In order to understand neck pain, it is important to have knowledge of the anatomy of the spine. The movement of the spine is guided by neck vertebrae that are comprised of posterior joints, called facets, that connect vertebrae to one another. The inter-vertebral discs connect the bodies of the vertebrae and are made of a form of strong cartilage that surrounds a soft material in the center, called the nucleus. The discs act as shock absorbers and spacers between the vertebrae. In a canal located between the body and the facets of the vertebrae is the spinal cord. Spinal nerves go out from the spine between the vertebrae and impart energy to muscles and organs of the body. Transversely, they carry sensory impulses, including pain information, from the body to the brain.  The nerves that go out from the neck are in charge of the entire upper extremity including the shoulder, elbow and hand, as well as structures of the head and neck. The natural forward curve of the neck balances the weight of the head and lessens stress on neck vertebrae. For more information please feel free to visit your Colorado Springs Chiropractor.

Risk Factors: Neck Pain and Computer Use

Computer use has risen considerably over the years, at home and in the workplace. Nowadays, many people spend eight to ten hours a day, or more, bent over a keyboard and staring at a monitor. Sitting with the head in a forward bent position (the posture most computer users adopt), puts tremendous strain on neck ligaments and muscles. Furthermore, the normal forward curve of the neck may become reversed and produce more stress on the surrounding tissue of the neck. Improper posture and repetitive stress can produce spinal problems including disc herniation and subluxations, which are the principal causes of spinal nerve pain. Besides general pain, spinal nerve irritation in the neck can cause symptoms like headaches, eye problems, giddiness, arm and hand pain (and paraesthesia), as well as shoulder pain.

Headaches and Chiropractic Care

Headaches or migraines are commonly associated with misalignments of the cervical spine. Symptoms, from a dull ache to throbbing pain, are caused when the cervical vertebrae lose their normal position or motion and sensitive nerves and blood vessels, related to structures in the head are stretched or agitated. In many conditions the tight knots in the muscles of the neck, called trigger points, can also refer pain to the head.  Many other factors are related to headaches such as toxic fumes, certain foods, additives such as MSG, alcohol, caffeine, and stress. However one must always look at the tissues and alignment of the neck when speculating the basis for headaches and migraines. Chiropractic treatment and management have proved to be very effective in the treatment of headaches. Ask your Colorado Springs Chiropractor about the benefits of Chiropractic care.

Whiplash and Chiropractic Care

Many people are involved in car accidents. Rear-end collisions are the most common. During such an accident, the passenger in the front car gets his or her head powerfully wrenched backward and then forward causing injury to the structures of the back and front of the neck. This type of trauma is often called a whiplash. Even at low speeds, the amount of force arising from such an accident is very strong and can cause damage to the ligaments, muscles, facet joints, discs, and spinal nerves. Besides neck pain and immobility, symptoms such as headaches, nausea, vertigo, arm and shoulder pain, tingling in the hands and fingers and weakness of the arm and hand are associated with whiplash injury. Immediate evaluation and x-rays are extremely important in order to rule out a fracture. However in almost all cases, the injuries are primarily to the soft tissues and joints. Proper care is essential in healing from the pain and symptoms of whiplash, and also to prevent future disability. Your Colorado Springs Chiropractor is has years of experience in treating whiplash injury, and is more than capable of managing the case from injury to recovery.

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Anatomy

Knowledge of the anatomy of the spine is essential in understanding back pain. The spinal bones or vertebrae of the lower back are made of posterior joints called facets that link vertebrae to one another and serve to guide the action of the spine. Inter-vertebral discs, composed of strong cartilage, connect the bodies of the vertebrae. This tough cartilage covers the nucleus, a soft material in the center of the inter-vertebral discs. The principal function of the disc is as a shock absorber and spacer between the vertebrae. Ligaments and muscles also connect the vertebrae. The sacrum is a wedge-shaped bone at the bottom of the spine. It is joined to the two pelvic bones at the sacroiliac joint. In a canal found between the body and the facets of the vertebrae is the spinal cord. The spinal nerves go out from the spine between the vertebrae.

Causes of Back Pain

More often than not, back pain comes about without a trauma, an accident, or a major injury prior to the onset. The origin of most back pain is the cumulative effects of improper sitting posture, harmful work habits, incorrect lifting, lack of regular exercise and other negative lifestyle-related factors.  These cumulative factors create stresses and imbalances on the spine and, therefore, some may injure their back simply by bending over to pick up a piece of paper. The spine was already compromised and just the simple act of bending was enough to set off the condition. When this occurs, the surrounding back muscles go into spasm to protect the stressed or injured tissues of the back. Chiropractors are back pain specialists. Your Fort Worth Chiropractor can help you to get out of pain quickly.

Disc Problems & Sciatica

Prolonged sitting, specifically in a slouched position produces increased pressure on the intervertebral discs and imbalances in the muscles encompassing the spine. Over time the lower spine loses its ability to function normally during everyday stresses. Ultimately, the intervertebral disc develops small fissures, or cracks, permitting the soft nucleus to protrude the disc outward. If the disc pushes on sensitive tissues, it creates the pain that is often referred to as a slipped disc. If the disc presses on the spinal nerve, a person can develop sciatica, which is defined as pain, tingling, numbness, and occasionally weakness in the lower extremities. Sometimes if the disc protrusion or herniation is large and the condition is not managed correctly, surgery is required to dispose of the herniated disc material. However, with the correct chiropractic adjustments and management, as well as postural exercises, most of these cases can healthfully heal. If you are experiencing any of the conditions defined above, it is crucial for you to seek chiropractic attention.

Spondylosis

Increased erosion and weight-bearing stress on the spine occurs when there is repetitive assault to the discs, facet joints, and surrounding ligaments. This stress can unfavorably affect the cartilage around the joints and cause calcium to deposit in the tissues around the vertebrae, forming bone spurs. These spurs can constrict adjacent nerves, blood vessels and soft tissue resulting in symptoms ranging from minor pain and numbness to gross sensory loss and muscular atrophy. This compression causes a form of arthritis, called Spondylosis, that can also occur as part of the aging process of the spine. But, factors such as previous trauma, unhealthy lifestyle, and repetitive stress injury influence the time of onset in life. Regular chiropractic treatment and overall chiropractic management is extraordinarily helpful in slowing the aging process of the spine, as well as aiding Spondylosis sufferers in managing their condition. Your Fort Worth Chiropractor has helped many Spondylosis sufferers.

Sacroiliac Problems

Another prevalent area of dysfunction or injury in the low back is in the sacroiliac joints. These weight-bearing joints link the upper part of the body to the lower pelvic portion and are normally very strong and stable. However with trauma such as falls, sports injuries, or lifting heavy objects, the joints can become unstable and change to an abnormal position.  This condition is called a sacroiliac subluxation. Women may experience this condition during or after their pregnancy. The imbalances in the lower extremities caused by sacroiliac subluxation can create a functional long and short leg. Those with this problem will feel pain specifically with prolonged standing and walking, or during or after physical activity. Many complain of lack of energy and feeling tired easily.  Many times this imbalance can affect structures further up the spine and individuals can develop neck and shoulder pain, as well as headaches. Chiropractic adjustments and treatment are extremely effective in fixing this problem by establishing proper alignment of the joints.. Ask your Fort Worth chiropractor how you can get effective pain relief.

Spinal Subluxation

A prevalent disorder of the lower back, as well as the entire spine, is subluxated or misaligned facet joints. Subluxations can prevail on their own or in conjunction with disc problems and Spondylosis. Subluxations are not only painful, but they can compress the nerves as they exit the foramen (or spaces) between the vertebrae, creating paraesthesia. Paraesthesia is a change of sensation described as a tingling, burning or “funny feeling.” Paraesthesia in the upper extremities usuallyoriginates from nerve problems in the neck, while paraesthesia in the lower extremities is most often associated with nerve challengesin the lumbar region (lower back). Visceral problems such as asthma and gastric conditions can also beassociated with, or complicated by, spinal subluxations and nerve compression. Subluxations are best corrected by chiropractic adjustments.

Trauma

Trauma such as a fall, car accident, or sports injury can cause over-stretching or tearing of the tissues of the spine and lower back and cause extensive pain and immobility. Proper chiropractic care at the onset of symptoms is crucial in order to prevent long term disability and the development of any of the above conditions. If you experience a trauma, call your chiropractor as soon as possible.

Scoliosis

Scoliosis is often associated with low back pain. Chiropractic care offers exceptional pain relief.

When it comes to the spine, chiropractors have more education and training than medical doctors. I can provides state of the art diagnosis and highly competent treatment for any of the above-mentioned problems of the spine and lower back.

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Hallux Valgus and Bunions

Hallux Valgus is a problem that takes place when the big toe or hallux deviates towards the outside of the foot, often practically overlapping or bumping into the adjacent toe. It is a slow-developing problem that normally develops a bump on the inside of the big toe, called a bunion. Hallux Valgus pain is normally experienced during weight-bearing activities such as walking or prolonged standing, although if a bunion is visible, a “numbing” or “burning” pain in the big toes can be felt at rest.

The joint between the big toe and the first metatarsal (the first metatarsal-phalangeal) is the genuine difficulty, and not the bone, itself. It is the damage to this joint that causes the pain and deformity associated with Hallux Valgus. The condition is generally the result of wear and tear over a long period of time from factors such as over-pronation that causes undue pressure on the big toe and first metatarsal during walking. Another cause of Hallux Valgus is inflammatory arthritis that can damage the joint and produce degenerative changes. A broken toe that does not heal properly can also predispose a person to Hallux Valgus. However, one of the more common causes of the affliction is the high-heeled and pointed shoes that women commonly wear. These shoes not only put additional stress on the joint, but also help in pushing the big toe to the outside.

If you have symptoms of Hallux Valgus, your chiropractor can examine your foot to determine which factors are contributing to your challenge, and then use a number of chiropractic techniques and modalities to lessen pain and improve the function of your foot.

Plantar Fascitis ( Heel Pain )

One of the most common foot problems is heel pain, and the cause is often aggravation of the plantar fascia or Plantar Fascitis. The plantar fascia is a band of connective tissue that encircles the muscles on the bottom of the foot . It connects the heel bone to the ball of the foot, supporting the arch, protecting the foot, and absorbing shock.

A frequent compaint by sufferers with Plantar Fascitis is pain upon first arising in the morning, as well as pain upon rising after prolonged sitting. The pain begins just in front of the heel bone, but can spread over the entire bottom of the foot.

If left untreated, inflammation associated with the condition can lead to the development of scar tissue, calcium deposits and sooner or later heel spurs. Heel spurs, a bony growth on the front part of the calcaneus of the heel bone where the plantar fascia is connected, can cause a severe stabbing pain with walking.

There are many factors that are instrumental in the development of Plantar Fascitis although people who have other foot conditions, especially Pes Planus (flat feet) and over-pronation are most susceptible. One of the most powerful contributing factors is muscle imbalances between the calf muscles and the muscles on the bottom of the foot, both of which attach to the calcaneus or heel bone. When the calf muscles are short and tight they exert an intense pull on the back of the cancaneus. This produces too much stress on the smaller and weaker plantar muscles and its fascia that attach to the other side of the calcaneus. In addition to running and jumping activities, wearing high heels can also cause a shortening and tightening of the calf muscles. Sudden strenuous activity after a period of prolonged inactivity, aberrant walking patterns (such as over-pronation), inappropriate footwear, walking on hard or uneven surfaces (especially barefooted), and obesity all stress the plantar fascia.

Nurses, teachers, and waiters who are required to be regularly on their feet, and those whose activities include aerobic, volleyball, running, basketball, and tennis are more inclined towards getting Plantar Fascitis.

Once someone develops plantar fascitis, it is often not easy to manage and can become painfully persistent. Chiropractors are highly skilled in not only determining the cause of your problem, but in recommending appropriate treatment, such as joint manipulation, muscle stretching and strengthening exercises, special taping, ultrasound therapy and, in some cases, orthotics.
Achilles Tendonitis

The Achilles tendon (the heel cord), is a large tendon that is a continuance of the two largest calf muscles. It goes down the back of the lower leg and adheres to the heel bone. Achilles Tendonitis is an excruciatingly painful, and often debilitating inflammation of the tendon. Injury to this valuable tendon can make it challenging or even impossible to walk. More often than not, a debilitating injury to the tendon is the result of an accumulation of smaller stresses that cause small tears over time, but a sudden, single incident, such as jumping, can also be the cause of a serious problem. Because the symptoms appear gradually, in the beginning many Achilles Tendonitis sufferers may ascribe the initial annoyance to the aches and pains that go along with age or fatigue. But, the ailment will gradually worsen, especially if the person makes an effort to “work through” the pain. In severe cases, a total rupture of the tendon can occur, resulting in traumatic injury and intense pain that makes walking virtually impossible and may even require corrective surgery.

Achilles tendonitis is many times associated with athletes and performers, such as dancers, who are involved in running and jumping activities, particularly those that contain sudden starts and stops. In addition, women who typically wear high-heeled shoes are also at risk, expressly if they switch to sport shoes for exercise. In these cases, the Achilles tendon and muscles gradually adapt to the shortened position created by wearing high-heels, as the heel does not have to stretch all the way to the ground. When this happens, the shift to exercise or flat shoes forces the Achilles tendon to stretch further than it is adapted to, thus producing stress and inflammation. If possible, high-heels should not be worn everyday. But, if it is not possible, then stretching every morning and night can help to keep the Achilles tendon lengthened.

Achilles tendonitis frequently appears in middle-aged people, especially in men who are athletes, because of the changes that happen in the foot as a person ages. The arch tends to flatten as we grow older producing over-pronation and increased stress on the Achilles tendon as well as the calf and foot muscles. Likewise, problems are also common in the “weekend warrior” who exercises infrequently, as well as those who are just beginning to exercise. In such people, the muscles and tendons have little flexibility due to inactivity, and immoderacy in exercise in the beginning can produce tendonitis. Therefore, people who are just commencing to exercise after a long layoff should stretch properly, start slowly, and increase gradually.

No matter the reason, if you are experiencing Achilles tendonitis symptoms, it is crucial for you to see a qualified professional. Your chiropractor is a highly-skilled professional who can help you to manage the problem before it becomes severe.

Pes Planus ( Flat Feet )

Flat Feet, or Pes Planus as it is called by the medical community, is very common. It is approximated that at least one quarter of people have flat feet. Every baby has flat feet, but somewhere between the ages 3-10 we develop an arch. But in certain people this development never occurs. There are a number of factors, along with genetic disposion that can produce flat feet, or predispose a person to the problem. A person’s job, level of activity, and lifestyle can create a previously-developed arch to collapse later in life. Age and weight also play a role in the development of the condition. Middle-aged people who have been working on their feet for years often experience flat feet, as do overweight people who are placing added stress on their feet and legs.

Some individuals have flat feet and never feel any annoyance, while others experience pain in the feet and knees, and sometimes in the hips and lower back as well. If you suspect you have flat feet and are experiencing distress, you might want to see your Orlando chiropractor to determine a plan of treatment that can relieve your pain and prevent further symptoms from developing. Chiropractic care includes joint adjustments to promote good foot function and eliminate painful symptoms. Your chiropractor may also prescribe arch-supporting insoles, called orthotics, for additional support and stability.

Metatarsalgia ( Pain in the ball of the foot )

Metatarsalgia, sometimes called “ball-of-foot pain,” is a pain in the bottom of the foot just behind the toes where the foot bends during walking. The pain is caused by a dyfunction in one or more of the five metatarsal bones that extend from about halfway up the foot to the toes.

The feeling of pain can be limited to where the metatarsal bones join the toe bones or it can extend along the entire length of the metatarsals, and possibly between them. Challenges in this area can vary from a stiff feeling upon movement of these bones to a burning or stinging sensation. The degree of discomfort depends upon whether the affliction is due to a dysfunction in the joints or an irritation to the nerves as they travel along the metatarsals.

The reason for the distress can be either structural or functional. An example of a structural cause is when the metacarpal bones are either too long or too short creating aberrant mechanics in the feet and too much stress upon this area. Flat feet or excessive arch can also alter the stresses on the metatarsals causing similar symptoms.

There are other factors that can affect these bones that are many times in the control of the sufferer. These include excess body weight, tight or high-heeled shoes, and excessive or poor running or athletic training. Too much weight and the wearing high-heeled shoes both augment stress upon the metatarsal, which leads to joint pain and nerve aggravation. Repetitive foot activities, like running, directly stress the metatarsals by exposing them to constant trauma.

A chiropractor is able to beneficially treat metatarsalgia, no matter what the cause may be. After analyzing the underlying factors, you will receive a number of non-invasive therapies, inluding orthotics when necessary, and you will be advised on how you can avoid future pain.

See your Orlando chiropractor as soon as possible if you are experiencing any of the foot problems mentioned above.

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