Tendonitis is one of the most common elbow problems. It is caused due to inflammation. It is also known as tennis elbow. This can occur when the tendon that is connected to elbow joint gets irritated from overuse or due to an injury. Other conditions that lead to referred pain in the elbow are arthritis and problems in shoulder or wrist.
When the motion of the arm is straight up and down, the elbow joint works best. Side to side movements and rotation are not very well tolerated. If there is too much stress in these directions, it can cause irritation in the elbow tendons and hence tendonitis condition. Another reason for joint irritation can be repeated vibration forces under weight bearing. Sports that can cause this condition are racket sports, tennis and even golf. Continuous irritation of the tendons of the elbow can result in cacific tendonitis which is a form of arthritis.
Injuries of the elbow or other elbow problems resulting from overuse can affect a lot more than just the elbow joint. Problems with elbow can also affect the strength of the grip too. Shaking hands can also be a painful work. Elbow pain can affect any place from the shoulder to the wrist. Turning forces can worsen the situation in case of elbow problems caused by inflammation. One of the activities that might worsen tennis elbow is to perform repetitive screwdriver like activities with the sore arm.
Your chiropractor can help by first examining the condition of the elbow. Early calcification of the tendons around the joint can be determined with the help of x-rays as this can be one of the reasons it keeps coming again and again. Your condition can be improved to a great degree with the help of manipulation, ultrasound and similar therapeutic measures.
Most people probably know that chiropractors treat neck pain and back pain and that their method of treatment is the chiropractic adjustment. Adjustments to the spine are effective for restoring the proper motion to the joints and helping to reduce pain and muscle spasm. What they may not know is that this method of treatment can be used to treat all of the joints of the body. The same types of problems that lead to neck and back pain can occur in the joints of the extremities as well. The extremities are the arms, hands, legs, and feet.
Just like in the spine, extremity joint problems are often caused by traumatic injury or by repetitive stress on the joints from poor posture or ergonomics or improper technique in the activities we are doing. Problems can also arise from lack of flexibility which alters the way we do things and can put added stress on the joints. People who participate in sports or other physical activities are especially vulnerable to these types of problems.
All the parts of our body are connected to each other by joints. We call this a kinetic chain, which means a change of movement. If one part of the chain is not moving properly then the other parts are affected. When the mechanics of movement are changed it places added stress on joints farther down the chain. This can lead to pain and injury. For example if the joints of the low back and pelvis are not moving properly, it can put added stress on the knees or ankles. The opposite is also true. Improper movement in the foot and ankle can put added stress on the low back. Even though we feel the pain in one place the problem may be in a different area.
Chiropractic adjustments to the extremities, along with treatment of the soft tissues, help to ensure that all the joints are moving properly and increase flexibility. They can help to increase our range of motion and allow us to use proper technique in the activities we are doing. They can also help improve our performance and prevent injuries due to altered mechanics of movement.
Aches and pains in the joints are not normal. If you or anyone you know is experiencing joint pain, find a chiropractor and find out how chiropractic treatment can be beneficial for you.
Even though when I first decided to become a chiropractor I had never been a chiropractic patient, I had already seen its benefits in the lives of others. I had been with my dad on a number of occasions when he could no longer walk upright because of his back pain but would often walk out of the chiropractor’s office standing tall and practically pain free. I had heard my grandpa’s story about his entire leg going numb while driving a big truck but after a visit to the chiropractor his leg was back to normal. That’s why when I decided to pursue a career as a health care professional I knew that chiropractic was a profession I should consider.
Along with chiropractic, I researched the fields of medicine, dentistry, podiatry, and optometry. They all had positive aspects but what I liked most about chiropractic was that it was a natural form of treatment that aided the body’s ability to heal itself and that the only prescription was exercise and lifestyle changes. I felt that many medications were useful and necessary in some cases but can also have undesirable side effects. I personally never liked to take medication unless it was necessary because I didn’t like how it made me feel so I liked the idea of being able to help people in a more natural way. I also liked the emphasis on achieving and maintaining the proper movement in the joints of the body. This made a lot of sense to me from a practical standpoint since our joints are made to move.
Another thing that I liked about chiropractic was the hands on and conservative way that many chiropractors approach health care and the strong role that rehabilitation plays in their treatment. This coincided well with my interest in sports medicine. Having been an athlete for most of my life and having sustained various injuries, I could see the value that this kind of treatment could have for athletic injuries.
For all these reasons and the fact that it was a profession that would allow me to work for myself and have time to spend with my family was why I became a chiropractor. I have been in practice for several years now and chiropractic has lived up to my expectations. I enjoy not only helping people to get out of pain but also teaching them what they can do to keep the pain from coming back. I enjoy helping people to take charge of their own health and become more active. And I enjoy the connection that I have with each patient as we work together to improve their quality of life.
Now that I’ve not only been able to help people as a healthcare provider, but I’ve also been the recipient of chiropractic care, I still see the positive effect it has on other peoples’ lives but now I have firsthand experience with its benefits in my own life.
Although the first person an athlete thinks of when he or she gets injured might not be a chiropractor, chiropractic for the treatment of athletic injuries has gained much popularity in recent years as athletes of all types have discovered the benefits that it can have. Most professional sports teams as well as the US Olympic team have chiropractors on staff. In fact the current director of the USOC sports medicine clinics in Colorado Springs, CO is a chiropractor.
So why should you see a chiropractor for your sports injury? Even though most people probably think of chiropractors as treating back pain or neck pain, we really treat all the joints and muscles of the body. We focus on body mechanics and joint movement and work to restore and maintain the proper movement of the joints. This is very important for athletes since improper mechanics and movement can put additional stress on our body tissues and cause the aches and pains that we often think are just part of being active. Our treatment focuses not only on the relief of pain but also determining and correcting the cause of the injury so that the athlete is less likely to reinjure the area.
Some injuries are caused by trauma due to contact with other players or objects but many arise from improper body biomechanics, improper sporting techniques and improper conditioning. These types of problems lead to injuries that occur when making quick movements or landing from a jump or injuries that come on slowly and get progressively worse. If the biomechanical or technique problems are not corrected, these injuries are likely to return over and over again. Chiropractors have extensive training in biomechanics and are able to determine where muscle imbalances, improper joint movement or poor technique exists and can treat the problems accordingly. They can also give you proper exercise instruction to rehabilitate your injury and prevent future injury.
Many athletes have discovered that not only can chiropractic treatment help them return to their sport or activity without the previous pain but can improve their performance as well. It is effective for everyone from weekend warriors to elite athletes. If you participate in a sport or just live an active life, talk to a chiropractor about how you can do what you love to do without pain, prevent injury and improve your performance.
One of the many conditions that chiropractors treat is shoulder pain. The shoulder is a complex structure made up of several joints and many muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Pain in the shoulder can be caused by many different things so the first thing that needs to be done is determine the cause of the pain and then determine the tissues that are involved.
The main shoulder joint is the joint between the humerus, which is the upper arm bone, and the scapula or shoulder blade. There is also a joint between the scapula and the clavicle or collar bone. There is also a significant amount of movement that occurs between the scapula and rib cage. This is not a true joint but it is an important part of the shoulder complex.
Since the area that we call our shoulder can be anywhere between the neck and the upper arm, the specific area where the pain is felt is important in determining the cause of the pain. If the pain is closer to the neck or in the shoulder blade area it is likely being felt in the muscles of that area which control movements of the head, scapula, and arm. This type of pain is often caused by repetitive movements or poor posture and ergonomics. It can also stem from problems with the movement of the joints of the spine in the neck and upper back which cause these muscles to become tight and sore.
If the pain is felt more toward the outside of the shoulder, closer to the arm, it is more likely a problem in the tendons or ligaments of the shoulder joints. This type of pain usually arises from traumatic injury to the area, such as a sports injury, or from dysfunction in the joint movement which can cause the tendons to get pinched between the bones. The pinching of the tendons is called impingement and is a common cause of pain when raising the arm up or doing activities with the arms above the head.
One other possible cause of shoulder pain is injury to the discs of the spine which can lead to pressure on the nerves which leave the spinal cord in the area of the neck and upper back and travel across the shoulder and down the arm. This is commonly known as a disc bulge or disc herniation and can cause pain in the shoulder and even down the arm and hand.
Whatever the cause or the pain or the structures involved, chiropractic is an effective method of treatment. Chiropractors are experts in determining the cause of the pain and in treating muscle and joint injuries. Some injuries may be more serious and may require surgery. Your chiropractor will be able to determine the severity of your injury and will refer you to the proper provider if necessary. If you or anyone you know is experiencing shoulder pain, I urge you to seek treatment from your chiropractor.
One of the conditions that chiropractors commonly treat is foot pain. The foot and ankle are made up of 28 bones and hundreds of muscles, ligaments and tendons. The mechanics of movement are very complex and there are many causes of foot pain but I’m going to discuss some of the more common ones that chiropractors treat.
A common foot condition that most people have heard of is plantar fasciitis. It is due to irritation and inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is a long ligament like structure which runs along the bottom of the foot to support the arch. This condition often causes pain in the bottom of the heel and sometimes across the bottom of the arch. It is common in runners but can also affect anyone who spends a lot of time on their feet.
Metatarsalgia, or pain in the ball of the foot, is another foot problem. It can have a number of causes but is usually due to problems with the joint movement in that area or excessive pressure on that part of the foot due to repetitive activities or faulty footwear. It is common in people who walk or run a lot or people whose daily activities require them be on their feet.
One of the most common athletic injuries to the foot and ankle is Achilles tendonitis. It can present as pain in the back of the heel or farther up the tendon closer to the calf muscle. It is especially common athletes that perform repetitive activities such as running and jumping. Men over the age of 40 are also more likely to injure the Achilles tendon.
All of these causes of foot pain generally respond very well to chiropractic treatment. Chiropractors are experts in biomechanics, the way the joints of the body move. They are also experts in the treatment of the joints and soft tissues of the body. A chiropractor will be able to determine the cause of the pain, provide the treatment necessary and then provide instruction on corrective exercise so the same problems don’t reoccur. Some foot problems are more serious and may require surgery or other forms of medical treatment. Your chiropractor will be able to determine the severity of your problem and refer you to the proper provider if necessary.
If you or anyone you know is experiencing foot pain you don’t need to live with it. Go see you chiropractor.
Some of the symptoms that we commonly see as chiropractors are pain, numbness, or tingling in the arms or legs. Although these symptoms are felt in the extremities, they are often caused by irritation to the nerves in the low back or neck. This irritation is commonly due to injury of the disc between the bones of the spine. The nerves that run through the arms leave the spinal cord through openings between the vertebrae of the neck and those that go down the legs leave the spinal cord through openings between the vertebrae in the low back. When these nerves become irritated these arm and leg symptoms can occur. I’m going to briefly discuss some of the treatments we use to treat this kind of condition.
One of the treatments that you may have heard of is spinal decompression. This encompasses a number of treatment methods but one of the main ones is traction of the spine. Traction is accomplished by applying gentle force towards the head while simultaneously applying force towards the feet. This slightly stretches the spine allowing fluid to re-enter the discs and stretching the surrounding muscles. This also helps to reduce inflammation and relax the musculature.
Another type of spinal decompression is call flexion distraction or distraction decompression. This technique consists of the patient lying face down on a table which has a lower half that can move up and down. As the feet go down it causes distraction of the spine. This treatment accomplishes the same thing as spinal traction but also increases the motion of the joints providing an increased therapeutic effect.
A different kind of treatment for leg and arm symptoms is called neuromobilization. Injury in or around the joints of the spine and disc can cause inflammation. This inflammation can sometimes limit the amount the nerve can move through its passageway. When we move our arms and legs in certain directions it stretches the nerves. If these nerves aren’t allowed proper movement they become irritated. Neuromobilization helps to restore the proper movement of these nerves through their passageways.
All these treatments along with chiropractic adjustments can be very effective in reducing arm and leg symptoms. If you or anyone you know is experiencing pain, numbness or tingling in the arms or legs I urge you to seek treatment from your chiropractor.
Back pain is something that a lot of people experience. In fact most people will have some degree of back pain in their lifetime. A lot of the things we do every day put stress on our backs and over time can cause damage and pain. The good news is that there are many things that can be done to prevent this common injury.
Unfortunately in today’s world we spend a lot of time sitting. Whether it’s sitting at a computer, driving or watching television, if we don’t have good sitting posture we are putting a lot of extra stress on our backs. One of the main things that can be done to have better posture is to make sure that there is good low back support. The spine in the low back naturally curves inward. This curved position is the position in which the spine is most supported and there is the least amount of stress on the muscles and ligaments. Lack of low back support while we are sitting causes that curve to straighten leaves the spine in a more vulnerable position. Over time this added stress can lead to injury and pain.
If your chair or car seat does not have good support a small pillow or rolled up towel can be placed behind you to maintain the inward curve and take the stress off your low back. Having this support will help you sit up straighter and have better overall posture.
Another thing we can do to prevent extra stress on our backs and necks is to have things we are looking at directly in front of us. If your computer screen or television is off to one side you have to turn your head and upper body toward them to be able to see. Our spines are made to turn but not to stay in a tuned position for long periods of time. This position puts unnecessary stress on the spine and can lead to injury. Make sure your computer screen or television is directly in front of you and as close to eye level as possible.
Many people wake up in the morning with back and neck pain. Often times this is due to their sleeping position. Having the spine in a stressful position all night can lead to pain and injury. The best position to sleep in is on your side or on your back. Avoid sleeping on your stomach as this is puts a lot of stress in the neck and low back. While sleeping on your side it can help to put a pillow between your knees or while on your back, putting a pillow behind your knees. This will help take stress off of the low back. While side lying it is also important to make sure your neck is supported. Make sure you have enough pillow to keep you head and neck in a neutral position, not bent to one side or another.
One final way to prevent back and neck pain is to see your chiropractor. Periodic visits to the chiropractor will help make sure that your spine is functioning properly and that you are not putting undue stress on the ligaments and muscles. He or she can also give you advice on lifestyle changes you can make and exercises and stretches to do to help prevent injuries.
Be proactive about your health and stop back pain before it occurs.
Most people have had a headache before and many people experience them quite frequently. There are many types of headaches and causes for them. Some types can be easily remedied while others may require treatment. Knowing the cause of the headache makes it easier to stop and may even help prevent them from occurring.
Some of the more minor things that cause headaches in some people are not drinking enough water, not eating frequently enough or not getting enough sleep. This type can be easily dealt with and even prevented. The next time you get a headache think about how much water you are drinking throughout the day, how often you are eating and how much sleep you are getting. Changing those things can make a big difference.
One type of headache that generally needs treatment is called a muscle tension headache. This type is cause by tightness and tension in the muscles of your neck, upper back and shoulders. The tightness and tension is often brought on by poor posture, improper ergonomics or stress. Chiropractic treatment to these affected muscles and the corresponding joints is very effective in treating this type of headache because it helps to relax the muscles and restore proper movement of the joints.
Migraines are another type of headache. They occur differently in different people and have a wide variety of symptoms including nausea, inability to concentrate and sensitivity to light or sound. Some people have migraines only occasionally and others have them quite frequently. They can have a large effect on a person’s normal daily activities when they occur. The cause of this type of headache is not well understood but there some good treatment options. For people who have very severe and frequent migraines a prescription medication may be needed but for many migraine sufferers this may not be necessary. Many people know how they feel when they are going to get a migraine and can tell when it is going to occur. Getting chiropractic treatment when the migraine is beginning is effective in reducing the intensity and duration of migraine headaches. Regular chiropractic treatment can also help reduce the frequency in which people get migraine and make them much more bearable when they do have them.
If you or someone you know experiences headaches see your chiropractor. He or she is an expert in headache treatment and will be able to let you know what can be done to treat and help prevent them.
A common reason for people to seek treatment from their health care provider is low neck pain. Of the many treatment options that are available for this type of condition, I’m going to discuss one of the most painless and effective treatments used by chiropractors.
neck pain is generally caused by acute injuries such as whiplash or long term strain on the neck and upper back through bad posture or poor ergonomics. No matter what the cause, the pain is often due to problems in the joints of the spine. When we are injured or put a lot of strain on the neck, our body tries to protect it by tightening all the muscles around the area. This is helpful but can also cause problems since it doesn’t allow for proper movement of the joints. Our joints are made to move and are most healthy when they are moving properly.
One of the ways in which we treat improper or decreased movement in the joints of the body is through mobilization or manipulation. As chiropractors we call this type of treatment an adjustment. First we do an evaluation of the muscles and joints in the area to determine which joints are involved. Once we know where the problem is we perform an adjustment to mobilize the affected joints. This helps to decrease pain, increase movement in the joints, and relax the surrounding musculature.
There are many ways to perform an adjustment. For the neck it is performed with the patient either lying face up or sitting but can be performed other ways as well. The position in which the patient can best relax is most beneficial. The doctor places the patient in certain position and then applies pressure to increase the movement in the affected joints. The patient will often feel a “pop” in the joint being treated but this sound is not necessary for the adjustment to be effective. Adjustments are usually not painful. In fact most people report a sense of relief after an adjustment.
Chiropractic adjustments, along with exercises to stretch and strengthen the surrounding muscles, are very effective for treating neck and upper back pain. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, I encourage you to consider seeing a chiropractor for treatment.
