Neck Pain

Your neck – also referred to as the cervical spine – is a delicate accumulation of vertebrae, nerves, and muscles that work to support your head. The neck is very flexible and capable of rotating from side to side, up and down. Though the neck is not weak, it is susceptible to injury and pain. Neck pain is a common complaint and is often the result of poor posture, whiplash, or even stress. Even a simple fall or sports injury are enough to cause a sprain or compress a disc. If you are experiencing neck pain that won’t seem to go away, chiropractic treatment may be your solution.

Did you know… that a study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that chiropractic treatment results in significant improvement in pain levels among patients who experience chronic neck pain? Millions of Americans suffer from neck pain every day, many of whom could find relief by visiting a chiropractor. Of those who do seek treatment, many find that chiropractic not only relieves chronic neck pain, but it also helps alleviate other symptoms, such as headaches and migraines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I see a chiropractor for my neck pain?

Yes. Chiropractors are trained and experienced in all types of musculoskeletal pain. Diagnostic testing and an in-person consultation will make it possible for a chiropractor to determine whether your chronic neck pain can be treated with chiropractic. If your chiropractor believes it will be best served by a different type of medical practitioner, he or she will give you the appropriate referral.

What should I expect at my chiropractic appointment?

Your chiropractor will perform a neck adjustment or cervical manipulation treatment. This is a manual procedure that takes just seconds to complete but is capable of delivering instantaneous results. Many patients experience immediate relief of chronic neck pain, as well as muscle stiffness. You may hear popping as your chiropractor completes the cervical adjustment, but the treatment is not likely to be painful.

Is there anything I can do to help prevent neck pain in the future?

Yes. You may experience less neck pain by periodically visiting the chiropractor for preventative adjustments. In addition, your chiropractor may suggest getting frequent massages or practicing better posture to protect yourself against recurrent neck pain.

Exercise and athleticism are a good way to improve overall health. However, physical activity also raises the risk of suffering a musculoskeletal sports injury. There are many causes of sports injuries, including overuse repetitive stress injuries, traumatic injuries and even injuries caused by failure to properly stretch or wear appropriate protective gear. A chiropractor can help you recover from athletic injuries, helping you return to play as soon as possible.

Do you know… how to handle a sports injury? Always follow the RICE method: rest, ice, compress and elevate. This technique isolates the injury and reduces inflammation until you are able to seek rehabilitative treatment for it. For the first two days after an injury, rest the affected area, applying a cold pack to it for 20 minutes a few times each day. Wrap it in a compression bandage and elevate it above your heart when resting to reduce swelling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the symptoms of a sports injury?

The most obvious signs of a sports injury are pain and swelling. However, injuries can also cause stiffness, tenderness and weakness. Old or chronic sports injuries that have not been properly treated or allowed time to heal may cause dull aching pain only when playing or while at rest.

What are some of the most common types of sports injuries?

Some of the most common types of musculoskeletal sports injuries are related to the connective tissues. Sprains and strains are very common in all types of athletes, as is tendonitis. Other types of sports injuries include dislocated joints, knee injuries, elbow injuries and fractures.

How can a chiropractor treat a sports injury?

Chiropractors understand the physiology of the muscles and joints. At our practice, we treat sports injuries often, helping to rehabilitate athletes as quickly as possible. We utilize chiropractic treatments as well as other non-invasive rehabilitative techniques to eliminate pain, reduce inflammation and allow the body time to heal. If you have an acute or chronic sports injury, contact our office to schedule a consultation.

Knee pain is a highly common complaint among Americans – especially those who are active in sports or are victims of repetitive use injuries. There are many causes of knee pain, including arthritis, inflammation, and injuries to the connective tissues. Many people suffering from knee pain want alternative treatment methods besides pain medications or surgery. Chiropractic offers a conservative and non-invasive approach to treating knee pain, and many patients begin to experience relief right away.

Did you know… that many patients with knee pain are simple cases of improper arch support? Shoes make a big difference in the amount of pressure that is transferred to your knees when walking or running. If your arches are not properly supported, they cannot absorb shock as your foot strikes the ground. By simply wearing arch-supporting inserts inside your shoe, you can better distribute pressure and help prevent chronic knee pain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I see a chiropractor for my knee pain?

Yes. Chiropractors are experts in pain relief and safe manipulation of the musculoskeletal frame. Chiropractic treatments are always the least invasive, so it makes sense to try those before pursuing more aggressive treatments. If your knee pain cannot be treated with chiropractic care, your chiropractor will refer you to a specialist who can assist you.

What should I expect during my appointment?

Your chiropractor will first examine your knee for signs of swelling and may order x-rays or other imaging to aid in the diagnostic process. If your knee is inflamed, you may need to rest it and ice it until swelling subsides. Next, your chiropractor may restore mobility to your knee with an adjustment similar to those you may receive for back pain or neck pain. Finally, your chiropractor may recommend massage and physical therapy to alleviate pain and restore function to the joint.

Is there anything I should be doing to help alleviate pain between treatments?

In addition to using adequate arch support, consider wearing a knee brace during physical activity to provide added support.

Joint pain is a common problem, and there is a host of treatments and medications available claiming to offer symptom relief. But few of those treatment options work to address the cause of joint problems rather than just the symptoms. Chiropractic treatment can be a viable remedy for joint problems and pain affecting all areas of the musculoskeletal system. Manual adjustments can encourage joints to line up and function properly, effectively reducing chronic pain for many patients.

Did you know… that there are at least 360 joints facilitating movement in the human body? When just one of those joints becomes irritated or inflamed, it can cause intense pain and immobilization. According to the Centers for Disease Control, at least, 30 percent of American adults have experienced joint pain or stiffness at least once in the last month – many of them much more frequently than that!

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I see a chiropractor for my joint problems?

Yes. Chiropractic treatment and manual joint adjustments can be effective for alleviating joint pains of all types, from sprains and strains to fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis. If you are experiencing joint pain, contact your chiropractor to find out if chiropractic treatment could benefit you.

What should I expect during my chiropractor to do about my joint pain?

Your chiropractor will first diagnose your pain by finding the source of the problem. If you have an injury, such as is common among athletes, you may be advised to continue chiropractic adjustments and supplement with physical therapy. If your joint pain is related to an underlying health condition, try modifying your diet to avoid inflammatory foods that could be contributing to your condition.

Is there anything that I need to do to care for my joints between visits?

Yes. If you are overweight or obese, your weight could be putting excess pressure on your joints, resulting in chronic pain. Change your diet and exercise habits with the goal of obtaining and maintaining a healthy weight. You can also help prevent joint pain by wearing joint braces or resting the joint periodically throughout each day. If your joints are inflamed, try applying ice to them for a few minutes each day.

Nearly everyone has occasional headaches, but some people suffer with them chronically. Recurring headaches and migraines can severely limit quality of life. Most people who have frequent headaches are not suffering with an underlying health condition, but rather are experiencing headaches as a side effect of stress, poor sleep habits, overuse of caffeine, or even poor posture. Chiropractic has been shown to help alleviate the frequency and intensity of headaches among many chronic sufferers.

Did you know… that severe headaches and migraines can affect anyone at any age, but women between the ages of 18 and 44 are most likely to suffer with them chronically? There are three classifications of headaches – cluster, migraine, and tension. Each can be triggered by internal or external factors, such as muscle tension, stress, strong fragrances and consumption of certain foods. A chiropractor will work with patients to help identify to a source of chronic headaches and create a plan for relief.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I visit a chiropractor for headache relief?

If you are suffering from chronic headaches and are looking for a more natural means of treating your pain than over-the-counter medications, you could benefit from chiropractic treatment. According to the American Chiropractic Association, a Duke University study found that chiropractic treatment is highly effective in the relief of tension headaches and headaches that originate in the neck, which are the most common type of headaches in America. In fact, tension headaches can recur on a near daily basis when left untreated.

What should I expect at my appointment?

Your first visit to a chiropractor will include a complete analysis of your symptoms, including the severity and frequency of your headaches. You’ll also answer questions about your family health history, as well as your dietary and sleep habits. Together with your chiropractor, you will work to identify potential headache triggers through a process of elimination.

Your visit may also include a chiropractic adjustment to correct misalignment to your neck and spine, which also could be contributing to your headaches. By adjusting your back, your chiropractor could relieve stress on your body’s musculoskeletal system. After just a few adjustments, you could experience significant improvement in your headache pain.

Is there anything I can do between appointments to alleviate my headaches?

Yes. Be sure to get plenty of sleep each night and take steps to minimize your stress. Drink plenty of water each day to avoid headache-causing dehydration, and spend time each day stretching and participating in mild to moderate exercise.

Many people think of a podiatrist when it comes to foot care, but chiropractors treat pain and disorders of the feet and ankles as well. In fact, chiropractors are especially helpful in relieving pain stemming from conditions like plantar fasciitis and metatarsalgia. If you visit a chiropractor with chronic foot pain, you can be assured that you will be offered conservative and non-invasive treatment options that have been proven effective in relieving pain, as well as the underlying conditions responsible for discomfort.

Did you know… that 25 percent of all the bones in your body are located in your feet? In fact, your feet not only have 26 bones, but they also have 19 muscles, 33 joints and 107 different ligaments! Considering the average person walks approximately 10,000 steps each day, it’s no wonder these bones can fall out of alignment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I see a chiropractor for foot care?

You should see a chiropractor for foot care pertaining the muscles, joints, bones, and connective tissues of the feet. Chiropractors do not specialize in other disorders of the feet, such as infections or ingrown toenails. To find out more about chiropractic foot care and whether it’s right for you, schedule a consultation with your chiropractor today.

What should I expect at my appointment?

You can expect drug-free and surgery-free treatment options designed to reduce chronic foot pain. Your chiropractor may order an x-ray of your foot to determine whether your symptoms are related to a biomechanical problem. If they are, your foot will likely be adjusted in the office, potentially resulting in immediate symptom relief, less stiffness, and increased mobility.

Is there anything I can do between appointments to facilitate better foot health?

Yes. Wearing the appropriate footwear to support your feet is important for overall foot health. If your problem is ankle-related, a brace may provide the support you need to avoid injury and live pain-free.

With an auto accident happening every few seconds, there are countless people who suffer collision-related injuries every year. Any part of your body can be affected by an auto accident though certain areas are more susceptible than others. Some people suffer a few bumps and bruises while others must face much more serious injuries. Regardless of the type of injury sustained in a collision, it is important for everyone involved to be evaluated by a chiropractor when physically capable of doing so.

Did you know… there are several factors that can influence the types of injuries you may sustain in a car accident?

Examples include:

• The speed of your vehicle and other vehicles involved in the accident
• Whether you are wearing your seatbelt
• Whether the airbags deploy during the collision
• Where your vehicle was hit (i.e. side, front or rear)
• Your posture during the accident

Frequently Asked Questions

What is whiplash?

Whiplash is one of the most common injuries sustained in auto accidents. It occurs when the neck is thrust forward and then abruptly backward on impact. Whiplash typically causes inflammation and damage to the soft tissues of the upper back and neck, which may lead to stiffness, pain, limited mobility and headaches.

What other types of injuries are common car accidents?

People involved in collisions here often complain of back pain or stiffness in the body’s joints or extremities. Spinal compression, bulging discs and strained connective tissues are just a few of the injuries accident victims may face after a collision. Without chiropractic intervention, some may face a lifetime of pain and discomfort.

Why visit a chiropractor after an auto accident?

Chiropractors treat auto accident victims nearly every day. They understand the intricate balance of the musculoskeletal system and the damaging effects a collision can have on the spine, joints and soft tissues. By utilizing non-invasive techniques, a chiropractor can restore proper alignment to a patient’s body, empowering it to heal itself over time.

If you have been involved in a collision – whether recently or many months or years ago – chiropractic treatment may be able to relieve pain and symptoms associated with the accident. The sooner you seek treatment, the faster we can lead you down the road to recovery. Call our office to schedule a consultation today and learn what it means to live a pain-free life.

Chiropractic is not just for adults – it’s for teens too. In fact, teenagers can benefit from chiropractic treatment in many ways not only now, but also later in life. Few teens will complain of back or neck pain the way that adults might. However, the damage that causes musculoskeletal pain in adults is often incurred during one’s youth. By undergoing regular chiropractic adjustments for youth, teens can prevent pain and injury both now and in the future.

Did you know… that poor posture habits often begin during the teen years? Parents may remind teens to sit up straight or stop slouching – often to no avail. Periodic teen chiropractic adjustments can help promote good posture in youth-aged patients. In some cases, chiropractic treatment may even be able to reverse spine damage caused by poor posture and misalignment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my teen should see a chiropractor?

Though some teens may report having neck or back pain – perhaps due to obesity or poor posture – most will not complain of musculoskeletal discomfort. We recommend that all teenagers begin undergoing chiropractic treatment, not only because it can correct postural problems, but also because teens are frequently exposed to musculoskeletal health hazards like heavy backpacks and complex sports;

My teenager has never been to a chiropractor before. What should we expect?

It is never too late to visit a chiropractor for the first time. We go to great lengths to ensure your child is well cared for during each visit, which usually consists of an adjustment and some lifestyle education that will help prevent future injuries. Our staff will first talk to your teen about symptoms and lifestyle habits before administering a gentle adjustment.

Can my teen wait to visit a chiropractor later in life?

There is no better time than now to start schedule regular chiropractic appointments for your teenager. Early youth chiropractic adjustments can help teens develop lifelong habits that promote health and wellness, not to mention help prevent athletic injuries now. For more information about chiropractic for youth, contact our office to schedule a consultation.

Many senior citizens already know the benefits of chiropractic care and how it can improve the ‘golden years’. Those who visit a chiropractor on a regular basis often report experiencing more energy, greater flexibility and less pain in day-to-day life. In fact, chiropractic is about much more than pain relief – it’s about improving the quality of life. With Americans living longer than ever before, there is no need to retire to the rocking chair during retirement. Instead, let chiropractic care keep you active, healthy and feeling living life to the fullest.

Facts about seniors and chiropractic:

• One in five adults will be age 65 or older by the year 2030.
• Among seniors, chiropractic is one of the most commonly used alternative therapies.
• While many seniors get adjustments to treat back pain or other symptoms, chiropractic is also effective for preventing or managing diseases and other health problems common to mature adults.
• A study published in “Topics of Clinical Chiropractic” found that 66 percent of seniors who do not get chiropractic treatment have arthritis in comparison to 48 percent of those who do visit a chiropractor regularly.
• The same study found that seniors who do not get chiropractic treatment are far more likely to be placed in a nursing home than those who do visit a chiropractor regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of conditions is senior chiropractic care helpful for?

Seniors who regularly undergo chiropractic treatment may enjoy many different types of benefits. Examples include:

• Pain Relief
• Greater Range of Motion
• Improved Balance
• Better Coordination
• Fewer Falls

What should I expect during a senior chiropractic appointment?

Seniors have age-specific health needs that we are sensitive to here at our practice. Our focus is both intervention and prevention, with an emphasis on improving spinal alignment and minimizing stress on the bones and joints. Your appointment will begin with a discussion about your symptoms which may be followed by a chiropractic adjustment, lifestyle counseling or another type of alternative therapy. Our treatments are natural, non-invasive and designed to produce optimal results and long lasting benefits.

Is chiropractic safe for older adults?

Chiropractic has been found safe for use in most people, including senior citizens. In fact, chiropractors have been helping older adults regain control of their lives for many years, with many success stories to support its effectiveness. For more information about chiropractic for seniors and how it may benefit you, please contact our office to schedule your consultation.

Children experience rapid growth and development during the few years of life. It is a time when musculoskeletal growth occurs quickly and often in ‘spurts’, putting stress on their young bodies. Though children may not experience pain or obvious complications from musculoskeletal injuries, even the tiniest subluxations may worsen and cause pain later in life if left untreated. Fortunately, children generally respond faster and more effectively to chiropractic treatment than adults do, and early treatment may also help prevent spine and nerve problems that could become symptomatic in the future.

Did you know… that chiropractic care is appropriate for children of all ages? Though the techniques for pediatric chiropractic treatment vary, the premise of care is the same for a 1-year old as it is for a 100-year old. Many parents choose to bring their infants to the chiropractor for adjustments shortly after the birthing process, which is physically demanding for newborns. Other activities that can cause subluxation in children include learning to crawl, learning to walk and sitting up without support for long periods of time.

Please visit International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (www.icpa4kids.org) for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my child needs chiropractic treatment?

Unless your child has sustained a serious injury, it can be difficult to determine whether he or she needs chiropractic treatment. That is why we recommend scheduling periodic chiropractic well-check visits to ensure your child’s spine and nerves are in optimal alignment for childhood development.

How often will my child need pediatric chiropractic treatment?

If your child is in good health and not experiencing pain, your chiropractor may recommend well visits one to two times per year. If, however, your child has suffered an injury resulting in pain or imbalances like limping or favoring one side, schedule an appointment with your child’s chiropractor right away.

Besides improving musculoskeletal health, what else can chiropractic do for my child?

We believe the body’s overall health is connected to the spine and nerves. We also believe that the body is capable of healing and recovering from traumas and injuries when given the proper tools to do so. Though treatment results vary from child to child, chiropractic may be beneficial for improving childhood conditions like ADHD, colic and even frequent ear infections.