Running is a sport of passion; why else would runners push their bodies to the limit.  Running injuries are unfortunate but a very common occurrence.  Fast and proper identification of running injuries is the key to receiving effective treatment.  Chiropractic, physical therapy, and massage therapy can help to keep you on the trails!  If you are a long time runner or just starting out, ask your chiropractor about common running injuries to watch out for.  Some very common injuries include but are not limited to the following: ITB Syndrome (Iliotibial Band), Plantar Fasciitis, heel spurs and stress fractures, Achilles tendonitis, Patellar tracking disorder, pelvic imbalance, and a spinal subluxation.  It is crucial to work yourself up to a large run; this is a gradual process that should involve training, adequate stretching, and of course chiropractic care.  Running into Problems while you’re on a run is not ideal!  Injuries to athletes of all ages can have long term effect on the overall health and fitness of the individual.  In many cases, sports injuries can be due to overuse of a particular area of the body.  Don’t let sports injuries prevent you from doing what you love; don’t let surgery be your first choice or your last option.  Discuss conservative treatment options with your Chiropractor before your condition requires surgical intervention.  Chiropractors, physical therapists, and massage therapists have extensive experience rehabilitating a number of conditions. 

Chiropractic care

Chiropractic works to restore balance to the most important body system in the human body-the nervous system.  The nervous system controls and coordinates every organ and body part.  Chiropractors eliminate interference to the nervous system by eliminating subluxations, or mis-alignments to the spine.  Their goal is to allow the nervous system to function at optimal level or in the top 10% of health.  If there is interference to that particular nerve, the organ that corresponds to that nerve may not function properly and disease may ensue.  Chiropractors deliver a HVLA (high velocity low amplitude) thrust to correct the subluxation allowing the body to function properly.  This will in turn alleviate muscle tension and fixation of immobile joints.  In addition to regular adjustments, your Chiropractor may incorporate corrective rehabilitation such as mechanical traction to re-shape the curves in your spinal column.  These may be abnormal from a car accident, trauma, or repetitive stress injury.  They may also provide passive modalities such as electrical muscle stimulation and ultrasound, massage therapy, acupuncture, and assisted resisted technique type of stretching. 

Whiplash or WAD (Whiplash Associated Disorder) is a serious condition that can affect an individual’s activities of daily living and their overall quality of life.  Most people associate whiplash with an automobile accident and that of course is the number one way to receive whiplash; however, whiplash (WAD) can also be from other accidents including: falls from ladders, roofs, horses, bicycles, skiing and diving accidents, etc.  The signs of symptoms of WAD can be very vague immediately following the accident.  Some sufferers don’t even seek medical care because their completely pain-free.  However, the hours following the accident and typically the next day, victims complain of increased pain in the neck, head, shoulders, headaches, pins and needles in their neck sometimes traveling down their arm into the hands, and even light sensitivity. 

Whiplash treatment

In Whiplash, the muscles and ligaments of the neck get stretched with the acceleration and deceleration and the tiny cervical spine bones can even fracture dislodging segments into free space.  This type of injury, called a tear-drop fracture is extremely unstable and must be treated with a hard cervical collar and possible surgery to correct.  In contrast, most whiplash cases are not severely unstable and can be treated through the use of Chiropractic care.  The Chiropractor will assess the extent of damage through palpation, range of motion evaluation, orthopedic testing, and x-rays if needed.  He/she will then establish a treatment protocol based on the severity of injury and whether it’s acute or chronic.  They will most likely apply some form of hydrotherapy and of course manipulate the cervical spine.  Massage therapy is also an excellent adjunct to treating Whiplash.  The anterior and posterior muscles of the cervical spine get stretched causing micro-tears within the muscle.  Once the patient is no longer in the acute stage, massage therapy may be administered in accordance to the severity of the whiplash and the patient’s pain tolerance.  The massage therapist may also incorporate stretching and trigger point release in order to further release tension.  A Whiplash of even five miles per hour can take a normal cervical spine and completely reverse the curvature.  When this is visible on x-ray, cervical mechanical traction should be introduced as soon as the musculature has had adequate time to heal.  Cervical mechanical traction stretches the deformed ligaments allowing the bones to move and the muscles to maintain in a normal stance.  Ligaments are elastic and very resilient to change; a ligament doesn’t even begin to stretch until six minutes of traction.  This is slowly increased in gradual steps to a maximum of twenty minutes. 

According to Wikipedia, “paralysis is the complete loss of muscle function of one or more muscles.  Paralysis can be accompanied by a loss of feeling (sensory loss) in the affected area if there is sensory damage as well as motor.”  Paralysis is almost always due to damage within the nervous system, especially the spinal cord.  This can be due to accidents such as car accidents, diving accidents, etc.  Other major known causes of paralysis may include: stroke, nerve injury, poliomyelitis, ALS, Multiple Sclerosis, Guillain-Barre Syndrome, Spina Bifida, and Botulism.  Certain known drugs may also cause paralysis such as Curare.  Although, these are the most common forms, there is also sleep paralysis which are caused by various other factors. 

Two types of Spinal Cord Injuries

There are two types of spinal cord injuries which can cause paralysis: complete and incomplete spinal cord injuries.  Complete refers to the complete loss of function below the level of the injury.  On the contrary, incomplete spinal cord injury results in some sensation and feeling below the level of the injury.  The prognosis of a spinal cord injury depends on many factors like the following: where in the spine the injury occurred, which nerves are affected, and the severity of the injury itself.  Physicians typically tell patients that some recovery will be noted within six months following the injury if there will be any; however, after six months recovery of any kind is very unlikely overall.

Spinal Cord Injury Treatment

There are some treatments tailored to these injuries and include the following: installing a ventilator for upper spinal cord injuries to allow the patient to breathe and perform some activities of daily living, pressure sore management, and arm and leg reconstruction. 

Alternative Treatments

Although Chiropractors work on the nervous system it hasn’t been studied whether or not they can improve the nervous system of someone suffering from paralysis.  This is extremely unlikely though.  However, they may be able to administer some massage therapy to taut muscles and provide the patient some much-needed stress relief.  

Seeking a health provider for an individual’s healthcare needs is an important step on the successful road to their recovery. The type of care the individual doctor provides is the most important bit of chiropractor information a prospective patient would need in making their physician choice. Chiropractor information is available online at their clinic websites. Almost all chiropractic physicians have a website and these sites are very helpful in determining whether or not their office and practice style would be a good fit for a patient. Primary care referrals are also helpful because medical doctors will only refer their patients to a chiropractor that is well respected and trusted in a community. The Better Business Bureau and a local Chamber of Commerce will also be able to help a patient locate an appropriate chiropractic physician. Because each chiropractor brings with them different skills and accomplishments and educational certifications, finding a chiropractor that is trained in specific care is important as well. There are chiropractic physicians that have received additional education and certification in pediatric chiropractic care while others have a diplomate in sports chiropractic care.

The Chiropractic Profession

Chiropractic care is a form of conservative therapy that works to treat as well as prevent certain health care problems. This form of treatment focuses on the entire body and the problems it may have with form and with function. Because more patients are looking for conservative treatment options, the chiropractic profession is projected to grow. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of practicing chiropractic physicians present in the United States is expected to increase by 20% in the ten years from 2008 to 2018. According to the World Chiropractic Alliance, roughly 27 million Americans visit a chiropractic physician each year. In general, chiropractic students who will graduate are expected to easily find employment as this number of patient visits is expected to rise. Students who join multidisciplinary groups with a variety of healthcare providers are expected to be more successful. Students will also have the opportunity to find employment within the United States military as it is becoming more common for this government entity to hire chiropractic physicians and staff them in VA hospitals and military base hospitals. The chiropractic profession is growing and integrating more effectively into mainstream medicine. This integration is the most beneficial for patients as it gives them an alternative therapy and more health options that will only improve their health conditions.

References Cited in this Article

www.consumersresearchcncl.org                    www.worldchiropracticalliance.org

www.bls.gov

www.nlm.nih.gov

Have you experienced an un-successful Back Surgery?  Nearly half of all back surgeries are deemed un-successful, many are often repeated.  Back surgery should be the last resort of back pain or reserved for emergency situations.  There are many causes of back pain and include the following: strain/sprains, Sciatica, Piriformis syndrome, cancer, space-occupying lesions such as tumors, infections, disc herniations, rib fractures, subluxations or mis-alignment of vertebras, Scoliosis, repetitive injuries, trauma, whiplash, pregnancy, etc.  However, only few cases require back surgery as in spinal cord involvement.  One potentially life-threatening condition is Cauda Equina Syndrome.  This is an emergency room referral where the patient loses bowel and bladder control.  The spinal cord is involved and this requires immediate surgical repair. 

Chiropractic care

Chiropractors are skilled physicians trained in the art of static and kinetic palpation of the spine and extremities.  They take over seventy courses in the following area: human anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, pathology, clinical nutrition and biochemistry, embryology, histology, orthopedic evaluation and testing, radiology, and clinical application of skills.  They spend about sixteen months as a Chiropractic intern under the supervision of a clinician.  Here, they tailor and perfect their diagnostic skills, doctor-patient skills, and manual manipulation.  Once the Chiropractor takes a through case history and physical examination, he/she will come up with a diagnosis of the back pain and implement a specific treatment plan for the individual patient.  They will perform different Chiropractic techniques such as: Diversified, Activator protocol, Cox Flexion/Distraction, Thompson, Sacral Occipital Technique (SOT), Chiropractic Bio-Physics (CBP), Palmer package, and Logan basic technique.  They may also incorporate physiotherapy modalities such as: electrical muscle simulation, ultrasound, inter-segmental traction, whirlpool bed, cold laser treatments, spinal decompression, etc.  They may also employ the use of a clinical massage therapist and/or acupuncturist to further achieve the desired results.  If the Chiropractor has exhausted all techniques and modalities to help the patient, he/she will refer to the appropriate physician for a better prognosis.  In certain instances this may be an orthopedic surgeon for back surgery; however, it is deemed the final resort. 

Have you suffered from an Ankle Sprain that has left you will residual pain and discomfort?  Ankle sprains are extremely common, an estimated 25,000 per day.  Ankle sprains may happen to athletes and non-athletes alike, they may happen during a football game, or by stepping off a stoop the wrong way.  The ankle joint is medically known as the talocrural joint.  Three bones make up this joint, the tibia, fibula, and talus.  Ligaments of the joint are grouped into two categories: the lateral collateral ligaments and medial collateral ligaments.  There are many ligaments that hold the ankle in place; however, when stretched beyond the normal barriers the ligament gets tears within it causing a sprain.  These sprains happen when the ankle twists, rolls, or turns beyond its normal capability.  When an excessive force is applied to the ankle, you might even hear a “popping” sensation followed by extreme pain and inflammation.  Many individuals who experience a bad sprain cannot place any weight on the foot itself and require the help of a crutch for walking and healing. 

Grades of sprains

There are three grades of sprains and they go as follows: grade one is mild and cause slight stretching of the ligaments and some damage to the fibers of the ligament.  Grade two is a moderate sprain and causes a partial tear in the ligament; laxity in the ankle joint is also noted with this sprain.  Grade three is a severe sprain in which the entire ligament is torn and gross instability is noted. 

Treatment of ankle sprains

With a grade one sprain, do not splint or cast the ankle, range of motion exercises are performed to strengthen the ankle.  With a grade two ankle sprain, immobilize the ankle with an air cast, and range of motion exercises are also performed.  With a grade three sprain, complete immobilization of the ankle is performed and surgery may be needed for repair of the ligaments.  These treatments may be performed by a licensed medical doctor, physical therapist, or chiropractor.  Once the ankle completely heals, manual manipulation by a chiropractor may be performed if subluxation is noted in the ankle. 

Cervical radiculopathy is a condition in which a nerve in the neck becomes irritated as it is exiting the spinal canal. Nerves in the neck travel along a course to innervate the arms as well as provide electrical signals to the specific muscles of the shoulders, arms and hands. During a car accident, if a disc becomes herniated due to the force of the accident, cervical radiculopathy can develop from that injury. Symptoms include pain, numbness, weakness and tingling into the shoulders, arms and hands. Neck pain and headaches around the back of the head are common. Reflexes may also be impaired due to cervical radiculopathy. A car accident injury such as a disc herniation that can lead to cervical radiculopathy requires medical intervention.

Discs and Nerves

Treatment for neck pain will not begin until a thorough medical history and physical examination is taken. The physical exam will most likely include a test of the spinal nerves as well. For disc problems, an MRI is the diagnostic imaging tool that is most helpful in showing a physician where the specific problem is located along the spinal column. This imaging can show soft tissue areas as well as discs and nerves. Once the problem area has been located, treatment usually begins with passive care such as electrical stimulation, ultrasound, ice therapy (if in the acute stage) and heat therapy (if 48-72 hours after injury), light massage therapy and in some cases mild chiropractic mobilization of the cervical joints. Long-term medical advice may include strengthening exercises of the neck muscles to help protect the cervical spine in the future.

References Cited in this Article

www.umm.edu

www.nih.gov

Most people, when asked about whiplash, would respond that it is a neck injury that is commonly caused by sudden, violent movement of the head and neck. While this is accurate, the injury generally offers a more complex explanation. Following a traumatic event such as an automobile accident or other sudden acceleration/deceleration movements, the soft tissues of the neck become injured. Depending on the severity of the movement, the intervertebral joints and discs of the neck as well as nerve roots can be damaged along with the muscles and ligaments. Again, depending on the amount of trauma, pain may be felt immediately or can take days to develop. Pain can be limited to only the neck area but may also be felt into the shoulders and back. If nerve roots are affected, numbness and tingling into the arms may be felt. Fatigue and depression may follow if a whiplash injury is left untreated or, while treated, pain remains lengthy or unresponsive to care.

More than Meds

 It is recommended that a person suffering from a whiplash injury should take OTC pain medications and/or no steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to help alleviate pain and swelling in the neck but it is also true that whiplash symptoms sometimes require more than meds to expedite pain relief. Passive physical therapies, along with cervical traction, range of motion exercises and heat therapy may also be prescribed for a patient suffering from whiplash. In most cases, pain and discomfort from a whiplash injury will respond well to conservative treatment and the patient will recover fully within several months. It has been noted that if a patient receives care immediately following acute whiplash injury, their recovery time may be reduced and essentially more successful.

References Cited in this Article

www.nih.gov

www.medicinenet.com

Causes of Upper Back Pain

Upper back pain can occur for a variety of reasons.  One person may sustain a back injury from a car accident or a contact sport, while others may have pain from poor posture.  Many people who sit at a desk for long periods of time will complain of upper back pain because of poor posture.   Back aches often occur if the muscles are overused or lack strength.  People who sit at a desk all day should practice stretching and strengthening exercises to help prevent reoccurring pain. 

 Treatment for Back Pain

Chiropractic care is an effective, non-surgical way to help ease back pain and aches.  Bach aches are very common and occur when the vertebrae is misaligned.  Other causes of back pain are sprains or results from an injury.  Back aches take time to heal and the pain typically takes weeks to subside.  Seeking a chiropractor is a natural approach to improving medical conditions because they do not prescribe any medications.  Chiropractors believe that restricted spinal movement is the cause of back pain.  Spinal manipulation is a chiropractic technique used to treat an immobile spine.  This treatment will help improve spinal movement that will increase range of motion and decrease back pain.  When chiropractors perform an adjustment, they will place their hands on the patients back and apply force to the joint.  This force will push the spine beyond its typical movement and motion.  Pushing the spine beyond movement will increase the range of motion and help to relieve back pain.  Chiropractors may also use other pain relief techniques such as exercise, stretching, and massage methods to help relax muscles. 

Poor posture and overuse of the back muscles are two main causes to a back ache.  A back ache may also be caused from trauma of an accident such as whiplash.  The most serious cases of back aches are a ruptured disc or osteoporosis, a disease where the bones become very weak and can shatter from the weight of the spine.  The two most common areas of back aches include the trapezius, muscles in the shape of a triangle in the upper back, and the shoulder blades.  If you are encountering back aches and have sustained an injury or are diagnosed with a medical condition, you should seek your physician immediately.  However, if your back hurts from overuse, strain, or poor posture, you should seek acupuncture treatment to alleviate pain. 

 Acupuncture Treatment

Many studies are showing that acupuncture relieves back aches for a long period of time and effectively cures the condition. Researchers studied a group of 1,000 people receiving six months of acupuncture treatment for back pain.  More than half of the group experienced improvement.  More individuals are seeking acupuncture treatment as an alternative to pain medication and surgery as there are no negative side effects to acupuncture.  Typically, an acupuncture session lasts for an hour and a half and is painless.  Patients may feel a pinch when needles are first inserted, but generally, pain is not encountered during treatment.  Some sensations that may occur during acupuncture treatment range from nothing at all to mild tingling or slight numbness, but subside once the needle are removed.  Sometimes patients will need to go through 5-10 treatments before experiencing any positive effects from treatment.