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BACK PAIN
Back Pain is the second leading reason patients give for visiting physicians. Years of abuse to ones back results in musculoskeletal dysfunction and consequently a change in ones lifestyle.
Many adults suffer from low back pain that can be attributed to problems first evident in the growth period and a familiar occurrence of back pain exists. As time passes and the body ages we tend to aggravate our backs from daily activities, with work being one of the chief culprits. Unfortunately, heavy physical work, frequent bending, twisting, pulling, pushing and repetitive work make us prone to injury. Psychological, psychosocial factors in addition to childbearing and trauma to the spine are also major factors contributing to pain.
What Can a Doctor of Chiropractic Do?
There is no "quick fix" for low back pain and taking pain killing drugs only masks the problem. Chiropractic therapy seeks to identify the cause of the problem and initiate a program of correction forthe patient. Through safe, precisespinal adjustments the doctor of chiropractic initiates process of spinal correction. With no drugs, no epidurals and no surgical intervention, millions of patients have found relief from chiropractic care.
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NECK PAIN
Neck pain is a condition that demands immediate attention due to the sensitivity ofthe area and the difficulties that are presented when one's mobility islimited. The seven vertebrae support the full weight of your head which is on an average is about 12 pounds. Flexibility permits the cervical spine to move your head in multiple directions. Unfortunately, while this large range of motion is useful, it often leads to stress being placed on the neck while in awkward positions, resulting in pain and muscle spasms.
The cervical spine is very vulnerable to injury due in part to biomechanics. Extended sitting, falls, accidents, everyday repetitive movements, normal aging and everyday wear and tear all affect the health of the cervical spine.
In order to treat your neck pain the cause needs to be known because it directly impacts your treatment options. A few common causes are daily life, stress and emotional tension causing muscle tightness and pain.
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CARPAL TUNNEL
 This condition occurs when there is an injury to the wrist resulting in irritation and dysfunction of the nerve. Some common causes of injury to the wrist include repetitive motions such as working on a computer, texting, and vibratory/repetitive motions. Combined with spinal problems this can lead to a condition called carpal tunnel syndrome.
The major nerve controlling the thumb, index and part of the middle finger is the median nerve. This nerve travels from the wrist to neck. Problem can occur anywhere along its path resulting in CTS.
The tunnel itself is formed by bones in the wrist. Through the tunnel passes tendons, arteries, lymphatic vessels and the median nerve. If the tendon size increases from inflammation or the tunnel size decreased because of mechanical dysfunction of the carpal bones, the median nerve can get entrapped. Pain, numbness, paresthesia and tingling of the fingers can result.
Conservative treatment of chiropractic adjustments, special bracing and specific home care exercises can often normalizes structure and reduce nerve irritation.
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HEADACHES
 Headaches affect nine of ten Americans. Complaints vary from dull, throbbing sensation to debilitating pain and nausea. Headaches are classified either as primary or secondary. Primary headaches include tension-type, migraine, cervicogenic and cluster headaches and account for 95% of all headaches. The balance of headaches is secondary headaches which are the result of medical conditions such as infection or a tumor in the skull.
The greatest majority of primary headaches are associated with muscle tension in the neck. Today individuals partake in more sedentary activities and consequently their body is one fixed position for a longer extended period of time. Consequently this can increase joint irritation and muscle tension in the neck and upper back, resulting in headaches.
What Can a Doctor of Chiropractor Do for Primary Headaches?
Through chiropractic adjustments spinal function can be improved which helps alleviates the stress and strain on your system. The real value in chiropractic treatment is the prevention of future episodes. A thorough postural analysis, ergonomics evaluation of the work place, nutrition, home exercise program and instituting relaxation techniques all need to be addressed in hope of eliminating headaches.
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PINCHED NERVES
 A pinched nerve can occur in any part of the body. In the Chiropractic profession a subluxation or misalignment of the spine causes nerve irritation or pressure. This can cause many problems, some of which include: pain, numbness, a burning sensation, tingling feeling and a loss of strength in a specific area of the body.
There can be numerous conditions that contribute to a pinched nerve. In our office we utilize muscle testing, postural analysis, x-rays and palpatory skills to help locate the subluxation. Once the cause of the problem is identified, a specific chiropractic adjustment is used to correct the misalignment.
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DISC PROBLEMS
 Disc problems are very common in our society. The 23 discs in our spine function to separate one vertebrae from another, thereby helping to allow motion and proper function of the spine. The inside of the disc contains the nucleus ( think of as the jelly in a donut) and the outside is composed of cartilage. Over time and often due to traumas, the nucleus begins to move from its center of the vertebrae and push against the cartilage. This can result in what is commonly referred to as a bulging or herniated disc, which in turn puts pressure on the nerve and causes pain.
All populations are susceptible to injury but unfortunately those individuals involved in accidents, heavy labor intensive jobs and contact sports are more at risk. Injuries can result in pain, tingling and numbing of the affected area. If the pressure is not reduced, permanent nerve damage is a result.
In our office we have been successful using the Cox Flexion/Distraction Techniqueto treat disc problems. Its focus is to create negative disc pressure to help reduce bulge and/or herniations. Itis a technique that is specific for individual disc pathology.
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SCIATICA
Sciatica can be a severely painful condition. The sciatic nerve originates in the lower back through the hip, down the legs and into the feet. The most common cause of pain is irritation of the nerve in the lower spine which can becaused by disc problems, arthritic changes and misalignment of spinal joints and, in some cases, spasms of small muscle in the gluteal area. Pain has been described sharp, tingling, prickling, pins and needles and some instances the legs might feel numb.
The first symptom is the development of back pain. Often a light stretch or bend will bring on pain but often times there may have been a pre-existing condition that is suddenly made serious by this improper movement.
Specific spinal adjustments have been found to significantly improve clinical signs of sciatic nerve compression.
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SCOLIOSIS
 Scoliosisis a sideways curve of the spine that can results in abnormal posture. If left untreated it can cause stiffness and pain and, in extreme cases, interfere with the major organs inthe body. Scoliosis affects both sexes but it is more prevalent in females. Causes range from hereditary, trauma induced, habitual distortion of the head or hip position, but unfortunately, in many cases, the cause is still unknown.
Early detection is the initial step in treatment. Observation of an uneven height of the shoulders, low hip,unevenness of the ribs in the front or side, improper fitting clothes, back and leg pains are some of the signs that should not be overlooked, since extremecases may need surgical intervention.
Chiropractic care for scoliosis includes a thorough consultation/examination and x-rays.Corrective action includes a program a specific adjustments, a detailed exercise program and physical therapies.
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WHIPLASH
 Whiplash is defined as a sudden backward and forward motion of the cervical spine (neck). Rear-end or side impact motor vehicle accidents are the number one cause of whiplash which can result in injury to muscles, ligaments, tendon, joints and discs.
The resulting instability of the spine can cause a multitude of injuries some of which include: headaches, neck pain, low back pain, dizziness, shoulder pain, knee pain, tmj, and other soft and hard tissue injuries. In addition, when the head is suddenly jerked back and forth beyond its normal limits, the muscles and ligaments that support the spine and can be overstretched or torn. The discs between the spinal bones can bulge or even herniate, resulting in irritation to spinal nerves, and consequently causing pain.
Chiropractic care to this type of injury uses specific adjustments to help reduce inflammation, and restore proper motion and position of spinal bones.
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