Blog Posts

Chiropractic for Fibromyalgia

9/30/2016

How Do Chiropractors Treat Fibromyalgia?Based on the general and tender point evaluation, the chiropractor will make adjustments to the neck and spine. Manipulations are done using the hands and consist of a short, sharp thrust that may cause a popping sound (thus the common saying that a chiropractor "cracks" the back). The goal of these adjustments is to correct misalignment of the spine. Once the spine is correctly aligned, pain symptoms in any parts of the body, not just the spine and neck, should be reduced or disappear. When pain is reduced, other problems, such as disrupted sleep, fatigue, and depression, tend to disappear.

Patients usually see their chiropractor more frequently at the beginning of the treatment period in order to relieve pain. This is followed by regular but less frequent appointments to maintain gains made in healing. In chronic disorders such as fibromyalgia, treatment may be long term. There is no cure for fibromyalgia, but chiropractic treatment has helped many people by reducing symptoms and improving quality of life.
What is Fibromyalgia?Fibromyalgia is a syndrome, and not a specific disease. This means that people who have fibromyalgia exhibit a specific constellation of symptoms. The disorder is diagnosed by elimination when no other explanation can account for the symptoms. To have fibromyalgia, the individual must have widespread pain in all four quadrants of the body that lasts more or less continuously, for at least three months. The patient must also have pain in at least 11 of 18 tender points. A tender point is a pre-designated spot that is painful when 4 kg of pressure (about 9 lb, or enough to make the nail bed of the finger whiten) is applied.
Individuals with fibromyalgia may also experience other symptoms including:

Morning stiffness
Poor sleep or sleep disorders
Chronic headaches
Myofascial pain syndrome
Restless leg syndrome
Menstrual irregularities
Muscle twitches and/or muscle weakness
Fatigue
Depression
Anxiety

http://www.altmd.com/Articles/Chiropractic-for-Fibromyalgia

Chiropractic for Babies

8/31/2016

Taking Your Baby to the Chiropractor - One Mom's ExperienceBeing a parent to an infant is such a rewarding experience, albeit a trying one. One week you get the baby sleeping through the night, then the next week they hardly sleep a wink. I found myself in the same position with an eight-month-old baby. She was making life miserable so, out of desperation, I took her to the Chiropractor.
My daughter, Elliana, had been to the Chiropractor at three months and the simple, painless adjustment helped my little one with her symptoms of acid reflux, thus helping her sleep through the night. Then at eight months, sleeping became non-existent as my daughter was on the brink of huge developmental milestones, such as crawling, the arrival of her teeth, and learning to pull herself up. Of course with most babies, when they aren’t getting a good night’s sleep, it usually means they are cranky and fussy all day long.
The Chiropractor gently checked her, and said that she was misaligned on her right side. He then did a few gentle manipulations. As soon as we got home, she had a great nap and woke up refreshed and happier. I don’t think it is a coincidence that she was finally able to crawl and pull herself up a few days later, either. I think having the adjustment made moving a little bit easier for her to figure out.
I also credit the Chiropractic adjustment for helping her through her first bout of illness. About a week after the adjustment, we both caught a virus going around. While it hit her body pretty hard, she was still happy and calm throughout the sickness. I believe Chiropractic care helped her nervous system and immune system fight off the sickness faster and without the complications.

Is Chiropractic Care Safe for Babies?

It is natural for parents to fear the Chiropractor for their babies. As adults, getting an adjustment can mean a lot of pressure and cracks. However, Chiropractors do not take the same approach of adjustments for babies as they do adults. Instead, adjustments for babies are gentle and many times will go unnoticed by the baby.
Dr. Tammy Portolese of Portolese Family Chiropractic says, "When there is a misalignment of the spine, the nerves that flow out to all of the organs are compromised, so when we do an adjustment we're simply taking pressure, nerve stress, off the spine, so the body can express itself." She says that the pressure used on a baby is equivalent to the pressure one uses to check a tomato for ripeness. Chiropractic care has also proven to be safer and more effective than prescription medications and antibiotics.

Will My Baby Cry During a Chiropractic Adjustment?

This really depends on the baby and the age of the baby. Elliana did not cry when she received an adjustment at three months, but she cried at the eight month one. However, babies that do cry during an adjustment are not crying out of pain. Instead, it is usually out of fear from something new happening or the fact that a stranger is touching them.

What are the Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Infants?

Regular Chiropractic care can help relieve the following in babies:

Ear infections and ear aches
Colic and acid reflux
Fussiness
Feeding and breastfeeding/latching issues

Chiropractic care in babies also keeps babies healthier because their nervous system and immune system are supported. If you are still unsure of whether or not to take your baby to the Chiropractor, talk with your child’s Pediatrician. Many doctors agree with Chiropractic care, or at least recognize there are very little risks involved with Chiropractic care.

http://www.thejoint.com/california/long-beach/long-beach-31029/taking-your-baby-to-the-chiropractor-one-moms-expe

How Chiropractic Treatment Helps Posture

7/31/2016

Posture is position of the body while standing, sitting or lying down. Good posture, also referred to as neutral spine, has many health benefits, including the avoidance of injury back pain. Chiropractic can help improve and maintain posture.

Why is Posture ImportantAppearance benefits with good posture are obvious, but there are many less-obvious health benefits you should know. Good posture can:

Maintain correct alignment of bones and joints
Reduce stress on ligaments, minimizing risk of injury
Prevent muscle strain, overuse and pain
Conserve energy as muscles are used more efficiently
Decrease abnormal joint wear

Research has shown that poor postures may increase feelings of depression, affect your digestive tract and influence confidence and stress levels.

Signs You have Poor PostureThere are many indicators of poor posture, but some of the more common are hunched shoulders, rounded shoulders, rounded upper back, forward head carriage and arched lower back. Another indicator is back pain. Unsure if you have good posture? Talk to your chiropractor or schedule an appointment for a spinal examination.

Factors that Contribute to Poor Posture There are several common factors linked to poor posture:

Stress
Obesity
Pregnancy
Weak postural muscles
Abnormally tight muscles
High-heeled shoes

How to Maintain or Correct PostureThe first step is awareness! Bring your attention to your posture as you sit, stand or lie down. If you're sitting, keep both feet on the floor or a footrest, don't cross your legs and use low-back support. While standing, keep your knees slightly bent, relax your arms and pull your shoulders back. When lying down it's critical to choose the right mattress and pillow, and avoid sleeping on your stomach.

Importance of Chiropractic Care and TherapiesYour chiropractor can help you to maintain and correct your posture through chiropractic adjustments, exercises and recommendations on proper positions during different activities.

http://www.chiroone.net/how-chiropractic-helps/posture

Chiropractic benefits during pregnancy

6/30/2016

Even if you’ve never seen a chiropractor before, pregnancy may be a good time to start.

Here’s why:

Chiropractic benefits during pregnancy Many women seek chiropractic care to relieve neck or back pain that can result from weight gain and altered biomechanics during pregnancy. But even if you’re not in pain, you can benefit from visiting a chiropractor. Chiropractic care during pregnancy maintains, and can even improve, balance and alignment in your spine and pelvis. This can help your baby assume her optimal birthing position and reduce the risk of having a breech baby. Regular chiropractic care can also provide a more comfortable pregnancy and delivery for both mother and baby. It stimulates the nervous system to enable proper functioning of your reproductive organs, thus supporting the needs of your baby throughout pregnancy and during delivery.

http://www.justthefactsbaby.com/pregnancy/article/chiropractic-benefits-during-pregnancy-136

Can A Chiropractor Help With A Sprained Ankle?

6/1/2016

Ankle sprains are not only physically painful; they can also be financially painful. Additionally, if a person with an ankle injury does not receive the proper type of care they may lose mobility in the joint, which will accelerate the development of arthritis later in life. Another serious concern when it comes to a sprained ankle is the chance that the injury will occur again.

There are several popular care methods for a sprained ankle such as heat, cold and of course professional care. However, have you ever considered seeking chiropractic care for a sprained ankle? While most people associate this type of care with the spine, chiropractors are able to treat a vast amount of other parts of the body as well, including the ankle.

A sprained ankle typically occurs when a joint capsule or ligament becomes strained beyond the typically range of motion. There may be a tear in the ligament in the case of a severe sprain. When you seek chiropractic care for a sprained ankle, the first thing that will be done is a complete evaluation of the ankle. This is to ensure that no tears or fractures are present that would require other types of professional care.

In the past it was assumed that a person with a sprained ankle should wait for the swelling to go down prior to seeking any type of mobility treatment. However, the fact is that performing some type of exercise for the range of motion of the joint without any type of resistance or weight can be beneficial and lead to a shorter period of down time.

Some chiropractors can perform special techniques on the ankle to help promote healing and increase the ankle’s range of motion.

The acute stage of a sprained ankle, which is when the area is still swollen, is the best time to begin the rehabilitation process. A chiropractor will be able to increase the effectiveness by adding resistance or weight with each subsequent visit. Another type of treatment that may be used by a chiropractor for the treatment of a sprained ankle is the balancing on stability disks or BOSU balls. This is because these tools incorporate weight bearing exercises with range of motion exercises.

Seeking chiropractic treatment for a sprained ankle canalso reduce the chance of other problems emerging from the injury, such as back pain or a weak ankle joint. Since a sprained ankle usually requires one to use crutches, that can take a toll on your posture and lower back. So there are many benefits to seeing a chiropractor as part of your recovery process.

Remember to always consult your chiropractor or physician before taking any health advice.

http://chiropractorloveland-thejoint.com/blog/can-a-chiropractor-help-with-a-sprained-ankle/

Treating TMJ/TMD

5/1/2016

If you place your hands on your face, right in front of your ear lobes and open and close your mouth, you can feel your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects your upper and lower jaw.
Many Americans experience some sort of temporomandibular-related pain or even a temporomandibular disorder (TMD). In fact, the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) estimates that 10 million Americans have a TMD. Additionally, around 75 percent of the U.S. population may experience one or more symptoms of a TMD. Discover why chiropractic is a viable treatment option for this common condition.

Top experts, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and NIDCR, recommend conservative, reversible treatments as the best route of action. Our doctors agree and recommend choosing non-invasive treatments first, rather than aggressive treatments, like surgery and implants, which penetrate the tissues of the face, jaw or joint.

Chiropractic treatments may alleviate some of the symptoms of TMD through manipulation of the jaw and muscles surrounding the temporomandibular joint, potentially relieving tension and pain.

http://www.chiroone.net/how-chiropractic-helps/tmj

Acupuncture for Back Pain

4/1/2016

Acupuncture began in China more than 2,500 years ago. It involves inserting thin needles at certain points on the body. According to traditional Chinese medicine, the body has more than 2,000 of these points. They are connected by pathways or meridians, which create a flow of energy called Qi (pronounced “chee”). Stimulating these points is said to correct the imbalance of qi and improve the flow of energy. Practitioners believe that this helps relieve pain and improve health.
It's thought the effects come from stimulating the central nervous system. This may trigger the release of chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals either alter the experience of pain or produce bodily changes that promote a sense of well-being.
Other theories suggest acupuncture works by:

Speeding the relay of electromagnetic signals. This may begin the flow of pain-killing chemicals such as endorphins. Or it may release immune system cells in the body.
Triggering the release of natural opioids. These are chemicals in thebrain that may lessen pain or promote sleep.
Changing brain chemistry by altering the release of neurotransmitters and neurohormones. Neurotransmitters either stimulate or dampen nerve impulses. Neurohormones can affect the function or activity of an organ in the body.

http://www.webmd.com/back-pain/guide/back-pain-and-acupuncture

Chiropractic for Tennis Elbow

3/1/2016

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. However, this 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!

Treatment

Epicondylitis is a condition that rarely resolves on its own accord and may require treatment. A qualified healthcare professional such as a chiropractor can determine the exact cause of the problem and initiate the proper care and treatment. This might 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

http://www.normandalechiropractic.com/chiropractic_tennis_elbow.html

Acupuncture Treatment for Cancer Patients

2/1/2016

What is acupuncture?Acupuncture is a form of ancient Chinese medicine in which fine, sterile needles are applied to specific areas of the body, or acupoints, to stimulate energy flow (known as “chi”). The needles are usually left in place for a few minutes, which causes virtually no pain when done by a skilled acupuncturist.
During a treatment, energy is believed to circulate throughout the body along specific pathways called meridians. When energy is flowing freely through the meridians, it stimulates the immune system, which is thought to promote healing and balance. In contrast, pain or illness may occur when the flow of energy is disturbed or off balance. A goal of acupuncture is to restore balance and healthy energy flow through the body to control pain and other symptoms.
While it’s not fully understood how acupuncture works, research suggests that the therapy can benefit cancer patients. It’s been shown that acupuncture reduces nausea and vomiting after surgery and chemotherapy. In addition, research has shown that it can relieve pain, possibly by triggering the body’s pain-killing chemicals and by inducing the release of chemicals that regulate blood pressure and flow.

http://www.cancercenter.com/treatments/acupuncture/?source=MSNPPC&channel=paid+search&c=paid+search%3ABing%3ANon+Brand%3APhrase%3ANon+Brand%3ETreatments%3APhrase&k_clickid=7f419747-dcf6-d749-aa0d-00001b8ac3da

Frozen Shoulder Syndrome - Can Chiropractic Help?

1/1/2016

Although most people think chiropractic is just a treatment for sore backs, your chiropractor wants you to know that chiropractic can help a myriad of different conditions!
In one such instance, a 53-year old woman reported complete relief from a condition known as frozen shoulder syndrome (FSS) following a course of chiropractic treatments. The adjustments concentrated on manipulating the frozen shoulder joint and the area at the base of the neck. Chiropractic worked where other treatments had failed, including physical therapy and pain killing medications.
FSS is a painful and debilitating condition of the shoulder where the arm movement is extremely limited. The slightest movement can produce a great deal of pain. Frozen shoulder syndrome affects more women then men, and can also mimic conditions such as cervical radiculitis, rotator cuff strain and bursitis or tendonitis. In a genuine case of FSS, you’ll always have inflammation and scar tissue formation of the joint capsule.
The cause of FSS is not clear. Patients usually report having previously injured the involved shoulder at some point.

The Role of Chiropractic for FSS

Since nerves supplying the shoulder joint and surrounding tissues originate in the neck, it is always advisable to have your chiropractor assess your neck for vertebral subluxations if you are suffering from this, or any other painful shoulder condition. Restoring proper movement in the spine can help assist proper nerve function in the shoulder area. This can contribute to your recovery.
Shoulder movement and stabilization requires a great deal of muscular coordination, so joint manipulation alone may have limited success in many cases of FSS. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, exercise and stretching are the most recommended forms of complementary therapies.
In tougher cases where these therapies are ineffective, more aggressive therapy for FSS may consist of surgically removing the capsular adhesions, or using corticosteroid injections. Surgery should be considered as a last resort. It’s more expensive, carries a greater risk of complications, and often requires a long term recovery from the surgery itself.
If you or anyone you know may be suffering from frozen shoulder syndrome, let your chiropractor know. Chiropractic adjustments have been shown to be a very effective tool to help resolve this painful condition. Keep in mind that FSS usually takes a long time to heal, but any improvement represents a significant enhancement to the person’s quality of life

http://www.grandechiro.com/frozen-shoulder-syndrome-can-chiropractic-help/