Posts Tagged ‘chiropractic’
Chiropractic Treatment Can Help Your Child’s Earaches and Ear Infections
Earache is the most widespread basis for office visits to pediatricians. More than 70 percent of children will have had at least one earache by the age of three, and nearly one-third will have had three or more earache incidents. What you might not know, however, is that earache is also the most general reason for children under the age of five years to be escorted by parents to the chiropractor’s office.
How Chiropractic Care Relates to Earache and Ear Infections
A pediatrician who suspects that a child with an earache has a middle ear infection will usually prescribe antibiotics as a typical course of treatment. New analysis, however, has determined that such practices are often misguided. Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial pathogens, and due to the fact that the child’s middle ear infection may be generated by a virus, antibiotics are ineffectual. This may be the reason for a child’s chronic ear infections.
One of a number of determinations that a Honolulu chiropractor can make is whether the earache or ear infection is produced by irritation of the small nerves in the spine, called free nerve endings.
An undue tension in the small muscles of the neck is created when these nerve endings are inflammed. Pressure created on the lymphatic drainage ducts as a result of muscle tension can stop adequate drainage from inside the ear. This problem keeps the body from naturally rectifying the problem. Furthermore, balance can also be affected.
Identification by a chiropractor of such a problem is made by the discovery of increased tension in the neck and paraspinal muscles. Normally more tension is felt on the side of earache. In addition, the chiropractor will palpate to see which spinal vertebrae are either moderately out of alignment or not moving within their normal range. There are a number of reasons for such acondition as the result of the many bangs, jolts, and falls the majority of children encounter growing up. Many times, a short regimen of spinal adjustments and manipulation of the neck muscles can help to restore normal lymph drainage. If your child is suffering from an earache or an ear infection, see your Honolulu chiropractor as soon as possible.
Advanced Research and Guidelines
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), ear infection, the most frequent childhood sickness after the common cold, accounts for nearly 30 million doctor visits every year. What’s more, at least 6 million courses of antibiotics are causelessly prescribed for the problem.Just recently, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released new guidelines for treating pediatric ear inflammation, and expressly recommended a period of “watchful waiting” since, in many cases, infections clear up on their own, without medication.
The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) applauds the AAP on the guidelines and underlines that chiropractic treatment is a “good first option” for treating ear infection conservatively. “Doctors of chiropractic have been treating children for decades with great success – helping them to avoid painful ear infections, antibiotic overuse and resistance, and ear tube surgery,” said ACA President Donald Krippendorf, DC. “Particularly when dealing with young children, drugs and surgery should be an absolute last resort.”
Chiropractic and Your Child’s Health
Is It Safe To Adjust Children? FAQ#7
Today’s moms and dads are more concerned than ever about the adverse effects pharmaceuticals have on their children. Moms and dads want to know if there is more that they can do for their child than to give them pharmaceuticals.
Many children’s prescription and non-prescription drugs often not only mask a child’s symptoms, but can generate negative side effects. Their desire to maintain a healthier state for their children has encouraged parents to look for health care options that assist their child’s own innate ability to be healthy.
Chiropractic care is that option. All children are stronger with 100% nerve function. The immune system is controlled by the nervous system. When it is working at its peak, children stay healthier. As far as a child’s health is concerned, “the best offense is a good defense.” Everyday, children are exposed to massive amounts of airborn, food-born, and contact bacteria. So many bacteria, in fact, that it would be inconceivable to immunize them against them all. Your Camarillo Chiropractor is very familiar with colds, sore throats, ear infections, fevers, colic, asthma, tonsillitis, allergies, bed-wetting, infections, pains, falls, stomach-aches, and the hundred and one little (and big) things children go through as they grow up.
One of the functions of a chiroractor is to keep your child healthy and strong so that the illnesses that appear to be an inescapable part of childhood, either won’t affect your child as fiercely or will not affect them at all. The purpose of chiropractic treatment is to remove interferences to the innate healing power running through the body. When that power is unleashed, the changes that take place may often be profound.
Furthermore, when a child’s spine is in alignment, he or she is far less vulnerable to sports and play injuries. In addition, children who get adjusted on a regular basis more often than not don’t experience as many “growing pains” as other children.
Each day at your Camarillo Chiropractor it’s apparent that more and more parents are bringing their children to our clinic to help to take care of the questions and concerns they have about their children’s health. All children are entitled to manifest their fullest potential. Chiropractic care for children at your chiropractor is safe, gentle and effective.
Adjust Your Posture, Get Rid of Your Knee Pain
San Jose Chiropractor: Ten Most Frequently Asked Questions
Knee pain and disability is widespread, second only to spinal problems within the musculoskeletal system. Conditions concerning the knee can be separated into several categories including unsatisfactory of the knee and faulty foot mechanics due to foot pain, general overuse of the knee joint, inflammation due to arthritic changes in the joint, and traumatic injury from events such as sports and falls.
Non-trauma knee problems: Insufficient mechanics of the knee joint and the associated stress on the soft tissues of the knee are, by far, the most widespread cause of non-traumatic pain. Normally, the part of the knee affected is the patella or knee-cap. Many times the patella does not move evenly or does not move efficiently on the femur during bending of the knee causing too much stress on the tendons, cartilage and ligaments. This specific condition is often called chondromalacia patella (CMP) or Patella Femoral Syndrome (Knee Cap Pain). The problem most often begins when there are imbalances in the quadriceps muscles of the thigh that attach to and move the patella. Lower back conditions, particularly in the sacroiliac joints, are one of the foremost reasons for imbalances in the muscles related to knee movement, and ensuing knee problems. Imbalances in muscle groups that attach to the knee can also lead to pain and dysfunction. For example, the muscles on the inside of the thigh, when strained and tight, can create pain on the medial or inside of the knee. Faulty foot mechanics that produce gait irregularities such as pronation, are another cause of mechanical knee pain.
Indications of overuse include pain during activities such as climbing stairs, running, jumping, as well as pain upon getting up after prolonged sitting. A number of women appear to be predisposed to painful overuse conditions for anatomical reasons, however such ailments are often due to wearing high heels on a regular basis.
It is important to re-establish proper muscle balance, restore appropriate motion to the patella and other knee joints, and to correct any subluxations of the sacroiliac joints and bones of the foot. In certain cases, a brace is adopted to help with the adjustment of the patella or to stabilize the joint. Chiropractors, such as your San Jose chiropractor, are highly experienced in administering the correct diagnosis and care of these conditions.
Knee problems due to trauma: Traumatic injuries often take place during sports that involve running and jumping, especially. Sprains take place when tissue is torn due to the knee being stretched or twisted beyond the strength of the ligaments that hold the joint in place. Strains to muscles that move the knee can occur when the muscles are torn during injury. As with a sprain, a muscle strain can vary from a slight injury that requires little treatment to a extreme injury needing surgery. The knee also contains two special “cartilages” – the menisci – between the tibia and the femur that facilitate frictionless motion and cushioning. These cartilages can also be torn during trauma, and often require surgical repair, or even removal if damaged severely.
Traumatic knee injuries can produce intense pain and swelling and necessitate urgent examination and care. In the majority of cases an experienced chiropractor, such as your San Jose Chiropractor, can take excellent care of these problems, however there are some injuries that do need the skills of an orthopedic surgeon. Nevertheless, it is vital to stabilize the injured joint right away and to put ice on the hurt area, if possible, until the injury can be evaluated.
If poor mechanics, overuse problems, or traumatic injuries are not corrected at an early stage, the tissues of the knee joint, expressly the cartilage, will begin to wear out over the course of time. Consequently the bones will rub on one another, and changes such as bone spurs can eventuate. This painful condition, known as degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis, often advances with age. Usual treatment may involve medications such as NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). However, there are natural anti-inflammatory supplements that are very effective such as rosemary, glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, bioflavinoids, curcumin. Conservative treatment, such as chiropractic, can be extremely valuable in reducing the pain. Your San Jose chiropractor is very knowledgeable about anti-inflammatory supplements. In addition, individuals can usually aid themselves by keeping their weight down, doing exercises (especially in the pool), and wearing cushioned shoes or insoles.
Chiropractic Management Can Help Elbow Pain
Tennis Elbow, the familiar name for elbow pain emanating from the outside, or lateral side, of the elbow happens when one or more tendons of the forearm muscles become irritated or inflamed. These tendons connect to the bony protuberance close to the elbow joint, called the lateral epicondyle, ergo the medical name, “lateral epicondylitis,” in essence inflammation of the epicondyle. If the condition is located on the inside, or medial side, of the elbow it is frequently called Golfer’s Elbow or medial epicondylitis. This, though, is not as prevalent as lateral epicondylitis.
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. Many people develop “tennis” or “golfer’s” elbow from other activities like prolonged carrying of heavy bags, knitting, chopping food, and/or computer work using improper wrist and arm posture. With sports, the problem comes up when someone, who is new to a specific game, uses an improper technique, tries out new rackets or clubs, or adds to the intensity or duration of exercise without the appropriate preparation.
Epicondylitis can occasionally start farther up the arm or even in the neck. If a person has a disc complication or spinal subluxation, the nerves that control the forearm muscles may become irritated making the muscles tense and putting heightened strain on the tendon attachment(s). In these circumstances, it predisposes someone to elbow pain from any of the above-mentioned causes. If ignored, joints of the elbow can become subluxated further, and even arthritis can be a development due to the condition. Assessment and adjustments by a qualified chiropractor, such as your Mount Laurel Chiropractor can remedy the condition and assisting in avoiding future complications.
Appropriate treatment is essential because epicondylitis seldom, if ever, resolves on its own. A qualified professional such as a chiropractor can determine the exact cause of the problem and initiate the proper care and treatment. This might include modalities such as ultrasound, electro-therapy, massage, hot and cold therapies, bracing, and home stretching and exercises. Mount Laurel Chiropractic adjustments have proved, in the majority of instances, to be extremely beneficial in the most thorough management of this affliction.
Sports Injuries and Chiropractic Care, The Perfect Solution
Not too long ago sports injuries were mostly limited to professional athletes, young people participating in school sports programs, and the occasional male “weekend warrior. Today, men and women of all ages participate in regular sports and fitness activities. As a whole, most people are involved in sports like golf and tennis, and/or other healthy activities like running, aerobic classes, and weight training. Sadly, risk of injury is certainly possible with any sports activity.
Most injuries can be divided into two fundamental types: injury from trauma such as a slip, fall or collision, and injury as the effect of overuse or repetitive stress.
Traumatic Injuries
As the name implies, this kind of injury creates the sort of incapacitation and debilitation most frequently associated with trauma. Nearly all traumatic injuries are to the ligaments, the tissue that connects bone to bone, and to body muscles, though fractures and dislocations do occur at times, particularly with contact sports. A strain is any injury to either a muscle or its tendon, and a sprain is an injury to ligaments. The most common parts of the body for these sorts of injuries are the ankles, knees, and shoulders, but other areas can be affected including the low back and neck. Because the spinal cord and/or spinal nerves can be affected, injury to the neck and low back can be extremely serious.
Traumatic injuries can range from a mild “muscle pull” or ankle twist to a serious problem requiring surgery. It all depends upon the amount of tearing of the tissues, the area of the body, and the age of the person. Almost all sprains and strains are related to some degree of swelling and on occasion with internal bleeding, especially with injury to the ankles and knees. Strains and sprains need proper attention, particularly during the initial stages of an injury, to assure correct healing and guard against future disability. Attention from a competent health-care professional, such as your Santa Barbara chiropractor, is highly advisable.
If you’ve sustained an injury, the best course of action is to see a professional. Until assistance is attainable, remember the acronym, PRICE:
P Protect injury to prevent further damage
R Rest the injury
I Ice injury to lessen swelling, bleeding, muscle spasm, and pain
C Compress injury with a specialized support or elastic bandage to support injured tissues
E Elevate the injury, expressly when dealing with ankles and knees
Of course it is necessary to get the injury appropriately assessed by a chiropractor, or other competent health professional, to determine the degree of damage. Most of these injuries can heal, though they do require knowledgeable care during the various stages of healing. If not managed correctly, some sprains and strains can result in long-lasting problems such as joint instability, painful or weak joints and muscles, and lack of mobility. A chiropractor that is trained in the care of sports injuries can give the proper advice and treatment you’ll want to have to insure that your injury will recoverl in the best possible way. If you have sustained a traumatic injury, call your Santa Barbara chiropractor.
Overuse or Repetitive Strain Injuries
These injuries are becoming more prevalent, especially among people going out for sports such as golf, tennis, bowling, and any other activity that demands the same activity over and over (repetitively). Even running, particularly on a treadmill, can produce such afflictions.
Basically, overuse or repetitive stress injuries occur when an individual is performs a repetitious activity that causes a tiny strain to tissues, particularly tendons and muscles, that by itself would not generate a problem, but performed many times has an accumulative effect. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is one of the most frequent kinds of overuse injuries. Over time the muscle or other affected tissue develops changes that no longer allow it to function properly, resulting in pain, stiffness and disability. Certain factors predispose a person to these types of injury. Some are “intrinsic,” that is to say, the factor is found within a person’s own body. Other factors are “extrinsic,” which is to say that the factors are external and can frequently be changed or controlled by the individual.
Some of the most common intrinsic factors for injury
Age is the mostgeneral intrinsic factor for injury. The older a person is, the easier it is for that person to get injured. Congenital abnormalities are another factor. There are those who are born with joint or muscle problems. And, ultimately, previous injuries are a factor as they often keep the joints or muscles from functioning normally.
Extrinsic factors for injury
Extrinsic factors are plentiful. A wrong grip size of a tennis racket, worn-out running shoes, an uneven treadmill surface, or a too-hard surface for soccer are all instances of insufficient sports equipment that can cause problems. Improper technique, like an incorrect golf grip or swing, can create stress and strain injuries. An additional factor is poor conditioning. Quite a few individuals are injured because they aren’t in shape. Added frequency or prolonged duration of an activity, without building up slowly, can create the circumstances for injury. Insufficient flexibility can cause injury if someone is too stiff to do an activity properly. Lack of warm-up, like stretching and suitable preparation, is a frequent factor in injuries. And, finally, but perhaps surprising to some, stress is a factor. Being tired or stressed can produce tense, inflexible muscles that are too tight for most activities.
There are a number of factors that are extrinsic and, therefore, within a person’s control. Before beginning a new sport, or as a way to prevent injury in a current sport, it’s a good idea to get an assessment of your overall body condition. If you’ve been injured, it is vital to seek out a qualified professional, like a chiropractor, to determine the nature of the injury and create a plan of therapy. If left untreated, sports injuries can greatly affect a person’s life and limit a favorite activity. Treatment such as joint manipulation, massage, bracing, and specific exercises is often necessary to stabilize the condition. A chiropractor is and excellent source of help. Call a chiropractor if you’re either thinking of beginning a new activity, you’re feeling pain related to a current sports activity, or you’ve sustained a sports injury. Your Santa Barbara Chiropractor has years of experience helping people just like you.
Can Chiropractic Management Eliminate Balance Challenges?
Santa Barbara Chiropractor: 10 Most Frequent Questions
Controlling and keeping body position while staying still or moving is the essential function of good balance. Good balance helps a person to walk without wobbling, arise from a sitting position without tottering, and to climb stairs without slipping.
Balance challenges are regularly reported by 9 percent of adults, aged 65 and older. Good balance is essential in assisting an older person to stay independent, and implement daily chores and activities. Dizziness, “wooziness,” and problems with balance are experienced by a large majority people as they grow older.
The sensation by many that they, themselves, or objects are spinning is known as “vertigo.” About 40 percent of people nationwide will experience dizziness that is serious enough to go to a doctor. And, among older adults, falls are the prevailing cause of extreme injury and deaths.
Balance and Inner Ear Problems
Three types of balance disorders that are most prevalent are benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, labyrinthitis, and Meniere’s disease, but there are quite a few other kinds of balance disorders. Of these three, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is the most prevalent. Its symptoms involve a brief, intense experience of vertigo with a change in head position, when rolling over to the left or right in bed or when getting out of bed, or when looking up for something on a high shelf. This problem is more likely to happen in persons 60 and older, but it can also take place in younger individuals.
The reasons for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo are diverse. Inner ear infection, head injury, or simply aging can cause the problem. Frequently times a simple Epleys procedure can eliminate the condition, though it can be linked to other disease processes. Your Santa Barbara Chiropractor has many years of experience in this procedure.
Labyrinthitis is an infection or iirritation of the inner ear that creates dizziness and loss of balance. It affects adults of any age and the cause is unknown.
Ménière’s disease is a balance disorder that produces vertigo, hearing loss that comes and goes, tinnitus (ringing or roaring in the ears), and a “full feeling” in the ear.
Age is not the only reason these conditions arise, but older individuals are more likely to experience balance disorders. Depending on the reason for the balance disorder, treatment will vary. A chiropractor is highly skilled in discovering and treating a large majority of the causes. On occasion, even simple exercises for vestibular rehab can be the solution to balance challenges. Call a health care professional, such as your Santa Barbara Chiropractor, if you have encountered, or are currently experiencing, dizziness, vertigo, or other challenges with balance.
Not every balance disorders are created by complications in the inner ear. Some may be associated with other areas of the body like the brain or heart. Other components, in addition to aging and ear infection, may involve head injury, certain medicines, challenges with blood circulation, upper respiratory infections, viral infections, stress, fatigue, smoking, alcohol use, stroke, high or low blood pressure, and heart disease.
Balance disorders created by high blood pressure can normally be managed by less sodium intake,maintaining a healthy weight, and exercise. To assist in making the symptoms of dizziness less intense, generally eating low-salt or salt-free foods, and staying away from caffeine and alcohol, will help.
Balance disorders are serious. It is the number one cause of falls and fall-related injuries in older people. It is extremely important to have a possible balance disorder analysed and treated as soon as possible.
If you can answer “yes” to any of these questions, you should discuss the symptom(s) with your chiropractor:
• Do you have the feeling of being “unsteady?”
• Does the room seem to spin around you?
• Is there ever a time when you feel as if you are moving when you know you are standing still?
• Do you lose your balance and/or fall?
• Do you feel as if you are falling?
• Does your vision ever become “blurred?”
• Do you ever feel disoriented, or lose a sense of time, place or identify?
Don’t wait until it’s too late! Call your chiropractor today.
Can Chiropractic and Acupuncture Approaches Relieve Your Back Pain?
If you are experiencing back pain looking to a conventional healing method may not necessarily be the solution for you. As a matter of fact, many times when medical science is ineffectual in helping a person overcome pain, some natural techniques have been found to be highly effective. Medical approaches, by their nature, tend to treat the symptoms of pain, not the source. Whereas, natural methods seek out the underlying root cause of the symptoms. If you’re looking for natural methods that have been confirmed to be potent in relieving back pain and a number of other afflictions, you need look no further than chiropractic and acupuncture.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been performed for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine. It is gaining in popularity in other parts of the world and for a very good reason: A vast number of people have felt relief from their back pain and a number of other afflictions by going to see an acupuncturist on a routine basis. Pursuant to traditional Chinese acupuncture therapy, small needles are put into the body at distinct points that are known to affect a number of different areas of the body. Traditionally, only the needles are used, however on occasion and in particular today, minute electrical currents are sent through the needles into the body. Despite the fact that it may seem as if it would hurt, it rarely ever does and, moreover, many people feel tranquil and pleasurable sensations whenever they are undergoing acupuncture treatments.
Chiropractic
For over one hundred years, chiropractors, such as a Honolulu chiropractor, (also called doctors of chiropractic) have been treating individuals experiencing back pain and other health problems. A chiropractor offers therapy to those who are experiencing musculoskeletal and nervous system challenges. Chiropractic medicine treats the misalignments of the vertebral column that inhibit the operation of the nervous system. These misaligned vertebra can reduce resistance and immunity, thus causing new health problems. An effectual chiropractor has excellent observational and diagnostic skills that aid in discovering physical anomalies and joint problems. Many chiropractors perform neurological tests and orthopedic checks. Some will analyze the posture of someone in an effort to identify postural irregularities, and in addition may study someones gait to determine faulty movement patterns. Chiropractic management non-surgical, drug-free treatment and in addition will offer advice and provide education concerning the benefits of individual lifestyle changes, such as in exercise and nutrition.
So, if you are experiencing back pain, headaches, neck pain, hip pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, balance challenges, or arthritis, and you’ve tried a number of other things and and you’re still suffering, it could be time for you to try chiropractic and acupuncture. The only way that you’re going to be able to tell is to visit a good chiropractor or acupuncturist, and to let them to tell you precisely what they can do for you. More than likely you will experience some relief from your pain even after only one visit. With subsequent visits, you will continue to make improvements, and it is likely that you will find that these natural treatments work best for your back pain.