Common Chiropractic Conditions

Disc Problems
Intervertebral discs are positioned between the vertebrae in the spine. The outside of a disc is made from cartilage, and in the center is a jelly-like solution. These discs serve many purposes, including allowing spine movement, creating space between the vertebrae, and acting as shock absorbers. In addition, the gelatinous middle allows the disc to compress and expand based on impact and movement. Trauma to the spine can cause the discs to herniate, bulge, become displaced (slipped disc), or even rupture. However, trauma or direct injury to the area is not the only cause. As we get older, the discs can begin to weaken and dehydrate. These conditions can add pressure to the nerves around the spine and cause pain.

You should see a chiropractor if you suffer from one of these injuries. Surgery is risky, expensive, and requires recovery time. However, you can experience relief from these conditions in many cases through chiropractic. Properly aligning the spine, can relieve pressure on nerves and the discs themselves. Which will reduce and hopefully eliminate your pain and discomfort and allow you to live a normal lifestyle.

Whiplash
Whiplash is a common injury for people involved in car collisions. When a car is struck from behind or collides with another object, it causes the neck to snap back and forth violently, which causes the muscles and ligaments to overextend, leading to strains and/or tears, which is referred to as soft tissue damage and can cause stiffness and soreness. Whiplash can also cause structural damage such as misaligned vertebrae, herniated, bulging or ruptured discs, or nerve damage due to the overextension from the violent movement.

Chiropractic can help with both types of injuries. Adjustments and alignments can be performed specifically for those who have been in car accidents and suffered from whiplash. The pressure on the discs and nerves is released when the spine returns to its proper alignment. In addition, chiropractic soft tissue work can help relieve the pain and discomfort from soft tissue injuries. If you have been in a car accident, schedule an appointment with us before relying on pain medications and surgery.


Osteoarthritis

Arthritis is a condition that is caused by the the cartilage wearing down between joints. Some major joints affected are the knees, hips, back, neck, and hands/wrists. Arthritis can be painful and can cause the affected areas to not function correctly. Arthritis in one area can cause arthritis or other problems in a different joint. For instance, if you have arthritis in your left knee, you may compensate for this by putting more pressure on your right side, leading to right sided hip problems.

Painkillers can cause temporary relief from pain and discomfort, but it is not a long-term solution. Chiropractic can alleviate pain by releasing pressure on the nervous system with proper alignment. It can also restore healthy joint movement, helping to ensure that you use proper motion so that you do not cause injury to other parts of your body. We are not concerned with the affected area but rather the body as a whole. We aim to restore and maintain proper movement and functionality to increase your overall well being.

Joint Dysfunction
Joint dysfunction occurs when joints become stiff and full movement is restricted. An injury, poor posture, overuse/underuse of a joint, muscle imbalance, and other factors can cause it. Like arthritis, joint dysfunction can cause pain in the joint and the surrounding muscles, and can cause problems in other parts of the body due to overcompensation.

One common form of joint dysfunction is sacroiliac joint dysfunction, where the base of the spine meets the pelvis. It causes low back pain and prohibits movement, which is often misdiagnosed because the symptoms are similar to sciatica or a herniated disc. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++Your chiropractor can properly diagnose this condition and provide relief. Specific adjustments for the affected joint can return proper mobility and relieve pain. If you have joint pain, visit us for relief.

Neck/Back Pain
Subluxations or misalignment of your vertebrae usually cause pain along the spinal column in your neck or back. A small misalignment can cause pain by causing pressure on nerves. Left untreated, these subluxations can cause muscle spasms and increased pain. Chiropractic adjustments properly align your spine to release pressure on joints and nerves. It is a direct treatment for the cause of the pain, not a temporary relief like pain relievers or massage. If you are experiencing back or neck pain visit us today.

Headaches
Many people believe that headaches are caused by loud noise, tiredness, or stress. While these factors can lead to headaches, the direct cause is tightness in the neck and shoulders. The tightness can cause misalignments in the vertebrae of your neck, resulting in pain. 80% of all headaches originate from the neck. With a typical cervicogenic (neck origin) headache, a person usually feels pain starting at the base of the skull which radiates into the temples, eyeballs, and forehead. Massage of the neck and shoulder muscles can release tension, and a chiropractic adjustment can realign the vertebrae in your neck. Chiropractic can help eliminate the cause of your headaches rather than offering a temporary relief from the symptoms.

Sciatica
Sciatica is a condition that results when the sciatic nerve becomes irritated. Bulging discs, spinal subluxations, and muscle spasms can all cause increased pressure on the sciatic nerve. When this happens it causes pain, numbness, and weakness in the lower back and leg. To properly treat sciatica, the condition's cause must be diagnosed and properly treated. Your chiropractor can help you do this.

Pinched Nerve
When a nerve is squeezed or compressed it is called a "pinched nerve", which is caused by spinal misalignments, bulging or herniated discs, or other factors. The increased pressure on the nerve causes inflammation, pain, and sometimes muscle spasms. The pressure on the nerve must be relieved to alleviate the pain. An examination can reveal the cause of the pain, and an adjustment can relieve the pain by properly aligning the spine and addressing the cause of the pain.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
This condition is most commonly associated with people constantly using a computer. Typing is a motion that, when performed repetitively and with poor posture, can cause carpal tunnel syndrome. Symptoms include pain, numbness, weakness, or a burning sensation. The nerves in the fingertips travel through the wrist, up the arm, and into the neck. The spine is the center of the nervous system, and the pain in your hands and wrists can be relieved by your chiropractor with concentrated spinal and joint adjustments.

Maintenance Care
We have discussed many conditions that can be relieved through chiropractic. The best way to treat these conditions is to prevent them before they even start. Regular chiropractic visits can help to prevent physical problems and injuries from occurring. Other potential benefits of regular chiropractic visits are increased flexibility and mobility, a higher level of energy, improved posture, a more effective immune system, better circulation, and better sense of well-being.

Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a condition that we still do not know much about; there is no specific known cause, and many different factors could bring it on. The main symptom of fibromyalgia is chronic pain throughout the body, mainly located in joints. The pain may be achy, sharp, radiating, burning, or shooting and it may be mild or severe. Fibromyalgia has also been known to bring on other conditions like trouble sleeping, headaches, depression, and anxiety.

While there is no known cure for fibromyalgia, chiropractic treatment can help uncover what may be causing the pain also provide relief. The cause of fibromyalgia could be physical, mental, or emotional, so that a full examination will be performed. Adjustments and chiropractic soft tissue treatments can be used to relieve pain in the affected areas. The added effects of chiropractic treatment such as increased energy levels, better circulation, and a stronger immune system can also help fight the effects of fibromyalgia. If you are experiencing fibromyalgia symptoms,  give us a call to schedule a consultation so we can establish a plan to start you on your road to recovery.

(1)Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15965403?dopt=A...


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