpoint faulty movement patterns. Chiropractic therapy non-invasive, drug-free treatment as well as advice and education about the advantages of individual lifestyle changes, such as in exercise and nutrition.

So, if you have back pain, headaches, neck pain, hip pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, balance challenges, or arthritis, and you’ve tried a number of other things and and you’re still suffering, chiropractic and acupuncture may be able to help.  The only way that you’re going to be able to tell is to visit a good chiropractor or acupuncturist, and to let them to explain to you exactly what they are going to be able to do for you.  It’s very possible that you will experience some relief from your problem even after only one visit.  With subsequent visits, you will continue to make improvements, and it is likely that you will find that these natural treatments work best for your back pain.

Technorati Tags: acupuncture, back pain, chiropractic, chiropractor

Can Chiropractic Help Back Pain?

Low Back Pain

Low back pain is second in prevalence only to the common cold. It affects more than 80% of the population. However, unlike the common cold, back pain is often puzzling to most of its sufferers. Your Fort Worth Chiropractor is an expert at solving the problem.

Anatomy

To understand back pain, it is helpful to understand the anatomy of the spine. The spinal bones or vertebrae of the lower back are made of posterior joints called facets that join vertebrae to one another and serve to dictate the motion of the spine. Inter-vertebral discs, comprised of strong cartilage, connect the bodies of the vertebrae. This tough cartilage surrounds the nucleus, a soft material in the center of the inter-vertebral discs. The main function of the disc is as a shock absorber and spacer between the vertebrae. Ligaments and muscles also join the vertebrae. The sacrum is a wedge-shaped bone at the bottom of the spine. It is joined to the two pelvic bones at the sacroiliac joint. In a canal found between the body and the facets of the vertebrae is the spinal cord. The spinal nerves leave 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 cumulative effects of improper sitting posture, bad work habits, incorrect lifting, lack of regular exercise, and other unhealthy lifestyle-related factors produce most back pain.  All of these factors cause stresses and imbalances on the spine and eventually produce pain. This is why people can often injure their back merely 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 happens, the surrounding back muscles go into spasm to protect the stressed or injured tissues of the back. Chiropractors are back pain specialists. Your Fort Worth Chiropractor can help you to get out of pain quickly.

Disc Problems & Sciatica

Prolonged sitting, particularly in a unsuitable position causes increased pressure on the intervertebral discs and imbalances in the muscles around the spine. Eventually the lower spine loses its ability to function normally during everyday stresses. In the end, the intervertebral disc develops small fissures, or cracks, allowing the soft nucleus to distend the disc outward. If the disc pushes on sensitive tissues, it creates the pain that is often referred to as a slipped disc. Sciatica develops when the disc presses on the spinal nerve. The symptoms of sciatica include pain, tingling, numbness, and often weakness in the lower extremities. Regrettably, if the disc protrusion or herniation is large and the condition isn’t managed correctly, surgery may berequired to remove the herniated disc material. With chiropractic adjustments and care, which often includes postural exercises, most disc problems, including sciatica, can be alleviated. If you are experiencing any of the problems defined above, it is essential for you to seek chiropractic treatment.

Spondylosis

Repetitive damage to the discs, facet joints, and surrounding ligaments may produce increased wear and tear and weight-bearing stress on the spine. This stress can negatively affect the cartilage around the joints and induce calcium to deposit in the tissues around the vertebrae, forming bone spurs. 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 kind of arthritis that seems to affect almost everyone at some point in life, as it is a common part of the aging process of the spine as well. Nevertheless, influences such as previous trauma, unhealthy lifestyle, and repetitive stress injury influence the time of onset in life. Regular chiropractic adjustments and overall chiropractic management is extraordinarily helpful in slowing the aging process of the spine, as well as helping Spondylosis sufferers in managing their condition. Your Fort Worth Chiropractor has treated many Spondylosis sufferers.

Sacroiliac Problems

Another prevalent area of dysfunction or injury in the low back is in the sacroiliac joints. These weight-bearing joints connect the upper part of the body to the lower pelvic portion and are usually very strong and stable. Trauma from falls, sports injuries, or the lifting of heavy objects can cause the joints to become unstable and change to an abnormal position.  This condition is called a sacroiliac subluxation. Pregnancy can also cause this condition. Sacroiliac subluxation causes imbalances in the lower extremities giving a person a functional long and short leg. Individuals with this syndrome will feel pain especially with prolonged standing and walking, or during or after physical activity. Many complain of lack of energy and feeling tired easily.  Other symptoms such as neck and shoulder pain, as well as headaches, can move further up the spine. Chiropractic adjustments and treatment are extremely effective in fixing this problem by establishing proper alignment of the joints.. 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 prevail on their own or in conjunction with disc problems and Spondylosis. They not only produce pain, but they can also compromise the spinal nerves as they exit the foramen or spaces between the vertebrae, and cause nerve compression, known as paraethesia. Paraesthesia is a variation of sensation described as a tingling, burning or “funny feeling.” Paraesthesia in the upper extremities more often than notoriginates from nerve problems in the neck, while paraesthesia in the lower extremities is most often associated with nerve problemsin the lumbar region (lower back). Visceral problems such as asthma and gastric conditions can also belinked to, or complicated by, spinal subluxations and nerve compression. Subluxations are best corrected by chiropractic adjustments.

Trauma

Injury 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 cause considerable pain and immobility. Corrective chiropractic care at the onset of symptoms is crucial in order to avoid long term disability and the development of any of the above conditions. 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 dysfunctions of the spine and lower back.

Technorati Tags: back pain, chiropractic adjustments, chiropractic care, Fort Worth chiropractor, sacroiliac pain, sciatica

Ventura Chiropractor

Introduction

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome falls into the category of neurological conditions labeled nerve entrapment disorders and is by far the most common of these disorders. As the term “nerve entrapment” infers, these disorders show up when a nerve is trapped or compressed between body tissues creating inflammation and impairment of the nerve.

Anatomy

The carpal tunnel rests within the underside of the wrist. It is a tunnel, or passage, through which the Median nerve travels on its way to energize and animate the hand and fingers. Along with the median nerve, the carpal tunnel includes the nine tendons of the forearm muscles that are responsible for bending and flexing of the fingers and thumb. There are also arteries and lymphatic vessels that supply circulation to the hand located within the tunnel. The bottom and sides of this tunnel are formed by wrist bones and the top of the tunnel is covered by a strong band of connective tissue called the transverse carpal ligament. The carpal tunnel is an intensely-packed space about the size of an index finger. The flexor tendons, arteries and median nerve are intended 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 dimenishes because of  a misalignment of the carpal bones, the median nerve can become compressed or entrapped within the carpal tunnel. In the beginning, carpal tunnel symptoms often include, pain, numbness, pins and needles, and tinging in the fingers and hand, particularly 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 awkward or weak, and fatigue easily. Over time, the ability to grip small objects using the thumb and fingers can be affected severely and if left untreated, can lead to total dysfunction of the hand.

Some common causes and associated conditions are:

• 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 instrumental in contributing to the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, often the actual root cannot be found. However, people who perform jobs that require use of vibration tools and machinery, and/or work in extreme temperatures are often subjected to this condition.  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. This is becoming a major concern in the developed world where people of all ages are spending much of their time typing on a keyboard & clicking on a mouse.

Treatment

Proper diagnosis and management of this condition is essential in order to curtail the disabling symptoms associated with the advancement of CTS. Your Ventura Chiropractor has many years of experience in this area. Chiropractors are equipped to deal with this problem and can offer many sufferers with relief.  In addition to chiropractic adjustments of the wrist joints, treatment by chiropractor may include inflammation reduction therapy such as ultrasound or low level laser. Electromusclestim can often help to strengthen the weak muscles of the forearm and soft tissue massage is effective in stretching contracted tissues. Your chiropractor may suggest that you wear a splint or support, especially at night, to aid in the decompression of the carpal tunnel. Your Ventura Chiropractor will also give you specific exercises to stretch and/or strengthen muscles of the forearm and hand.

Technorati Tags: carpal tunnel pain, carpal tunnel treatment, repetitive stress, Ventura Chiropractor