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Chiropractors understand that often life can be a pain in the neck, literally as well as metaphorically. In fact, your Grand Rapids chiropractor has been treating cervical disc injuries using his patented two-way traction devices for more than eleven years!  Chiropractors are also well-aware that the emotional circumstances in one’s life that frequently feel like a “pain in the neck” may change in a heartbeat, but neck pain caused by physical stress and injury can hurt for a long time and, unfortunately, if not taken care of, such problems can get much worse. Pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness down the arm and into the fingers, in addition to pain in the immediate neck area, are common symptoms of neck injury. Furthermore, both tension headaches and head pain can often be attributed to neck problems. Finding the reason for your particular neck pain will require a thorough examination and evaluation by your chiropractor because chiropractic treatment has been found to be the most effective, non-invasive treatment that works!

Neck pain and its associated symptoms are produced by a variety of different neck conditions. The neck might sustain trauma from an accident producing strained muscles, sprained ligaments, and spinal joint injuries. Sitting at a computer and/or performing repetitive tasks can cause postural stress as well. Muscular tension and inflammation in the neck and upper back often result from such stress. Abnormal or unhealthy spinal mechanics and weak or overdeveloped muscles can add to postural stress. Other causes of neck problems are “slipped,” herniated, or ruptured cervical discs, and general aging that produces degeneration of the spinal joints and discs creating inflammation of soft tissues leading to chronic pain.

As mentioned above, chiropractor, Dr. Douglas McKenzie, specializes in cervical disc injury treatment using his own patented two-way traction devices.  Who could ask for more than a natural and unique mechanical approach by a chiropractor who’s an expert when it comes to neck pain? In his Grand Rapids chiropractic office, his treatments result in pain relief, decrease in tension, increase in motion, and an overall sense of well-being.

When it comes to expertise in treating the spine and musculoskeletal system, no doctors are better qualified than chiropractors, like this Grand Rapids chiropractor. If you’ve been searching for relief from your neck pain, you don’t need to look any further than your chiropractor. See a chiropractor in your area today. And, call the office of Dr. Douglas McKenzie if you’re in the Grand Rapids area. He’ll determine the cause for your neck pain and treat it at its source.

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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.

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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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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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