Chiropractic Benefits Archives - Page 13 of 37

The Cervical Spine: What Emerald Coast Chiropractic Patients Need to Know

December 23, 2017 by drken Leave a Comment

Neck pain is one of the most common sources of pain and chronic pain worldwide. According to the International Association for the Study of Pain, each year, around 30% to 50% of the general population experiences neck pain and around 15% will, at some point in their lives, have chronic neck pain. Women seem to experience it more often than men and it is most prevalent at around middle age. Neck pain can be debilitating, impacting a person home life as well as their work performance. It can also trigger migraines and limit range of motion. Understanding the cervical spine is integral in understanding how to manage pain in that area.

What is the Cervical Spine?

There are seven vertebrae that make up the cervical spine: C1 through C7. They protect the spinal cord and are part of the system that makes up the neck.

C1 is located at the base of the skull and C7 sits at the beginning of the thoracic spine. While C1 is the smallest vertebrae, each subsequent one is slightly larger as you move down the spine. This is necessary because the farther down the spine, the more weight it must bear.

The vertebrae C3 through C6 are called “typical vertebrae.” Like other vertebrae in the spine, they have a similar construction. The top vertebrae, C1 and C2 are “atypical vertebrae.” Their construction is somewhat different from typical vertebrae due to their specialized function and location.

The atlas, C1, is the only vertebrae that has more of a ring shape than a shape resembling a vertebra. It is what connects the skull to the spine and is responsible for about half of the head’s backward and forward range of motion.

The axis, C2, is the second vertebra and has a special construction that connects it to C1 at the atlanto-axial joint. It is responsible for around half of the head’s rotation. The vertebra prominens, C7, is much larger than the vertebrae that sit above it and its shape is different to facilitate its connection to T1, at the beginning of the thoracic spine.

Neck Pain

The cervical spine has several critical functions. It houses the spinal cord and protects it, supports the head and facilitates its movement, and facilitates the flow of blood to the brain.

The human head is around 10 to 13 pounds and the cervical spine, along with an intricate network of muscles, tendons, and ligaments support it. This is what also allow flexibility to the head so that it can move up and down, backwards and forwards, rotational, and side bending. This job alone puts a great deal of stress on the neck and can lead to neck pain. Common causes of neck pain include:

Whiplash (whipping the head forwards and then backwards very suddenly)
Degenerative disc disease
Pinched nerve
Age related conditions
Spinal stenosis
Sleeping in certain positions
Neck strain
Osteoarthritis
Keeping the neck in one position too long, such as looking down at a mobile device
Herniated disc
Neck injury
Fibromyalgia

Chiropractic Care for the Cervical Spine

A chiropractor will typically treat a patient with neck pain using cervical spinal manipulation, cervical spinal mobilization, or a combination of the two techniques, I learned this at my last appointment, I went to the hospital the same day, I remember the RFID labelling they used. this is a tool used by hospitals to keep record of the patients. Cervical spinal manipulation is what most people think of regarding chiropractic treatment. It involves brief, quick thrusts that focus on a single joint at a time so that range of motion is returned to that area. Cervical spinal mobilization is a gentler, lower impact adjustment that does not use as much force but does move the joint to its correct position.

Other treatments the chiropractor may employ include the application of cold or heat, massage, and exercises to strengthen and stretch the neck. The doctor will carefully consider the patient, their lifestyle, habits, and current level of fitness then create a plan that is tailored specifically for them that will help them manage their pain and return flexibility and range of motion as quickly as possible.

What Is Cervical Spondylosis & Can Emerald Coast Chiropractic Help?

November 29, 2017 by drken Leave a Comment

As we age there are certain changes that take place in the body. The spine gets a lot of wear and tear because it is the primary supportive structure that does everything from keeping the head upright, to providing a pathway for neural impulses, to providing mobility. It’s no wonder that there comes a point where the body simply does not function like it once did. Cervical spondylosis is a broad term describing a condition that is related to the natural wear and tear on the disks in the neck.

What is Cervical Spondylosis?

Also known as neck arthritis or cervical osteoarthritis, cervical spondylosis is very common in elderly patients, particularly in those over age 60. In fact, more than 85% of people over 60 years of age have some form of it, usually with few or no symptoms present. It does get worse with age, though, so it could progress to the point where the patient does experience pain, reduced flexibility, stiffness, lack of mobility, or other symptoms.

Cervical spondylosis is a blanket term that is used to describe a number of conditions and while it is usually considered an age-related condition, it can have other causes as well including heredity. This condition often begins with changes in the disk.

With age, the disks in the spine and neck will dehydrate. This causes them to shrink, leaving little or no padding between the vertebrae. As a result, the patient may develop signs of osteoarthritis and in some cases, bone spurs. Depending on how the condition progresses and presents, it can be a cause of chronic pain.

What are the Treatments for Cervical Spondylosis?

Treatment for cervical spondylosis involves relieving the symptoms. There is no way to reverse the effects that it has on the body so treating the pain, stiffness, and other issues that accompany the condition is the course that is usually taken by doctors. Depending on the exact symptoms, treatment may include using an ice pack, bed rest, warm compress, and low impact exercise as the patient is able to handle it.

The doctor may recommend an analgesic or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). In cases where the pain is severe and difficult to manage, they may prescribe a narcotic pain killer, a steroid, or a muscle relaxant.

They might also combine drug therapy with physical therapy. In very severe cases the doctor may recommend spinal injections or surgery. Some common surgeries for cervical spondylosis include intervertebral disc arthroplasty, invertebral disc annuloplasty, and spinal fusion.

In many cases, soft collars, rigid orthoses, molded cervical pillow, or a Philadelphia collar may be recommended to provide support. However, many doctors believe that these methods are not entire effective and that any benefit the patient receive is largely due to a placebo effect.

This is because the neck is still mobile and does not have much restriction of movement. If used properly, though, it can provide some support. This means that the patient needs to wear it as much as possible when they are not sleeping.

In many cases, the medications have unpleasant side effects and some can even be harmful. This is especially true with prescription pain medications which can be addictive, in which case, advice must be sought from a detox clinic before ingested.

Surgery is also not a preferred treatment due to potential complications, the invasiveness of the procedure, and the length of time it takes to heal. Often patients seek other forms of treatment that are more natural and gentle on the body. Chiropractic is one of the most popular treatments for cervical spondylosis.

Chiropractic for Cervical Spondylosis

Chiropractic is a popular treatment for cervical spondylosis. Many patients gravitate toward it because it is non-invasive and does not use harmful medications. Its natural, whole body approach makes it an appealing treatment method.

In addition to spinal manipulation, the chiropractor may use massage to help relieve stiffness and pain. He or she may also recommend ice or heat, rest, stretching, lifestyle changes, and even dietary modifications.

Patients may be advised to remove foods from their diet that increase inflammation and taught special exercises that help keep the neck supple. Some chiropractors recommend special supplements to help work with the body enabling its natural ability to heal itself.

How Emerald Coast Chiropractic Can Help Patellofemoral Tracking Syndrome

November 29, 2017 by drken Leave a Comment

When the weather warms, melting the snow and ice as it ushers in the newness of spring, people are drawn outdoors and increased activity soon follows. Runners top the list, training for upcoming marathons and races, or to just get faster and increase endurance.

While there are some runners who won’t let anything stop them, be it rain, sleet, or snow, most will not venture outside or engage in more rigorous training until the environment is more pleasant. This increased activity, though, can increase a person’s risk of injury, especially if they have been mostly inactive during the winter months. The most prevalent injury is runner’s knee, an umbrella term used to describe a variety of knee injuries including patellofemoral tracking syndrome.

What is Patellar Tracking Disorder?

When the patella, or kneecap, does not remain in place as the leg straightens or bends, it is called patellofemoral tracking syndrome. Many people believe that the kneecap only moves up and down, but that is not accurate. Actually, the kneecap is very mobile, rotating and tilting so that there are a variety of contact points between the femur and patella. The most common way that this disorder presents is the kneecap extends too far to the outside of the leg. Less common is when the kneecap shifts to the inside. The result is pain (sometimes severe) and limited mobility.

Understanding the syndrome means understanding the mechanics of the knee joint. The thighbone (femur) and lower leg (tibia and fibula) are joined by the knee, a large, complex hinge. A groove runs along the front of the joint, where the thighbone ends. The patella sits in the groove and is held in place by a network on the sides by ligaments and at the top and bottom by tendons. The underside of the kneecap is a layer of cartilage that allows it to move easily, or glide, along the groove. When there is a problem with any of the parts that make up the knee it can lead to patellofemoral tracking syndrome.

Causes of Patellofemoral Tracking Syndrome

While overuse of the knee is the blanket term that describes the cause of patellofemoral tracking syndrome, it is actually the result of a combination of several problems. These can include:

Leg ligaments, tendons, or muscles that are too loose or too tight
Structural problems with the knee bones
Weak thigh muscles
Continuous stress put on the knee, such as activities that use a twisting motion to the knee
Repetitive, high stress activities like running
Repeated activities like squatting, knee bending, or jumping
Improper alignment of the knee bones
Trauma to the knee that forces the kneecap off track, usually to the outside area of the leg

People who are most likely to develop the syndrome are those who experience any of these problems in addition to playing sports or running. Obesity or being overweight, when combined with the above problems can also put a person at risk for the syndrome.

Chiropractic for Patellofemoral Tracking Syndrome

Many people have experienced relief from the pain of patellofemoral tracking syndrome by using chiropractic care. Chiropractic for patellofemoral tracking syndrome is a medication free, non-invasive treatment that quickly and effectively treats the pain and helps to restore mobility. This is usually done by bringing the body back into alignment and performing specific manipulations depending on the unique needs of the patient. Treatment may involve the foot, ankle, spine, and hip in addition to the knee.

The patient may also be advised to make certain dietary adjustments, take special, targeted supplements, and do specific exercises in addition to the chiropractic treatments. Stretching is often recommended and Kinesio taping is also a common therapy to aid healing. Chiropractic will not only return the body to its natural balance and alignment, it will also get it to a state where it is able to begin healing itself.

Why Gait Analysis Is Important To Emerald Coast Chiropractic

November 28, 2017 by drken Leave a Comment

The way a person walks, their gait, can be very telling. It can reveal problems in the feet, ankles, knees, and hips – even in spinal alignment. A problem with gait can indicate pain in a patient as well as serious conditions like diabetes and arthritis. It is a diagnostic tool for many conditions, injuries, and syndromes including autism. When it comes to chiropractic care, a patient’s gait can offer very important clues regarding the root of their complaints, allowing for a more well-rounded, whole body approach to treatment. If you think that the way you walk or moves doesn’t really matter, think again. It most certainly does matter.

What is Gait Analysis?

Gait analysis is a set of tests that are designed to provide a comprehensive evaluation of a person’s gait. It is a systematic study of human motion that involves observation as well as the use of instruments that measure body movements, muscle activity, and body mechanics.

It is intended to be used as an assessment tool and provide insight into devising a treatment plan for people who have conditions or injuries that affect their ability to walk. It is often used in sports biomechanics to aid athletes in more efficient movement and to identify problems with movement or posture, particularly those with injuries.

During the analysis, the patient may walk in a prescribed pattern or on a treadmill, that is often connected to a computer, while the chiropractor observes them from various angles. Often cameras are used, places at various points in order to capture different views including the anterior, posterior, and sides.

The patient may have markers applied to certain points on the body such as the knee, ankle, pelvis, and other areas. As they move, the computer captures specific data of the movement, providing a three-dimensional calculation of each marker. It them applies a model to assess the movement of the skeletal structure, resulting in a detailed analysis of each joint’s movement.

Factors that Affect Gait Analysis

There are certain factors that affect a person’s gait and that information must be included in order for the gait analysis to be accurate. The gender, age, height, and weight of the person is vital because men and women move differently and as a person ages their structure changes.

Excess weight or they physique can affect a person’s posture and their gait. The individual’s shoes (or lack of shoes) is important, as is their clothing, the terrain they are walking on, and anything they may normally carry, such as a purse. Other factors include:

Physiological factors such as body proportion
Psychological factors such as their state of mind, emotions, stress level, and personality type
Pathological factors such as neurological diseases, psychiatric disorders, trauma, and musculoskeletal anomalies

It will also measure and factor into the analysis data that includes the patient’s:

Length of stride
Cadence
Hip angle
Foot angle
Step length
Walking or movement speed
Other areas as needed

Advantages of a Gait Analysis

Getting a gait analysis can be very advantageous because it can provide invaluable insight into how your body is aligned and how it moves. It is a great diagnostic tool for identifying health issues related to the gait, spine, and feet and can also help provide early detection of health issues prior to the onset of symptoms.

If your chiropractor recommends that you get a gait analysis it could be that he or she suspects that something is going on, or it could simply mean that they want to more thoroughly examine you to provide optimal care. If you have any concerns, you should sit down with your chiropractor and ask them any questions that you have prior to undergoing the analysis. Stress and anxiety can put tension on the muscles and body, affecting the results.

How Emerald Coast Chiropractic Can Be Used As Supportive Care For Cancer

November 28, 2017 by drken Leave a Comment

Cancer puts a tremendous amount of stress on the body. Cancer treatments add to that stress, affecting the organs as well as the musculoskeletal system. Pain is a common complaint among cancer patients. They experience a variety of aches and pains including headaches, neck pain, muscle tension, and back pain as well as painful peripheral neuropathy. They may also have mobility problems and difficulty walking.

Many cancer patients have found chiropractic care to be a very effective treatment for pain management and to improve flexibility, mobility, and muscle strength. They find it helps to reduce stress and helps the body function more efficiently.

It provides these benefits without the use of medication or invasive treatments. For patients undergoing chemotherapy, it is very beneficial because chiropractic’s whole body approach to wellness helps to combat the debilitating effects of the treatment.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Cancer Patients

There are many different reasons that cancer patients may seek chiropractic treatment. Cancer is, in itself, very hard on the body. The disease can cause headaches, muscle stiffness, neck pain, and back pain. However, the treatments can also cause problems.

Patients undergoing radiation treatment must lie on a table for extended periods of time which can be very uncomfortable. Surgery can cause pain in the joints and connective tissues. Chemotherapy drugs can cause unpleasant side effects including nausea, neuropathy, and headaches.

Some of the ways chiropractic care can help cancer patients include:

The relief of nausea, headaches, and fatigue
Improved balance
Alleviation of neck and back pain and stiffness
Reduction of joint inflammation
Better mobility
Restoration of nerve function
Reduced muscle tension

Often cancer patients have also reported improvements beyond the typical musculoskeletal complaints that chiropractic treats. Reduced effects of peripheral neuropathy, improved digestion, and even easier respiratory function are just some of the added benefits. These are the reasons why patients receiving Breast Cancer Treatment Services may benefit from chiropractic care as well.

Chiropractic Treatment Approaches

Chiropractors use a drug free, hands on approach to treatment for a wide range of issues. It restores nerve function, corrects musculoskeletal problems, and helps to bring the body back into proper alignment. It is non-invasive and offers patients a safe, natural alternative to medications and other treatments that can have unwanted side effects.

One barrier that may prevent a patient from seeking chiropractic care is the common misconception that it is aggressive and forceful, even painful. The truth is, most chiropractic techniques are very gentle, applying very low force and some no force at all.

Most are also not painful at all and work quickly to enhance range of motion and increase energy as well as reduce pain. It can help relieve a patient’s symptoms while helping them stay strong while they undergo treatment.

Some of the chiropractic treatment options that are used for cancer patients include:

Spinal manipulation
Ice
Heat
Hands-on adjustments
Non-force techniques
Electrical muscle stimulation
Massage
Special instrument applications
Traction

The Whole-Body Wellness Advantage

Whole body wellness is an integral part of chiropractic care. It can involve diet modification, lifestyle changes, exercise, and stress reduction practices.

When a chiropractor treats a cancer patient – or any patient – he or she will look beyond the obvious issues or symptoms to find the root of the problem and ways to help the body heal itself. Sometimes this may involve supplements, vitamins, or minerals that will aid in correcting the condition. Other times it may simply be a matter of getting the body to a healthy state where it is strong enough to combat the condition or heal from injury.

The treatment is individualized and tailored specifically to the patient’s needs and lifestyle. For instance, many conditions benefit from weight loss or exercise and many pain issues respond well to adjustments in diet and stress reduction. Chiropractic looks at the whole body and works to provide it with what it needs to get strong and get healthy.

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