Symptoms and Conditions
Sciatica
Osteoporosis
Cluster Headache
Bursitis
Asthma
Fibromyalgia
Tension Headaches
Whiplash or Acceleration/Deceleration Injuries
Joint Disease/Osteoarthritis
TMJ
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Torticollis
Ear Infections
Low Back Pain
Migraine Headaches
Herniated/Ruptured Discs
Plantar Fasciitis
SCIATICA
Sciatica is defined as a pain that radiates from the lower back into the buttocks and down the back of one or both legs, caused by the irritation of the sciatic nerves, the largest nerves of the body. It usually begins as an acute pain in the lower back and then radiates down the back of either or both legs.
There are 5 pairs of nerves that exit the spine in the lower back. These nerves make up what we know as the sciatic nerves. If the vertebrae or bones in the lower back are misaligned or out of place; or the discs between the vertebrae are swollen, bulged or herniated, the result is pressure on those nearby nerves. This can cause tremendous pain and normal daily activities become almost impossible.
Chiropractic care works on correcting misaligned or out of place vertebrae and can remove the pressure placed on the sciatic nerve, reducing pain and improving flexibility and function. Let us know if we can help you.
Symptoms:
- Sensation changes on the back of the calf or the sole of the foot
- Numbness, tingling, burning, pain in back of calf or the sole of the foot
- Weakness of the knee or foot
- Difficulty walking
- Inability to move the foot (in severe cases)
- Inability to bend the knee (in severe cases)
OSTEOPOROSIS
Osteoporosis is the thinning of bone tissue and loss of bone density over time. It is the most common type of bone disease. There are currently an estimated 10 million Americans suffering from osteoporosis, as well as another 18 million who have low bone mass, or osteopenia. Osteoporosis occurs when the body fails to form enough new bone, or when too much old bone is reabsorbed by the body, or both. Calcium and phosphate are two minerals that are essential for normal bone formation. Throughout youth, the body uses these minerals to produce bones. If calcium intake is not sufficient, or if the body does not absorb enough calcium from the diet, bone production and bone tissues may suffer. As people age, calcium and phosphate may be reabsorbed back into the body from the bones, which makes the bone tissue weaker. Both situations can result in brittle, fragile bones that are subject to fractures, even in the absence of trauma. Researchers estimate that about 20% of American women over the age of 50 have osteoporosis. In addition, another 30% of them have osteopenia, which is abnormally low bone density that may eventually deteriorate into osteoporosis, if not treated. About half of all women over the age of 50 will suffer a fracture of the hip, wrist or vertebra.
Symptoms:
There are no symptoms in the early stage of the disease. Symptoms occurring late in the disease include:
- Low back pain
- Neck pain
- Bone pain and tenderness
- Loss of height over time
- Stooped posture
CLUSTER HEADACHE
Cluster headaches affect one side of the head (unilateral) and may be associated with tearing of the eyes and nasal congestion. They occur in clusters, happening repeatedly every day at the same time for several weeks and then remitting. Cluster headaches are a fairly common form of chronic, recurrent headache. Unlike migraines, they affect men more often than women. They can affect people of any age but are most common between adolescence and middle age. There does not seem to be a pattern among families in the development of cluster headaches. Cluster headaches occur as a sudden, severe headache. The onset is sudden, and it occurs most commonly during the dreaming (REM) phase of sleep. Cluster headaches may occur daily for months, alternating with periods without headaches (episodic), or they can occur for a year or more without stopping (chronic). A person may experience alternating chronic and episodic phases.
Symptoms:
- Swelling under or around the eyes
- Red eye on the affected side
- Flushed face
- Excessive tears (On the affected side)
- Runny nose or nasal congestion
- Begins suddenly
Pain commonly begins 2-3 hours after falling asleep and is steady, sharp or burning. Characteristically occurs on one side of the head and may occur in and around one eye. May involve one side of the face from neck to temples. Pain quickly gets worse, peaking within 5-10 minutes and peak may last one-half to 2 hours.
BURSITIS
Inflammation of the fluid-filled sac (bursa) that lies between a tendon and skin, or between tendon and bone. The condition maybe acute or chronic. Bursae are fluid filled cavities where tendons or muscles pass over bony projections. They assist movement and reduce friction between moving parts. Bursitis can be caused by chronic overuse, trauma, rheumatoid arthritis, gout or infection. Sometimes the cause can’t be determined. Bursitis commonly occurs in the shoulder, knee, elbow and hip. Other areas that may be affected include the Achilles tendon and the foot.
Symptoms:
- Joint pain and tenderness
- Swelling
- Warmth over the affected joint
- Limited Range of motion
ASTHMA
A reversible narrowing of the large and small airways due to spasm of the bronchial smooth muscle, inflammation of the bronchial mucosa, and production of mucus. Asthmatic attacks are brought on by stress, exercise, viral respiratory infections, and allergens such as pollen, mold, dust and animal danders. One study showed a decrease in Bronchiodilator use by 20% with chiropractic care, and decreased the severity of the reactions by 39%. Even better, after a year follow-up, the improvements maintained.
Symptoms:
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty in breathing
- Wheezing
- Tightness in chest
- Dry Cough
- Itching sensation in front of neck or chest in children
FIBROMYALGIA
Fibromyalgia is a common condition characterized by widespread pain in joints, muscles, tendons and other soft tissues. Some other problems commonly linked with fibromyalgia include fatigue, morning stiffness, sleep problems, headaches, numbness in hands and feet, depression, and anxiety. Fibromyalgia can develop on its own, or secondary to other musculoskeletal conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, or systemic lupus.
Diagnosis of fibromyalgia requires a history of at least 3 months of widespread pain, and pain and tenderness in at least 11 of 18 tender-point sites. These tender-point sites include fibrous tissue or muscles of the Neck, Shoulders, Chest, Rib Cage, Lower Back, Thighs, Knees Arms (elbows) and Buttocks. The overwhelming characteristic of fibromyalgia is a long-standing, body-wide pain with defined tender points. Tender points are distinct from trigger points seen in other pain syndromes. (Unlike tender points, trigger points can occur in isolation and represent a source of radiating pain, even in the absence of direct pressure.) Fibromyalgia pain can mimic the pain experienced by people with various types of arthritis. The soft tissue pain of fibromyalgia is described as deep-aching, radiating, gnawing, shooting or burning, and ranges from mild to severe. Fibromyalgia sufferers tend to waken with body aches and stiffness.
Chiropractic care works on relieving pain and symptoms associated with fibromyalgia. Let us know if we can help you.
Symptoms:
- Multiple tender areas
- Sleep distrubances
- Reduced exercise tolerance
- Fatigue
- Body aches
- Chronic muscle pain or aching
TENSION HEADACHES
A condition involving pain or discomfort in the head, neck or scalp, usually associated with muscle tightness in these areas. Tension headaches are one of the most common forms of headache. They can occur at any age, but are most common in adults and adolescents. If a headache occurs two or more times weekly for several months or longer, the condition is considered chronic. Tension headaches result from the contraction of neck and scalp muscles. One cause of this muscle contraction is a response to stress, depression or anxiety. Any activity that causes the head to be held in one position for a long time without moving can cause a headache. Such activities include typing or use of computers, fine work with the hands, and use of a microscope. Sleeping in a cold room or sleeping with the neck in an abnormal position can also trigger this type of headache. Other causes include spinal misalignment, eye strain, fatigue, alcohol use, excessive smoking, excessive caffeine use, sinus infection, nasal congestion, overexertion, colds and influenza. Tension headaches are not associated with structural lesions in the brain.
A recent study from a major medical university found that chiropractic is one of the most effective treatments for sufferers of head and neck pain. Many different types of physical and behavioral treatments were used to treat the patients suffering from head and neck pain. The study concluded that chiropractic therapy was highly effective as a means of treatment and patients got better results when compared to other treatments that relied on drugs. The drug treatments carried adverse effects in 82% of the patients, whereas the chiropractic therapy did not have the negative or adverse effects. The most profound effects were evident after the treatment was discontinued. Most of the people who received drug therapy found their symptoms and state of health returned to the same conditions they were experiencing before treatment. In contrast, the people who received chiropractic care demonstrated a sustained and continued reduction in head and neck pain. In addition, the frequency and severity of headache pain decreased even after they discontinued the chiropractic treatment.
The study revealed that chiropractic therapy is more than a therapeutic treatment. More importantly, it proved the efficacy of chiropractic care because it treats the root of a problem, allowing the body to achieve a physical improvement that endures far beyond the treatment.
Symptoms:
- Dull pain, pressure like
- Generalized pain, worse in the scalp, temples or back
- Not one sided
- Feels like a tight band or vise on the head
- Occurs as an isolated inciedent (or occurs constantly)
- Worsened or triggered by stress, fatigue, or noise
- Sleep distrubances
WHIPLASH or ACCELERATION/DECELERATION INJURIES
An injury to the soft tissues of the neck that occur from a sudden jerking or “whipping” of the head. This type of motion strains the muscles and the ligaments of the neck beyond their normal range of motion. Whiplash often occurs when a vehicle stops suddenly in a car crash or is struck from behind. Either of these two actions causes things in the vehicle to be thrown forward-including passengers. A seat belt will keep a person’s body from being thrown forward, but the head may snap forward, then backward, causing a whiplash injury in the neck. In addition to car accidents, whiplash can be caused by roller coasters and other amusement park rides, sports injuries, or being punched and shaken. (Whiplash is one of the hallmarks of shaken baby syndrome).
Symptoms:
OFTEN YOU FEEL PAIN AND STIFFNESS IN YOUR NECK FOR THE FIRST FEW DAYS FOLLOWING A WHIPLASH INJURY. THEN YOU FEEL BETTER, BUT THE PAIN AND STIFFNESS MAY COME BACK SEVERAL DAYS LATER. THE DISCOMFORT MAY INVOLOVE THE SURROUNDING MUSCLE GROUPS IN YOUR HEAD, CHEST, SHOULDERS AND ARMS.
- Neck pain and/or stiffness
- Blurred Vision
- Difficulty swallowing
- Irritability & fatigue
- Dizziness/pain betweeen the shoulder blades
- Pain in the arms or legs, feet and hands
- Nause, Ringing in the ears
- Vertigo
- Numbness and tingling pain in the jaw or face
JOINT DISEASE/OSTEOARTHRITIS
One of the oldest, and most common types of arthritis. It is characterized by the breakdown of the joint’s cartilage. Cartilage is the part of the joint that cushions the ends of bones. Cartilage breakdown causes bones to rub against each other, causing pain and loss of movement. Most commonly affecting middle-aged and older people, osteoarthritis can range from very mild to very severe. It affects hands and weight-bearing joints such as knees, hips, feet and the back.
Symptoms:
- Gradual and subtle onset of deep aching joint pain
- Worse after exercies or weight bearing
- Often relieved by rest
- Joint Selling
- Limited movement
- Morning stiffness
- Grating of the joint with motion
- Joint pain in rainy weather
- There may be no symtoms
TMJ
TMJ is an acronym for temporomandibular joint disorder. Often an extremely painful condition, it is caused by displacement of the cartilage where the lower jaw connects to the skull. This is one of the most commonly used joints in the body.(It moves every time you chew, talk or use your mouth at all). The displacement creates a painful pressure and stretching of the associated sensory nerves. You might have TMJ if you feel like your jaw is locking or clicking, if you have a problem opening your mouth fully or if you have frequent headaches or pains in your neck. Not all causes are known. Some possible causes or contributing factors are injuries to the jaw area, various forms of arthritis, dental procedures, genetic, low level infections, auto-immune diseases, and clenching or grinding of the teeth.
Symptoms:
- Pain in and around the ear
- Tenerness of the jaw
- Headaches or neck aches
- Clicking, popping or grating sounds when opening the mouth
- Swelling on the side of the face
CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is the compression of the median nerve at the wrist, which may result in numbness, tingling, weakness, or muscle atrophy in the hand and fingers. Carpal tunnel syndrome is common in people who perform repetitive motions of the hand and wrist, such as typing. When the wrist is poorly positioned, there isn’t enough space for the median nerve to travel to the hand. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused by the pressure exerted on the median nerve at the point where it passes through the wrist. The median nerve supplies sensation to the thumb side of the ring finger. It also supplies movement to part of the hand. The nerve enters the hand between the wrist bones (called the carpal bones) and the tough membrane that holds the bones together (the transverse carpal ligament). This space is called the carpal tunnel. Since the passageway is rigid, any swelling in this area can cause compression of the nerve (this is called entrapment of the nerve).
Symptoms:
- Weakness in one or both hands
- Numbness or tingling in the thumb and next two or three fingers of one or both hands
- Numbness or tingling of the palm of the hand
- Wrist or hand pain in one or both hands
- Pain extending to the elbow
- Impaired fine finger movements (coordination) in one or both hands
- Weak grip or difficulty carrying bags (a common complaint)
- Atrophy of the muscular bulge under the thumb
TORTICOLLIS
Torticollis is a form of dystonia (prolonged muscle contractions) in which the neck muscles contract involuntarily causing the head to turn. Torticollis may occur without known cause (idiopathic), be genetic (inherited), or be acquired secondary to damage to the nervous system or muscles. It may develop in childhood or adulthood. Congenital torticollis (present at birth) may be caused by malpositioning of the head in the uterus, or be prenatal injury of the muscles or blood supply in the neck.
Symptoms:
- Enlargement of the neck muscles
- Asymmetry of an infant's head from sleeping on the affected side
- Elevation of the shoulder on the affected side
- Stiffness of neck muscles
- Limited range of motion
- Headache
- Neck pain
- Head tremor
EAR INFECTIONS
Ear infections or Otitis Media is an inner ear infection generally caused from a blockage of the Eustachian tubes. The Eustachian tube allows equalized pressure on the eardrum and allows fluid to drain away from the inner ear. When the Eustachian tube is blocked, fluid builds up and causes an infection. The transverse process, (bones sticking out from the sides of a vertebra), run next to the Eustachian tubes at C1, the first cervical vertebra. When a vertebra is misaligned or subluxated, swollen tissue will result causing the Eustachian tubes to block. By removing the subluxations at C1 and C2 you can reduce the tissue swelling around the Eustachian tubes and allow the inner ear to drain, clearing the infection within a couple days in many cases.
Symptoms:
- Ear aches or tugging at the ear
- Ear and nasal drainage
- Fever
- Poor Sleep
- Irritability and crying
- Decreased appetite
LOW BACK PAIN
The majority of back pain patients have not experienced any trauma, accidents, or major injuries prior to the onset of their problem. The cause of most back pain is the cumulative affect of improper sitting posture, poor work habits, incorrect lifting, lack of proper exercise and other lifestyle related factors. All of these factors cause stress and imbalances on the spine and eventually pain. This is why people often injure their back by just bending over to pick up a piece of paper. The spine was already compromised and just the simple act of bending was enough to set off the problem. When this occurs, the surrounding back muscles go into spasm to protect the stressed or injured tissues of the back. In the US, low back pain is one of the most common conditions and one of the leading causes of physician visits. In fact, at least four out of five adults will experience low back pain at some point in their lives. Thirty one million Americans have low back pain at any given time. One half of all working Americans admit to having back symptoms each year. One third of all Americans over age 18 had a back problem in the past five years severe enough for them to seek professional help. And the cost of this care is estimated to be a staggering $50 Billion yearly-and that’s just for the more easily identified costs!
Symptoms:
- Tenderness, Pain and stiffness in the low back
- Pain that radiates into the buttocks or legs
- Difficulty standing erect or standing in one posiotn for a long time
- Weakness and leg fatigue while walking
- Discomfort while sitting
MIGRAINE HEADACHES
Migraine is described as a severe recurring headache with an intense throbbing pain on one side of the head, although about 1/3 of the attacks can affect both sides. Attacks last between 4-72 hours and are often, but not always, accompanied by: visual disturbances, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, extreme sensitivity to sound and light, and tingling or numbness in the extremities or face. In 15-20% of cases, neurological symptoms occur in advance of the actual headache. These symptoms, which last 20-60 minutes, are referred to as the aura phase of the headache. Symptoms vary by person and sometimes by attack.
The current theory of the source of migraine pain reflects the advances in technology that help us understand how the brain works. Researchers now believe that Migraine is a brain disorder involving nerve pathways and brain chemicals. There is also evidence that links a number of genes to Migraine, so that genetics is undoubtedly involved.
Migraine ranks in the top 20% of the world’s most disabling medical illnesses. Over 10% of the population, including children, suffer from Migraine. 18% of American women and 6% of men suffer from Migraine. In addition to the attack related disability, many sufferers live in fear knowing that at any time an attack could disrupt their ability to care for their families, work, or meet social obligations.
In spite of many advances, Migraine remains poorly understood and frequently mistreated. Chiropractic care is often found to decrease the severity and frequency of the attacks. In many cases, when co-treated with knowledgeable medical professionals, huge strides can be made in the quality of life of Migraine patients.
Symptoms:
- Throbbing, pulsating pain
- Vertigo
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Neck Pain
HERNIATED/RUPTURED DISCS
A herniated disc is more common than you might think and can be responsible for neck and lower back pain that radiates into the arms or legs.
The human spine is composed of a series of linked bones called “vertebrae”. Discs are “pads” that keep the hard bones of the vertebrae from grinding against each other. They are composed of a harder outer ring of cartilage, the “annulus”, and the inner portion of the ring, a gel like substance called the “nucleus”.
A disc becomes herniated when the nucleus pushes back through the annulus toward the spinal canal putting pressure on the nerves. These nerves are so sensitive to pressure that the slightest amount will cause severe pain and numbness and even cause weakness in the legs, sciatica. In the center of the spinal column is the spinal canal, an empty gap that houses the spinal cord and other nerve roots. The discs between the vertebrae allow the back to flex and bow. Discs have the job of shock absorbers.
Herniated discs can sometimes make even the most mundane and simple tasks an agonizing ordeal for those suffering from this condition.
The solutions to a disc rupture in one’s back or neck fall into two categories: surgical or non-surgical. As a patient, the surgical options are an expensive, painful and often times unnecessary alternative. In many cases a comprehensive chiropractic treatment plan in conjunction with physical therapy/rehabilitation can alleviate the neck and back symptoms.
Herniated discs will often feel more serious than they actually are, but that is little consolation when one is gripped by intense pain. In reality, most people recover relatively soon from a herniated disc. With proper technique and care, your chiropractor will likely have you on your feet in no time at all!
Some of the causes of a herniated disc may include:
- Aging
- Smoking
- Overweight
- Lifting with your back
- Abrupt pressure to the back
- Repetitive laborious activities
PLANTAR FASCIITIS
Plantar fasciitis is a common, painful foot condition. Patients and sometimes doctors often confuse plantar fasciitis with heel spurs. Plantar Fasciitis refers to the syndrome of inflammation of the band of tissue that runs from the heel along the arch of the foot, whereas a heel spur is a hook of bone that can form on the calcaneous (heel bone). Approximately 70% of patients with plantar fasciitis have been noted to have a heel spur that can be seen on X-Ray.
Plantar fasciitis occurs because of irritation to the thick ligamentous connective tissue that runs from the heel bone to the ball of the foot. This strong and tight tissue contributes to maintaining the arch of the foot. It is also one of the major transmitters of weight across the foot as you walk or run.
When a patient has plantar fasciitis, the connective tissue that forms the arch of the foot becomes inflamed. This can make normal everyday activities quite painful.
Symptoms of plantar fasciitis are typically worsened early in the morning after sleep. At that time, the arch tissue is tight and simple movements stretch the contracted tissue. As the foot loosens, the pain usually subsides, but may return with prolonged standing or walking.
Chiropractic care for plantar fasciitis is generally very successful. Your DC may recommend supports for your feet, adjustments to the arch of the foot, ultrasound, biofreeze and/or kinesiotaping to support the connective tissue in the arches of your feet.
