Archive for March, 2009
How Your Camarillo Chiropractor Can Help Neck Pain and Whiplash
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When we arise in the morning with a stiff and painful neck, the propensity is to blame the situation on our pillow, bed, or sleep position during that night. We also try to figure out what is happening when we move our neck suddenly and feel a sharp pain that feels as if something has suddenly slipped out of position or is pinching a “nerve.” Though it may seem so, one isolated occurrence is hardly ever the cause of most neck problems, but more often than not the cumulative effects of incorrect sitting posture, bad work and lifestyle habits, and lack of healthy exercise for strength and flexibility. Of course, some neck challenges are due to traumatic events such as a whiplash accident, a fall, or a sports injury.
Anatomy
In order to understand neck pain, it is important to understand the anatomy of the spine. The spinal bones or vertebrae of the neck are made up of posterior joints, called facets, that link vertebrae to one another and serve to pilot the motion of the spine. Inter-vertebral discs, comprised of dense cartilage, join the “bodies” of the vertebrae. This tough cartilage surrounds the nucleus, a soft material in the center of the inter-vertebral discs. The discs act as shock absorbers and spacers between the vertebrae. In a canal found between the body and the facets of the vertebrae is the spinal cord. The spinal nerves go out from the spine between the vertebrae and impart the energy to make the muscles and other organs of the body function. They also carry impulses from the body to the brain concerning pain, touch, position, temperature, as well as other senses. The nerves that exit from the neck are assigned to the entire upper extremity including the shoulder, elbow and hand, as well as structures of the head and neck. The natural forward curve of the neck balances the weight of the head and decreases stress on neck vertebrae. For more information please feel free to visit your Camarillo Chiropractor.
Risk Factors: Neck Pain and Computer Use
Computer use has risen significantly over the years, at home and in the workplace. Nowadays, a large number of people spend eight to ten hours a day, or more, bent over a keyboard and staring at a monitor. Sitting with the head in a forward bent position (the posture most computer users adopt), puts enormous strain on neck ligaments and muscles. In addition, the normal forward curve of the neck becomes reversed causing more stress upon all the surrounding tissues of the neck. All of this can lead to spinal problems including disc herniation and subluxations, which are the primary causes of spinal nerve irritation. Besides general pain, spinal nerve inflammation in the neck can cause symptoms like headaches, eye problems, giddiness, arm and hand pain (and paraesthesia), as well as shoulder pain.
Headaches and Chiropractic Care
Headaches or migraines are commonly associated with disorders of the cervical spine. Symptoms, from a dull ache to throbbing pain, are produced when the cervical vertebrae lose their natural position or motion and sensitive nerves and blood vessels, related to structures in the head are stretched or agitated. In many cases the tight knots in the muscles of the neck, called trigger points, can also refer pain to the head. Many other factors are associated with headaches such as toxic fumes, certain foods, additives such as MSG, alcohol, caffeine, and stress. Still, the alignment of the neck and the irritation of surrounding tissues should be a primary consideration when treating headaches and migraines. Chiropractic treatment and management have proved to be very effective in the treatment of headaches. Ask your Camarillo Chiropractor about the benefits of Chiropractic care.
Whiplash and chiropractic Care
Unfortunately, many people are involved in car accidents. Rear-end collisions are the most common. During such an accident, the passenger in the front vehicle gets his or her head forcefully jolted backward and then forward causing injury to the structures of the back and front of the neck. This type of damage is often called a whiplash. Even at low speeds, the amount of force arising from such an accident is very intense and can cause trauma to the ligaments, muscles, facet joints, discs, and spinal nerves. Along with neck pain and immobility, symptoms such as headaches, nausea, vertigo, arm and shoulder pain, tingling in the hands and fingers and weakness of the arm and hand are attendant with whiplash injury. Immediate evaluation and x-rays are extremely important in order to rule out a fracture. Usually in most cases, the injuries are primarily to the soft tissues and joints. Proper care is crucial in recovery from the pain and symptoms of whiplash, and also to prevent future disability. Your Camarillo Chiropractor is extremely knowledgeable in the area of whiplash injury, and is more than capable of managing the case from start to finish.
Camarillo Chiropractor Relieves Shoulder Pain
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The complexity of the shoulder joint allows it to perform many different movements and activities. The shoulder bones, i.e., the scapula, clavicle and humerus, are attached together by ligaments and nearly 20 different muscles. The principal articulation, the glenohumeral joint, is attached by ligaments and a group of muscles (and their tendon attachments) known as the rotator cuff. Problems with the rotator cuff are everyday causes of shoulder pain and disability. sports injuries, mechanical dysfunctions from muscle imbalances, or wear and tear of the tissues surrounding the joint are often the causes of shoulder problems. Arthritic changes do take place in the shoulder joint, but not as commonly as in the weight-bearing joints of the spine, hips and knees.
Anatomy
Problems in the shoulder often arise in the cervical spine as the nerves from this region energize all of the muscles and other tissues of the shoulder, elbow, arm and hand. Tight or weak shoulder muscles, produced by inflamed nerves can cause dysfunction in the ordinary mechanics of the joint, especially in the rotator cuff. A similar condition 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. Individuals are at risk of developing imbalance and shoulder problems if they sit too long in a lazy position, or with their shoulders held forward.
Rotator Cuff Syndrome
Pain and restricted motion will continue to occur until the imbalances and irritation are correctedchanged. The severity can vary from a slight “catching” or pain to an almost total inability to use the shoulder. This painful problem is often called Shoulder Impingement or Rotator Cuff Syndrome, and can afflict individuals of all ages.
Frozen Shoulder
Another common condition is ” frozen shoulder. “Extreme aggravation of the ligaments and tendons of the glenohumeral joint can cause adhesions to develop almost sticking the joint together, thus producing incapacitation the shoulder. This results in accute pain, as well as limitation of shoulder mobility that makes even dressing oneself difficult! Left alone, frozen shoulder can take several years to heal on its own, if ever, and therefore attention by a professional, such as your Camarillo chiropractor is extremely important. There are many other afflictions of the shoulder however those mentioned above are by far the most common.
Treatment
Most shoulder treatments are basically the same. Muscle imbalances can be fixed 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 Camarillo chiropractor are also crucial for a fulland quick recovery.
Camarillo Chiropractor speak on Arthritis
Posted by: | CommentsIntroduction
One of the most frequently misunderstood conditions among patients is arthritis..Often the word, “arthritis,” brings to mind a future that includes crippled and twisted joints. However “arthritis” is a very general word that includes many different conditions from the benign to the severe. For our purposes we will limit this analysis 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. This form of arthritis is not limited to humans, but occurs in all mammals, and is due to the degradation of the cartilage that covers the joint surfaces. 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. Sometimes the bone around the joint will proliferate and make osteophytes, or what are more commonly called bone spurs. These spurs can cause painful irritation to other tissues adjacent to the joint, therefore complicating the already hurtful condition.
Usually the areas of the body that develop degenerative joints are in the spine, particularly in the lower neck and lower back, the knees, the hips and the fingers. Previous trauma, certain occupations and activities, weight, diet, and heredity all appear to affect both the onset and severity of DJD.
The symptoms of DJD invariably involve some degree of pain and/or stiffness in the body part involved. As the condition advances there can be loss of mobility, especially when weight-bearing joints such as hips or knees are involved. 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 unattainable without severe pain.
The best management of DJD is, without exception, prevention that involves taking care of ones joints at an early age.
* Making sure that all injuries to joints are correctly treated will help to avoid future problems.
* People involved in occupations that necessitate standing or walking should wear proper shoes that offer good support and shock absorption.
* Weight loss through proper diet will help to decrease stress on weight-bearing body joints.
* Avoid kneeling on hard surfaces, such as when doing housework, as this can put strain and create knee pain.
* Eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables as they include natural vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are crucial for the health of the joints, as well as the rest of the body.
Recently there have been some studies that offer proof that the nutritional supplement, Glucosamine, can help with DJD and might help rebuild joint cartilage. However, it must be used over a long-term period 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 safe, but extremely effective in relieving the debilitating pain of arthritis. Your Camarillo chiropractor is highly skilled when it comes to arthritic pain relief. In addition, chiropractic modalities such as joint mobilization, ultrasound, cold laser therapy, massage and electro-therapy may be used to aid in the treatment of painful and stiff joints. Occasionally a brace is required 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 generated by high 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. Most people who develop gout are predisposed through heredity, though episodes are usually brought on by binge eating of agitative foods, when dehydrated or fasting, or after a major surgery or illness. Particular foods such as red meat (especially organ meat), certain seafood, legumes, and mushrooms have the natural substance, Purines, that are metabolized in the liver to form uric acid. Since individuals with gout cannot efficiently metabolize uric acid, the buildup in the bloodstream creates joint problems. In addition to the foods described 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 produced 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 aggravated by movement is usually associated with the disease. Further symptoms can consist of general malaise and fatigue, and in its more advanced stages other systems of the body may be affected. There are specific blood tests to help identify Rheumatoid arthritis that can be easily run. 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 associated with this disease. Additional modalities such as ultrasound, heat, electro-therapy, and massage may also be valuable. Your Camarillo chiropractor is dedicated to assisting sufferers in getting relief from the pain and suffering associated with arthritis.
Can Camarillo Chiropractic Care Help Carpal Tunnel Pain?
Posted by: | CommentsIntroduction
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome falls into the category of neurological conditions labeled nerve entrapment disorders and is by far the most well-known of these disorders. As the name suggests, these conditions occur when a nerve is trapped or constricted between other tissues of the body causing irritation and dysfunction of the nerve.
Anatomy
The carpal tunnel rests within the underside of the wrist. It is a tunnel, or passage, through which the Median nerve travels on its way to energize and animate the hand and fingers. In addition to the median nerve, the carpal tunnel contains 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 furnish 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 diameter of the carpal tunnel is about the same as the index finger making the carpal tunnel a jam-packed space. The flexor tendons, arteries and median nerve are intended to glide smoothly past each other during wrist and finger movement.
If the tendon size increases from inflammation or hypertrophy (growth), or if the carpal tunnel size decreases due to an improper use of the carpal bones, the median nerve can become constricted or entrapped within the carpal tunnel. The early symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome commonly include pain, numbness, paraesthesia (pins and needles) and tingling in the fingers and hands especially 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. The hands can also feel inept, weak and fatigue easily with activity. Over time, the ability to hold small objects using the thumb and fingers can be affected severely and if left untreated, can lead to total dysfunction of the hand.
Some prevailing 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 be partly responsible for 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. By far the most significant reason for the increase of people suffering with CTS is the continuous rise in the use of computers. The repetitive motions of typing on the keyboard and moving the mouse over extended periods of time is a primary indicator for many people with CTS.
Treatment
Competent diagnosis and treatment is vital to relieving the painful and debilitating symptoms of CTS. Your Camarillo Chiropractor is highly skilled in the diagnosis and managment of CTS. Chiropractors are well-trained in treating CTS. Treatment by chiropractor can include ultrasound or low level laser to help reduce inflammation, electro therapy to strengthen weak muscles of the forearm, soft tissue massage to stretch contracted tissues and, of course, adjustments of the dysfunctional joints of the wrist. Your chiropractor may suggest that you wear a splint or support, particularly at night, to aid in the decompression of the carpal tunnel. Your Camarillo Chiropractor will also give you specific exercises to stretch and/or strengthen muscles of the forearm and hand.
Camarillo Chiropractor and High Blood Pressure
Posted by: | CommentsThe newest research shows how you can lower blood pressure naturally. This is great news and the best news, yor Camarillo chiropractor this particular technique. It’s called Toggle Recoil. Watch this clip from Good Morning America (it takes a few seconds to load) for more information. Also exercise is great for lowering stress levels, and that in turn will help lower your blood pressure.
Pregnancy and Chiropractic Camarillo Style
Posted by: | CommentsAre chiropractic adjustments safe during pregnancy To begin with, yes it is highly advisable to get adjusted while you are pregnant. Obviously, your body is going through a variety of changes, and these changes will continue as the pregnancy progresses. One change that goes basically unnoticed is your body’s increased production of the hormone elastin. This hormone is designed to relax the tendons in the pelvis. This relaxation allows the pelvis more flexibility during the birthing process to make delivering the baby easier.
This process, despite the fact that its function is to assist the mother during labor, can create a lot of back pain in the months leading up to the birth. The elastin is being released in greater amounts as the months go on, which allows the pelvis to become increasingly more unstable. Add to that the gradual increase in the size of the baby and uterus, and you have the formula for severe low back pain. As an Camarillo Chiropractor, I currently have several pregnant patients coming into my office for symptoms associated with their pregnancy, but generally it is for their low back pain.
A bonus to seeing a chiropractor routinely during your pregnancy is that there is proof that it can actually decrease labor time. Why do chiropractic adjustments help? Simply put, if the pelvis is where it needs to be, the muscles contracting during the labor process are more efficient and won’t have to strain against misaligned joints.
To answer the second question from the introductory paragraph, by all means chiropractic care during your pregnancy is safe. Not only can chiropractic help you with your low back pain and other associated symptoms, such as heartburn, nausea, swelling, etc., but it is safe to both you and your baby. Certain trained chiropractors can also help mothers who have a breached baby. This is done by using the Webster Technique, a low force technique to manipulate the uterus and get the baby into the proper presentation for delivery. Additional information on the Webster Technique can easily be found online.
In summation, not only is chiropractic safe for pregnant women, it is also very beneficial in helping with the symptoms associated with their pregnancy. To any pregnant women out there reading this, please go to see your local chiropractor, or if you live or work in the area, look up your Camarillo Chiropractor. We can make you feel a lot more comfortable during your pregnancy, and we can even make the labor process easier.
How Camarillo Chiropractic Care Can Help Your Child Stay Healthier
Posted by: | CommentsToday’s moms and dads are more disturbed than ever about the adverse effects drugs have on their children. Parents are increasingly asking, when given a prescription for a child’s reoccurring problem, “Is this really all I can do for my child? Isn’t there a safer alternative?”
Many children’s prescription and non-prescription drugs often not only mask a child’s symptoms, but can produce unhealthy side effects. Today, parents are seeking out health care options for their children that assist and maintain their child’s inherent ability to be healthy.
Chiropractic care is that option because it assists a child’s nervous system in functioning optimally. The immune system is controlled by the nervous system. When it is working optimally, children stay healthier. As the adage goes, “the best offense is a good defense.” Everyday, children are exposed to a huge variety of airborn, food-born, and contact bacteria. So many bacteria, in fact, that it would be inconceivable to immunize them against them all. Your Camarillo Chiropractor is very familiar with colds, sore throats, ear infections, fevers, colic, asthma, tonsillitis, allergies, bed-wetting, infections, pains, falls, stomach-aches, and the hundred and one little (and big) things children go through as they in their childhood years.
A chiropractor is committed to helping keep your child healthy and strong so that the illnesses that appear to be an inevitable part of childhood, either will not affect your child as strongly or will not affect them at all. Chiropractic adjustments aids in removing interferences to the inherent healing power that runs through your child’s body. When that power is released, the healthy results that take place many times appear to be profound.
Furthermore, when a child’s spine is in alignment, he or she is far less vulnerable to sports and play injuries. In addition, children who receive regular chiropactic care don’t seem to experience as many “growing pains” as other children.
Today, we are finding at your Camarillo Chiropractor that more and more parents are bringing their children to us for day-to-day childhood health concerns. Every child is deserve the right to live at their fullest potential. chiropractic treatment for children at your Camarillo Chiropractor is safe, gentle and effective.
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