Ventura Acupuncture

Arthritis is generally confusing to most suffers.Often the word, “arthritis,” inspires images of a future that includes crippled and twisted joints.  But, many conditions from benign to severe are listed under the term, arthritis. For our purposes we will limit this analysis to the most common forms of arthritis.

Osteoarthritis and Chiropractic Care

The most common form of arthritis has many names: osteoarthritis, degenerative arthritis, degenerative joint disease (DJD), and spondylosis if it is in the spine. This form of arthritis is not limited to humans, but occurs in all mammals, and is due to the breakdown of the cartilage that covers 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 guarded by the cartilage. Sometimes the bone around the joint will proliferate and make osteophytes, or what are often called bone spurs. These spurs can create painful irritation to other tissues around the joint, in this way complicating the already painful condition.

Degenerative joints most often occur in the lower neck and lower back, the knees, hips, and fingers. Previous trauma, certain occupations and activities, weight, diet, and heredity all appear to affect both the onset and severity of DJD.

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

Prevention is unquestionably the best option, beginning at an early age.

* Making sure that all injuries to joints are appropriately treated will help to avoid future problems.
* Shoes with proper support and shock absorption should be worn by those whose jobs require extended periods of standing or walking.
* Excess body weight can create increased stress upon the weight bearing joints of the body.

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

* Eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables as they have natural vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are crucial for the health of the joints, as well as the rest of the body.

Recently there have been some studies that offer proof that the nutritional supplement, Glucosamine, can help with DJD and can possibly help rebuild joint cartilage. However, it must be used over a long-term period and does not work in all conditions.

Chiropractic adjustments help to restore proper mobility and function to the spinal joints. Chiropractic care is not only safe, but extremely effective in relieving the debilitating pain of arthritis. Your Chicago chiropractor is highly trained when it comes to arthritic pain relief. Other forms of chiropractic care may include joint mobilization, massage, ultrasound, cold laser, or electro-therapy, all of which may be helpful in the relief of painful and stiff joints. Occasionally, a brace is required to stabilize the joint and relieve pain. A chiropractor may suggest exercises such as stretching, yoga, tai chi and other gentle mobilizing activities to help maintain arthritic joints.

Gout

An elevated level of uric acid in the blood and the deposition of uric acid crystals in the joints produce gouty arthritis. The most common joints are the big toes, the knees, ankles and wrists, and is often characterized by excruciating pain and swelling. Most people who develop gout are predisposed through heredity, though episodes are generally brought on by binge eating of the wrong foods, when dehydrated or fasting, or after a major surgery or illness. Foods that must be avoided include a natural substance called Purines that are metabolized in the liver to form uric acid. People with this condition cannot effectively metabolize uric acid, thus the proliferation in the bloodstream and the subsequent joint problems. The foods most associated with high purine content are: red meat especially organ meat, certain seafood, legumes, mushrooms and other foods as well. There are other dietary restrictions that must be followed including refraining from drinking alcohol.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease of systemic origin. The principal cause is not known, but it is thought to be due 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, though other areas of the body can be affected as well. The condition is most often 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. Rheumatoid arthritis can be easily identified through specific blood tests. 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 prevalent in 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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Scoliosis: An Introduction

When the body is looked at from behind, a normal spine looks straight without much alteration from side-to-side.Scoliosis is a condition that is often associated with a lateral, or side-to-side, curvature of the spine.This condition frequently gives the appearance of the person leaning to one side but it should not be confused with bad posture. Characterized by both lateral curvature and rotation of the vertebra, this puzzling deformity oftentimes causes a characteristic “rib hump” in the mid or thoracic spine. This is produced by the vertebrae in the zone of the major curve rotating toward the concavity and pushing their attached ribs posterior thus creating the characteristic rib hump seen in thoracic scoliosis. If the thoracic curve and rib rotation are severe, more than 70 degrees, pulmonary and cardiac function can be impeded. This intensity of curve and subsequent cardiac and pulmonary changes are frequently seen later in life in untreated severe idiopathic infantile and juvenile scoliosis patients and, as such, present a threat to life.

Anatomy

The spine discloses four normal curves: the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral, all of which are apparent from a side view of the trunk. In the lower spine there is a natural “C-shaped” curve called swayback or lordosis, while the thoracic curve in the chest region has a “reverse C” called a kyphosis. Increased kyphosis in the thoracic area is called hyperkyphosis, while elevated swayback is termed, hyperlordosis. Changes from normal that are visible from a side view regularly accompany scoliosis changes. Postural exercises can eliminate some round back deformities that are simply due to bad posture. A small number of people with kyphosis have more rigid deformities than the postural type, which are seen in conjunction with vertebral deformity. This kind of deformity, called Scheuermann’s kyphosis, is much more problematic to treat than postural kyphosis, and it’s cause is unknown.

Even a layman can help to identify a child or fully-grown individual with scoliosis just by looking at the person in a standing position, preferably without a shirt and in , and observing the following:

• One shoulder may be higher than the other.

• One scapula (shoulder blade) may be raised or more pronounced than the other.

• There may be more space between the arm and the body on one side when the arms hang loosely at the side.

• One hip may seem to be more elevated or more pronounced than the other.

• The head is not in plumb with the pelvis.

• One side of the back appears more elevated than the other when the individual is analyzed from the rear and asked to lean forward until the the spine is horizontal.

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

There are various roots and many kinds of scoliosis, but the most prevailing, by far, is Idiopathic Scoliosis, which accounts for about 85 % of all cases. “Idiopathic” means “no known cause” and is witnessed with equal prevalence in boys and girls in the mild or low curve magnitudes. This disorder can be sub-classified into infantile, juvenile and adolescent cases, based upon the age of onset. Idiopathic Scoliosis may be due to genetic or hereditary influences as it often runs in families. Though it is unknown why, girls are five to eight times more likely than boys to have their curves develop in size and require treatment. The most common time for the development of Idiopathic Scoliosis is during adolescence when children are ending the last major growth spurt. It is smart to have this age group examined by a professional on a regular basis because young people are reluctant to permit their body to be looked at by parents or other adults.

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

Brace therapy (orthosis) is recommended for both juvenile and adolescent children when an increase in their scoliosis or kyphosis is identified, or when new symptoms of moderate scoliosis or abnormal kyphosis are discovered. There are many kinds of braces, all made to prevent curves from increasing through acting as a buttress for the spine during active skeletal growth. Bracing is effectual in preventing curve progression in a significant number of skeletally-immature adolescents. However, braces normally will not make the spine perfectly straight, and cannot always keep a curve from progressing.

Scoliosis has no simple solution. The majority of cases, even though often monitored, are not actively treated. The usual medical treatment for moderate conditions is a brace, whereas severe cases in some cases are treated surgically. You may want to see your local chiropractor first.

Specialized exercise, electric stimulation of spinal muscles, nutritional programs, and chiropractic treatments are among a number of modalities offered in addition to bracing. It appears that the best results have been supported with a multi-faceted approach to the management of this affliction.

There are chiropractors, that have years of experience treating scoliosis conditions.

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Is It Safe To Adjust Children? FAQ#7

Today’s moms and dads are more worried than ever about the detrimental effects pharmaceuticals have on their children. Parents want to know if there is more that they can do for their child than to give them pharmaceuticals.

Many children’s pharmaceuticals often not only mask a child’s symptoms, but can produce serious side effects. Today, parents are looking for health care options for their children that assist and maintain their child’s natural ability to be healthy.

Chiropractic care is that option because it aids a child’s nervous system in functioning at peak performance. The immune system is directed by the nervous system. When it is functioning optimally, children stay healthier.  In the case of children’s health, “the best offense is a good defense.” Everyday, children are exposed to massive amounts of airborn, food-born, and contact bacteria. So many bacteria, in fact, that it would be impossible to immunize them against them all. Your Camarillo Chiropractor has both knowledge and experience with colds, sore throats, ear infections, fevers, colic, asthma, tonsillitis, allergies, bed-wetting, infections, pains, falls, stomach-aches, and the hundred and one little (and big) things children go through as they grow up.

Almost all illnesses that affect children are avoidable. Chiropractic treatment assists in removing interferences to the natural healing power that runs through your child’s body. When that power is released, the healthy results that take place many times appear to be profound.

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

Today, we are finding at your Chiropractor that more and more moms and dads are bringing their children to us for general childhood health concerns. All children are deserve the right to express their entire potential. Chiropractic treatment for children at your chiropractor is safe, gentle and effective.

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pediatric chiropractic

Earache is the most common purpose for office visits to pediatricians. More than 70 percent of children will have had at least one earache by the age of three, and nearly one-third will have had three or more earache incidents. Although, what might be unforeseen is that earache is also the most common reason for children under the age of five years to be brought to the chiropractor’s office.

How Chiropractic Care Relates to Earache and Ear Infections

A pediatrician who determines that a child with an earache has a middle ear infection will normally prescribe antibiotics as a typical course of treatment. Advanced study, however, has concluded that such practices are often ill-advised. The cause of the child’s middle ear infection may not be due to bacteria, and since antibiotics are only effective against bacterial pathogens, frequently there will be no positive reaction. This is because numerous cases of middle ear infection can be generated by a virus, and viruses do not respond to antibiotics. This may be the reason why children develop chronic ear infections.

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

When these nerve endings are irritated, an abnormal tension is created in the small muscles of the neck. This muscle tension can put pressure on the lymphatic drainage ducts resulting in inadequate drainage from inside the ear, thereby keeping the body from being able to naturally correct the problem. In addition, balance can also be affected.

Inadequate drainage of lymphatic ducts can be discovered by a chiropractor if there is elevated tension in the neck and paraspinal muscles on the side with the earache. In addition, the chiropractor will check to see which spinal vertebrae are either slightly out of alignment or not moving within their normal range. There are many reasons for such aaffliction due to the many bangs, jolts, and falls almost all children encounter growing up. Restoration of normal lymph drainage is normally accomplished with a short regimen of treatments that include spinal adjustments and manipulation of the neck muscles. If your child is experiencing the pain of an earache or an ear infection, call your Honolulu chiropractor as soon as possible.

Advanced Research and Guidelines

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), ear infection, the most widespread childhood illness after the common cold, accounts for nearly 30 million doctor visits each year. What’s more, at least 6 million courses of antibiotics are unnecessarily prescribed for the affliction.Recently, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released new guidelines for treating pediatric ear inflammation, and expressly recommended a period of “watchful waiting” since, in many cases, infections clear up on their own, without medication.

The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) endorses the AAP on the guidelines and reiterates that chiropractic treatment is a “good first option” for treating ear infection conservatively. “Doctors of chiropractic have been treating children for decades with great success - helping them to avoid painful ear infections, antibiotic overuse and resistance, and ear tube surgery,” said ACA President Donald Krippendorf, DC. “Particularly when dealing with young children, drugs and surgery should be an absolute last resort.”

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chiropractic and pregnancy

Is it advisable to get your spine checked while you are pregnant? Firstly, yes it is a great idea to get your spine checked while you are pregnant. You’ve probably noticed that, your body is going through many changes, and these changes will continue as the pregnancy progresses. One change that goes basically unnoticed is your body’s increased production of the hormone elastin. This hormone is designed to relax the tendons in the pelvis. this easing gives the pelvis more flexibility during the birthing process to make delivering the baby easier.

This process, despite the fact that its function is to assist the mother during labor, can produce much discomfort in the months leading up to the birth. As the pregnancy advances, more elastin is released, which allows the pelvis to become increasingly more unstable. In combination with the increased size of the baby and uterus, and you have the recipe for severe low back pain. As an Oxnard Chiropractor I see many pregnant women in my practice in my clinic for a variety of symptoms, but most commonly it is for their low back pain.

One side benefit of having your spine and pelvis checked by a chiropractor regularly during your pregnancy is that there is proof that it can actually decrease labor time. Why do chiropractic adjustments help? Simply put, if the pelvis is where it needs to be, the muscles contracting during the labor process are more efficient because they don’t have to fight past misaligned joints.

To answer the second question from the introductory paragraph, yes chiropractic care during your pregnancy is safe. Not only can chiropractic help you with your low back pain and other associated symptoms, such as heartburn, nausea, swelling, etc., but it is safe to both you and your baby. Certain trained chiropractors can also help mothers who have a breached baby. This is done by using the Webster Technique, a low force technique to manipulate the uterus and get the baby into the proper presentation for delivery. A simple Google search on the Webster Technique can give you much more information.

To summarize, chiropractic is both beneficial and safe in helping to relieve many of the discomforts of pregnancy. If you are pregnant, I highly recommend that you go to see a good local chiropractor, or if you live or work in the area, look up your Oxnard Chiropractor. We can make you quite a bit more comfortable in the months of your pregnancy, and we can even make the labor process easier.

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Does it Hurt to Get Adjusted

Not too long ago sports injuries were usually limited to professional athletes, boys participating in school sports programs, and the occasional male “weekend warrior. Today, men and women of all ages participate in regular sports and fitness activities. The vast majority of both sexes play golf, tennis, basketball, and/or participate in aerobic activities like running. No matter what the activity, however, there is always the risk of injury.

Nearly all of injuries generally fit into two categories: 1) traumatic injury, such as a slip, fall, or collision and, 2) repetitive stress or overuse injury.

Traumatic Injuries

As the name implies, this kind of injury causes the type of incapacitation and debilitation most frequently associated with trauma. Most traumatic injuries are to the ligaments, the tissue that connects bone to bone, and to body muscles, although fractures and dislocations do take place at times, in particular with contact sports. A strain is any injury to either a muscle or its tendon, and a sprain is damage to ligaments.  Sprains and strains most frequently occur in the ankles, knees, and shoulders, and not as commonly in the low back and neck. Because the spinal cord and/or spinal nerves can be affected, injury to the neck and low back can be quite serious.

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

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

As formerly mentioned, proper evaluation and care are essential to a thorough recovery. A chiropractor can find out the extent of your injury and start needed recovery treatment. When knowledgeable treatment is supplied during the various stages of healing, nearly all individuals who have suffered sprain and strain injuries will recover. If not treated carefully, some sprains and strains can result in long-lasting problems such as joint instability, painful or weak joints and muscles, and lack of mobility. Expert care of your sports injury by a chiropractor with years of experience in sports injury management will insure that your injury recovers properly. If you have sustained a traumatic injury, call your Santa Barbara chiropractor.

Repetitive Stress, or Overuse, Injuries

These injuries are becoming more and more common, expressly among individuals involved in sports such as golf, tennis, bowling, and any other activity that requires the same motion over and over (repetitively). An action as uncomplex and healthy as running, particularly on a treadmill, can also be a factor.

Essentially, overuse or repetitive stress injuries happen when a person is occupied in a repetitious activity that causes a very small strain to tissues, expressly tendons and muscles, that by itself would not generate a problem, but performed many times has an accumulative effect.  Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is one of the most common kinds of overuse injuries. Over time the muscle or other affected tissue undergoes changes that no longer let it to function correctly, resulting in pain, stiffness and disability. Definite factors predispose a person to these kinds of injury. A portion are “intrinsic,” i.e., the factor is found within a person’s own body. Other factors are “extrinsic,” which is to say that the factors are external and can frequently be changed or controlled by the individual.

Some of the most prevalent intrinsic factors for injury

Age is the mostcommon intrinsic factor for injury. The older a person is, the easier it is for that person to get injured. Congenital abnormalities are another factor. There are those who are born with joint or muscle problems. And, finally, previous injuries are a factor as they frequently prevent the joints or muscles from functioning properly.

Extrinsic factors for injury

Extrinsic factors are numerous.  For instance, sports equipment can insufficient–an inappropriate grip size of tennis racket or worn-out running shoes are prime examples, even a playing surface can be a factor, e.g., a too-hard surface for soccer or an uneven treadmill. Incorrect technique in any sport, such as an unsuitable golf grip is, as they say, an injury waiting to happen A further factor is poor conditioning. Some individuals are injured because they aren’t in shape. Elevated frequency or extended duration of an activity, without developing slowly, can create the conditions for injury. Insufficient flexibility can cause injury if someone is too stiff to do an activity correctly. Lack of warm-up, like stretching and properly preparation, is a frequent factor in injuries.  And, finally, and maybe surprising to some, stress is a factor. Being tired or stressed can create tense, inflexible muscles that are too tight for most activities.

There are quite a few factors that are extrinsic and, consequently, within a person’s control. Nevertheless, most people must have assessment by a qualified health care professional to ascertain their overall body health, the type of injury, and the resolution to the problem. If left untreated, sports injuries can greatly affect a person’s life and limit a favorite activity. Treatment such as joint manipulation, massage, bracing, and specific exercises is frequently needed to stabilize the condition. A chiropractor is a good source of help. Call a chiropractor if you’re either thinking of beginning a new activity, you’re feeling pain related to a current sports activity, or you’ve sustained a sports injury. Your Santa Barbara Chiropractor has years of experience helping people just like you.

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Santa Barbara Chiropractor: 10 Most Frequent Questions

Regulating and maintaining body position while staying still or moving is the principal function of good balance. Good balance helps someone to walk without faltering, arise from a sitting position without slipping, and to climb stairs without slipping.

Approximately 9 percent of adults, age 65 and older, report having challenges with balance. Good balance is vital in aiding an older person to stay independent, and perform daily chores and activities. Many older individuals, however, experience dizziness, “wooziness,” and problems with balance.

The label, vertigo, applies to the sensation that a number of people have that they, themselves, or the things around them are spinning. About 40 percent of Americans will encounter dizziness that is consequential enough to go seek medical assistance. And, among older adults, falls are the prevailing cause of extreme injury and deaths.

Balance and Inner Ear Conditions

There are quite a few kinds of balance disorders. Three familiar types are benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, labyrinthitis, and Meniere’s disease. Of these three, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is the most prevalent. Its symptoms involve a brief, intense feeling of vertigo with a change in head position, when rolling over to the left or right in bed or when getting out of bed, or when looking up for something on a high shelf. This affliction is more likely to occur in persons 60 and older, but it can also happen in younger individuals.

There are diverse causes for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. It may be caused by an inner ear infection, head injury, or simply aging. Even though it can be connected with other disease processes, many times a simple Epleys procedure can fix the condition. Your Santa Barbara Chiropractor has many years of experience in this procedure.

Labyrinthitis is an infection or iirritation of the inner ear that cause dizziness and loss of balance. It affects adults of any age and the cause is unknown.

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

Although people who are older are more likely to encounter balance disorders, age is not the only reason these problems happen. Treatment for balance disorders varies depending upon the reason. Many times, there’s a simple resolution to balance problems, such as simple exercises for vestibular rehab. A chiropractor is well-educated in analyzing and treating many of balance problems. Call a health care professional, such as your Santa Barbara Chiropractor, if you have encountered, or are currently experiencing, dizziness, vertigo, or other challenges with balance.

Although some balance disorders are created by problems in the inner ear, other disorders may involve another part of the body, such as the brain or the heart. Head injury, stroke, certain medicines, circulation problems, upper respiratory infections and other viral infections, stress, fatigue, smoking, alcohol use,  high or low blood pressure, and heart disease are all influences that, in addition to aging and ear infection, may cause balance disorders.

Balance disorders caused by high blood pressure can usually be managed by less sodium intake,cultivating a healthy weight, and exercise. To aid in making the symptoms of dizziness less intense, generally eating low-salt or salt-free foods, and avoiding caffeine and alcohol, will help.

Balance disorders are significant. It is the number one cause of falls and fall-related injuries in older people. It is extremely important to have a suspected balance disorder diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.

If you can answer “yes” to any of these questions, you should discuss the symptom(s) with your chiropractor:

• Do you have the feeling of being “unsteady?”

• Does the room seem to spin around you?

• Is there ever a time when you feel as if you are moving when you know you are standing still?

• Do you lose your balance and/or fall?

• Do you feel as if you are falling?

• Does your vision ever become “blurred?”

• Do you ever feel disoriented, or lose a sense of time, place or identify?

Don’t wait until it’s too late! Call your chiropractor today.

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Ventura Chiropractor

Introduction

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome falls into the category of neurological conditions referred to as nerve entrapment disorders and is easily the most common of these disorders. As the term “nerve entrapment” suggests, 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 is situated in the underside of the wrist and is a passageway in which the median nerve travels through on its way to innervate the hand and fingers. Along with the median nerve, the carpal tunnel includes the nine tendons of the forearm muscles that are responsible for bending and flexing of the fingers and thumb. Also within the tunnel are arteries and lymphatic vessels that deliver circulation to the hand. The bottom and sides of this tunnel are formed by wrist bones and the top of the tunnel is covered by a heavy band of connective tissue called the transverse carpal ligament. The carpal tunnel is a thickly-packed space about the size of an index finger. The flexor tendons, arteries and median nerve are designed to glide smoothly past each other during wrist and finger movement.

If the tendon size increases from inflammation or hypertrophy (growth), or if the carpal tunnel size decreases due to  an improper use of the carpal bones, the median nerve can become squeezed or entrapped within the carpal tunnel. At first, 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.  The hands can also feel inept, weak and fatigue easily with activity. Eventually, grasping small objects using the thumb and fingers can be seriously affected and, without treatment, can result in complete debilitation of the hand.

The following are typical causes and corresponding conditions:

• repetitive and forceful grasping with the hands

• prolonged computer usage especially with poor wrist position

• activities that require repetitive bending of the wrist

• broken or dislocated bones in the wrist which produce swelling

• arthritis, especially the rheumatoid type

• thyroid gland imbalance

• sugar diabetes

• hormonal changes associated with menopause or pregnancy

Though any of the causes and conditions listed can be instrumental in contributing to the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, often the actual root cannot be found. Nevertheless, those who work with equipment that vibrates and/or perform their jobs in extreme temperatures often develop carpal tunnel symptoms.  Even household activities as simple as repetitive wringing clothes by hand can help cause this syndrome. By far the most significant reason for the increase of people suffering with CTS is the continuous rise in the use of computers. The repetitive motions of typing on the keyboard and moving the mouse over extended periods of time is a primary indicator for many people with CTS.

Treatment

Competent diagnosis and treatment is vital to relieving the painful and debilitating symptoms of CTS. Your Ventura Chiropractor is highly skilled in the diagnosis and managment of CTS. Chiropractors are well-trained in treating CTS.  Treatment by chiropractor can include ultrasound or low level laser to help reduce inflammation, electro therapy to strengthen weak muscles of the forearm, soft tissue massage to stretch contracted tissues and, of course, adjustments of the dysfunctional joints of the wrist. Your chiropractor may suggest that you wear a splint or support, particularly at night, to help hold the wrist in a neutral position to decompress 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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Tampa Chiropractor: Most Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction

The accomplishment of many different movements and activities is the result of the complexity of the shoulder joint. Anatomically, the shoulder involves three unique bones - the scapula, the clavicle, and the humerus - many attaching ligaments, and approximately 20 different muscles. The main articulation, the glenohumeral joint, is attached by ligaments and a group of muscles (and their tendon attachments) known as the rotator cuff. Shoulder pain and disability are commonly caused by problems with the rotator cuff. As with other joints, shoulder problems can be created by trauma such as sports injuries, mechanical dysfunction due to imbalances in the muscles, or by wear and tear of the tissues surrounding 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 energize all of the muscles of the shoulder, elbow, arm and hand and can often pinpoint the origin of the shoulder problem. Tight or weak shoulder muscles, created by aggravated nerves can produce dysfunction in the ordinary mechanics of the joint, especially in the rotator cuff. A similar problem 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. Individuals are at risk of developing imbalance and shoulder problems if they sit too often in a hunched position, or with their shoulders held forward.

Rotator Cuff Syndrome

Pain and restricted motion will continue to occur until the imbalances and inflammation are correctedchanged. 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 people of all ages.

Frozen Shoulder

Another common problem is ” frozen shoulder. “Extreme aggravation of the ligaments and tendons of the glenohumeral joint can cause adhesions to form practically sticking the joint together, thus producing  incapacitation the shoulder. This results in accute pain, as well as limitation of shoulder motion that makes even dressing oneself difficult! Left alone, frozen shoulder can take several years to heal on its own, if ever, and therefore attention by a professional, such as your Tampa chiropractor is crucial. There are many other conditions of the shoulder although those mentioned above are almost certainly the most common.

Treatment

Most shoulder treatments are generally 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 vital for a fulland speedy recovery.

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Introduction

The average person takes between 3,000 and 5,000 steps everyday. Add to that activities such as running and aerobic exercise, and we add not only more steps, but stress, to our already overly-worked feet. It is no wonder that many people have aches and pains in this part of the body. Components 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 get foot and ankle pain. These factors not only affect feet and ankles, but also the health of the back, knees and legs. Detailed below are several of the commonplace conditions that affect the feet and ankle.

Hallux Valgus and Bunions

Hallux Valgus is a problem that occurs when the big toe or hallux turns towards the outside of the foot, many times practically overlapping or bumping into the adjacent toe. It is a slow-developing affliction that generally develops a bump on the inside of the big toe, called a bunion. Hallux Valgus pain is normally experienced during weight-bearing activities such as walking or prolonged standing, but if a bunion has developed, a “numbing” or “burning” pain in the big toes can be felt at rest.

The joint between the big toe and the first metatarsal (the first metatarsal-phalangeal) is the actual problem, and not the bone, itself. The pain and deformity associated with Hallux Valgus is due to harm to this joint. The condition is normally the aftereffect of wear and tear over a long period of time from factors such as over-pronation that causes abnormal pressure on the big toe and first metatarsal during walking. An additional cause of Hallux Valgus is inflammatory arthritis that can harm the joint and cause degenerative changes. A broken toe that does not heal properly can also predispose a person to Hallux Valgus. But, one of the more common causes of the affliction is the high-heeled and pointed shoes that women frequently wear. These shoes not only put extra stress on the joint, but also assist in pushing the big toe to the outside.

If you have symptoms of Hallux Valgus, your chiropractor can examine your foot to determine which factors are contributing to your problem, and then use a variety of chiropractic techniques and modalities to lessen pain and improve the function of your foot.

Plantar Fascitis ( Heel Pain )

Heel pain, known as Plantar Fascitis, is a common foot problem caused by aggravation of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia, a band of connective tissue that surrounds the muscles on the bottom of the foot, adheres the heel bone to the ball of the foot. It supports the arch, protects the foot, and absorbs shock.

Patients with Plantar Fascitis frequently complain of pain in the morning after first standing when they get out of bed and also when they stand up after having sat for a while. The pain originates just in front of the heel bone, but can spread over the entire bottom of the foot.

If left untreated, aggravation associated with the ailment can lead to the development of scar tissue, calcium deposits and eventually heel spurs. Heel spurs, a bony growth on the front part of the calcaneus of the heel bone where the plantar fascia attaches, can cause a acute stabbing pain with walking.

People with other foot conditions, especially Pes Planus (flat feet) and/or over-pronation, are most susceptible to Plantar Fascitis, although other factors often partly responsible as well. Muscle imbalances between the calf muscles and the muscles on the bottom of the foot are a crucial contributing factor. When the calf muscles are short and tight they exert an intense pull on the back of the cancaneus. Such a condition causes unnecessary stress on the smaller, weaker plantar muscles and its fascia that are connected to the other side of the calcaneus. Wearing high heels will cause a shorting and tightening of the calf muscles, as will running and jumping activities. Other factors that stress the plantar fascia include: sudden strenuous activity after a period of long-term inactivity, abnormal walking patterns, unsuitable footwear, walking on hard or uneven surfaces especially barefooted, and obesity.

People who are steadily on their feet, such as nurses, teachers and waiters, are more disposed to Plantar Fascitis, as are athletes who participate in foot-stressing activities such as aerobics, volleyball, running, basketball, and tennis.

It is often difficult to manage Plantar Fascitis once it has developed, and the problem can become extremely painful and ceaseless. Chiropractors are experts in not only determining the cause of your condition, but in recommending fitting treatment, such as joint manipulation, muscle stretching and strengthening exercises, special taping, ultrasound therapy and, in some cases, orthotics.

Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles Tendonitis is a painful, and often, debilitating inflammation of the Achilles tendon, also called the “heel cord.” This large tendon is a continuance of the two biggest calf muscles and runs down the back of the lower leg attaching to the heel bone or calcaneus. Injury to this valuable tendon can make it difficult or even impossible to walk. The condition may be produced by a sudden single incident, such as jumping, but more frequently it results from an accumulation of smaller stresses that create 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. However, the problem will gradually worsen, especially if the person attempts to “work through” the pain. In severe cases, a total rupture of the tendon can occur, resulting in traumatic harm and intense pain that makes walking virtually impossible and may even require corrective surgery.

Achilles tendonitis is many times associated with athletes and performers, such as dancers, who participate in running and jumping activities, specifically those that include sudden starts and stops. Also, women who regularly wear high-heeled shoes are also at risk, especially if they switch to sport shoes for exercise. In these cases, the Achilles tendon and muscles gradually habituate to the shortened position created by wearing high-heels, as the heel does not have to stretch all the way to the ground. When this happens, the switch to exercise or flat shoes forces the Achilles tendon to stretch further than it is adapted to, thereby producing stress and irritation. This is why, high-heels should not be worn everyday. If they are unavoidable, stretching should be done every morning and night to keep the Achilles tendon lengthened.

Achilles tendonitis often appears in middle-aged people, particularly in men who are athletes, because of the changes that transpire in the foot as a person ages. The arch tends to flatten as we grow older causing over-pronation and increased stress on the Achilles tendon as well as the calf and foot muscles. Likewise, problems are also common in the “weekend warrior” who exercises infrequently, as well as those who are just commensing to exercise. In such people, the muscles and tendons have little flexibility due to inactivity, and immoderacy in exercise in the beginning can create tendonitis. Therefore, people who are just commencing to exercise after a long layoff should stretch properly, start slowly, and increase gradually.

Despite the cause of the problem, if a person is experiencing the symptoms of Achilles tendonitis, he or she should seek out a qualified professional, such as a chiropractor, to manage the problem before it becomes severe. Your chiropractor has many years of experience in treating Achilles tendonitis.

Pes Planus ( Flat Feet )

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

Some people have flat feet and never feel any discomfort, while others experience pain in the feet and knees, and occasionally in the hips and lower back as well. If you think you have flat feet and are experiencing discomfort, you ought to see your Orlando chiropractor to determine a plan of care that can lessen your pain and prevent additional symptoms from developing. Chiropractic treatment includes joint adjustments to improve foot function and eliminate painful symptoms. Your chiropractor may also prescribe arch-supporting insoles, called orthotics, for additional support and stability.

Metatarsalgia ( Pain in the ball of the foot )

Metatarsalgia is occasionally called “ball-of-foot pain,” as it is a pain on the sole of the foot just behind the toes where the foot bends during walking. The metatarsal bones extend from halfway up the foot to the toes. A irregularity in one or more of these five bones is the cause of pain.

While many sufferers with metatarsalgia feel discomfort where their metatarsal bones join their toe bones, some also feel pain along the entire length of the metatarsals and most probably between them. Challenges 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 problem is due to a dysfunction in the joints or an inflammation to the nerves as they travel along the metatarsals.

The cause of the distress is due to either structural or functional reasons. When a structural problem happens, such as when the metacarpal bones are either too long or too short, it causes aberrant mechanics in the feet and excessive on the entire area. Flat feet or excessive arch can also alter the stresses on the metatarsals causing similar symptoms.

Excess 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. Also, 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.

A chiropractor is able to beneficially treat metatarsalgia, no matter what the cause may be. After diagnosing the underlying factors, you will be offered a number of non-invasive therapies, inluding orthotics when necessary, and you will be advised 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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