Ventura Acupuncture

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.

Technorati Tags: achillies tendonitis, bunions, chiropractic care, flat foot, foot pain, orlando chiropractor, plantar fascitis

San Jose Chiropractor: Ten Most Frequently Asked Questions

Besides spinal problems, knee pain and disability is one of the most widespread ailments of the musculoskeletal system. dysfunction of the knee can be divided into several categories including deficient of the knee and faulty foot mechanics as the result of foot pain, general overuse of the knee joint,  inflammation due to arthritic changes in the joint, and traumatic injury from events such as sports and falls.

Non-trauma knee problems: The most widespread cause of non-traumatic pain is insufficient mechanics of the knee joint and the related stress on the soft tissues of the knee. The patella or knee-cap is the most common area affected because frequently the patella does not move adequately on the femur during bending of the knee generating abnormal stress on the tendons, cartilage and ligaments. This particular condition is often called chondromalacia patella (CMP) or Patella Femoral Syndrome (Knee Cap Pain). This problem is due to imbalances in the quadriceps muscles of the thigh that connect to and move the patella. Imbalances in the muscles related to knee movement frequently originate from lower back dysfunction, particularly in the sacroiliac joint. Imbalances in muscle groups that attach to the knee can also lead to pain and dysfunction. For example, pain on the medial or inside of the knee occurs when the muscles on the insides of the thigh are stressed and taut.   Mechanical knee pain is also caused by gait abnormalities such as pronation.

The associated pain from overuse is most generally felt during activity, especially stair climbing, running, jumping, and after getting up from prolonged sitting. Many women are likely to be predisposed to painful overuse problems for anatomical reasons, however such conditions are often caused by wearing high heels on a regular basis.

The main treatment for mechanical or overuse injuries to the knee is to re-establish proper balance of the muscles, restore proper movement to the patella and other joints of the knee, and to correct any subluxations of the sacroiliac joints and bones of the foot.  In certain cases, a brace is adopted to help with the alignment of the patella or to stabilize the joint. Chiropractors, such as your San Jose chiropractor, are fully trained to administer knowledgeable assessment and treatment of these problems.

Knee problems due to trauma: Traumatic injuries frequently take place during sports that involve running and jumping, especially. Sprains take place when tissue is torn as the result of the knee being stretched or contorted beyond the strength of the ligaments that hold the joint together. Strains to muscles that give motion to the knee can arise when the muscles are torn during injury. As with a sprain, a muscle strain can vary from a slight injury that necessitates little care to a serious injury requiring surgery. Furthermore the two special knee “cartilages” located between the tibia and femur (called the menisci), which facilitate fluid motion and cushioning, may also be torn during traumatic injury. This serious injury commonly necessitates surgical repair, or even removal if damaged severely.

Traumatic knee injuries can create intense pain and swelling and require immediate diagnosis and care. In the majority of cases a qualified chiropractor, such as your San Jose Chiropractor, can manage these problems, although there are some injuries that may necessitate the craft of an orthopedic surgeon. In any event, it is very important to stabilize the injured joint immediately and to put ice on the hurt area, if possible, until the injury can be examined.

Conditions such as poor mechanics and problems due to overuse, as well as traumatic injuries, need to be fixed at an early stage. Otherwise, the tissues of the knee joint, particularly the cartilage, will eventually erode. If tissue and cartilage erode, the bones will rub together unprotected and changes such as bone spurs can eventuate. This painful affliction, known as degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis, commonly progresses with age. General treatment may involve medications such as NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Fortunately, there are natural anti-inflammatory supplements that are very effective such as rosemary, glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, bioflavinoids, curcumin. Conservative treatment, such as chiropractic, can be extremely beneficial in reducing the pain. Your San Jose chiropractor is will gladly discuss anti-inflammatory supplements. In addition, individuals can frequently help themselves by keeping their weight down, doing exercises (especially in the pool), and wearing cushioned shoes or insoles.

Technorati Tags: chiropractic, chiropractor, knee injury, knee pain

San Diego Chiropractor: Chiropractic and Arthritis

Do you have back pain due to arthritis? Do you also have a problem with your weight?  If so, it’s conceivable that you’re having back pain not only due to arthritis, but also as the eventuality of the strain your weight is putting on your spine.  The body was not intended to carry around extra weight in the form of body fat.  Your spine, which supports your body, is being put under a lot of strain even if you are only carrying an extra 20 or 30 pounds all the time. This type of stress can created abnormalities of the vertebral column. These misaligned vertebra can generate arthritic changes in the spine and persist in causing inflammation to the degenerative changes that have already taken place. In addition, your body may compensate in other ways, for instance your hips moving forward or tilting to accommodate the extra weight.  This can compress the sciatic nerve, which is intensely painful.

A current survey by the NPD Group, a leading market research company based in Rosemont, Ill., shows that about 62% of men and women and 34% of adolescents are overweight or obese. The pervasiveness of arthritis escalates with accumulating weight. Research implies that cultivating a healthy weight decreases the risk of developing arthritis in the first place and may decelerate disease progression. A loss of just 11 pounds can decrease the occurrence (incidence) of new knee osteoarthritis and would do a great deal to decrease back pain as well.

A good diet and regular exercise is definitely necessary for an individual who is sincere about overcoming their back pain, knee pain, and joint pain in other places in the body.  Even though you have probably been advised about this for the majority of your life, it truly is the only way for you to stop suffering and regain your life.

First of all, let’s talk about the subject of dieting.  Most diets (and there are plenty from which to choose) can be temporarily useful.  Obviously, if you were to lose weight for keeps, the diet industry would lose a good customer!  Eating a balanced diet (as a lifestyle choice as opposed a temporary fix) and cutting your calories so that you are at a slight calorie “deficit,” is the only method of losing weight in a healthy, permanent way.  Don’t try to lose 20 pounds every week because that is an unhealthy and perilous fix. A healthy weight loss rate is about 2 pounds every week in order for it to be truly effective.

Research has proved that exercise and physical activity not only reduces pain and augments function, but truly delays disability. Make sure you get a minimum of one-half hour of moderate physical activity at least 3 days a week. You can get activity in 10-minute intervals.

Chiropractic treatment is a proved way to get mobility back in the joints of your spine and other areas of, and can be a good first step prior to starting an exercise program. A spine in alignment makes exercise and physical activity much easier and actually slows down arthritic degenerative changes. The Annals of Internal Medicine released the results of a survey of 232 people who were under a rheumatologist’s care for their arthritis.  Of those people, 63% replied to the survey by stating that they were using some type of “complementary care” as named by the study.  Of those individuals, 31% were utilizing chiropractic. Undoubtedly the most impressive statistic was that 73% of those trying chiropractic found it beneficial.  Explaining why they’d tried the non-medical chiropractic care, those surveyed offered a number of reasons: 1) to reduce pain, 2) they’d been told that it helps, 3) they felt certain that it is safe, 4) it had helped someone they knew, and 5) because their prescription medication wasn’t working.

Chiropractors, also called doctors of chiropractic, have been helping individuals suffering from back pain due to arthritis in addition to other arthritic problems for over a hundred years. Your San Diego chiropractor treats misaligned vertebra that, in addition to creating arthritic pain and degenerative changes in the spine, can weaken resistance and immunity, thus causing new health challenges.

It is always smart to visit a health care professional to talk about diet and exercise. If you want to find qualified advice on the type of lifestyle changes that you will need to assist you in managing your arthritis, your chiropractor will be very happy to assist you. Moreover, in addition to correcting any misalignments in your spine, your chiropractor will diagnose any faulty gait patterns or posture irregularities that may be compounding your arthritic pain.

Technorati Tags: arthritis, chiropractic, chiropractor, weight loss

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.

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

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.

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

“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.

Technorati Tags: chiropractic, chiropractor, elbow pain, golfer's elbow, tennis elbow

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.

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