There are several online chiropractor directory websites that are helpful for people who are trying to locate or research chiropractic physicians in their areas. These directories list current chiropractors state by state and their purpose is to create an easy to find database for current and prospective chiropractic patients. Chiropractic associations, such as the ACA, have websites that not only provide a directory of chiropractic physicians but also provide current chiropractic health information for both practitioners as well as for patients. A person can search these directories by entering a specific doctor, clinic, location, city, state or zip code. Some directories may also provide detailed maps and directions to the chiropractic clinics as well. A chiropractic directory can also include a detailed list of chiropractic associations, past and current chiropractic articles, alternative health care news, blogs by various chiropractic physicians and past and current research news and updates. Patients may also view chiropractic physician reviews through a directory, giving them a better idea as to the kind of experience and care other patients have received from certain doctors. Some directory websites may also provide information about specific health conditions and disorders that chiropractic physicians can possibly help to treat in their clinics. These listings can help by allowing a search for specific treatment options such as acupuncture, massage therapy, sports therapy, decompression treatment, nutritional counseling and traction.

Chiropractic Physicians and Chiropractic Students

Chiropractic physicians can use chiropractic directories to advertise their clinics. These directories help them to get the public more aware of their services and specialties. Both chiropractic physicians and chiropractic students can search directories for continuing education courses, employment postings, available equipment listings, reviews for chiropractic products, professional practices that are for sale and lists of chiropractic schools. Chiropractic directories are useful for both physicians and patients as they connect one to the other. They can help prospective patients learn more about the profession, read about specific doctors, what to expect at a visit and how to choose a chiropractor that fits well with their individual health care needs. Health insurance companies also provide a directory of chiropractic physicians that are networked with their company. These directories are useful in helping a patient to find what chiropractic offices will accept their health insurance plan. Because of these online search tools, no matter where a patient lives, they will be able to search and locate a chiropractic physician that is able to meet their health care needs.

References Cited in this Article

www.chirodirectory.com

www.chiropractor-pages.com

www.chiropracticdirectories.org                    www.chirohub.com

The term inflammatory bowel disease is used to describe conditions that cause inflammation within the digestive tract. Both ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease are conditions that fall into the category of inflammatory bowel disease and both can cause symptoms of fever, abdominal cramping and diarrhea that contains blood. A person who suffers from these conditions may also experience weight loss. There are some differences between ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. When ulcerative colitis is present in the intestines, the sections affected are the innermost lining of the colon (the large intestine) as well as the rectum. The inflammation from ulcerative colitis stretches throughout a continuous section of the colon whereas Crohn’s disease can occur in sporadic patches throughout the digestive tract and can penetrate deep into the tissues. While the location of these conditions is different, both ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease can cause debilitation and may cause serious life-threatening complications.

UC Symptoms

Ulcerative colitis can vary in severity and location and because of this the diagnosis will be specific to each individual. It can be specified as pancolitis (affecting the entire colon), left-sided colitis (inflammation from the rectum up the left side of the colon through the sigmoid and descending portion), ulcerative proctitis (inflammation of the rectum), proctosigmoiditis (inflammation present in the rectum and sigmoid colon) and the most life-threatening form of ulcerative colitis, fulminant colitis, which affects the entire colon but can lead to a rupture of the colon and severe distention which can lead to toxic megacolon. In general, ulcerative colitis is not dangerous and people will go through periods of symptoms and then a remission of symptoms. In mild cases, such as proctitis, the symptoms will not worsen. It is not completely known what triggers the onset of ulcerative colitis but it is thought that an immune response as well as genetics may be contributing factors. Some medications may also encourage ulcerative colitis or make current UC symptoms even worse.

Alternative Treatment Options

Crohn’s disease is a condition that causes inflammation within the digestive tract and there is no known cure. While this disease affects the digestive tract in different areas compared to ulcerative colitis, the symptoms and the treatment plan are similar. The common treatment for these forms of inflammatory bowel disease is anti-inflammatory medications and immune suppressants. Some people may also try other forms of care if these medications produce little or no relief or if side effects are bothersome. Alternative treatment options for both ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease include acupuncture, probiotics and prebiotics, supplements that include fish oil and dietary modification.

References Cited in this Article            www.webmd.com                    www.mayoclinic.com

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. 

Vertigo is a dizziness feeling when a person is standing completely still.  Vertigo is caused from a dysfunction with the 8^th cranial nerve called the Vestibular-cochlear nerve.  The dysfunction ultimately lies within the vestibular, or balance portion of the nerve and not the hearing portion. 

Symptoms of Vertigo

Vertigo presents the following signs and symptoms: nausea, vomiting, difficulty standing and walking, patient will feel like their swaying when standing still, and feeling of passing out.

Causes of Vertigo

Some known causes of Vertigo include but not limited to the following: Benign paraoxysmal positional vertigo, vestibular migraine, Meniere’s disease, vestibular neuritis, and excessive alcohol consumption.  Vertigo is divided into two classifications: either central or peripheral.

What is Central Vertigo?

Central Vertigo arises from the brainstem and can cause neurological symptoms.  These symptoms can range from slurred speech, double vision, and pathologic nystagmus which is eye fluttering. 

What is Peripheral Vertigo?

Peripheral Vertigo is caused by dysfunction within the inner ear or vestibular system.  Some causes include Meniere’s disease, BPPV, labyrinthitis, and inflammation. 

Nystagmus

Most vertigo sufferers will experience reoccurring symptoms.  This can be detrimental to one’s quality of life.  Nystagmus may be unilateral, bilateral, asymmetric, vertical, horizontal, congenital, or acquired.  Horizontal nystagmus occurs in patients suffering from a unilateral cerebral hemisphere disease, especially with posterior lesions.  Their eyes will drift horizontally towards the side of the lesion. 

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause of the vertigo symptoms.  Vertigo can be treated with pharmaceuticals taken by mouth, a patch on the skin, or an IV administration.  A bacterial infection causing symptoms will require an antibiotic, Meniere’s disease sufferers may also be required to be on a low salt diet in addition to meds, a hole in the inner ear will require surgery, and BPPV patients will have a maneuver performed on them called the Dix-Hallpike Maneuver.  This is where the doctor places the patient in a certain position in order to move the small stones to their correct position since they become displaced with this condition.  This particular movement is repeated until there is no longer visible eye movement or dizziness symptoms.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic Care may be utilized to decrease the symptoms of Vertigo.  Since the C1 vertebra is in such close proximity to the brainstem, when this bone is mis-aligned or subluxated it may cause dizziness or nausea.  C1 has many muscles that attach to it and when they become taut they can pull this bone out of its normal alignment causing a subluxation.  When this happens, some individuals will complain of headaches, nausea, dizziness, eye pain, ear aches, and general fatigue.

What is TMJ?  TMJ stands for Temporal-Mandibular Joint Disorder.  TMJD can be caused from trauma, disease, general wear and tear due to the aging process, and habits like chewing gum or motions with the mouth.  Trauma may be divided into two types such as micro-trauma and macro-trauma.  Micro-trauma is like teeth-grinding or clenching.  Macro-trauma would be described as a blow to the face in which the jaw is contacted.  This can break the jaw or even damage this disc (joint).  This area connects the lower jaw to the skull and allows for the jaw to open and close.  Two conditions which can affect the TMJ and cause significant pain and discomfort include both Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. 

Symptoms

TMJ Disorder is a general term clustering many different types of symptoms a patient may experience including but not limited to: locking of the jaw, clicking of the jaw, earaches, ringing in the ears, hearing loss, permanent speech abnormalities, toothache or loss, facial pain, and headaches.  Things you may notice are the following: pain on one side of the face, difficulty opening the mouth, your bite may feel off, you may feel dizziness, nausea, or even experience vomiting. 

Treatment

There are many treatment options available to TMJ sufferers and they include the following: Arthocentesis which is considered a non-invasive procedure by some which lasts about fifteen minutes in which the doctor drains the fluid that accumulated in the joint, Arthoplasty (surgery) may include repositioning of the disk itself, discectomy or removal of the disc, and joint replacement.  Some conservative treatments include the following: massage therapy, acupuncture, and Chiropractic care.  Massage therapists will work the facial muscles, and Chiropractors will re-position the joint itself either manually or with a specialized instrument.  Another effective treatment includes wearing a mouth-guard at night while sleeping.  This allows the mouth-guard to take the shock of the bruxism, or grinding.  These may be custom-fitted at dentist offices or basic mouth-guards may be sold at retail chains for a much-reduced fee and sell for around twenty dollars.  However, these mouth-guards require boiling in hot water prior to fitting them yourself.  Both are extremely effective in the treatment and management of TMJ Disorder. 

www.mayoclinic.com

www.emedicine.health.com

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an inflammatory condition that leads to swelling of the joints and surrounding structures causing pain and sometimes deformity.  Early symptoms include: fatigue, morning stiffness that lasts more than an hour, a loss of appetite, muscle aches, and weakness.  Joint pain will later follow and is typically on both sides of the body in the fingers, wrists, elbows, shoulders, hips, knees, ankles, toes, and the neck.  When the lining of the joint becomes inflamed this causes the synovial fluid to cause swelling in the affected joints.  Some additional symptoms related to Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) are: reduced range of motion, a low-grade fever, pleurisy, numbness, tingling, skin redness, swollen glands, and anemia.  Noticeable joint destruction is noted within 1-2 years of the onset of the disease. 

X-ray changes seen with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Although diagnosis is made by a detailed case history, physical examination, and laboratory studies; x-rays are equally important in the diagnosis of RA.  The changes that the physician will notate on an x-ray include the following: narrowing of the joint space, periarticular osteopenia, juxtaarticular bony erosions, subluxation and gross deformity, and periarticular soft tissue swelling.  The erosions seen with RA include Haygarth’s and Bouchard’s nodes.  These affect the MCP and proximal interphalangeal joints respectively.

Treatment

Unfortunately, Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic condition with no known cure.  The best treatment programs available for RA patients include medical, social, and emotional support of the affected patient.  Treatment is aimed at reducing pain and inflammation, reducing or eliminating the progression of deformities before they set in, and increasing range of motion and the patient’s quality of life through diet and exercise.  Treatment may include pharmaceutical medications, reduction of stressors to the joints, physical and occupational therapy, Chiropractic care, Acupuncture, massage therapy, and sometimes surgical intervention for severe deformities. 

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care is essential for anyone suffering from an arthritic condition.  The Chiropractor’s job is to reduce pain and inflammation, increase range of motion in all joints, and reduce subluxations or mis-alignments within the spine and/or extremities to prevent diseases from occurring within the human body.  They work on the most important body system in the human body-the nervous system.  The nervous system controls and coordinates every organ and body part.  Chiropractors utilize static and kinetic palpation to effectively determine the level of subluxation and therefore perform manual adjustments accordingly. 

Multiple Sclerosis is abbreviated as MS and is also known as disseminated sclerosis encephalomyelitis disseminate.  This is an inflammatory condition in which the myelin sheaths around the axons of the brain and spinal cord are damaged leading to demyelination and progressive and severe signs and symptoms.  This disease is much more common in females than males and has a tendency for temperate climates.  Most individuals affected are affected in their 30’s and 40’s but it can happen younger or older.  This condition was first described by Jean-Martin Charcot in 1868. 

What is happening in the body with MS?

MS prevents the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord to communicate with each other.  With MS, the body’s own immune system is attacking the myelin.  When myelin is destroyed, the axons can no longer conduct signals.  Multiple Sclerosis literally means plaque or scarring of the brain or spinal cord, especially the white matter as opposed to the grey matter.  People with MS tend to not respond to well to medications and have a life expectancy about 5-10 years less than those people not affected with MS. 

Signs and Symptoms

MS patients suffer from main signs and symptoms such as but not limited to the following: tingling, loss of sensations, numbness, muscle weakness and spasm, difficulty moving, difficulty with balance and coordination, speech and swallowing problems, visual disturbances, fatigue and sleep problems, acute and chronic pain, mood disturbances, and bowel and bladder difficulties.  Patients will also exhibit a positive Lhermitte’s sign; this is lightening-like sensations down the back when the patient performs active flexion of the neck.  This puts tension on the plaque-filled spinal cord, therefore causing intense pain.    

MS and Chiropractic Care

Chiropractors can greatly improve the signs and symptoms of an MS patient because Chiropractors work on the nervous system.  The nervous system is the most important system in the entire human body and controls and coordinates every organ system and body part in the human body.  They will work to restore the patients balance, coordination, sensations, speech, swallowing capabilities, etc. by working to restore abnormal-functioning nerves to restore homeostasis to this auto-immune state the body is in.  They may incorporate the use of physical therapy as well such as a wobble board or uneven seat cushion placed in a specialized chair to educate the patient on balance and stability. 

Do you have leg pain that is constant or comes and goes?  Many Americans suffer from leg pain each and every year.  Many conditions may cause leg pain such as but not limited to: varicose veins, artherosclerosis, strain, stress fracture, dehydration, medications, tendinitis, shin splints, blood clots, infections, arthritis, gout, nerve damage, tumors, sciatic nerve pain, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, and Slipped capital femoral epiphysis.  Home care for acute leg pain caused by strains and overuse consists of the PRICE therapy which stands for protect, rest, ice, compression, and elevation.

 Questions the doctor will ask the patient

Your physician will ask a host of questions like the following: When did your leg pain begin?  Is it one or both legs? What makes the pain better?  What makes the pain worse? Are you able to perform your activities of daily living? Are you suffering from any numbness or tingling and if so how far down does it go?  Are you currently on any medications and/or supplements?  Does your leg pain increase at different times of the day?  Can you describe your pain?  Is it dull,achy,severe/stabbing, etc?

 What to expect at your initial visit

 The physician will first begin to take a through case history and physical examination including range of motion and orthopedic testing.  One or more of the following diagnostic tests may be performed as well such as: Arteriogram, Bone biopsy, Bone scan, Duplex Doppler/ultrasound exam, MRI, or X-ray.

 Leg pain and Chiropractic care

 Depending on the condition at hand, Chiropractic may be able to help with acute or chronic leg pain.  Most of the time, Chiropractors will help facilitate the healing process of strain/sprains by utilizing the PRICE therapy as mentioned above.  They may also perform manual adjustments to the knee, hip, or ankle joint.  In addition, Chiropractors may incorporate physiotherapy modalities such as electrical muscle stimulation, ultrasound, whirlpool bed, cold laser, massage therapy, and acupuncture.

Frozen Shoulder, or the more formal name Adhesive Capsulitis is a condition in which the shoulder capsule surrounding the glenohumeral joint becomes inflamed and greatly restricts range of motion causing chronic, debilitating pain.  This is a very frustrating and long-lasting condition; the pain is usually constant, worse at night and worse in cold weather.  Treatment plans are often very lengthy and extensive.  There are multiple theories as to why individuals get Frozen Shoulder; some think it’s autoimmune whether others believe trauma plays a role.  Either way, patients can suffer from five months to greater than 3 years.  Patients not only suffer from pain and discomfort but have difficulty performing their activities of daily living such as getting dressed, bathing, and brushing their hair.  They may also suffer from chronic depression, and neck/back pain adding to their anguish.  Some common risk factors for Adhesive Capsulitis include: trauma, lung disease, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and connective tissue disorders. 

Treatment

Diagnosis of Frozen Shoulder is fairly easy.  Physicians like Chiropractors will perform orthopedic testing to diagnose this condition.  It is usually not necessary to perform any special imaging.  Like mention earlier, treatment for Frozen Shoulder can be lengthy, costly, and very painful.  Some treatment options include: massage therapy, Acupuncture, Chiropractic care, physical therapy, and surgery.  Depending on the patient’s age, length of the condition and severity will ultimately determine the treatment plan.  It’s important to realize that prevention may alter the course of this condition.  Full range of motion of the shoulder joint is encouraged even when painful.  This will prevent the glenohumeral (GH Joint) joint from becoming restricted.  Physical therapists and Chiropractors will work to mobilize the shoulder, perform exercises to free up the restrictions, and provide physiotherapy modalities to decrease pain and inflammation.  In addition, Chiropractors will check for subluxations within the joint itself and provide manual manipulations if necessary.  This will speed up the recovery process.    

What is Spinal Stenosis?

Individuals with spinal stenosis have a spine that is narrowed in one or three parts of the spine.  One to three of these areas could be affected: the center of the spine, the area where nerves branch from the spine, or in the vertebrae.  Narrowing in these areas adds pressure to the nerves and spinal cord which is what causes the pain to occur.  Spinal Stenosis is most common is both men and women over 50 years old.  Aging and changes in the spine is the most common cause of this condition.  As people age, the bones and joints enlarge and bones may bulge out.  These are all contributors to spinal stenosis.  Aging is a common factor to the cause but it’s possible to be born with a narrowing spinal canal as well.  Anyone who suffers a spinal injury during their lifetime is at risk too.  Some symptoms of spinal stenosis include pain in the back or neck, pain the in legs or arms, foot problems, and shooting pains in the legs.  Sometimes, there are no symptoms of these conditions and other times symptoms appear and get worse as time goes on. 

 How is Spinal Stenosis Diagnosed

During an examination, the doctor will conduct a thorough interview on medical history and then perform a physical exam.  He/she may also conduct other tests such as X-rays, MRI, CAT scan or a bone scan to gain a better understanding of the condition. 

Who Treats Spinal Stenosis? 

Spinal Stenosis can be treated by a variety of qualified specialists.  Some physicians include Rheumatologists (doctors for arthritis), Neurologists, Orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, and acupuncturists.  Doctors will refer you to the proper specialist based on your symptoms. 

Acupuncture treatment 

Before the treatment begins, patients are required to fill out a medical history questionnaire.  The physician will interview the patients about lifestyle habits, sleep, stress, diets and other things that may contribute to the condition.  Once the interview is complete, treatment begins.  It typically takes several sessions to feel a positive response to treatment.  The acupuncturist may use 6-12 needles and will insert them into different areas of the body.  As the needle is inserted, the patient may feel a prick, but once the needle is in the skin, there will not be any pain or discomfort.  If the patient does feel discomfort, he/she should alert the acupuncturist immediately.  Treatment usually lasts 20-30 minutes and patients should begin to feel relief after several sessions.