Oxnard Acupuncture

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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