Ventura Acupuncture

Chicago Chiropractor and Arthritis

Introduction

One of the most widely misunderstood conditions among patients is arthritis..Often the word, “arthritis,” brings to mind a future that includes 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 confine 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 deterioration of the cartilage that protects the joint surfaces. Degenerative changes in the joint happens when joint cartilage is injured and causes stress to the sensitive bone tissue that is usually guarded by the cartilage. Sometimes the bone around the joint will proliferate and make osteophytes, or what are familiarly called bone spurs. These spurs can create painful irritation to other tissues adjacent to the joint, in this way complicating the already hurtful condition.

As a rule areas of the body that develop degenerative joints are in the spine, especially 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 impact the degree of the condition and its onset.

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 especially 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 sufficiently worn and movement is intolerable due to severe pain.

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

• One should always guarantee that, especially when young, all injuries to joints are correctly managed to insure proper healing to avoid future disability.
• Shoes with good 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 decrease stress on weight-bearing body joints.

• Care should be taken to cushion 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 vital for the health of the joints, as well as the rest of the body.

Recently there have been some studies that show 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 aid in the restoration of proper mobility and function to the spinal joints. Chiropractic care is not only a smart idea, but extremely effective in relieving the debilitating pain of arthritis. Your Chicago chiropractor is highly skilled 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 used to help stabilize the joint in an effort to alleviate pain. Movement is vital to the maintenance of arthritic joints. A chiropractor often suggests gentle, mobilizing activities such as stretching, yoga, and tai chi can be beneficial.

Gout

Gouty arthritis is generated by increased levels of uric acid in the blood and the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints. The most common joints are the big toes, the knees, ankles and wrists, and is often characterized by excruciating pain and swelling. Many people who develop gout are predisposed through heredity, though episodes are usually brought on by binge eating of agitative foods, when dehydrated or fasting, or after a major surgery or illness. Foods that must be avoided contain a natural substance called Purines that are metabolized in the liver to form uric acid. Individuals with this condition cannot properly metabolize uric acid, thus the proliferation in the bloodstream and the subsequent joint problems. The foods most connected 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, a chronic inflammatory disease, is systemic in nature and thought to be created by immune system dysfunction. 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 most often associated with morning stiffness that is aggravated by motion. Additional symptoms can include general malaise and fatigue, and in its more advanced stages other systems of the body may be affected. Rheumatoid arthritis can be easily identified through particularized 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 beneficial. Your Chicago chiropractor is dedicated to helping sufferers 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 the reason for our stiff and painful neck when we get up 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.” Though it may seem so, one single incident is hardly ever the cause of most neck problems, but rather the cumulative effects of unsuitable sitting posture, unhealthy work and lifestyle habits, and lack of beneficial exercise for strength and flexibility. Of course, some neck challenges are due to traumatic events such as a whiplash accident, a fall, or a sports injury.

To understand neck pain, it is necessary to have knowledge of the anatomy of the spine. The spinal bones or vertebrae of the neck consist of posterior joints, called facets, that attach vertebrae to one another and serve to direct the motion of the spine. Inter-vertebral discs, comprised of dense cartilage, connect the “bodies” of the vertebrae. This strong cartilage encases the nucleus, a soft material in the center of the inter-vertebral discs. The discs act as shock absorbers and spacers between the vertebrae. The spinal cord is located between the facets of the vertebrae. Spinal nerves go out from the spine between the vertebrae and supply energy to muscles and organs of the body. Transversely, they carry sensory impulses, including pain information, from the body to the brain.  The nerves that exit from the neck are responsible for 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

More and more people are now making their living sitting at a desk in front of a computer. The use of computers has risen significantly, and many individuals spend eight to ten hours a day slumped over the keyboard and staring at the monitor. Sitting with the head in a forward bent position (the posture most computer users adopt), puts enormous strain on neck ligaments and muscles. 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 primary causes of spinal nerve pain. Besides general pain, spinal nerve inflammation in the neck can generate symptoms such as headaches, eye problems, giddiness, arm and hand pain (and paraesthesia), as well as shoulder pain.

Headaches and Chiropractic Care

Headaches or migraines are commonly 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 creating symptoms from a dull ache to throbbing pain. In many instances the tight knots in the muscles of the neck, called trigger points, can also refer pain to the head.  Many other factors are connected with headaches such as toxic fumes, certain foods, additives such as MSG, alcohol, caffeine, and stress. Nevertheless, the alignment of the neck and the agitation of surrounding tissues should be a main consideration when treating headaches and migraines. Chiropractic care has been shown to exceptionally beneficial in the treatment of headaches. Your Colorado Springs Chiropractor can give you further information regarding treatment and pain relief.

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 forcefully wrenched 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 extremely important to get immediate evaluation and x-rays to rule out the possibility of fracture. Usually in many cases, the injuries are primarily to the soft tissues and joints. Proper management is essential in rehabilitation 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 start to finish.

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“Tennis Elbow” is the common name given to elbow pain emanating from the outside or lateral side of the elbow. This condition occurs when an irritation or inflammation of the tendons of one or more forearm muscles at their attachment to the bony protuberance approximal to the elbow joint, called the lateral epicondyle. The medical term for this problem is lateral epicondylitis, in essence an inflammation of the epicondyle. When the inflammation takes place on the inside, or medial side, of the elbow, the problem is often called “Golfer’s Elbow” or medical epicondylitis. Golfer’s Elbow, though, is not as widespread as Tennis Elbow.

There are many reasons for epicondylitis – not just tennis and golf – as any activity or sport that involves repetitive gripping of objects can result in this problem. Improper wrist and arm posture while carrying heavy bags, knitting, chopping food, and/or using a computer can also cause “tennis” or “golfer’s” elbow. Using inappropriate techniques when initiating any sport, experimenting with new rackets or clubs, or adding to the intensity or duration of an activity or exercise can also cause the condition.

A number of cases involving epicondylitis can be associated with problems farther up the arm or even in the neck. If a person has a disc complication or spinal subluxation, the nerves that give movement to the forearm muscles may become inflamed making the muscles tense and inserting heightened strain on the tendon attachment(s).  When this happens, it predisposes an individual to elbow pain from any of the above-mentioned causes. Complications such as further subluxations and arthritis can arise if the problem is not treated. Examination and care by a qualified chiropractor, such as your Mount Laurel Chiropractor can fix the affliction and help to avoid future complications.

Epicondylitis is a condition that rarely resolves of its own accord and so requires proper health management. Determination of the exact cause of the problem and a treatment plan are extremely important. This might include modalities such as ultrasound, electro-therapy, massage, hot and cold therapies, bracing, and home stretching and exercises. Mount Laurel Chiropractic management has proved, in the majority of instances, to be highly effective in the most comprehensive management of this condition.

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Can Chiropractic Help Back Pain?

Low Back Pain

Low back pain is second in frequency 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

Knowledge of the anatomy of the spine is very important in understanding back pain. The spinal bones or vertebrae of the lower back are comprised of posterior joints called facets that link vertebrae to one another and serve to guide the action of the spine. The inter-vertebral discs join the bodies of the vertebrae and are made of a form of tough cartilage that surrounds a soft material in the center, called the nucleus. The discs act as shock absorbers and spacers 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 attached to the two pelvic bones at the sacroiliac joint. The spinal cord is situated between the facets of the vertebrae. The spinal nerves leave the spine between the vertebrae.

Causes of Back Pain

Most back pain sufferers have not experienced any trauma, accidents or major injuries prior to the onset of their problem. The cause of most back pain is the cumulative effects of awkward sitting posture, harmful work habits, incorrect lifting, lack of regular exercise and other poor lifestyle-related factors.  These cumulative factors cause stresses and imbalances on the spine and, therefore, some may injure their back just 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 comes about, 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

Increased pressure on the intervertebral discs and imbalances in the muscles surrounding the spine can occur during and after prolonged sitting, specifically in a slouched position. Eventually the lower spine loses its customary function and no longer can accommodate for the normal day-to-day stresses in ones life. In the end, the intervertebral disc develops small fissures, or cracks, permitting the soft nucleus to distend the disc outward. If the disc pushes on sensitive tissues, it causes the pain that is often referred to as a slipped disc. If the disc presses on the spinal nerve, an individual can develop sciatica, which is defined as pain, tingling, numbness, and sometimes weakness in the lower extremities. Sometimes if the disc protrusion or herniation is large and the condition is not managed correctly, surgery is required to remove the herniated disc material. However, with the correct chiropractic adjustments and management, as well as postural exercises, most of these cases can healthfully mend. If you are experiencing any of the conditions defined above, it is essential for you to seek chiropractic assistance.

Spondylosis

Repetitive injury to the discs, facet joints, and surrounding ligaments may result in increased erosion and weight-bearing stress on the spine. This stress can adversely affect the cartilage around the joints and engender calcium to deposit in the tissues around the vertebrae, forming bone spurs. These spurs can compress adjacent nerves, blood vessels and soft tissue resulting in symptoms ranging from minor pain and numbness to gross sensory loss and muscular atrophy. This constriction causes a form of arthritis, called Spondylosis, that can also occur as part of the aging process of the spine. However, factors such as previous trauma, unhealthy lifestyle, and repetitive stress injury influence the time of onset in life. Regular chiropractic care and overall chiropractic management is extraordinarily helpful in slowing the aging process of the spine, as well as assisting Spondylosis sufferers in managing their condition. Your Fort Worth Chiropractor has helped many Spondylosis sufferers.

Sacroiliac Problems

Another general 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. Damage from falls, sports injuries, or the lifting of heavy objects can cause the joints to become unstable and move 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. Pain occurs particularly with prolonged standing and walking, or during and after physical activity, and the individual may experience a 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 ameliorating this problem by establishing proper alignment of the joints.. Ask your Fort Worth chiropractor how you can receive effective pain relief.

Spinal Subluxation

Subluxated or misaligned facets joints are a prevalent disorder of the lower back, as well as the entire spine. Subluxations can prevail on their own or in conjunction with disc problems and Spondylosis. They not only produce pain, but they can also imparel the spinal nerves as they exit the foramen or spaces between the vertebrae, and cause nerve compression, known as paraethesia. Paraesthesia is a change 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 commonly associated with nerve dysfunctionin 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 eliminated by chiropractic adjustments.

Trauma

Damage such as a fall, car accident, or sports injury can cause trauma to the spine and lower back. Often these traumas cause over-stretching or tearing of the tissues of the spine. When this occurs a person can experience considerable pain and immobility. Corrective chiropractic treatment at the onset of symptoms is very important 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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