Chiropractic-Fast Relief For Back Pain

Chiropractors have been treating back pain for over 100 years.  The profession has been growing and helping millions of patients.

If you are looking for a chiropractor, you should know that they aren’t all alike.  Chiropractors vary in their technique depending on where they went to school, what they studied, the conditions they like to treat, or their own physical characteristics.  Some use their hands to align spines, some use instruments.

The bottom line is this:  Chiropractic should give you relief from your back pain.  If you aren’t feeling better, you might not be seeing the right chiropractor.

After your treatment, you should feel relief of pain, improved movement and better posture.  If you don’t, the treatment is not right for you, plain and simple.

You probably won’t get better in one treatment.  It usually takes a course of treatments for you to get long lasting relief.  But you should feel improvement after each visit.

Here are some examples of what your body should look like after it is re-aligned.  All these before and after pictures, are of people standing relaxed on the same day.  Notice how they stand straighter.  They are doing this without effort!

For more information on how we treat back pain, log on to:  www.newbackpainreliefinfo.com

Non-surgical Scoliosis Treatment Without Bracing

One of the toughest things I have had to watch over the last fifteen years of practice, is how people with scoliosis are treated.  Medically, scoliosis is treated with two options,  bracing and fusion surgery.  Both of which are harsh options that can lead to a lifetime of pain and serious health consequences.

The medical people in my area probably won’t like me for writing this article, but I felt that I need to speak up.  And, if I can keep one kid off the operating table or from going through the pain that bracing causes, I feel I’ve done my job.

If you or your child has scoliosis you need to find out the cause.  Are there malformed bones ?  Tumors ?  Infection ?  This requires imaging studies like X-rays, CT or MRI scans.  These conditions are rare, but they do happen and imaging will quickly find them.  Tumors and infections must be treated immediately.

Most scoliosis is called idiopathic scoliosis.  That means, they don’t know the cause.  As a result, the treatments are misguided and detrimental.  Which always leads me to ask the question; how can you correct something if you don’t know the cause?

The typical scenario goes something like this:  A child gets a physical at his primary doctor or at school, and they notice a curvature in the spine.  The doctor or nurse tells the parents and refers them to an orthopedic specialist.  They take some films and find out they have idiopathic scoliosis.  If the curvature is measured to be below 40 degrees, the child is given a brace which the he or she will have to wear as close to 24/7 as possible.  The child is usually terrified at this point and must be talked into (or scared into) wearing it.

Now, keep in mind, idiopathic scoliosis in children is rarely painful.  However, it starts becoming painful after the bracing begins.  Children will often be up all night crying.  They suffer embarrassment at school and become limited in their daily activities like gym class and sports.  All this to find out that six months later when they are checked again, the curvature is the same or worse.

If the curvature is over 40 degrees, or if the parents and child can’t stand what is happening with the brace, surgery is suggested.  The surgery involves cutting the patient open and fusing the spine with rods and screws.  This is done, “to keep the curve from getting worse.”  Which it usually does.  The only problem is, now the area of fusion can’t move.  So the child may be severely limited in terms of activities after surgery.  Also, this fusion can cause biomechanical problems in the spine that can lead to debilitating pain.  Just having the metal hardware in the body can cause a myriad of symptoms.

The surgery may have to be re-done if the child’s growth causes problems.  Another problem many people fail to consider is this…once that rod is in there…it stays in there !  There are very few doctors with the training and the courage to take the rod out once its in there.

So what’s the answer ?  How should scoliosis be managed ?  By people who straighten spines for a living.  Chiropractors.

Chiropractors have been managing scoliosis patients for over 100 years.  Without surgery and with little or no bracing.

Mostly due to competitive reasons, orthopedists tend to scoff at chiropractic, saying it doesn’t work on scoliosis.  They often say there is no evidence that it helps.  There is evidence…its just not published in orthopedic journals.  (for obvious reasons)  There are many chiropractic techniques that help scoliosis.  They can even help after the child has been braced.

Unfortunately, they can’t undo surgery.  At that point, chiropractic can only be used for pain relief.

The smartest thing to do if you or your child has been diagnosed with scoliosis is to get a second opinion.  Explore your options.  Take a deep breath and relax.  You aren’t in a rush.  Don’t let anybody talk you into immediate drastic action, like bracing or surgery.

See a chiropractor, but not just any chiropractor.  Make sure the one you choose uses techniques that work to correct scoliosis.  Some chiropractors use different techniques that aren’t designed to correct scoliosis.   Some have attended schools that unfortunately do not teach scoliosis management as part of their curriculum.

Don’t expect overnight miracles.  Good scoliosis treatment can take several months to years.  Much like braces on teeth.  But, corrections can be made without dangerous surgery and without painful bracing.

I use a technique that does a consistently good job straightening scoliosis.  I like it because it works on the cause of scoliosis and lets the body correct itself.

To find out more about it, log on to www.painfree-greatposture.com or www.abcmiracles.com/scoltestimonials.htm

To set up a free consultation with me, call Jennifer at 262-251-8306.

The Vertigo Treatment Your Doctor May Not Know About

Have you ever felt the room is spinning around you, making it difficult for you to stand ?  If so, you are experiencing vertigo.  Although most cases are short lived, sometimes vertigo persists.  It can be caused by a number of issues, including inner ear disturbances, eye problems, brain pathology, infection or physical trauma.

Research into trauma-induced vertigo reveals that people who have had injuries to the head and neck, such as whiplash, are more likely to benefit from spinal adjustments.

One chiropractor reviewed 60 cases of chronic, trauma-induced vertigo that she treated over an 8-year period.  Of these patients, 56 recalled having experienced trauma to the head and neck prior to developing symptoms.  All these patients responded favorably to chiropractic adjustments to the upper cervical area.  And 48 patients (80%) were completely symptom free after one to six months of chiropractic care.(1)

In another study, a research group followed 50 vertigo patients through orthopedic assessment, then treatment for their symptoms.  Of the 50 patients, 31 were identified as having cervical spine dysfunction.  The other 19 did not show signs of this problem.  When the patients with cervical dysfunction were treated with manipulation and mobilization of the cervical spine, 24 patients (77%) improved, and 5 patients were symptom-free.

In another group-which did not receive manipulation because cervical spine dysfunction could not be identified- only five patients saw improvement (26%) and no one became symptom free. (2)

If you are having vertigo symptoms, your medical doctor may not be able to identify cervical spine dysfunction as the cause.  They simply aren’t trained to look for it.  Fortunately, you can get evaluated for it, to see if a certain type of chiropractic care can help.

For more information, log on to www.stopvertigonow.com

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS): Management Strategies

Many patients ask whether I treat conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome.   Usually they are surprised to learn that chiropractic approaches are very effective for this condition.

Interestingly, it is the rule rather than the exception that carpal tunnel syndrome is accompanied with other conditions also caused by repetitive types of activities like work or hobbies.  Therefore, a very important treatment strategy is educating the patient about the causes of CTS.  Overuse and fatigue typically precedes the onset of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Other types of conditions affecting the upper extremity such as tennis elbow, shoulder bursitis, and neck pain are often present with the CTS.  Once all the conditions are identified, the next important aspect in the treatment process is gaining an understanding of the patient’s work or hobbies. A successful outcome is dependent on identifying faulty workstations and modifying the work environment so that repetitive forces in awkward positions can be corrected.  This is important because the most effective treatment approach can be made totally ineffective by a faulty workstation.

To find out more about how I treat carpal tunnel syndrome, log on to www.relieffromcarpaltunnel.com

What Is Fibromyalgia and Can Doctors Agree On the Diagnosis?

Fibromyalgia (FM) has long been considered a condition involving the soft tissues of the body, that is, the muscles, ligaments and tendons. It is defined as “a chronic, generalized pain condition associated with symptoms of fatigue, stiffness, and sleep disturbance and is characterized by the physical findings of local tenderness in many specific but widely dispersed sites. Fibromyalgia is the most common cause of widespread pain. The prevalence of this disorder in the general population is between 3% and 5%… Most patients with fibromyalgia remain symptomatic for several years, and no cure has been identified.”  Disturbances in the central nervous system (CNS) has also been linked to this condition.

In one study, 168 FM patients had the CNS evaluated by hearing tests, eye movement tests, and a test that evaluates balance/dizziness.  Abnormal findings were common in the FM patient group compared to non-FM subjects. Another study utilized an electrical current treatment approach through the skull to stimulate part of the brain to see if that would help a group of patients with FM. Two different parts of the brain were stimulated as well as a sham or fake treatment approach.  One of two parts of the brain that was stimulated resulted in reductions of pain that lasted for three weeks and mild improvements in quality of life were reported.

Comparing 287 general practitioners (GPs), 160 orthopedists, 160 physiatrists, and 160 rheumatologists, evaluating a patient injured in a motor vehicle crash, those most likely to diagnose FM were rheumatologists (83%) with physiatrists and GPs in the middle at 60% and 71%, respectively.  Orthopedists were least likely at 29%. There were five factors found to be important in the respondent’s agreement or disagreement with the FM diagnosis:

1. The number of FM cases diagnosed weekly by the respondent (strong predictor).

2. The patient’s gender (females > males was a strong predictor).

3. The force of the initial impact (least important).

4. The patient’s psychiatric history before the trauma (more important).

5. The initial injury severity (least important).

This information is important as the shift from considering fibromyalgia to be strictly a condition of the muscles and other soft tissues to being a condition of the central nervous system will affect our future treatment strategies.  Obtaining multiple opinions from various types of practitioners will most likely result in a variety of opinions. Treatment options utilizing chiropractic, exercise, and strategies to facilitate sleep have been shown to be very effective.

YOU MAYBE A CANDIDATE FOR DRUG-FREE RELIEF!

LOG ONTO www.stopyourfibronow.com for more information.

Medical vs. Chiropractic Treatment in Acute and Chronic Back Pain

Have you ever considered who is the best suited to treat back pain?  A study looking at this very question compared the effectiveness between medical and chiropractic intervention.  Over a 4-year time frame, 2780 patients were followed (initial, 2-week, 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48 month intervals) with questionnaires.  Both acute (symptoms <7weeks) and chronic (symptoms >7weeks) low back pain (LBP) patients were treated using conventional approaches by both the MDs and the DCs.  Treatments from the chiropractors included spinal manipulation, physical therapy, an exercise plan, and self-care education.  Medical therapies included prescription drugs, an exercise plan, self-care advice and about 25% of the patients received physical therapy.

The study focused on present pain severity and functional capacity, measured by questionnaires that were mailed to the patients. It was reported that chiropractic was favored over medical treatment in the following areas:

♦ Pain relief in the first 12 months (more evident in the chronic patients)

♦ When LBP pain radiated below the knee (more evident in the chronic patients)

♦ Chronic LBP patients with no leg pain (during the first 3 months)

This study also found that early intervention reduced chronic pain.  While both medical and chiropractic treatment approaches helped, it’s quite clear from the information reported that chiropractic treatment approaches should be utilized first.  Not only because it is more effective, but also because it is safer and less costly.

To find out more about how I treat low back pain and other low back related conditions like sciatica, spondylolisthesis and spinal stenosis log on to www.newbackpainreliefinfo.com.

Fibromyalgia and “Lyrica”

As you may or may not have heard, Lyrica is a drug recently approved by the FDA for the treatment of fibromyalgia symptoms. Recently television advertisements have appeared describing the drug as the only approved medication for fibromyalgia.

Lyrica was originally used to treat neuropathic (nerve) pain such as that seen in shingles or diabetes. Since many millions of people suffer from fibromyalgia symptoms in the U.S. (at least 3-6 million), it’s little wonder that patients may be interested in this treatment. For some, the thought of a new wonder drug can be irresistible.

Although treating pain is important, many patients may find this approach wanting because the cause of the pain isn’t addressed. For those who choose the drug approach, they need to consider side affects associated with the drug. In one study, 14% of patients discontinued use because of side effects. The most common side effects were dizziness and sleepiness. More rarely, patients complained of disturbance of balance, confusion, thinking abnormally, blurred vision, and swelling of the legs.

With any type of drug you consider, discuss your concerns with a medical doctor. For some patients, drug treatment can be effective but it’s probably best to try more conservative treatments first.  Especially, those methods that will address the cause of your pain.

Have you considered chiropractic in your fibromyalgia care plan? How is your  posture? Are you as active as you want to be? These factors can influence how much pain you experience and are often overlooked by the typical patient with fibromyalgia. The most common pain symptom in fibromyalgia is low back pain. Many scientific studies have shown the effectiveness of chiropractic care for patients with low back pain. It also has a very low risk for side affects or adverse reactions.

Have you addressed the excess weight you may have put on over the years? Weight-loss and a low -inflammation diet are important adjuncts to fibromyalgia care and have been shown in studies to be effective. Another conservative approach is aerobic and strength/resistance exercise. These activities can greatly influence your symptoms and are also backed up by solid scientific evidence.

To learn more about how fibromyalgia can be treated safely and effectively log on to www.stopyourfibronow.com and order a copy of my free report. Or, if you’d like to discuss your fibromyalgia symptoms more specifically just call 262-251-8306 to make an appointment for a complementary consultation. We are always available to educate the public about natural chiropractic health care.

What Causes Low Back Pain From Degenerative Discs?

Back pain that is caused by degenerative discs is very common.  But, its causes are poorly understood.  For years, doctors observed that people with degenerative discs may have back pain and they may not.

On MRI, some people can have really bad looking degenerative discs and have no pain at all. Another person can have just a small disc problem and have excruciating pain.  And, of course, there are all kinds of situations in between.

These findings led to many different theories about the origins of low back pain. And, of course, many different treatments.

A study done in 2005 has done quite a bit to answer the question; “What causes a painful degenerative disc ?”

The scientists dissected discs from patients who had degenerative painful discs, degenerative non-painful discs and healthy discs.  They found that the painful degenerative discs had small tears in them and the tears were inflamed.  Non-painful degenerative discs were not inflamed and didn’t have the tears.

The tears in the disc are slow to heal because the disc is under stress (tensile stress).  The stress doesn’t allow the disc to heal.  It’s the same as when you cut yourself badly.  You need to have stitches in order for the ends of the wound to be held together with no stress. Then, the cut can heal.  Like any damaged tissue, the disc needs to be stress-free in order to heal.

So, how do you get rid of the pain ? Controlling inflammation and taking stress off the disc are keys to getting rid of low back pain.  This means, don’t use heating pads, don’t eat foods that increase inflammation and get your spine re-aligned to take pressure off the injured disc.  If you do these things, the disc heals itself and the pain goes away.

To find out more about how I treat painful degenerative discs, log on to www.NewBackPainReliefInfo.com and get a copy of our free report.  Or call Jennifer at 262-251-8306 and set up a free no obligation for treatment consultation.

References:

The Pathogenesis of discogenic low back pain., Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery-British Volume, January 2005, Vol. 87-B, Issue 1, 62-67.

Fibromyalgia Relief – Is It Possible?

If you suffer from fibromyalgia, you may have been told by your doctor that you need to learn to live with it. But here’s some good news about a recent fibromyalgia treatment study: The study compared 2 groups of patients with fibromyalgia. One group included Chiropractic with their treatment, which included spinal manipulation, soft tissue therapy and passive stretching.

Chiropractic care improved the range of motion of the neck and low back but that’s not all… after 1 year of Chiropractic treatment, 20 female patients with fibromyalgia found statistical improvement in the intensity of their pain, complaint of non-restorative sleep, and impact of fibromyalgia on functional activities.  In other words: fibromyalgia sufferers had less pain, slept better and could live a more fulfilling life.

Fibromyalgia affects between 10-12% of the general population and is the second most common condition diagnosed in rheumatology clinics. Though no “cures” of this condition have been reported, there is good evidence that chiropractic care helps and helps a lot.

From my personal experience in treating fibromyalgia, I know that only certain chiropractic techniques will work well.  The doctor’s experience and training make all the difference. You don’t have to live with it!

Like all doctors’ offices, care may vary from office to office. But…if you are looking for a Chiropractor who has successfully helped fibromyalgia sufferers, log on to www.stopyourfibronow.com. and order your copy of my free report entitled “Why Your Doctors May Be The Biggest Obstacle You Face In Ever Getting Rid Of Your Fibromyalgia Pain !”

References

1. Wolfe F, Ross K, Anderson J, Russell IJ, Hebert L. The prevalence and characteristics of fibromyalgia in the general opulation. Arthritis Rheum. 1995; 38(1):19-28.

2. Schneider MJ. Tender points/fibromyalgia vs trigger points/ myofascial pain syndrome: a need for clarity in terminology and differential diagnosis. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1995;18:398–406.

3. Blunt KL, Rajwani MH, Guerriero RC. The effectiveness of chiropractic management of fibromyalgia patients: A pilot study. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 1997  Jul-Aug;20(6):389—399.

4.  Çitak-Karakaya I, Akbayrak T, Demirtürk F, et al.  Short and Long-Term Results of Connective Tissue Manipulation and Combined Ultrasound Therapy in Patients with Fibromyalgia. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2006 (Sep);29 (7):524—528.

Can Dizziness And Vertigo Be Caused By Dehydration?

Yes, dizziness and vertigo can be caused by dehydration.  Your brain is made mostly of water.  Your body is made mostly of water for that matter.  When you don’t get enough water, it can alter brain and nerve function and sign of this happening is dizziness.

How do you know if you are dehydrated?  Well, if you drink less than 64 oz. (2 liters) of water a day, you are dehydrated.  64 oz. of water is one half a gallon.  That’s water.  Not, juice, soda, coffee, milk, beer, tea or soup. Water.  If you don’t drink enough water, your body can extract water from these drinks in order to save your life.  But, in the long run, you will never get enough water to get you out of a dehydrated state.  And, you will start to get symptoms.

If you exercise or work and sweat a lot, you will need even more water.  In that case, take your body weight, divide it by two and that is the number of ounces of water you will need every day.  For example, I am 180 pounds, so I need 90 ounces of water a day, because I do work out and sweat.

Many people say to me “Well, I don’t feel thirsty, how can I be dehydrated ?”  And, it can be kind of confusing.  You see, when you have been dehydrated for a long time, your thirst mechanism shuts down.  You don’t feel thirsty until your mouth is actually dry.  It’s a strange phenomenon, but if you start drinking water regularly, your thirst mechanism comes back.

Drinking enough water is part of the treatment regimen I prescribe for dizziness and vertigo. If you suffer from one of these ailments, you should definitely try drinking more water.  If that doesn’t take it away completely, the answer may be elsewhere and you may need a combination of therapies to get relief.

To find out more about how I treat dizziness and vertigo log on to www.stopvertigonow.com.  Or call Jennifer at 262-251-8306 to schedule a free no obligation consultation where we can go over your situation and see if I can help.