Archive for November, 2008
Ventura Chiropractic on Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Posted by: | CommentsVentura Chiropractic knows that chiropractic management can help your carpal tunnel symptoms. Chiropractic methods that work so excellently with the spine can, of course, be used on other joints in the body. As a consequence of trauma, excess vibration, or repetitive motions, essentially all joints are susceptible to debilitation and range of motion limitations. Therefore, it may not come as a surprise to you to know that chiropractic treatments are an effective, natural, non-invasive approach to the treatment of carpal tunnel Syndrome.
The carpal tunnel is positioned within the underside of the wrist. It is a tunnel, or passage, through which the Median nerve travels on its way to excite and animate the hand and fingers. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome falls into the category of nerve entrapment disorders and is clearly the most common. As the name implies, the dysfunction happens when a nerve is impinged or restricted between other tissues of the body causing inflammation of the nerve. This can happen if the size of the tendon enlarges due to irritation or overuse, or if the tunnel, itself, gets smaller due to the misalignment of the carpal bones.
In the beginning of the injury, the symptoms include pain, numbness, pins and needles, and tingling in the fingers and hand, particularly the thumb and adjacent two fingers. These symptoms are especially noticeable at night and routinely wake people from their sleep as they feel compelled sit up in bed and shake-out and/or rub the hands in an effort to decrease these undesirable feelings. Furthermore, the hands can feel clumsy or weak, and fatigue easily with activity. Eventually, grasping small objects using the thumb and fingers can be extremely affected and, without treatment, can culminate in an entire disability of the hand.
Undoubtedly, accurate diagnosis and appropriate care are crucial to curtailing the disabling symptoms associated with the advancement of CTS. If you are experiencing the pain and disability associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, it just makes good sense for you to try the most non-invasive approach first. If you’ve been looking for a drug-free, non-surgical, and highly effective approach, chiropractic care may be your answer. Call your chiropractor today and find out what safe and natural chiropractic can do for you.
Chiropractic Ventura: Exercise Reduces Risk of Breast Cancer
Posted by: | Commentschiropractic Ventura offers a review by colleague, Dr. Jamie Phillips, of a new study just released in the Journal Cancer. The study concludes that regular exercise helps reduce the risk of breast cancer.
Chiropractic Ventura on Elbow Pain Relief
Posted by: | Commentschiropractic Ventura offers expert elbow pain relief. Here’s what you need to know about elbow joint injury: Tennis Elbow, the typical name for elbow pain beginning on the outside, or lateral side, of the elbow occurs when one or more tendons of the forearm muscles become irritated or inflamed. These tendons attach to the bony protuberance approximal to the elbow joint, called the lateral epicondyle, ergo the medical name, “lateral epicondylitis,” signifying inflammation of the epicondyle. When the inflammation occurs on the inside, or medial side, of the elbow, the condition is often called “Golfer’s Elbow” or medical epicondylitis. Golfer’s Elbow, however, is not as prevalent as Tennis Elbow.
Tennis and golf are not the only activities that may cause epicondylitis. Any activity that demands repetitive gripping of objects can bring about the problem. Some individuals develop “tennis” or “golfer’s” elbow from other activities such as prolonged carrying of heavy bags, knitting, chopping food, and/or computer work using improper wrist and arm posture. Using inappropriate techniques when initiating any sport, testing out new rackets or clubs, or adding to the intensity or duration of an activity or exercise can also cause the condition.
Epicondylitis can occasionally begin farther up the arm or even in the neck. The nerves that give movement to the forearm muscles may become irritated because of a disc condition or spinal subluxation, thereby producing tense muscles and putting marked strain on the tendon attachment(s). When this happens, it predisposes a person to elbow pain from any of the above-mentioned causes. Complications such as further subluxations and arthritis can arise if the problem is left untreated. Assessment and treatment by a qualified chiropractor, such as your Ventura Chiropractor can remedy the affliction and assisting in avoiding future complications.
Ventura Chiropractor Welcomes You to the Hot Topic in Health
Posted by: | CommentsThe My Ventura Chiropractor Blog is going to be a space dedicated to bringing to light the latest health news from around the world. We will not only cover topics that are traditionally considered “Chiropractic” related, such as topics on neck pain, back pain, headaches, arthritis, and other musculoskeletal issues, (and we will be covering these, don’t get me wrong!) But there are many health topics out there, including nutritional news, new technologies and treatments, and a myriad of conditions.
Now, let me warn you right now that this blog, is just that, a blog. It will be my opinions, yes opinions. They will be grounded in science but still, they are opinions, not hard facts. So with that in mind, this is my disclaimer: The information contained in this blog are the opinions of the administrator and commenters. They are in no way meant to be diagnostic for any condition. Please seek the guidance of your personal health professional for any information on any question or condition specific to yourself. okay with that out of the, let’s get cracking!(no pun intended)They will be grounded in science but still, they are opinions, not hard facts. So with that in mind, this is my disclaimer: The information contained in this blog are the opinions of the administrator and commenters. They are in no way meant to be diagnostic for any condition. Please seek the guidance of your personal health professional for any information on any question or condition specific to yourself. okay with that out of the way, let’s get cracking!(no pun intended)
Chiropractor Ventura: No Pain, No Gain? Not With Shoulder Pain
Posted by: | CommentsChiropractor Ventura wants to help you get shoulder pain relief before you get on with the game of life: Like the rest of us, you, no doubt, expect a lot of your shoulders. They are depended upon to perform a large number of movements during your day. This variety of complex motion assists you in every area of your life – at work and at play. However, you have been overworking your shoulders if you are currently experiencing shoulder pain. That is to say, you might be participating in repetitive activities such as lifting and other arm movements, in particular those done overhead, like throwing a baseball, swinging a golf club or tennis racket, or simply setting objects on overhead shelves. Nerve irritation, joint stress, and wear and tear of the tissues surrounding the shoulder joints can take place as the consequence of these types of repetitive motions These repetitive motions shouldn’t actually produce pain if your shoulder is healthy. But, if you are feeling pain in your shoulder, it is an indication that there’s a dysfunction that needs to be corrected.
Shoulder muscles frequently become tight, and even weak, if the nerves are irritated, and movement is painful and restricted. This often takes place in the ligaments and a group of muscles (and their tendon attachments) referred to as the rotator cuff. These muscles and tendons join your upper arm bone with your shoulder blade and also help secure the ball of your upper arm stably in its shoulder socket. It is the result of this elegant combination that permits the greatest range of motion of any joint in your body.
The severity of this shoulder impingement syndrome can extend from a slight “catching” pain upon motion (especially raising your arm overhead), to an almost complete loss of ability to use the shoulder. Never either disregard your shoulder pain or continue an activity while in pain. It is crucial for you to see a health professional about your shoulder problem as soon as you can because the pain will only go from bad to worse. Unhappily, if disregarded, some shoulder conditions, such as Rotator Cuff Syndrome, many time end up needing surgery and an extended rehabilitation. Your chiropractor knows exactly what to do to relieve your pain, and is a specialist in diagnosing and treating muscular-skeletal problems. Because chiropractic care focuses on the reason for your shoulder pain, it is treated at its source. Your chiropractor will assist in restoring healthy mobility to your shoulder joints, and will also talk to you about rehabilitation exercises that will not only help you get rid of the shoulder pain you have now, but will help you to avoid shoulder injuries in the future.
Chiropractor Ventura on Neck Pain
Posted by: | CommentsChiropractor Ventura knows plenty about your neck pain: Whenever we arise in the morning with a stiff and painful neck, the tendency is to blame the predicament on our pillow, bed, or sleep position during that night. We also attempt to figure out what is occurring when sudden neck movement causes a sharp pain that feels as if “something” has slipped out of position or that a nerve is being “pinched.” It is useful to understand that most neck problems are seldom caused by a single incident, but usually by the cumulative effects of incorrect sitting posture, bad work and living habits, lack of proper exercise and flexibility, and other lifestyle-related factors. Naturally, some neck challenges are due to traumatic events such as a whiplash accident, a fall, or a sports injury.
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 made of posterior joints, called facets, that connect vertebrae to one another. Inter-vertebral discs, made of tough cartilage, join the “bodies” of the vertebrae. This dense cartilage covers the nucleus, a soft material in the center of the inter-vertebral discs. The discs act as shock absorbers and spacers between the vertebrae. In a canal positioned between the body and the facets of the vertebrae is the spinal cord. Spinal nerves leave the spine between the vertebrae and provide energy to muscles and organs of the body. They also carry sensory impulses, including pain information, from the body to the brain. The nerves that leave 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 neck has a natural forward curve when looked at from the side that helps appropriately balance the weight of the head, as well as to decrease stress on the neck joints. For more information please feel free to visit your Ventura Chiropractor.
Risk Factors: Neck Pain and Computer Use
A larger majority of people are now making their living sitting at a desk in front of a computer. The use of computers has risen dramatically, and many individuals spend eight to ten hours a day slumped over the keyboard and staring at the monitor. When we sit with our head in a forward bent position-the posture that most desk workers take on-the ligaments that hold the facets together and the muscles in the neck are put under tremendous strain. Furthermore, the normal forward curve of the neck may become reversed and produce more stress on the surrounding tissue of the neck. All of this can lead to spinal problems including disc herniation and subluxations, which are the primary causes of spinal nerve pain. In addition to general pain, spinal nerve inflammation in the neck can generate symptoms such as headaches, eye problems, giddiness, arm and hand pain (and paraesthesia), as well as shoulder pain.
Headaches and chiropractic Care
Headaches or migraines are frequently associated with dysfunction of the cervical spine. Symptoms, from a dull ache to throbbing pain, are produced when the cervical vertebrae lose their natural position or motion and sensitive nerves and blood vessels, connected with structures in the head are stretched or inflamed. Trigger points, the tight knots in the muscles of the neck, can also refer pain to the head. Of course there are other factors related to headaches including toxic fumes, certain foods, additives such as MSG, alcohol, caffeine, and stress. Nevertheless one must always look at the tissues and alignment of the neck when considering the basis for headaches and migraines. Chiropractic care has been shown to singularly helpful in the treatment of headaches. Your Ventura Chiropractor can give you further information regarding treatment and pain relief.
Whiplash and Chiropractic Care
Unfortunately, many people are involved in car accidents. Beyond question the most common auto accident is when one car collides into the rear-end of another car. During such a collision, the head of the passenger in the front car is powerfully wrenched back, and then forward, causing harm to the structure of both the front and back of the neck. This kind of damage is often called a whiplash. Even at low speeds, the amount of force produced by such an accident is very intense and can cause injury to the ligaments, muscles, facet joints, discs, and spinal nerves. Whiplash injury includes neck pain and immobility, and other symptoms such as headaches, nausea, vertigo, arm and should pain, tingling in the hands and fingers, and weakness of the arms and hand. Immediate evaluation and x-rays are crucial in order to rule out a fracture. More often than not in many cases, the injuries are primarily to the soft tissues and joints. Proper management is essential in rehabilitation from the pain and symptoms of whiplash, and also to prevent future disability. Your Ventura Chiropractor is has years of experience in treating whiplash injury, and is more than capable of managing the case from start to finish.
Ventura Chiroprator is An Expert When It Comes to Back Pain
Posted by: | CommentsYour Ventura Chiropractor is an spine expert and knows what it takes to get rid of your back pain. If you’re experiencing low back pain, you’re not alone. Low back pain affects many people, an amazing 80% in fact, making it second only to the common cold in its prevalence. However, contrary to the common cold, waiting for your back pain to “run its course,” and taking prescription or over-the-counter remedies while you wait, is not the remedy. The majority of back pain won’t go away by itself. Frequently, if your pain decreases, it is most likely the result of your body’s compensating for the problem and, consequently causing new challenges. Low back pain is nothing to sneeze at! You need to see a back pain expert, like your chiropractor, if you’d like to eliminate your back pain for good!
Back pain is commonly a mystery to most people who are afflicted by it, and chiropractors are proficient at solving that mystery. Sufferers ask: Why is it that I have not experienced any trauma, accidents, or major injuries prior to the onset of their pain? The answer is that the cumulative effects of awkward sitting posture, poor work habits, improper lifting, lack of routine exercise, and other unhealthy lifestyle-related determinants create most back pain.
These factors eventually add up and create stresses and imbalances on the spine creating subluxations that can lead to serious back conditions. The process is similar to the front end of your car being out of alignment. When you insist upon driving anyway, there is disproportionate wear and tear on your tires. If you didn’t get the problem fixed, the situation would, no doubt, get worse until you “blew” a tire. The health of the spine is threatened when your spine is misaligned. In other words, it’s not only a problem waiting to happen, it’s a problem waiting to get worse. And then, something as easy as bending over to pick up a piece of paper can be the “final factor” that generates back injury. When this takes place, the surrounding back muscles go into spasm in order to stabilize the stressed or injured tissues of the back.
Chiropractors have more education, training, and experience than medical doctors regarding dysfunctions of the spine. They provide highly qualified diagnosis and effective treatment for all muscular-skeletal problems. They not only provide welcomed relief if you are suffering from back pain, but they know what will help you to avoid further back pain. Your chiropractor will not only provide you with effectual adjustments and other productive chiropractic therapies but, additionally, will offer a personalized exercise strategy and give advice about other beneficial lifestyle changes that will help to keep you well-adjusted and pain-free in the future.
