When your tooth hurts, you seek out a dentist. When a skin problem arises, a dermatologist can offer relief. For problems with the musculoskeletal system such as back pain, a chiropractic physician is your best option. Chiropractor back pain treatment plans are solely created on an individual basis, to fit each patient to their specific healthcare needs. There are many causes of back pain and many locations throughout the back where pain can arise.

Cervical Pain

The cervical spine is the region of the back that includes the spinal vertebrae from C1 to C7. This neck portion of the back can be injured from whiplash, sprains, strains and other forms of trauma and poor posture. A cervical spine fracture or a herniated disc will cause a tremendous amount of pain in the neck.

Thoracic Pain

The thoracic spine includes vertebrae beginning at T1 and extending to T12. This portion of the spine is the longest segment, covering most of the back beginning at the upper shoulders and extending to near the bottom of the ribcage. This large segment of the spine is the least flexible and because of this, back pain is less common in the thoracic spine.

Lumbar Spine

The lumbar spine contains the L1 through L5 vertebrae. It is this region of the spine that, when there is dysfunction or injury, will cause low back pain. Low back pain is very common and in most cases the cause of pain is not life-threatening. There are some rare medical conditions that do produce feelings of low back pain however, so it is important to seek treatment for persistent low back pain.

Diagnosis and Treatment

A chiropractic physician is trained in the diagnosis and treatment of all forms of back pain. The goal of chiropractic care to is eliminate the cause of the back pain whenever medically appropriate through conservative care options such as rehab, massage therapy and chiropractic manipulation. From a patient evaluation and physical examination, a chiropractic physician will determine if treatment is appropriate. There are some medical conditions that would prevent a chiropractor from beginning chiropractic care for a patient and in these instances, the patient would be referred to another medical specialist for care. For those patients that are indicated for chiropractic treatment plans, the length and type of care required for resolution of the back pain will be dependent on the severity and duration of the pain.

References Cited in this Article

www.spine-health.com                       www.medicinenet.com

whiplash

When the soft tissues of the neck become injured and produce pain and dysfunction, the condition is referred to as whiplash. This term is not a medical term but since its first usage in 1928, most people have used the term whiplash to describe cervical soft tissue injuries. Someone can sustain whiplash during a car accident, during a fall, an assault or participating in sports. The most common cause of whiplash is being involved in a motor vehicle accident as the speed of the cars during a collision causes sudden movement to the otherwise stationary bodies within the cars. The soft tissues of the cervical spine become injured when an abnormal or sudden movement to the neck causes the muscles to be strained beyond their normal range of motion. Because whiplash involves abnormal movement in the neck and often times with sudden forceful movement, whiplash is also referred to as acceleration flexion-extension injury, a cervical sprain or strain or a soft tissue cervical hyperextension injury. Whatever the name, the result is the same, pain and tenderness in the neck, inflammation, muscle spasms, headache, difficulty in moving the head and possibly radiating pain into the shoulders and upper extremities.

Neck Pain

Even though whiplash is a sprain or strain of the neck muscles, it is advised to seek medical attention immediately following the onset of neck pain. While for most people, the pain is a result of acutely sore muscles that have been strained beyond their normal range of motion, some neck pain may be a sign of something more serious. If the symptoms of neck pain are accompanied by dizziness or a feeling of numbness, tingling and weakness into the arms or legs, a trip to the emergency room is recommended. If serious conditions are ruled out during an emergency visit, a patient will be sent home with instructions to ice the cervical muscles for 20 minutes per each hour during the initial 24 hours, separating the ice from the skin with a thin towel. OTC medications will also be recommended such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce the pain and inflammation in the neck. Follow-up treatments such as chiropractic care or massage therapy may also be helpful in speeding the recovery time and helping to relax the strained muscles of the neck. Chiropractic modalities such as ultrasound, electric stimulation, mild traction and physical therapy exercises will be offered for pain relief. In general, people who have sustained a whiplash injury will fully recover within a time period of 6 weeks. A small amount of people will experience symptoms on and off for up to a year. There is no way to know how long symptoms will last but it is thought that if symptoms of whiplash appear very soon after the injury, then the healing process may take longer.

References Cited in this Article

www.emedicinehealth.com

www.nih.gov

www.mayoclinic.com

A visual disturbance is any abnormality in the ability to see. There are many types of visual disturbances such as double vision, loss of vision, blurred vision and a reduction in the visual field. In many instances, a visual disturbance is a symptom of another condition present. Neurological disorders can lead to vision problems as well as head trauma, cancer, vascular diseases, diabetes and some congenital conditions. When there is a loss of vision, the amount of loss can be partial or complete. Partial vision loss may allow a person to distinguish light from dark and see vague shapes. Vision loss can affect one eye or both, can appear suddenly and last temporarily or occur gradually and remain permanently. Some causes of vision loss include glaucoma, macular degeneration, damage to the optic nerve, cataracts and any damage to the retina. Among these causes of vision loss, the most common cause in the United States is macular degeneration. It is quite common that vision loss affects only certain areas of the eye (the visual field). For example, if a tumor is present that affects the left side of the brain or if a stroke has occurred that affects the brain on the left side, the visual field on the right side in both eyes can be affected, while the left side of the visual field is left unaffected. Another example would be if there is injury or a tumor near the pituitary gland, the outside of the visual field (peripheral vision) in both eyes can be affected while the inside of the visual field remains normal.

Vision Problems

Many times, if vision loss gradually occurs over time, the loss may not be noticed immediately. If vision loss is noted, it is important to seek care to possibly prevent further vision deterioration. A health history will be taken with questions emphasizing what symptoms are present and if any recent trauma has occurred. An eye examination will be performed testing the visual field, refraction, ophthalmoscopy, tonometry and a slit lamp exam. In some cases, the cause of vision loss may be successfully treated however in some instances, the cause of vision loss is not reversible. Treatable vision problems include cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration (if caught early enough) and trachoma (marked by repetitive eye infections that can cause blindness if not treated soon enough). While there are minor vision problems as well as serious cases, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as problems with sight begin because in some instances, early treatment can lead to a complete resolution of the problem.

References Cited in this Article

www.healthline.com

www.merck.com

www.livestrong.com

An episode of vertigo is similar to dizziness as the person does feel dizzy but it also differs from dizziness in that the person actually feels as if they are moving or that their environment is moving. The most common cause of vertigo is due to changing positions. Going from sitting to standing, bending over and then standing straight again, or standing up from a position of lying down can cause vertigo. These episodes of vertigo are called BPPV, or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and are typically not serious and can be effectively treated. Other causes of vertigo include inner ear disturbances such as inner ear infections, decreased blood flow to the brain, a tumor present in the nerve tissues called an acoustic neuroma, trauma to the head or neck, episodes of migraines, arteriosclerosis, diabetes and a condition called Meniere’s disease. An episode of vertigo can last for only a few minutes or as long as a few hours. Aside from the feeling of motion that is not actually present, nausea and vomiting may also occur as well as unusual eye movements, increased sweating, a ringing in the ears, hearing loss, trouble with walking and talking and vision changes.  

Reduce the Frequency

While most cases of vertigo are harmless, it is important to tell your doctor about any episodes that are present. A health history will include questions about the duration and frequency of vertigo, if any recent trauma such as whiplash has occurred and if there are any other symptoms present with the feelings of movement. Lab testing and an EEG may be helpful in examining blood sugar levels and heart rhythm as well. If something other than vertigo is suspected, a CT scan may be requested by the primary care physician to rule out any trauma to the brain or neck. If the cause of vertigo  has been diagnosed as being caused by an inner ear infection, treatment will include antibiotic medication. There are medications that can also be used for other causes of vertigo as well as vestibular rehabilitation exercises that work to place the body in specific positions that would normally cause vertigo and to repeat these positions until the vertigo is no longer present. There are simple ways to reduce the frequency of vertigo including changing positions slowly, eating small amounts of healthy snacks between meals to keep blood sugar levels steady, seeking medical attention immediately following any head or neck  trauma and receiving care promptly if an ear infection is suspected. For people who are at high risk for stroke, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, seeking immediate care when vertigo is present can help to avoid a more serious outcome.

References Cited in this Article

www.mayoclinic.com

www.emedicinehealth.com

www.neurologychannel.com

An ulcer is a sore that can develop in the lining of stomach, the duodenum (the beginning of the small intestines below the stomach) and the esophagus. Ulcers of the stomach are called gastric ulcers, ulcers of the duodenum are called duodenal ulcers and ulcers of the esophagus are called esophageal ulcers. Gastric and duodenal ulcers are also referred to as peptic ulcers.

Formation

Ulcers can form in the lining of these structures if there is too much acid and pepsin present. Too much acid and pepsin can cause damage to the lining of the stomach, duodenum and esophagus and this damage can lead to ulcers. The formation of ulcers may also develop even if acid levels are normal; if there has been previous damage to the lining from other causes, normal acid levels are strong enough to cause an ulcer in the damaged lining. The stomach lining is protected from acid and pepsin by bicarbonate formation that coats the lining and circulation of blood that generates new cells and repairs damage to the lining. If there is any impairment of these functions of the lining, an ulcer  may form. The most common cause of ulcers is the presence of the bacterium, H. pylori (helicobacter pylori). This spiral-shaped bacterium is found in the stomach and can burrow through the stomach lining, attaching to the stomach wall and  producing an ammonia-enzyme called urease.

Risks and Symptoms

Because of the risks and symptoms, it is important to seek treatment for an ulcer immediately. Left untreated, an ulcer could become a bleeding ulcer (the ulcer has reached blood vessels), a perforated ulcer (a complete hole has been eaten into the stomach or duodenum and allows food and bacteria to pass through the hole)  or cause a narrowing of the opening of the intestines. When an ulcer is present, a person may feel nauseated and fatigued and experience a burning sensation in between the breastbone and belly button. When someone has a bleeding ulcer, blood may be present in the stool and in vomit. There are instances where a person has an ulcer but feels no symptoms.

Diagnosis and Treatment

When an ulcer is the suspected diagnosis, an upper GI x-ray series with contrast may be performed.  Barium is a chalky drink that is swallowed to allow the ulcer to be seen on x-ray. A more detailed procedure called endoscopy may be done that allows a physician to send an endoscope through the esophagus, stomach and duodenum searching for an ulcer along the pathway. It is also important to determine if H. pylori is present because if it is, eliminating the bacterium will most likely cure the ulcer. Medication is used for the treatment of ulcers along with the recommendation of dietary and lifestyle modification. Proper diagnosis and treatment will help the healing process to begin but if no improvement is noted after several weeks of treatment or if symptoms worsen during treatment, surgery may be required. 

References Cited in this Article

www.healthscout.com

www.medicinenet.com

The temporomandibular joint connects the mandible (lower jaw) to the temporal bone of the skull located in front of the ear. This joint is present on both sides of the face and these two joints allow the jaw to move. Any dysfunction to these joints can lead to pain in the head, neck, facial muscles and ears. The inability to fully open the mouth may also occur as well as a clicking sound when the jaw moves and the jaw may also lock in position when open, which would indicate that the joint is dislocated. The TMJ consists of muscles, bones, nerves and blood vessels. Some of the muscles associated with the TMJ are also referred to as the muscles of mastication, meaning the muscles that allow movement for chewing. These muscles enable the jaw to open and close and the TMJ also works to provide movement that includes rotation and a hinge action, allowing the mouth to open and close and to open wider, such as is necessary during a yawn. Dysfunction that occurs to this joint is referred to as TMJ syndrome. This syndrome can be caused by injury to the joint, wear and tear as we age or improper habits such as grinding or clenching of the teeth.

Myofascial Release Techniques

It is important to seek treatment for TMJ syndrome when symptoms first present. Early symptoms are the same as later symptoms, just less intense. Early treatment will help to avoid any episodes of the jaw locking or severe pain throughout the face, ears and neck. A physical examination will be performed and the jaw will be examined, the physician noting any pain or tenderness and the range of motion of the joint. Imaging may be utilized but is not always necessary. Conservative care is normally adequate for treatment as the symptoms of TMJ syndrome do not usually last for long periods of time. Applying warm packs to the joint will help to alleviate pain and icing the area will help if there is any inflammation present. Chiropractic care generally focuses on trigger points within the muscles associated with the TMJ. Trigger points within the medial pterygoid muscle can cause pain in the face, the TMJ, ears, nose and neck. Myofascial release techniques such as stripping of the muscle and compression to the trigger points can be done to relieve tension and reduce pain. These techniques are rather painful but work well to alleviate symptoms of TMJ syndrome. Chiropractic care may also include joint mobilization with the use of the activator method. This method utilizes a small activator tool that is capable of delivering a low-impact, high frequency adjustment to small areas of the body, such as the TMJ. If grinding or clenching of the teeth is an issue, night guards can help to prevent these habits during sleep.

References Cited in this Article

www.emedicinehealth.com

www.altmd.com

Flexeril is an oral medication that is commonly used in conjunction with physical therapy treatment to calm muscle spasms that present following a musculoskeletal injury such as sprains and strains. Flexeril is a muscle relaxer that can help to decrease pain, spasm and tenderness, help to increase range of motion due to a decrease in pain and restriction and reduce muscular restrictions during daily activities. While flexeril works to calm muscle spasm, it has not been shown to provide any musculoskeletal relief for children with cerebral palsy or for people with cerebral or spinal cord disease. 

Most Common Side Effects

Generally, flexeril is prescribed in dosages taken three times per day. Initially, each pill is normally 5mg but if the results are not adequate, the amount can be raised by a physician to 10mg. It is not recommended to take flexeril for longer than 2 to 3 weeks. Do not increase the dosage amount or increase the amount of times per day that you take flexeril without permission from a doctor. Numerous side effects are not common with flexeril, only 1% to 3% of people experienced side effects during two double blind, placebo-controlled studies that included nervousness, constipation or diarrhea, nausea, blurred vision, headache, acid reflux, upper respiratory infection and pharyngitis. The most common side effects that were reported included dizziness, dry mouth and drowsiness. Because flexeril can cause drowsiness, you should avoid driving or performing any tasks that require concentration. Drinking alcohol while taking flexeril is not advised as the alcohol can increase the effects of drowsiness. As flexeril can interact with certain medications, it is important to give your prescribing doctor a list of any current medications that you are on.

Studies

Flexeril is considered a category B medication during pregnancy. In animal studies, doses given at 20 times the normal human dose produced no adverse results to fertility or in unborn animals. There are no study results for humans and therefore it is recommended that a woman who is pregnant or is planning on becoming pregnant not take flexeril unless absolutely necessary. It is unknown whether flexeril will pass through into breast milk however, since flexeril is similar to certain tricyclic antidepressants that are known to be excreted in breast milk, the use of flexeril while nursing is not advised.  For use in elderly patients, the risk of side effects such as hallucinations, confusion and cardiac problems may be increased. There have been no studies regarding flexeril done in children under the age of 15.

References Cited in this Article

www.rxlist.com                        www.healthcentral.com

www.drugs.com                     www.nih.gov

Are you pregnant and experiencing agonizing and unrelenting back pain?  You’re not alone; Pregnancy and Back Pain almost always go hand-in-hand.  The reasons why this happens is due to the following: you’re gaining weight, you’re walking in a different way, and your hormones are relaxing the muscles and ligaments in your body. 

How to ease back pain at home

There’s absolutely no reason to do nothing about the back pain while pregnant.  Here is a list of some common things to perform at home to reduce the effects: sleep on your side holding a body pillow between your legs and arms, sit and stand appropriately, always practice good posture by tucking the buttocks under bringing the chin and head to anatomical position, when lifting lift with your legs and also only objects that aren’t too heavy, wear proper fit shoes with a good arch support, exercise regularly but not strenuously, perform pelvic tilt exercises, and try heat or cold compresses at home. 

How to ease back pain outside of the home

While performing at home regimens is necessary, sometimes it’s just not enough to ease the pain and discomfort of back pain.  Some women choose to seek out the care of Chiropractors, Massage therapists, and Acupuncturists.  Some Chiropractors are skilled in the Webster technique, a technique which stabilizes the women’s pelvis by adjusting the sacrum and performing soft tissue techniques to the ligaments of the pelvis like the round, broad, and the sacro-tuberous ligaments.  Massage therapists may receive additional training in the art of pregnancy massage.  In these classes, the massage therapists are trained in proper bolstering of pillows, proper draping, and techniques to not only reduce the patient’s back pain but also the therapist who is performing the massage session.  It is always important to obtain clearance from the OBGYN before administering massage therapy, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy.  Skeptics claim that it could possibly cause a spontaneous abortion and must be contraindicated.  However, this has not been proven recently.  In addition, Acupuncture may provide the pregnant patient with reduced back pain and a sense of calm as well.  Acupuncturists will help to balance the patient’s chakras and meridians.  In the third trimester upon the delivery date, they will be able to induce delivery by applying pressure to specific points on the hands and feet.  These points may also reduce the pain that the pregnant women feels while laboring.   

It’s time to take control!  Some common conditions about Arthritis include but are not limited to the following:  What is Arthritis, who is at risk, What are the types of Arthritis, What are my treatment options, What can I do?  Arthritis is a group of conditions involving damage to the joints of the body.  The word “arthro” means joint and the suffix “itis” literally means inflammation.  46 million Americans of 1 in 5 people are affected with some kind of Arthritis.  Over the age of 65 years old, 2/3 of Americans are affected.  This is the most common cause of disability in the United States.  Medical costs for this condition top $81 billion annually and accounts for $47 billion in lost wages annually.  There are 750,000 hospitalizations per year due to Arthritis and 36 million out-patients cases annually.  The percent of adults with Arthritis is expected to increase in 48 states between 2005 and 2030. 

Types of Arthritis

There are two types of Arthritis primary and secondary.  Primary Arthritis includes the following subtypes: Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Gout, AS, and Septic Arthritis.  Secondary Arthritis includes: Psoriatic, SLE, Reactive, and autoimmune disorders. 

Signs and Treatment of Osteoarthritis (DJD)

DJD can cause joint pain, stiffness, crepitus, loss of motion, and eventual weakness.  What are my treatment options for Arthritis?  Go see a doctor now, determine your current status, discuss your course of action, and direct you mind and focus to getting better.  Treatment goals should be reducing pain, promoting healing, restoring function, regaining strength and stability, changing your habits, and maintaining homeostasis or balance within your body.  Your diet should include the following: lean protein, complex carbohydrates, good fats, multi-vitamins, flaxseed oil, Glucosamine Sulfate, and at least 6-8 hours of rest per night. 

Alternative Treatment

The Archives of Internal Medicine said the number of people seeking alternative healthcare is on the rise.  Recent studies have shown that people are seeking natural healthcare providers that offer a drug-free approach to pain relief rather than a traditional medical approach.  Thomas Edison once said, “The doctor of the future will give his patients no medicine, but will interest his or her patients in the care of the human frame, in a proper diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease.”  Furthermore, Mark Twain stated, “Be careful about reading health books.  You may die of a misprint.”  Chiropractic care, physical therapy, massage therapy, and acupuncture are all great adjuncts in helping to treat and manage the signs and symptoms of Arthritis.    

Many individuals wonder, “How can I adjust my work station to fit my body?”  Well here’s your chance to learn just that.  Let’s first begin by understanding what the work ergonomics means?  “Ergo” means to work, and “nomics” means rules or laws.  This means the laws of work figuratively speaking.  OSHA defines ergonomics as, “the science of designing the job to fit the worker, instead of forcing the worker to fit the job.”  Ergonomics helps to make the job safe as well as decrease the strain on the human body.  This will help with being healthy and happy as well.  This saves the company much more money in both the short and long term. 

Two Categories of Ergonomic Factors

 There are two ergonomic factors, they are physical and environmental.  Environmental problems include but are not limited to the following: excessive noise levels, inadequate lightening, and fluctuations in temperature.  Physical factors can put pressure on the joints, ligaments, and muscles of the human body therefore causing pain, irritability, and absenteeism.  These are sometimes referred to as Cumulative Trauma Disorders or Repetitive Strain Injuries.  These may include: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Epicondylitis, Tenosynovitis, and Bursitis.  Most of these injuries would not happen if only performed once but thousands of repetitions later it begins to become a physical problem.  Such factors include: thousands of strikes typing, clicking the mouse over and over, and hours of filling, stocking, and lifting.  Awkward positions can also cause a physical problem such as: having an anterior head carriage and rounded shoulders at the computer desk, reaching to the mouse, an abnormal angle while typing, lifting items above shoulders or below the waist, twisting to look at the computer monitor, and bringing the ear to the shoulder while on the telephone.  These can all put unnecessary strain on the shoulders, back and neck creating pressure; therefore, pain.  Too much more on the keyboard, improper grip, and stamping are all types of pressure that can cause repetitive stress injuries as well.  When seated, your elbows should remain hanging at the sides of your shoulders and they should be as relaxed as possible.  In addition, you should use a back rest, keep your feet planted on the floor, and decrease the need to lean forward.  Next, keep your wrists in a neutral and comfortable position and be sure to not bend them up and down or side to side too much.  These are all simple tips that should be practice for Office Ergonomics and also at home too!

Source: OSHA