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. 

Ulcers are sores that resemble a crater that can form within the lining of the stomach (gastric ulcers), right below the level of the stomach and the beginning of the small intestine called the duodenum (duodenal ulcers), or they can form in the esophagus (esophageal ulcers) which are much less frequent.  These can range in size from ¼ inch to 2 inches in size, but more frequently range from ¼ inch to ¾ inch.  Ulcers within the stomach and duodenum are typically referred to as peptic ulcers as a general rule.  Since the stomach is a muscle that essentially mixes juices to breakdown food particles, sometimes those liquids like hydrochloric acid and pepsin have a tendency to leak out if there is damage to the stomach lining; hence causes peptic ulcers. 

Causes

In general, too much acid and pepsin may damage the lining of the stomach.  However, more commonly there is another causation factor that makes the stomach lining more susceptible to general gastric acid.  For example, a person undergoing physical, chemical, or emotional stress is much more likely to develop ulcers than someone who doesn’t exhibit those particular stressors.

Treatment

If left untreated, ulcers may turn into bleeding ulcers or perforated ulcers.  Bleeding ulcers form when the ulcer has literally eaten through the blood vessel and the blood has entered the digestive tract.  Perforated ulcers form when the ulcer has eaten a hole through the stomach or duodenum and bacteria and partially digested food has entered into that hole causing further inflammation.  Things an individual can do to treat or prevent ulcers from reoccurring include the following: find out food allergies, eat healthy, and try to avoid daily stressors, use over-the-counter benzocaine, and finally seek a doctor’s help.  Individuals suffering from reoccurring mouth ulcers will find that their typically allergic to something in their everyday diet.  By eliminating this cause the ulcers should decrease and/or diminish significantly.  To determine what foods cause allergic reactions, get a food allergy blood test from your doctor.  This will show not only food allergies but sensitivities and the severity of the allergy to those particular foods.  There are many alternative ways to cope with stress and include: reading self-help books, talking to a psychiatrist or counselor, yoga and meditation, proper diet and exercise, chiropractic, acupuncture, massage therapy, social outreach groups, positive reinforcement, and any activity that provides uplifting and positive thoughts.

www.healthscout.com

www.ulcertreatment.org

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. 

Osteoarthritis (OA) is also known as degenerative arthritis or degenerative joint disease (DJD).  Symptoms may include pain, tenderness, clicking, locking, and inflammation.  OA most commonly affects the hips, knees, hands, feet, and spine.  When OA affects the hands, Heberden’s and Bouchard’s nodes may be present on the proximal and distal interphalangeal joints.  It has been researched that overuse and activity may be linked to the development of Osteoarthritis or dramatically increase one’s risk for the condition.  Overuse can damage the joints and break down the cartilage within them.  Ultimately, this will cause local pain and inflammation.  There are two types of Osteoarthritis: primary and secondary.

Primary and Secondary

This is a chronic degenerative disorder related to the body aging.  As we age, we lose the water capacity within our joints, causing the joints to therefore breakdown.  In the spine, OA will cause bony outgrowths known as osteophytes. On the contrary, Secondary OA is caused by one of the following conditions: Diabetes, congenital disorders of a joint, inflammatory diseases, septic arthritis, Marfan syndrome, obesity, Alkaptonuria, and Hemochromatosis. 

Diagnosis 

Diagnosis of OA is straightforward for the most part.  A physician will take a detailed case history and through physical exam; however, the real diagnosis is made once the physician looks at an x-ray report.  Upon x-ray of an Osteoarthritis patient, the physician will observe the following changes: decreased joint space narrowing, subchondral sclerosis, subchondral cyst formation, and osteophytes. 

Treatment 

There are many advancing treatments for the treatment of Osteoarthritis patients.  They include but are not limited to: lifestyle modification such as diet and exercise, analgesics, physical therapy, chiropractic care, surgery, glucosamine supplements, acupuncture, and other supplementation such as vitamin A, C, E, ginger, turmeric, omega-3 fatty acids, and chondroitin sulfate. 

Chiropractic care 

Chiropractors can significantly reduce the effects of OA.  They can increase range of motion and reduce pain and local inflammation by administering manual manipulations and incorporate physiotherapy modalities.  These modalities may include the following: ultrasound, electrical muscle stimulation, cold laser treatments, inter-segmental traction, whirlpool, spinal decompression, paraffin baths, and diathermy.  Since OA is a wear and tear type of condition, significant improvement is not very common.  The above treatments may help relieve the patient’s symptoms; however, most patients won’t get significant re-growth of the cartilage which has broken down.  Most will only see minor improvements according to the current literature out there. 

Everyone will experience at least one Muscle Pull within their lifetime.  More often than not, most Americans will suffer from them quite often, especially if their active in sports and exercise.  A muscle pull is also medically known as a muscle strain.  There are variable degrees of a muscle strain ranging from mild, moderate, to severe.  A strain literally means that some of all of the muscle fibers/tendon are torn to some degree.  It’s crucial to get into the practice of stretching before and after exercise and/or activity to reduce the possibility of a strain.   

Treatment for Muscle Strains

For acute mild to moderate muscle strains most physicians recommend using the PRICE regimen which stands for protect, rest, ice, compression, and elevation.  Severe strains may require splinting, bracing, or possible surgery to repair the tendon.  Although, all sprains will heal on their own, scar tissue will be present with every strain sometimes making this worse than the actually strain itself.  Scar tissue reduces range of motion, causes pain, and sometimes local inflammation.  In addition to the PRICE therapy, doctors may also incorporate physiotherapy modalities such as the following: electrical muscle stimulation, cold laser, ultrasound, inter-segmental traction, and whirlpool bed.  Other alternative modalities to speed up the cover process of a strain also include massage therapy, acupuncture, and physical therapy.  Massage therapists and physical therapists will also incorporate stretching exercises to facilitate the healing process and restore optimal range of motion to the muscle and the joint.

Chiropractic Care and You

Chiropractors are skilled in the musculo-skeletal system providing tailored adjustments to areas of subluxation and muscle restriction.  Muscle imbalance can cause the muscles of the spine to pull out of their normal alignment causing local pain and inflammation.  When this happens, Chiropractors determine that a subluxation exists and they use a specific adjustment to fix it.  These adjustments are almost always HVLA which stands for high velocity low amplitude.  By performing adjustments in this manner, the adjustments are quicker and safer to the patient; thereby reducing any unnecessary pain.  They will re-check this area post adjustment using static and kinetic palpation to see if the adjustment corrected the subluxation.  By correcting these abnormalities, proper nervous system function may be restored.  The nervous system controls and coordinates every organ system and body part in the entire human body.  When these nerves are interrupted, disease processes may ensue. 

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.    

About Migraines

Over 20 million Americans are affected by migraines each year and pain may last for several minutes up to several days. Factors that can cause this condition include: stress, allergens, diet, and/or changes in the weather.  Migraines can be debilitating and prevent people from performing everyday tasks at their job or at home.  They begin as painful headaches and become stronger as time passes.  Eventually the headache turns into a full-blown migraine.  Migraines occur when the body experiences lack of blood flow to the brain.  In other words, oxygen is deprived from the brain, causing tension and swelling in blood vessels.  Pain medicine will reduce some pain, but not all of it.   Natural remedies such as acupuncture are becoming more prevalent than prescribed medications. 

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a treatment that was originally practice as tradition Chinese medicine.  The Chinese believe it’s more effective to give the brain what it is missing rather than providing it with medications that mask the problem.  Acupuncture works to get to the root of the problem by relieving the tension that caused the migraine in the first place.  An acupuncture session will last 15-30 minutes and it will increase blood flow which gives the brain the oxygen it needs.  During treatment, the brain will feel a normal amount of oxygen passing through, which will decrease the size of the blood vessel.  Once the size of the blood vessels has decrease, the migraine will end.  Acupuncture gives patients an alternative to prescription medication and reduces the chances of migraines reoccurring.  Studies show that after 6-12 treatments, many patients were left free of migraines for several years.  The Journal of Chinese medicine states that there are no negative side effects from people who choose acupuncture as treatment. 

Natural Remedies 

Natural remedies are often less expensive and more helpful than buying over the counter medication.  Pain medication can lead to addictive behavior if abused over time.  One natural remedy includes taking a hot or cold shower to relieve pain.  The individual must allow direct water flow on the area that is causing all the pain.  If it’s too hard to take a shower, patients should take a warm bath with Epsom salt.  Also, lying in a dark room with a cold rag across the forehead can help with getting rid of the migraine.  Since the eyes are extremely sensitive to light during this time, it may help to wear sunglasses or something that prevents light from hitting the eyes.