Low Back Pain

Low back pain is second in commonality only to the common cold. It affects more than 80% of human being. Although most of us are aware that the common cold is due to a viral infection, back pain is often puzzling to its sufferers. Your Orlando Chiropractor is an expert at solving the problem.

Anatomy

To understand back pain, it is helpful to understand the anatomy of the spine. The spinal bones or vertebrae of the lower back are comprised of posterior joints called facets that link vertebrae to one another and serve to direct the movement of the spine. Inter-vertebral discs, made of tough cartilage, join the bodies of the vertebrae. This dense cartilage covers the nucleus, a soft material in the center of the inter-vertebral discs. The discs act as shock absorbers and spacers between the vertebrae. Ligaments and muscles also connect the vertebrae. The sacrum is a wedge-shaped bone at the bottom of the spine. It is connected 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

A large number of back pain patients have not experienced any trauma, accidents or major injuries prior to the onset of their problem. The cumulative effects of unhealthy sitting posture, poor work habits, incorrect lifting, lack of proper exercise, and other unhealthy lifestyle-related factors create most back pain. These cumulative factors cause stresses and imbalances on the spine and, therefore, individuals may injure their back simply 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 occurs, the surrounding back muscles go into spasm to protect the stressed or injured tissues of the back. Chiropractors are back pain specialists. Your Orlando Chiropractor can help you to get out of pain quickly.

Disc Problems & Sciatica

Prolonged sitting, especially in a slouched position produces increased pressure on the intervertebral discs and imbalances in the muscles encompassing the spine. After a while the lower spine loses its ability to function normally during everyday stresses. In the end, the intervertebral disc develops small fissures, or cracks, letting the soft nucleus to bulge 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, a person can develop sciatica, which is defined as pain, tingling, numbness, and sometimes weakness in the lower extremities. Regrettably, if the disc protrusion or herniation is large and the condition isn’t managed appropriately, surgery may benecessary to dispose of the herniated disc material. Nonetheless, with the correct chiropractic adjustments and management, as well as postural exercises, most of these cases can healthfully recover. If you are experiencing any of the conditions defined above, it is essential for you to seek chiropractic assistance.

Spondylosis

Increased erosion and weight-bearing stress on the spine occurs when there is repetitive damage to the discs, facet joints, and surrounding ligaments. 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 constrict adjacent nerves, blood vessels and soft tissue resulting in symptoms ranging from minor pain and numbness to gross sensory loss and muscular atrophy. This restriction causes a form of arthritis, called Spondylosis, that can also occur as part of the aging process of the spine. But|However, influences 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 extremely beneficial in slowing the aging process of the spine, as well as helping Spondylosis sufferers in managing their condition. Your Orlando Chiropractor has treated many Spondylosis sufferers.

Sacroiliac Problems

Another common area of dysfunction or injury in the low back is in the sacroiliac joints. These weight-bearing joints link the upper part of the body to the lower pelvic portion and are normally very strong and stable. However with damage such as falls, sports injuries, or lifting heavy objects, the joints can become unstable and change to an abnormal position. This condition is called a sacroiliac subluxation. Pregnancy can also cause this condition. The imbalances in the lower extremities caused by sacroiliac subluxation can create a functional long and short leg. People with this problem will feel pain specifically with prolonged standing and walking, or during or after physical activity. Many complain of lack of energy and feeling tired easily. Frequently this imbalance can affect structures further up the spine and individuals can develop neck and shoulder pain, as well as headaches. Chiropractic adjustments and treatment are extremely effective in correcting this problem by establishing proper alignment of the joints.. Ask your Fort Worth chiropractor how you can experience effective pain relief.

Spinal Subluxation

A very common disorder of the lower back, as well as the entire spine, is subluxated or misaligned facet joints. Subluxations can exist on their own or in conjunction with disc problems and Spondylosis. They not only create pain, but they can also endanger the spinal nerves as they exit the foramen or spaces between the vertebrae, and produce nerve compression, known as paraethesia. Paraesthesia is a variation of sensation described as a tingling, burning or “funny feeling.” Paraesthesia in the upper extremities oftenoriginates from nerve problems in the neck, while paraesthesia in the lower extremities is very often associated with nerve problemsin the lumbar region (lower back). Visceral problems such as asthma and gastric conditions can also becorrelated with, or complicated by, spinal subluxations and nerve compression. Subluxations are best treated by chiropractic adjustments.

Trauma

Injury such as a fall, car accident, or sports injury can cause over-stretching or tearing of the tissues of the spine and lower back and produce extensive pain and immobility. In order to prevent long term disability or the development of any of the conditions listed above, chiropractic adjustments and treatment at the onset of symptoms is vital. 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 expert treatment for any of the above-mentioned conditions of the spine and lower back.

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

Introduction

Our pillow, bed, or sleep position is not always responsible for our stiff and painful neck when we get up in the morning. We also try to figure out what is taking place when sudden neck movement causes a sharp pain that feels as if “something” has slipped out of position or that a nerve is being “pinched.” It is useful to understand that most neck problems are hardly ever caused by a single incident, but usually by the cumulative effects of incorrect sitting posture, unhealthy work and living habits, lack of beneficial exercise and flexibility, and other lifestyle-related factors. Of course, some neck misalignments are due to traumatic events such as a whiplash accident, a fall, or a sports injury.

Anatomy

In order to understand neck pain, it is important to be aware of the anatomy of the spine. The movement of the spine is guided by neck vertebrae that are made of posterior joints, called facets, that attach vertebrae to one another. Inter-vertebral discs, comprised of tough cartilage, join the “bodies” of the vertebrae. This dense 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. The spinal nerves go out from the spine between the vertebrae and impart the energy to make the muscles and other organs of the body function. They also carry impulses from the body to the brain with respect to pain, touch, position, temperature, as well as other senses. The nerves that go out 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 Orlando Chiropractor.

Risk Factors: Neck Pain and Computer Use

Computer use has risen considerably over the years, at home and in the workplace. Nowadays, many people spend eight to ten hours a day, or more, bent over a keyboard and staring at a monitor. When we sit with our head in a forward bent position-the posture that most desk workers assume-the ligaments that hold the facets together and the muscles in the neck are put under enormous strain. In addition, the normal forward curve of the neck becomes reversed creating more stress upon all the surrounding tissues of the neck. Unhealthy posture and repetitive stress can cause spinal problems including disc herniation and subluxations, which are the principal causes of spinal nerve pain. Besides general pain, spinal nerve inflammation in the neck can produce symptoms like 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 related to structures in the head are stretched or inflamed thus creating symptoms from a dull ache to throbbing pain. Trigger points, the tight knots in the muscles of the neck, can also refer pain to the head. Of course there are other factors associated with headaches including toxic fumes, certain foods, additives such as MSG, alcohol, caffeine, and stress. However one must always look at the tissues and alignment of the neck when considering the origin of headaches and migraines. Chiropractic care has been shown to extremely beneficial in the treatment of headaches. Your Orlando Chiropractor can give you further information regarding treatment and pain relief.

Whiplash and Chiropractic Care

Many people are involved in car accidents. Rear-end collisions are the most common. During such a collision, the head of the passenger in the front car is forcibly wrenched back, and then forward, causing injury to the structure of both the front and back of the neck. Such a powerful force can cause trauma to the ligaments, muscles, facet joints, discs, and spinal nerves. Along with neck pain and immobility, symptoms such as headaches, nausea, vertigo, arm and shoulder pain, tingling in the hands and fingers and weakness of the arm and hand are coincidental with whiplash injury. It is vital to get immediate evaluation and x-rays to rule out the possibility of fracture. However in many cases, the injuries are primarily to the soft tissues and joints. Proper management is essential in recovery from the pain and symptoms of whiplash, and also to prevent future disability. Your Orlando Chiropractor is has years of experience in treating whiplash injury, and is more than capable of managing the case from start to finish.

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

Introduction

The average person takes between 3,000 and 5,000 steps per day. 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. Is it any wonder then why plenty of people have aches and pains in their feet? Several factors influence whether or not a person will get foot and ankle pain, such as flat or over-pronated feet, individual walking and running style, and the type of shoe a person wears. These determinants not only affect feet and ankles, but also the health of the back, knees and legs. Listed below are several of the commonplace conditions that affect the feet and ankle.

Hallux Valgus and Bunions

Hallux Valgus, a slow-developing affliction, is apparent when the big toe or hallux deviates towards the outside of the foot, frequently almost overlapping or bumping into the adjacent toe. Furthermore, a bump, called a bunion, many times develops on the inside of the big toe. The pain associated with Hallux Valgus is normally experienced during weight-bearing activities such as walking or prolonged standing.But, if someone has developed a bunion, the pain can be felt at rest and is generally described as a “numbing” or “burning” sensation in the big toes.

The joint between the big toe and the first metatarsal (the first metatarsal-phalangeal) is the genuine problem, and not the bone, itself. The pain and deformity associated with Hallux Valgus is due to harm to this joint. The challenge is usually the consequence of wear and tear over a long period of time from factors such as over-pronation that causes aberrant pressure on the big toe and first metatarsal during walking. Another 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. However, one of the more common causes of the condition is the high-heeled and pointed shoes that women frequently wear. These shoes not only put additional stress on the joint, but also aid 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 challenge, and then use a range of chiropractic techniques and modalities to decrease pain and improve the function of your foot.

Plantar Fascitis ( Heel Pain )

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

Those with Plantar Fascitis often 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 starts just in front of the heel bone, but can extend over the entire bottom of the foot.

Over time, aggravation associated with the problem can lead to the development of scar tissue, calcium deposits and sooner or later 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 sharp stabbing pain with walking.

Individuals with other foot conditions, especially Pes Planus (flat feet) and/or over-pronation, are most susceptible to Plantar Fascitis, however other factors often contribute as well. Muscle imbalances between the calf muscles and the muscles on the bottom of the foot are an important contributing factor. When the calf muscles are short and tight they exert an strong pull on the back of the cancaneus. This produces undue stress on the smaller and weaker plantar muscles and its fascia that connect to the other side of the calcaneus. Wearing high heels will create a shorting and tightening of the calf muscles, as will running and jumping activities. Sudden strenuous activity after a period of prolonged inactivity, abnormal walking patterns (such as over-pronation), inappropriate footwear, walking on hard or uneven surfaces (especially barefooted), and obesity all stress the plantar fascia.

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 not easy to manage Plantar Fascitis once it has developed, and the condition can become extremely painful and ceaseless. Chiropractors are well-trained in not only determining the cause of your pain, 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 irritation of the Achilles tendon, also called the “heel cord.” This large tendon is an extension of the two biggest calf muscles and runs down the back of the lower leg adhering to the heel bone or calcaneus. Damage to this valuable tendon can make it hard or even impossible to walk. Often, a debilitating injury to the tendon is the result of an accumulation of smaller stresses that create small tears over time, but a sudden, single incident, such as jumping, can also be the cause of a serious problem. Generally, the appearance of symptoms is gradual. The pain may be relatively minor at first, but slowly worsens if the person tries to “work through” the pain. Many Achilles tendonitis sufferers attribute their initial discomfort to the aches and pains that have to do with age or fatigue. In severe cases, a total rupture of the tendon can arise, resulting in traumatic harm and severe pain that makes walking virtually impossible and may even require corrective surgery.

Achilles tendonitis is often associated with athletes and performers, such as dancers, who are involved in running and jumping activities, specifically those that involve sudden starts and stops. Also at risk are women who regularly wear high-heeled shoes then switch to sport shoes for exercise because the tendon and muscles have gradually conformed to the shortened position produced by wearing high-heels. When this comes about, the change to exercise or flat shoes forces the Achilles tendon to stretch further than it is accustomed to, thereby producing stress and inflammation. For these reasons, high-heels should not be worn everyday. If they are required, stretching should be done every morning and night to keep the Achilles tendon lengthened.

Achilles tendonitis frequently appears in middle-aged people, expressly in men who are athletes, as a result of the changes that occur in the foot as a person ages. The arch tends to flatten as we grow older creating 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 starting to exercise. In such people, the muscles and tendons have little flexibility due to inactivity, and overindulgence in exercise in the beginning can create tendonitis. Therefore, people who are just starting to exercise after a long layoff should stretch properly, start slowly, and increase gradually.

Regardless of how it happened, if you are experiencing Achilles tendonitis symptoms, it is vital for you to see a qualified professional. Your Orlando chiropractor is a highly-skilled professional who can help you to manage the ailment before it becomes severe.

Pes Planus ( Flat Feet )

It is estimated that close to one quarter of the population has Pes Planus, more commonly known as flat feet. Human beings are not born with an arch, but develop them somewhere between ages 3-10. However, some adults never develop an arch. Besides genetic causes, there are a number of factors that can produce flat feet, or predispose people to the affliction. On occasion people develop arches only to have them collapse later in their life. This often depends upon lifestyle, job, and level of activity. Age and weight also are implicated in the development of the condition. Middle-aged persons who have been working on their feet for years often experience flat feet, as do overweight people who are placing added stress on their feet and legs.

Some people have flat feet and never feel any distress, while others experience pain in the feet and knees, and occasionally in the hips and lower back as well. If you have flat feet and are experiencing discomfort, your Orlando chiropractor can develop a treatment plan to not only help with pain reflief, but assist in preventing more problems from developing. chiropractic care includes joint adjustments to correct foot function and resolve painful symptoms. Your chiropractor may also prescribe arch-supporting insoles, called orthotics, for additional support and stability.

Metatarsalgia ( Pain in the ball of the foot )

Metatarsalgia is frequently 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 problem in one or more of these five bones is the cause of pain.

The feeling of pain can be limited to where the metatarsal bones join the toe bones or it can extend along the entire length of the metatarsals, and most probably between them. Problems in this area can vary from a stiff feeling upon movement of these bones to a burning or stinging sensation. The amount of pain depends upon whether the condition is due to a dysfunction in the joints or an aggravation to the nerves as they travel along the metatarsals.

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

There are other factors that can affect these bones that are often in the control of the sufferer. These include excess body weight, tight or high-heeled shoes, and excessive or poor running or athletic training. Too much weight and the wearing high-heeled shoes both augment stress upon the metatarsal, which leads to joint pain and nerve inflammation. Repetitive foot activities, like running, directly stress the metatarsals by exposing them to constant trauma.

Regardless of the cause, a chiropractor can expertly care for metatarsalgia. After diagnosing what factors are underlying your condition, your chiropractor can offer a variety of non-invasive therapies, including orthotics, as well as advise 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, chiropractor, flat foot, foot pain, Plantar Fiscitis

In the past, sports injuries were mostly limited to professional athletes, young people participating in school sports programs, and men participating in weekend activities such as rugby. However more and more people of all ages and both sexes are doing regular sports and fitness activities. There are even women now doing traditional men’s sports such as soccer, basketball and rugby. However the majority of people are involved in such activities as golf, tennis, running and activities such as aerobic classes or weight training. No matter what activity one does, there is always the risk of injury. Injury can be broken down into two basic types, one from trauma such as a slip, fall or collision and the other being of the over-use or repetitive stress variety.

Traumatic Injuries

These injuries can cause the debilitating type of problems often associated with trauma. Most of these injuries are usually to the ligaments, the tissue that connects bones to bones and or to muscles though fractures and dislocations do occur at times especially with the contact sports. A strain is any injury to either a muscle or its tendon and a sprain to ligaments. The most common areas for these types of injuries are the ankles, knees, and the shoulders though other areas can be affected including thelow back and neck. Of course, injuries to the neck and low back can be quite serious as the spinal cord or spinal nerves can also be involved.

Traumatic injuries can vary from a mild “muscle pull” or ankle twist to a serious problem requiring surgery. It all depends upon the degree of tearing of the tissues, the location, and the age of the person. Most sprains and strains are associated with some degree of swelling and sometimes internal bleeding especially with the ankles and knees. With all strains and sprains proper management is very important especially during the initial stages of the injury to insure proper healing and no future disability.

The following is an acronym for the post-injury management of sprains and strains especially if no professional help is available: PRICE
P -Protect the injury from further damage
R -Rest the injury
I – Ice the injury to reduce swelling, bleeding, muscle spasm and pain
C -Compress the injury with a specialised support or elastic bandage to support the injured tissues
E – Elevate the injury if necessary when dealing with ankles and knees.

Of course it is important to get the injury properly assessed by a chiropractor or other professional so to know the extent of damage. Most of these injuries can recover though do need proper care during the various stages of healing. If not manage carefully some sprains and strains can leave us with long lasting problems of joint instability, painful or weak joints and muscles, and lack of mobility. A Chiropractor who is trained in the management of sports injury can give you the proper advice and treatment to insure that your injury will heal in the best possible way.

Overuse or Repetitive Strain Injuries:

These injuries are becoming more and more common especially among people pursuing sports such as golf, tennis, bowling or any other activity that are requires one to do the same activity over and over. Even running, especially on a treadmill can cause such problems. Some of these problems have been discussed in greater detail in other sections of the website one beingtennis or golf elbow.

Basically these conditions occur when we are involved in a repetitive activity that causes a very slight strain to tissues especially tendons and muscles that alone would not cause a problem but done many times has an accumulative affect. carpal tunnel Syndrome is one of the most common types of overuse injuries. After some time the muscle or other affected tissue develops changes that no longer allow it to function properly resulting in pain, stiffness and disability. There are two types of factors that predispose one to these types of problems one being intrinsic or found within one’s own body and extrinsic or external factors that can often be changed or controlled by the individual.

Common Intrinsic factors of Injury:
Age – the older we are the easier it is to get injured
Congenital abnormalities – some people are born joint or muscle problems
Previous injuries – previously injured joints or muscles often lack proper function

Common Extrinsic factors of Injury:
Equipment – improper grip size of tennis racquet, worn out running shoes
Playing surface – playing soccer on hard surfaces, uneven treadmill
Improper technique – improper golf grip or swing
Poor conditioning – doing activity when out of shape
Lack of warm-up – not stretching or preparing for activity
Increased frequency or duration – not building up slowly
Flexibility – too stiff to do activity correctly
stress – being tired or stressed can cause number 3 or 7

As we can see there are more factor that are extrinsic and therefore within our control. However most of us need assessment by a qualified health professional to determine the nature of the injury as well as the solution to the problem as left untreated these injuries can greatly affect ones life and limit a favorite activity. Besides eliminating the cause treatment is often required to stabilize the condition. The treatment might include joint manipulation, massage, therapy modalities, bracing and specific exercises.

Technorati Tags: chiropractic care, Orlando chiropractor, overuse injury, sports injuries