Chiropractic care is effective for a
wide variety of conditions. The following is a partial list of some of the most
common. If you do not see your specific condition listed, we encourage you to
give us a call so we can personally address your particular concerns.
Allergy
Allergies are often treated with
chiropractic care. Many allergic and asthmatic reactions are caused by
hypersensitivity of the immune system and/or respiratory system. Researchers
have found that the immune and respiratory systems depend on normal
communication from the brain and spinal cord to control and coordinate their
functions.
If your neck is misaligned, it could
cause an imbalance in your nervous system function. This upper cervical spinal
joint irritation could possibly produce or exaggerate asthmatic and allergic
symptoms. While many asthma and allergy sufferers recall specific traumas (e.g.,
head injuries, auto accidents, or falls) which could have injured their upper
cervical spines, some do not.
Come in and visit our offices and we
can perform an upper cervical examination and determine if your allergic
reactions could be helped by chiropractic care.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
CTS has become one of the most
widespread occupational health problems we face today. It affects millions of
people a year, and with our growing reliance on computers there seems to be no
end in sight.
The syndrome is caused by pressure on
the median nerve just above the wrist. Pressure on this nerve can be caused by
an injury or sustained use from common activities like typing, chopping,
hammering, or pushing. Symptoms of CTS range from wrist pain, numbness,
tingling, burning, weakness or loss of grip strength, and loss of sleep due to
discomfort.
There are a number of different ways
to treat this condition. In most cases, a chiropractic adjustment to the
affected area is an extremely effective solution. In some cases, a misalignment
in either the back or neck can cause this condition, and chiropractic
manipulation of the neck and/or spine can also serve as an effective treatment
option.
These treatments, along with physical
therapy, stretching, and strengthening exercises, can in most cases effectively
alleviate and eventually eliminate the symptoms associated with CTS.
Disc problems
Discs are the cartilage pads that
separate and cushion and help connect the vertebrae that make up your spinal
column. They serve as shock absorbers between each of the vertebrae and are
constantly subjected to the pull of gravity and the torque from everyday
movement. Disc problems can be the result of genetics, the normal "wear and
tear" of aging, and injury.
Disc function is greatly affected by
the alignment of the spine. A subluxation or structural imbalance can force a
disc to bulge, protrude, or herniate, which then can result in contact with the
nerves and cause pain.
This common back problem is one we
see frequently. We effectively treat this malady by realigning the vertebrae and
returning the spine to its normal range of motion, thereby reducing the pressure
on the discs and spinal joints. We also incorporate physical therapy as well as
strengthening exercises for the abdominal and back muscles. Core stabilization
is essential for prevention of subsequent disc problems.
Joint dysfunction
Joint dysfunction is the condition
most often treated at our offices, and we are specially trained to treat joint
disorders. Joint or articular problems are caused by osteoarthritis
(degenerative joint disease), subluxations, sprains, intervertebral disc
problems, and various abnormal changes in the curve of the spine. Joints that
are aligned improperly or are impaired will begin to degenerate rapidly if not
attended to promptly and properly.
Adjustment procedures, physical
therapy, and rehabilitation exercises are very effective in treating joint
disorders. As with all conditions we treat, we will be happy to refer you to
another health-care provider if you are not a candidate for chiropractic.
Neurological conditions
Neurological conditions such as
headaches, neuritis (inflammation of any part of a nerve, other than the nerve
root), and radiculitis (inflammation of a nerve root as it exits the spine) are
the most commonly treated neurological cases in the chiropractic profession.
Radiculitis is a common source of shoulder, arm and hand pain. With neuritis,
patients sometimes experience sensations called paresthesias (feelings of
tingling, hot spots, cold spots, crawling sensations, stinging, and burning).
Loss of equilibrium/vertigo is also a condition sometimes treated by our office.
Because neurological problems can be
extremely serious and even life-threatening, these situations often call for a
referral or co-management with other health-care professionals.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the degeneration of
the cartilage and bones of joints caused by "wear-and-tear" processes. It is
often associated with degenerative changes in the disc and results in friction
between adjacent vertebrae. The friction causes a strain as well as a loss of
motion in the facets (gliding joints) of the spine. If these joints are exposed
to continued trauma such as strenuous exercise, weakened muscles, and the
inevitable factors of aging and heredity, the results can be severe low-back
and/or leg pain.
While chiropractic cannot halt the
process of osteoarthritis, we can improve the quality of life while living with
the disease. If you're suffering from osteoarthritis, your spine is usually less
flexible; therefore, it becomes more vulnerable to injury. Under our care, your
treatment may include spinal adjustments, physical therapy, and stretching and
strengthening exercises. We can also recommend natural, drug-free ways to
control your pain and discomfort.
Whiplash
Whiplash is the common name given to
the injury where there is a hyperextension (increased backward motion) and
hyperflexion (increased forward motion) of the cervical (neck) spine. More
simply put, the head is dramatically thrust forward and backward. Car accidents
and falls can cause whiplash injuries.
Symptoms of whiplash include
headaches; visual disturbance; stiffness of the neck; restriction of movement;
and shoulder, neck, or arm pain. These symptoms may or may not be felt
immediately. It is estimated that most whiplash injuries are not felt for
several hours, days, and in some cases even months or years following the
accident.
Even if you are not in pain following
a whiplash incident, it is important to receive prompt attention to your injury,
as the structural balance of your neck and spine is important to your health. We
can assist in your recovery by correctly adjusting your neck and/or spine so it
has the chance to heal properly. In addition, we can recommend physical therapy,
stretching and strengthening exercises, and natural anti-inflammatory to put you
back on the road to good health.
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