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Chiropractic Orlando Style: Too Much Weight in the Middle Can Mean Extra Pain in the Back

Tuesday, March 31st, 2009

There are plenty of people today struggling with weight loss on a regular basis, notably too much weight around the middle. However, the necessity to lose weight is, quite frequently, more than a simple cosmetic issue.  The fact of the matter is, if people are carrying around additional weight in their stomach area, their back is going to be adversely affected as a result.

Most men and women who are overweight encounter moderate to severe back pain. The reason for this is because the spine was not designed to haul anything that weighs more than the body is at its generally healthy weight.  As a human being puts on additional pounds, the spine begins to negatively change and to compress, causing a lot of pain and discomfort.  Additionally, it can have an effect on the pelvis, tilting it forward and perhaps causing it to pinch the sciatic nerve. This is a primary reason why individuals who are overweight tend to have difficulties with their lower back. The suffering is due to either sciatica or the distorting of the spinal column.

If this condition sounds achingly familiar, and you’d like to get out pain, certainly the thing to do is to eliminate extra weight that you are toting around, and your spine will start to regulate and go back into its regular position.  Unfortunately, weight loss isn’t easy and it can take time, even with the best of intentions. The good news is you don’t have to endure back pain as you lose the weight. A chiropractor can offer the pain relief you’ll want as you shed the extra pounds.

However, you will still need to lose the extra pounds, and not having back pain will undoubted assist you in doing it. Losing the extra weight naturally and healthfully is crucial, and there are two (simple but not easy) things that can’t fail: Get some sort of exercise each day, even if it’s just a bit, and be certain that you take in fewer calories than you burn! Sure, you’ve heard about these two things before. However, now that you’ve found out that your back is depending on you, it’s a good time to get truly inspired.

Start exercising slowly, expressly if you’re having difficulties with back pain. And, most importantly, be sure to see a chiropractor so that you don’t go wrong the way many people do, which is exercising into the pain. That will without a doubt make matters worse. exercise, though occasionally uncomfortable, should never be painful or cause pain. That’s why it’s crucial to see a chiropractor if you’re experiencing back pain.

Do basic stretching exercises and also concentrate on your core abdominal body muscles. Strong stomach muscles help to ease back pain. Your chiropractor will be able to offer exercises that are best for you, personally. Within just a week or two of dedication to losing the weight that is producing your back pain and perhaps other health issues as well, you most likely being to notice a dramatic difference in the way that you feel.

 

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Chiropractic Orlando Style and Back Pain Relief

Wednesday, March 11th, 2009

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.

 

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How Can Orlando Chiropractic Help Arthritis?

Monday, March 9th, 2009

Introduction

Arthritis is more often than not confusing to most patients.Often the word, “arthritis,” produces fear of a future that includes crippled and twisted joints. But, many conditions from benign to severe are filed under the term, arthritis. For our purposes we will limit this discussion to the most common forms of arthritis.

Osteoarthritis and Chiropractic Care

The most common form of arthritis has many labels: osteoarthritis, degenerative arthritis, degenerative joint disease (DJD), and spondylosis if it is in the spine. Basically, the condition is due to the erosion of the cartilage that lines the joint surfaces, and it is found not only in humans, but also in all mammals. Degenerative changes in the joint takes place when joint cartilage is injured and causes stress to the sensitive bone tissue that is normally guarded by the cartilage. Now and then, osteophytes, or bone spurs, can occur when the bone around the joint proliferates. Bone spurs produce painful hypersensitivity to other tissues surrounding the joint complicating the already grievous condition.

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

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

The best management of DJD is, without exception, 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.
  • People involved in occupations that demand standing or walking should wear appropriate shoes that provide good support and shock absorption.
  • Weight loss through proper diet will help to decrease stress on weight-bearing body joints.
  • Care should be taken to protect knees from strain and pain when kneeling on hard surfaces.
  • The natural vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants provided by fruits and vegetables are crucial for healthy joints and a healthy body.

Recently there have been some studies that show that the nutritional supplement, Glucosamine, can help with DJD and can possibly 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 sound, but extremely effective in relieving the debilitating pain of arthritis. Your Orlando chiropractor is highly trained when it comes to arthritic pain relief. Other forms of chiropractic care may include joint mobilization, massage, ultrasound, cold laser, or electro-therapy, all of which may be helpful in the relief of painful and stiff joints. On occasion a brace is necessary 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 caused by elevated 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 acute pain and swelling. A large number of people who develop gout are predisposed through heredity, though episodes are more often than not brought on by binge eating of the wrong foods, when dehydrated or fasting, or after a major surgery or illness. Specific foods such as red meat (especially organ meat), certain seafood, legumes, and mushrooms contain the natural substance, Purines, that are metabolized in the liver to form uric acid. Since individuals with gout cannot efficiently metabolize uric acid, the accumulation in the bloodstream creates joint problems. In addition to the foods specified and additional foods containing Purines, other dietary restrictions need to be followed including the avoidance of 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. Morning stiffness irritated by movement is generally associated with the disease. Often people complain of general malaise and fatigue, and the disease in its more advanced forms can affect many of the other body systems. Rheumatoid arthritis can be easily identified through particularized blood tests. Though, currently, there is no cure, in addition to medication and vitamin and diet therapy, treatment should include chiropractic manipulations 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 valuable. Your Orlando chiropractor is dedicated to assisting individuals in getting relief from the pain and suffering associated with arthritis.

 

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Orlando Chiropractic and Shoulder Pain

Friday, March 6th, 2009

Introduction

The complexity of the shoulder joint allows it to achieve many different motions and activities. Anatomically, the shoulder involves three unique bones – the scapula, the clavicle, and the humerus – many attaching ligaments, and approximately 20 different muscles. The primary articulation, the glenohumeral joint, is joined by ligaments and a group of muscles (and their tendon attachments) known as the rotator cuff. Problems with the rotator cuff are common causes of shoulder pain and disability. As with other joints, shoulder problems can be created by trauma such as sports injuries, mechanical dysfunction due to imbalances in the muscles, or by wear and tear of the tissues surrounding the joint. Arthritic changes do occur in the shoulder joint, however not as commonly as in the weight-bearing joints of the spine, hips and knees.

Anatomy

Problems in the shoulder often begin in the cervical spine as the nerves from this region innervate all of the muscles and other tissues of the shoulder, elbow, arm and hand. If these nerves are irritated, the shoulder muscles can become tight or weak producing dysfunction in the ordinary mechanics of the joint, particularly in the rotator cuff. A similar problem can occur if one overworks the shoulder in sports such as tennis and golf, or in other repetitive activities that cause the muscles of the joint to become overly tight or strained. People are at risk of developing imbalance and shoulder problems if they sit too often in a slouched position, or with their shoulders held forward.

Rotator Cuff Syndrome

Pain and constricted motion will continue to occur until the imbalances and irritation are rectified. The severity can vary from a slight “catching” or pain to an almost complete inability to use the shoulder. This painful problem is often called Shoulder Impingement or Rotator Cuff Syndrome, and can afflict people of all ages.

Frozen Shoulder

“Frozen shoulder” is another common problem.This often incapacitating condition happens when the ligaments and tendons of the glenohumeral joint grow so irritated that adhesions develop making the joint almost stuck together. This results in extreme pain, as well as limitation of shoulder mobility that makes even dressing oneself difficult! Left alone, frozen shoulder can take several years to resolve on its own, if ever, and therefore treatment by a professional, such as your Orlando chiropractor is vital. The conditions mentioned above are the most generally known of all shoulder disorders.

Treatment

Most shoulder treatments are basically the same. Muscle imbalances can be resolved with chiropractic treatment that includes soft tissue mobilization modalities to restore proper mobility to the shoulder joints and to correct any subluxations in the spine. Special rehabilitation exercises offered by your Orlando chiropractor are also crucial for a full and quick recovery.

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Can Orlando Chiropractic Treatment Help Scoliosis?

Tuesday, March 3rd, 2009

A normal spine looks straight, without much deviation from one side to the other, when the body is viewed from behind. Therefore, if the spine is viewed to have a lateral, or side-to-side, curvature, the individual might have a condition called scoliosis.The disorder shouldn’t be confused with bad posture, even though it oftentimes gives the appearance that the patient is leaning to one side. Characterized by both lateral curvature and rotation of the vertebra, this complicated deformity oftentimes causes a symptomatic “rib hump” in the mid or thoracic spine. This is caused by the vertebrae in the zone of the major curve rotating toward the concavity and pushing their fastened ribs posterior hence producing the distinctive rib hump seen in thoracic scoliosis. The pulmonary and cardiac functions can be obstructed if the thoracic curve and rib rotation is greater than 70 degrees. Frequently later in life in untreated severe idiopathic infantile and juvenile scoliosis patients, this intensity of curve and consequential cardiac and pulmonary changes can be life threatening.

Anatomy

The spine displays four normal curves: the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral, all of which are obvious from a side view of the trunk. In the lower spine there is a healthy “C-shaped” curve called swayback or lordosis, while the thoracic curve in the chest region has a “reverse C” called a kyphosis. Increased kyphosis in the thoracic area is called hyperkyphosis, while heightened swayback is termed, hyperlordosis. Scoliosis changes regularly accompany alterations from normal on a side view. Occasionally round back deformities are simply due to unhealthy posture and can often be eliminated with postural exercises. A small percentage of individuals with kyphosis have more rigid deformities than the postural type, which are seen in conjunction with vertebral deformity. This type of deformity, called Scheuermann’s kyphosis, is much more problematic to treat than postural kyphosis, and it’s cause is unknown.

Almost anyone can help to identify a child or fully-grown individual with scoliosis simply by observing the person in a standing position, preferably with no shirt and in boxers, and observing the following:

  • One shoulder may be more elevated than the other.
  • One scapula (shoulder blade) may be higher or more prominent than the other.
  • With the arms hanging relaxed at the sides, there may be more room between the arm and the body on one side.
  • One hip may look to be higher or more pronounced than the other.
  • The head is not aligned with the pelvis.
  • One side of the back appears more elevated than the other when the individual is observed from the rear and asked to bend forward until the the spine is horizontal.

The child or adult should be sent to a healthcare professional, such as a chiropractor, for further evaluation once scoliosis is detected. Your Orlando would be happy to help.

There are many different roots and many kinds of scoliosis, but the most prevalent, by far, is Idiopathic Scoliosis, which accounts for about 85 % of all cases. “Idiopathic” means “no known cause” and is witnessed with equal occurrence in boys and girls in the mild or low curve magnitudes. This affliction can be sub-classified into infantile, juvenile and adolescent types, based upon the age of onset. Idiopathic Scoliosis commonly runs in families and may be caused by genetic or hereditary influences. For reasons yet to be found, girls are five to eight times more likely than boys to have their curves increase in size and require treatment. As the term “Idiopathic Scoliosis” implies, this kind of scoliosis usually happens when children are ending their last major growth spurt. Unfortunately, at this age young people are reluctant to permit their body to be viewed by parents and other adults, so it is smart to have this age group viewed on a regular basis.

If a scoliotic curve is found in the growing adolescent, it is very important that the curves be monitored for development by periodic examination and occasionally standing X-rays. In ninety percent of cases, the scoliosis is mild and does not require active treatment, however increases in spinal deformity necessitate evaluation to determine if a brace or other treatment is necessary. In a small number of individuals, surgical treatment may be necessary.~Surgery may be required for a small number of patients.

Brace therapy (orthosis) is recommended for both juvenile and adolescent children when an increase in their scoliosis or kyphosis is observed, or when new cases of moderate scoliosis or abnormal kyphosis are found. There are a number of types of braces, all created to prevent curves from increasing through the process of acting as a buttress for the spine during active skeletal growth. Braces normally will not make the spine entirely straight, and cannot always keep a curve from increasing. But, bracing is effective in halting curve progression in a significant number of skeletally-immature adolescents.

scoliosis has no simple solution. The majority of cases, even though frequently monitored, are not actively treated. The common medical treatment for moderate conditions is a brace, whereas severe afflictions are sometimes treated surgically. You may want to see your Orlando chiropractor first.

Along with bracing, many other methods have been used successfully like specialized exercise, electric stimulation of spinal muscles, nutritional programs, and chiropractic treatments. It seems like the best results have been sustained with a multi-faceted approach to the management of this affliction.

There are chiropractors, such as your Orlando Chiropractor, that have years of experience assisting with scoliosis cases.

 

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Are Orlando Chiropractors Real Doctors?

Monday, March 2nd, 2009

Chiropractors, also called doctors of chiropractic, treat patients who are suffering from musculoskeletal and nervous system problems. Chiropractic treatments provide relief for people having problems of the spine.

Chiropractic education is very similar to medical and dental education that requires… three to four years of undergraduate studies and an additional 4 years of post-graduate education. Chiropractic coursework includes anatomy, physiology, orthopedic, neurologic courses, x-ray, nutrition and philosophy. In the area of x-ray study, chiropractors actually have many more hours of education than medical doctors. Chiropractic coursework in x-ray consists of x-ray safety, techniques, factors, positioning, and interpretation. In addition, chiropractors have more hours of study in nutrition than students in medical school receive. Chiropractors are recognized in all 50 states as doctors.

A chiropractor should have considerable experience, as well as excellent observational and diagnostic skills that help in detecting physical irregularity and joint problems. In addition, your chiropractor should possess the important quality of compassion in working with people.

A good chiropractor provides non-surgical, drug-free treatment and also offers suggestions and education about the benefits of individual lifestyle changes. Some chiropractors will analyze the posture of a person in order to identify postural deviations. A chiropractor may provide additional treatment using laser therapy and ultrasound or massage, and also offer education about exercise and nutrition.

In addition to the therapies above, many chiropractors specialize in sports medicine, pediatrics, orthopedics, nutrition or internal disorders. Chiropractors utilize the standard medical history information in order to diagnose and analyze, the source of the problem. In addition, a competent chiropractor will perform neurological tests and orthopedic examinations. Some may request or require laboratory tests such as x-rays and other diagnostic imaging that will aid their diagnosis of misaligned vertebra and spinal problems.

So, if you suffer with back pain, headaches, or neck pain then a trial of conservative chiropractic treatment is appropriate.

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Orlando Chiropractor Treats Sports Injuries

Monday, March 2nd, 2009

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.

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Orlando Chiropractic Treatment Relieves Carpal Tunnel Pain!

Thursday, February 26th, 2009

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is the most common nerve entrapment disorder. As the term “nerve entrapment” implies, these disorders happen when a nerve is trapped or compressed between body tissues creating inflammation and impairment of the nerve.

Anatomy

The carpal tunnel is situated in the underside of the wrist and is a passageway in which the median nerve travels through on its way to innervate the hand and fingers. In addition to the median nerve, the carpal tunnel includes the nine tendons of the forearm muscles that are responsible for bending and flexing of the fingers and thumb. There are also arteries and lymphatic vessels that supply circulation to the hand located within the tunnel. Wrist bones form the bottom and sides of the tunnel, while the top is shaped by the transverse carpal ligament, a strong band of connective tissue. The carpal tunnel is a densely-packed space about the size of an index finger. The flexor tendons, arteries and median nerve are intended to glide easily past each other during wrist and finger movement.

If the size of the tendon enlarges due to irritation or overuse, or if the carpal tunnel size dimenishes because of an improper use of the carpal bones, the median nerve can become compressed or entrapped within the carpal tunnel. At first, carpal tunnel symptoms generally include, pain, numbness, pins and needles, and tinging in the fingers and hand, particularly the thumb and adjacent two fingers. These symptoms are especially noticeable in the night and often wake people from their sleep as the individual has to sit up in bed and shake-out and/or rub the hands in order decrease these unpleasant feelings. In addition, activity can cause the hands to feel lumpish or weak, and fatigue easily. Eventually, grasping small objects using the thumb and fingers can be gravely affected and, without treatment, can result in complete debilitation of the hand.

Some accepted causes and associated conditions are:

* repetitive and forceful grasping with the hands

* prolonged computer usage especially with poor wrist position

* activities that require repetitive bending of the wrist

* broken or dislocated bones in the wrist which produce swelling

* arthritis, especially the rheumatoid type

* thyroid gland imbalance

* sugar diabetes

* hormonal changes associated with menopause or pregnancy

Though any of the causes and conditions listed can contribute to carpal tunnel Syndrome, often the actual root cannot be found. Nevertheless, those who work with equipment that vibrates and/or perform their jobs in extreme temperatures often develop carpal tunnel symptoms. Even household activities as simple as repetitive wringing clothes by hand can help cause this syndrome. However, the continuing increase in computer use is the most compelling explanation for the number of individuals who are suffering with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome today. This is becoming a major concern in the developed world where people of all ages are spending much of their time typing on a keyboard & clicking on a mouse.

Treatment

Proper diagnosis and management of this condition is essential in order to curtail the disabling symptoms associated with the advancement of CTS. I as, an Orlando chiropractor have many years of experience in this area. Chiropractors are well-trained in treating CTS. In addition to chiropractic adjustments of the wrist joints, treatment by chiropractor may include inflammation reduction therapy such as ultrasound or low level laser. Electromusclestim can often help to strengthen the weak muscles of the forearm and soft tissue massage is effective in stretching contracted tissues. Your chiropractor may suggest that you wear a splint or support, particularly at night, to help retain the wrist in a neutral position to decompress the carpal tunnel. Your Orlando Chiropractor will also give you specific exercises to stretch and/or strengthen muscles of the forearm and hand.
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Orlando Chiropractor Can Help With Ear Infections

Wednesday, February 25th, 2009

Earache is the most common reason for office visits to pediatricians. By the age of three years, more than 70 percent of children will have had at least one episode of earache and about a third will have had more than three episodes. It is not surprising, therefore, that earache is also the most common reason for children under the age of five years presenting to the chiropractor’s office.

When a child with earache is diagnosed with middle ear infection by the pediatrician, the usual treatment involves a course of antibiotics. New research has determined that this is often misguided. The cause of the child’s middle ear infection may not be due to bacteria, and since antibiotics are only effective against bacterial pathogens, frequently there will be no response. Since numerous cases of middle ear infection can be caused by a virus, and viruses do not respond to antibiotics, this may be the reason why children develop chronic ear infections.

How Chiropractic Care Relates to Earache and Ear Infections

Your Orlando chiropractor’s task is to ascertain if the reason for the body’s inability to combat the earache/ear infection is caused by irritation of the small nerves in the spine (called free nerve endings).

When these nerve endings are irritated, an abnormal tension is produced in the small muscles of the neck. This muscle tension can place pressure on the lymphatic drainage ducts resulting in inadequate drainage from inside the ear, thus preventing the body from being able to naturally correct the problem. Balance can also be affected.

Identification of such a problem is made by detecting increased tension in the neck and paraspinal muscles, usually more tension is felt on the side of earache. The chiropractor also looks for spinal vertebrae which are either slightly out of alignment or are not moving within their normal range. This problem may have been due to any one of the number of bangs, jolts and falls that most children experience in the early years of their life. Often, a short course of spinal adjustment and manipulation of the neck muscles can help restore normal lymph drainage.

Research

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), ear infection the most frequent childhood illness after the common cold – accounts for nearly 30 million doctor visits each year; what’s more, at least 6 million courses of antibiotics are unnecessarily prescribed for the condition. Recently, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released new guidelines for treating pediatrie ear inflammation and specifically recommend a period of “watchful waiting” since, in many cases, infections clear up on their own, without medication; the guidelines suggest medical intervention only in cases that do not subside after three months or are particularly severe in nature.

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

Tuesday, February 24th, 2009

Tennis elbow is the common name given to pain originating on the outside or lateral side of the elbow. This condition arises from an irritation or inflammation of the tendons of one or several forearm muscles at their attachment to the bony protuberance close to the elbow joint, known as the lateral epicondyle. Therefore the medical term for this condition is lateral epicondylitis, meaning an inflammation of the epicondyle. If the condition is located on the inside or medial side of the elbow it is often referred as Golfer’s Elbow or medial epicondylitis. This, however, is not as prevalent as lateral epicondylitis.

Causes

There are many causes for Epicondylitis – not just tennis & golf – as any activity that involves repetitive gripping of objects can result in this affliction. Some individuals develop tennis or golfer’s elbow from prolonged carrying of heavy bags, knitting, chopping food, and/or computer work using improper wrist and arm posture. With sports, the problem arises when we are new to the game, use an improper technique, try out new racquets or clubs, or increase the intensity or duration of exercise without the proper preparation.

Sometimes the condition can be so severe that it is difficult to even grip and lift one’s coffee cup!

Some cases involving epicondylitis can be attributed to problems further up the arm or even in the neck. If someone has a disc condition or spinal subluxation, the nerves that control the forearm muscles may become irritated causing the muscles to tense and put marked strain on the tendon attachment(s). In these circumstances, this predisposes an individual to elbow pain from any of the above mentioned causes. If left untreated it is possible that the joints of the elbow can become subluxated further and even arthritis can be a complication the condition.

Treatment

Epicondylitis is a condition that rarely resolves of its own accord and so requires proper health management. A qualified professional such as Your Orlando chiropractor can determine the exact cause of the problem and initiate the proper care and treatment. In my clinic this would include modalities such as ultrasound, electrotherapy, massage, hot and cold treatments, bracing and home stretching and exercises. chiropractic adjustments have proven extremely effective in the overall management of this problem.

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