The Neck & Shoulder Pain Relationship

February 20, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Given the close anatomical proximity between the neck and shoulder, it’s no wonder the two are intimately related. In our hectic lifestyles of driving, hunching over computers, talking on the phone, not to mention stress arising from multiple sources, the muscles in the neck, upper back and shoulders seem to tighten up and hurt at the same time. The question is, between the neck and the shoulder, which one is the “chicken” and which is the “egg?”

The neck gives rise to the nerves that innervate the head (C1-3 nerve roots), the shoulders (C4-5), and the arms (C5-T2). Hence, there are 8 sets of nerves in the neck, 12 sets in the thoracic (middle back region), and 6 sets in the lumbar or low back region and 5 sets in the sacrum, all of which travel to a specific destination allowing us to move our muscles and to feel hot, cold, sharp, dull, vibration and position sense. When these nerves get pinched or irritated, they lose their function and the ability to feel, making it challenging to button a shirt, thread a needle, or pick up small objects.  It can also make it difficult to unscrew jars, squeeze a spray bottle, or lift a milk container from the refrigerator. Hence, the nerves arising from the neck, when pinched, can have a dramatic effect on our ability to carry out our desired activities in which the shoulder, arm and hand use is required.

On the other hand, when the shoulder is injured (such as a rotator cuff tear), this can also result in neck problems. There are several ways pain from the neck affects the shoulder and vice versa. When the shoulder is injured, pain “information” is relayed to the brain starting at the nerve endings located in the area of the shoulder injury, transmitting impulses between the shoulder and the neck, and finally from the neck to the sensory cortex of the brain. That information is processed and communication to the motor cortex prompts nerve signals to be sent back to the shoulder through the neck and to the injured area (in this case, the shoulder). A reflex muscle spasm often occurs as a result, serving as kind of an “internal cast” as the muscle spasm tries to protect the injured shoulder.

This can become a “vicious cycle” or never-ending “loop” until the reflex is interrupted (perhaps by a chiropractic adjustment). Another means by which both areas become injured has to do with modifications in function. We tend to change the way we go about our daily chores when an injury occurs to the shoulder, such as putting on a coat differently by leaning over to the opposite side. These functional changes can also give rise to neck pain. Because of this reflex cycle, as well as the close anatomic relationship between the neck and shoulder, not to mention the “domino effect” of soft-tissue injuries which seem to change the function at the next joint level, it’s not surprising that both the neck AND the shoulder require simultaneous treatment for optimal treatment benefit. However, the good news is, regardless which one is the “chicken or the egg,” chiropractic treatments of shoulder injuries will almost always include the neck and vice versa.

We realize that you have a choice in where you choose your healthcare services.  If you, a friend or family member requires care for neck pain, we sincerely appreciate the trust and confidence shown by choosing our services and look forward in serving you and your family presently and, in the future.

If you would like to know how chiropractic care can help with your neck pain or shoulder pain, call 732-984-9597 for a free consultation call.

Filed Under: chiropractic care, Health Update, lower back pain, neck pain, neck/shoulder pain, shoulder pain Tagged With: , , , ,

Fibromyalgia: The Challenges of Diagnosis

February 16, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic condition where the diagnosis is made by elimination since there are no specific lab tests for diagnosing FM. In the past, we’ve discussed the different types of FM, the lack of good diagnostic tests, many management recommendations derived from interviews with FM patients, and more.

One of the many causes of FM involves the autoimmune system, thus suggesting that FM may be an autoimmune disease. In summary, the autoimmune system is very important system for all of us, as it controls the means by which our body fights off unwanted foreign particles like viruses, bacteria, and a host of other triggers that can negatively affect our body. The autoimmune process is best explained by example: Let’s say a certain type of food is eaten to which the person has an allergy. As particles from that food are absorbed into the blood stream, the body senses that something is wrong –foreign particles are there that shouldn’t be there. As a result, our body produces antibodies, which function like an army trained to “fight” the foreign particles. If the body’s autoimmune system handles it without a problem, the person may not even know anything is “wrong” or that this process is going on. However, if the foreign particle is not handled easily or properly, all kinds of symptoms can occur. In this food allergy example, stomach pain, nausea, cramping, diarrhea and perhaps hives on the skin may even occur. Another common autoimmune example occurs in the spring when flowers bloom, grass grows, trees bud, and so on. Many of us suffer from what is commonly referred to as “hay fever” and possible symptoms include a runny nose, itchy watery eyes, and sneezing (lots of it).

FM is sometimes thought to be associated with rheumatoid arthritis but the scientific evidence is not in full agreement with this theory either. More consistent evidence for causation seems to support the following possibilities: 1. Following trauma or injury. 2. A central nervous system origin. 3. Changes in muscle metabolism. 4. A decrease in muscle blood flow.

However, there are still those who support the cause of FM being triggered by an infectious agent like a virus in susceptible people, even though no specific agent has yet to be identified. For those who state that FM is not an autoimmune disease, they do admit FM may have an “autoimmune component” to it. One study reported, “…that scientists have discovered a new antibody in the blood of many FM patients,” which was reported in the Journal of Rheumatology. Subsequently, a new test was developed for detection of the “Anti-Polymer Antibody” (APA) that was reportedly found in more than 60% of FM patients with severe symptoms. The idea of a specific blood test for FM is certainly welcomed by all experts and clinicians who manage FM as a reported $16 billion/year in direct medical costs are associated with FM. Unfortunately, when comparing the APA levels in FM patients to those with rheumatoid arthritis and controls with neither, the APA levels were not able to distinguish between the groups.  Unfortunately, until better testing methods are developed, doctors and researchers will continue to look for the “gold standard” FM test.

If you, a friend or family member requires care for FM, we sincerely appreciate the trust and confidence shown by choosing our services!

If you would like to know how chiropractic care can help with your Fibromyalgia, call 732-984-9597 for a free consultation call.

 

 

Filed Under: chiropractic care, fibromyalgia, Health Update Tagged With: , ,

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Prevention

February 10, 2012 By Leave a Comment

People who spend a lot of time performing activities that require a high level of force, repetition, or use vibrating tools are at risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Other activities such as driving, playing musical instruments, knitting, using a sander, screw drivers, air wrenches, waitress work, or assembling small parts are also associated with increased CTS risk. The good news: there are ways we can reduce the risk of developing CTS. Some of these include the following:

 

1. Stay Healthy: There are many conditions that contribute to the onset and/or make CTS worse. Exercise, maintain a healthy weight (Body Mass Index – BMI – of 25 or less), stop smoking (or better yet, never start), take your thyroid medication (if indicated), keep your blood sugar normal (obesity leads to diabetes which often worsens CTS), and do your carpal tunnel exercises multiple times a day.

2. Ergonomics: Use “ergonomic” principles when arranging your workstation such as sitting properly at your home and work computers. The placement of your desk, the computer monitor, the keyboard (consider a convex keyboard rather than the flat type), the mouse (and type of mouse – the track ball mouse requires no arm movement, only the thumb), paperwork space and location. The type of chair and its height are also very important. Avoid desks that have sharp edges as they can compress the forearms and pinch the CTS nerve.

3. Posture: The position in which you sit is important! Sit in an upright position, head/chin tucked in, feet on the floor or on a box, elbows resting on adjustable arms of the chair bent about 90 degrees, and keep your wrists fairly straight/neutral. Avoid slouching, reaching out with the elbows less than 90 degrees, head shifted forwards and shoulders rounded and feet not positioned under you. When you talk on the phone, STRONGLY consider a headset! Pinching the phone between your shoulder and ear with your head bent sideways for any length of time is a ticket to disaster for developing CTS and/or other types of cumulative trauma disorders (pinched nerves in the neck, shoulder tendonitis/bursitis, elbow tendonitis and more).

4.  Plan your activities: Pay careful attention to your daily routine for activities that may increase your risk of developing or perpetuating CTS. For example, these activities can increase your chance of developing or worsening CTS: playing a musical instrument, knitting, carpentry, playing video or computer games for hours, working on cars, operating vibrating tools, using forceful gripping such as spray bottles, using a crutch, cane, wheelchair, engaging in certain sports such as long-distance cycling that load the arm and hand, skiing – waterskiing requires a firm grip on the handle and snow skiing requires firm gripping on the ski pole.

5.  Sleep: It is impossible to control the position we put our hands/wrists in at night. Therefore, it is essential to wear wrist splints so we avoid bending the wrists in our sleep. Many of us curl up in a ball and tuck or bend the wrists and hands under our chin. In a “normal” wrist, the pressure inside the carpal tunnel DOUBLES when we bend our wrists! If we have CTS, the pressure goes up exponentially or, 6-8 times because of the increased pressure that’s there already because of the CTS. Use a pillow that is designed for you, we’ll help you with that!

6.  Take a break! It’s important to pace yourself if your work or play includes fast, repetitive activities. It’s easy to get lost into what you’re doing so a timer to remind you that an hour has gone by and to take a break is a wise purchase.  There are computer programs that flash on your screen, “Time to stretch!” Some of these may include the actual exercise so you don’t forget what to do. If not, talk to us about what exercises are good to do either at the workstation and/or at home for CTS.

We realize you have a choice in who you consider for your health care provision and we sincerely appreciate your trust in choosing our service for those needs.  If you, a friend or family member require care for CTS, we would be honored to render our services.

If you would like to know how chiropractic care can help with your Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, call 732-984-9597 for a free consultation call.

Filed Under: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, chiropractic care, exercise, Exercises For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, health, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , ,

Low Back Pain & Spinal Manipulation: How Does It Work?

February 6, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Health Update: Low Back Pain

 For many years, Chiropractic has been at the forefront of treating low back pain (LBP) with both greater patient satisfaction and less lost time at work when compared to other non-surgical treatment approaches. There have been many explanations as to why chiropractic manipulation therapy (CMT) works but many of these studies include other treatment modalities or methods and the benefits are, therefore, not clearly derived only from CMT.  A recent study has tried to clear this up and the results are very interesting!

 

This study included two chiropractors and two a physical therapists (PT) from Canada and the US. What is unique about this study is that they measured clinical or symptomatic improvement by tracking improvement in activity tolerance using a standard questionnaire commonly used by chiropractors and PTs all over the world, as well as changes in the spinal stiffness using a valid/reliable instrument before and after CMT was utilized. The importance of these findings is that only CMT was utilized and hence, other forms of treatment commonly utilized by chiropractors did not cloud the findings. There were 48 patients included in the study and the initial 2 treatments were administered 3-4 days apart, followed by an assessment 3-4 days after the 2nd treatment. Assessments were also performed before and after each treatment. The assessments included use of the questionnaire and a stiffness measurement using the special instrument. Also, “recruitment of the lumbar multifidus muscle” (a muscle in the low back that helps stabilize the trunk or core) was measured by ultrasound. After each treatment, significant improvement was found in the overall pain level and in reduced spinal stiffness (which remained improved 3-4 days after the last/second treatment).

 

The study conclusions revealed less pain, more activity tolerance and less spinal stiffness after the administration of the 2 treatments. The greatest clinical improvement was found in those who had the most dramatic reduction in stiffness after each treatment. They found that the level of muscle recruitment was directly related to the degree of spinal stiffness.  They also found that patients who received thrust manipulation (CMT) had immediate improvements with reduced pain, stiffness and improved muscle recruitment measurements. However, this same effect was NOT obtained when non-thrust mobilization techniques were used. This means many non-thrust manual techniques such as mobilization, massage, and other soft tissue release methods do not create the immediate benefits that were produced by thrust manipulation.

 

With this new information, we are now able to explain with confidence to patients the reasons why they typically feel better after the spinal adjustment. The patient can then appreciate receiving an answer that makes clear sense and has been “proven.” It’s important to realize that the “bonus” of receiving chiropractic care for low back pain includes not only just pain reduction, but more importantly, improvement in tolerating activities such as vacuuming, washing dishes, golfing, walking and of course, working.

 

We realize you have a choice in who you choose to provide your healthcare services.  If you, a friend or family member requires care for low back pain, we sincerely appreciate the trust and confidence shown by choosing our services and look forward in serving you and your family presently and, in the future.

If you would like to know how chiropractic care can help your low back pain, call 732-984-9597 for a free consultation call.

Filed Under: back pain, chiropractic, chiropractic care, Health Update, low back pain, spinal manipulation, Uncategorized Tagged With: , ,

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Sleeping

February 2, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night and noticed your hand sleeping to the point where you had to get out of bed and shake or flick your fingers to alleviate the numbness? If the numbness was primarily on the thumb-side half of your hand, it may have been carpal tunnel syndrome that woke you up. So, the question is, why is it such an issue at night?

To properly answer this question, let’s get familiar with the anatomy of the wrist.  There are 2 bones that make up the forearm – the ulna (on the pinky side) and the radius (on the thumb side). Just beyond that, there are two rows of four bones each called the carpal bones for a total of 8 small bones that make up the wrist joint. These carpal bones are arranged in a horseshoe or tunnel shape. When you look down at your wrist and wiggle your fingers quickly, you can see all the movement that occurs on the palm side of the wrist.  That’s a lot of movement!  You can also see the muscles on the upper half of the forearm moving rapidly as the fingers wiggle.

There are 9 muscle tendons that travel through the carpal tunnel, as well as some blood vessels and most important, the median nerve sits on top of all those moving tendons. Just beneath the floor of the tunnel is a ligament called the transverse carpal ligament. The tendons inside the tunnel are surrounded by lubricating sheaths that make it easier for the tendons to slide back and forth as we wiggle our fingers, grip to open a jar, type on a computer, play a musical instrument, or so on. Without the tendon sheaths, the friction between the rubbing tendons would quickly build up heat, resulting in swelling, pain and numbness.  However, in spite of the lubricating function of the sheaths, when we work our fingers and hands too much, swelling and inflammation does occur.

So, why do we have numbness at night when we aren’t working, gripping and moving our fingers repetitively? The answer lies in how we sleep. Since we are asleep, we cannot control where we position our hands and wrists. Most of us curl up in a ball and tuck our hands under our chin or someplace cozy.  Normally, when we bend our wrists, the pressure inside the carpal tunnel doubles. However, a carpal tunnel patient already has a higher level of pressure in their wrist. So, when a carpal tunnel patient bends their wrist in the exact same way, the pressure goes up even more – that is, 3, 4, 5, or more times than a normal person without their wrist bent. That is why a wrist “cock-up” splint works so well at night!  It keeps the wrist straight so we can’t bend it.  Often, this allows the CTS patient to sleep through the night instead of waking up 2, 3, or more times with numbness, tingling, and/or pain on the thumb half of the hand.

We realize you have a choice in who you consider for your health care provision and we sincerely appreciate your trust in choosing our service for those needs.  If you, a friend or family member require care for CTS, we would be honored to render our services.

You may be a candidate for chiropractic care for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome For a FREE no obligation consultation call 732-984-9597

Filed Under: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, chiropractic care, pain relief, Uncategorized, wrist pain Tagged With: ,

Fibromyalgia: “Why Won’t The Pain Stop?”

January 27, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic condition that does not limit itself to just one area but rather, it manifests as a generalized, whole body condition where basically, everything hurts. The diagnosis is typically made by exclusion or, by eliminating all other possible conditions as there is no single blood test for FM and unless other conditions that are test sensitive are present at the same time, most tests come back negative.  Of course, this leaves the FM patient upset because, “….no one can figure out what’s wrong with me.” We all seem to want a test to prove what we have is “real.”

Unfortunately, in the real world, no blood test, x-ray, or exam procedure is 100% accurate (sensitive and specific), so even when tests return positive, there can be “false positives” that are caused by many things such as drug induced test alterations and/or other conditions that alter the same test. On the other hand, there are “false negatives,” so even though the test came back negative, it’s still possible that the problem one is present but the test may just not be sensitive (accurate) enough to detect it.  FM is one of those conditions where only after a myriad of tests have been run and come back negative, can the diagnosis of FM be made with some degree of confidence.

Essentially, we have to prove that you don’t have something else causing similar symptoms before we can confidently (or at lease more confidently) diagnose you with fibromyalgia. To complicate this further, in “secondary FM,” the cause of FM is known and is due to an underlying condition such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, hypothyroid, HIV, cancer, as well as physical trauma such as after a car accident or a work injury. When an accident is involved, the symptoms may be more confined to one area (then called “regional FM”) making the diagnosis even more challenging as the classic 11 of 18 tender points may not hold up in these cases.

Finally, there are doctors out there that simply don’t “believe in” the condition and may say to the FM patient, “…there is no such thing, it’s all in your head, you simply have learn how to live with it. There’s nothing that can be done.” Well, they actually may be partially right – that is, the “…it’s all in your head” part (don’t get mad… just wait!). Another finding that is well-published in peer review literature is the concept called central and peripheral “sensitization.” This occurs when increased incoming sensory information from injured skin, muscles, and/or organs, in a sense bombard areas in the central nervous system (spinal cord and brain) leaving it “sensitized” or, more sensitive to “normal” incoming information.  This is because the threshold or tolerance to normal incoming sensory stimuli is reduced and results in increased muscle pain commonly described by patients with FM.

To better illustrate this, hypersensitivity or central sensitization was found in people after a whiplash injury.  They recruited 14 whiplash patients and 14 “normals” to compare their responses when stimulating the leg (the non-injured area) as well as the neck (injured area). Theoretically, if central sensitization didn’t exist, the responses to the exact same stimulus on the healthy leg of both the whiplash patients and the normal subjects would be equal. Instead, what was found was that the whiplash patients had significantly lower pain thresholds for 2 of 3 tests (a single electrical stimulus in the muscle, repeated electrical stimulation in the muscle and on the skin, but not from heat when applied to the skin). Each pain threshold was measured at the neck and leg before and after local anesthesia was applied to the painful, sore neck muscles. In the whiplash cases, the lower pain threshold was found when stimulating both skin and muscles at the healthy leg and at the injured anesthetized neck equally. That proves that the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) has a “pain memory” which lowers the threshold so the whiplash patients feel pain more intensely and quicker than the non-injured people. This can help patients understand the answer to the question, “…why won’t this pain go away?” This pain memory or hypersensitization is similarly found in FM patients.

If you, a friend or family member requires care for FM, we sincerely appreciate the trust and confidence shown by choosing our services!

You may be a candidate for chiropractic care for Fibromyalgia.  For a free no-obligation consultation call 732-984-9597.

Filed Under: fibromyalgia Tagged With: , ,

Headaches, Neck Pain and Concussion

January 23, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Have you ever “banged” your head from falling?  For those playing backyard football, soccer, hockey, or baseball as kids or adults, it’s really quite common. So, how can we tell when the “bang” is dangerous vs. not? And, how does a concussion occur?

What is a concussion? A concussion is “traumatic brain injury” (TBI) where the brain is “jarred” and literally bruises as a result of some sort of trauma (a “bang”).

What causes a concussion?Causation is usually from some sort of trauma either by being hit by a moving object (like a ball), from hitting the head during a fall, and even without a direct strike if the head is violently moved back and forth (such as in a “whiplash” injury resulting from a car accident). When there is no direct strike of the head and in the absence of being “knocked out,” the person may not be aware that they have a concussion.

What are the symptoms associated with concussion?

Immediate symptoms usually include a headache and a reduced level of alertness or consciousness. A concussion temporarily interferes with the way the brain works and as a result (depending on the specific location and degree of the “brain bruise”) it can affect memory (short term the greatest), levels of awareness, judgment, feeling “spacey,” reflexes, speech, balance, coordination and sleep patterns. Other symptoms may include nausea and/or vomiting. Most people describe the experience as an abrupt injury where a bright flash of light occurs in the visual field that blocks the vision temporarily. Many do not actually become unconscious but may say they “blacked out” for a second or two. When unconsciousness does occur, the length of time they are “out” may be a way of determining severity. Symptoms can vary from mild to severe and the following are EMERGENCY symptoms where immediate health care provision is necessary: significant changes in alertness and consciousness, convulsions or seizures, muscle weakness on one or both sides, persistent confusion, persistent unconsciousness (coma), repeated vomiting, unequal pupils, unusual eye movements and walking problems. Neck injury is often associated with a head injury, which is why the injured person is stabilized on a board before being transported. Symptoms during recovery include being withdrawn, easily upset, confused, having a hard time with tasks that require memory and/or concentrating, having mild headaches and sensitivity to noise.

What tests are commonly performed on the post-concussive patient and, what is the treatment?

A physical exam can include a careful evaluation of the cranial nerves such as pupil size and eye movement, as well as assessment of one’s thinking ability, coordination and reflexes. Special tests may include an EEG (brain wave test), especially when seizures are involved. A head CT scan or head MRI. Treatment may require a hospital stay if severe signs are present. A “wait & watch” approach is often practiced but prompt gentle chiropractic approaches often facilitates healing and should strongly be considered. Refraining from rigorous sports is strongly advised.

We realize that you have a choice in where you choose your healthcare services.  If you, a friend or family member requires care for headaches, we sincerely appreciate the trust and confidence shown by choosing our services and look forward in serving you and your family presently and, in the future.

You may be a candidate for Chiropractic Care for headaches! For a free no-obligation consultation call 732-984-9597.

Filed Under: child injuries, CHIROPRACTIC CARE FOR HEADACHES, concussion, headache, neck pain, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , ,

The Whiplash Syndrome

January 19, 2012 By Leave a Comment

The term “whiplash” was coined by Dr. Harold Crowe in 1928 during an interview on car collision related neck injuries but he reportedly “…regretted it later.” The term “whiplash” quickly became a household word and relates to a sudden movement of the head producing a neck sprain. It is now accepted that not only forward/backward movements during motor vehicle collisions (MCV) result in neck injury but also side to side and angular movements at the time of impact. In the past, we’ve discussed the number of milliseconds that takes place during the whiplash process after impact (~500 msec.) and the fact that voluntary muscle contraction takes longer (~800 msec.) making it next to impossible to adequately “brace” prior to impact, even when the collision is anticipated. Today, we’re going to look at the symptoms and complaints that are commonly described by whiplash patients.

 

“Early whiplash syndrome” is defined as the condition where immediate or very close to immediate symptoms are noted. One study reported symptoms commonly described after a MVC include the following: neck pain (93%), headache (72%), shoulder pain (49%) and back pain (38%) and, 87% of patients had multiple symptoms. Others reported nausea (48%) and dizziness (38%) as initial symptoms. For some, many of these symptoms resolve within days, weeks or months leaving a smaller percentage with symptoms that last beyond 6 months, which is then referred to as “late whiplash syndrome.” In one study of 52 patients, symptoms improved over a 2 week to 12 month time frame but then remained static or unchanged for the following year. Another study of 117 patients at the 2-year point, reported the following symptoms (the frequency of occurrence is in parentheses): Neck pain (17%), headache (15%), fatigue (13%), shoulder pain (13%), insomnia (12%), anxiety (11%), concentration loss (10%), and forgetfulness (10%).

 

Reasons for the continuation into a late syndrome are supported by two possible causes. 1. It is due to a high level initial symptom, including severe neck pain and headache often with radiating arm pain (radiculopathy). 2. It is caused by the stressful events that are present either at the time of the motor vehicle collision or soon thereafter. These stressors could include work loss, marital stress, financial stress, and/or depression or anxiety issues associated with being injured. It was also reported that the specific type of headache suffered in the late whiplash syndrome in a 47 patient study, 74% had tension-type headache, 15% had migraine and 11% had cervicogenic headache. Some authors have reported that the type of headaches that occur as a result of an MVC are similar to almost identical to those seen after head trauma from other causes including sports injuries such as football, hockey, and boxing.

 

Because “whiplash” results in a mechanical type of injury to the small joints of the neck, muscles and ligaments, the only logical choice for management and treatment is chiropractic.  This is because chiropractic addresses the mechanical injury with a manual, hands-on approach specifically aimed at restoring function in the injured area. Studies are clear that whiplash patients make a faster, less painful recovery, return to work and desired activities faster and are the most satisfied when utilizing chiropractic when compared to covering up the symptoms with medications that have negative side effects that interfere with being able to think and ultimately, reduce productivity.

We realize you have a choice in where you choose your healthcare services.  If you, a friend or family member requires care for whiplash, we sincerely appreciate the trust and confidence shown by choosing our services and look forward in serving you and your family presently and, in the future.

 

YOU MAY BE A CANDIDATE FOR CHIROPRACTIC CARE FOR WHIPLASH! FOR A FREE NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION CALL 732-984-9597

Filed Under: chiropractic, Chronic Whiplash, joint pain, neck pain, Uncategorized, whiplash Tagged With: , ,

Low Back Pain & Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

January 17, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine that is shaped like a “C” or an “S” when looking at the person from behind. I’m sure you’ve noticed when you’re at a beach, at a swimming pool, or walking in an airport, some people have a high shoulder, walk with a bit of a limp if one leg is short, and may have a shoulder blade that sticks out more than the other.

Scoliosis often develops for unknown reasons (hence the term, “idiopathic”) during the adolescent age range between 10 or 11 years old and can progress, not change or less often, improve up to age 16 to 18. During these 4-6 years, the time when the adolescent is growing quickly, the curve often worsens without any intervention but few studies have looked at what types of treatment or combinations of treatment work the best, especially non-surgical methods.

A recent study was conducted that looked at the response to non-surgical treatment using conventional medical treatment (MT) vs. conventional MT plus chiropractic, as well as conventional MT and “sham” (fake) chiropractic treatment.  This is a pilot study using a small population of patients in order to determine if a larger scale study would be important to run (which was determined to be the case).

The conventional medical treatment approach included two groups – observation (a “wait and watch” approach) in a braced group verses a non-braced group. The chiropractic treatment group received spinal manipulation using “diversified technique” which is widely used where the patient is treated while lying on their stomach, sides, and back and the type of manipulation used was the thrust type where the “cracking” sound occurs (which is caused by the release of gas from the joint capsules and is technically called cavitation). This was applied to the regions determined by the chiropractor as requiring the treatment by using palpation (touch) methods, postural examination, range of motion, and x-ray and all chiropractors involved had 6-hours of training to assure consistent and similar approaches were used.

Treatments were administered (determined by a survey of many chiropractors) at 3x/week for a month, 2x/week for a month, 1x/week for a month, and 2x/month for 3 months or as needed for a total of 6 months. The “sham” or fake chiropractic treatment used the same treatment frequency and similar positioning of the patient but purposely did not obtain a joint cavitation or “crack” but still seemed “real” to the patient.

The primary outcome used to determine “success” was a reduction of the scoliosis curve measured on x-ray at a 6-month point. Using the standard medical model, those with curves of 20-25 degrees require careful observation, curves 26-40 degrees are potential candidates for bracing, those greater than 40 degrees are potential candidates for surgery and, an increase in curve by more than 5 degrees measured twice a year or every 6-months is considered failure.

The results are interesting. Of those receiving only conventional medical treatment, none improved and one failed. The same occurred in the conventional MT plus sham/fake chiropractic. NO ONE failed and one improved in the chiropractic treatment plus MT group making it the only successful non-surgical treatment approach in the study. The preliminary findings from this study are huge! Chiropractic treatment in this group of adolescent children was determined to be THE ONLY non-surgical approach that had the ability to maintain (not allow the curve to progress) or even better, improve the curve!

We realize you have a choice in who you choose to provide your healthcare services.  If you, a friend or family member requires care for low back pain, we sincerely appreciate the trust and confidence shown by choosing our services and look forward in serving you and your family presently and, in the future.
YOU MAY BE A CANDIDATE FOR CHIROPRACTIC CARE FOR LOW BACK PAIN!  FOR A FREE NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION CALL 732-984-9597

 

 

Filed Under: back pain, low back pain, non surgical treatment Tagged With: , ,

Biggest Loser 8 WEEK WEIGHT LOSS CHALLENGE!

January 11, 2012 By Leave a Comment

KEEP YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION OF LOSING WEIGHT AND BEING HEALTHY!

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COST TO PARTICIPATE IS $129. PARTICIPANTS NEED TO SCHEDULE CONSULTATION BY FEBRUARY 15TH 2012

CALL NOW:  732-432-2155

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ACTUAL WEIGHT WILL BE KEPT CONFIDENTIAL

PRIZE AMOUNT IS BASED ON NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS

*20% OF COST OF PROGRAM GOES TO PRIZE MONEY DISTRIBUTION

CALL NOW:  732-432-2155 TO SCHEDULE CONSULTATION


 

GOOD LUCK!

ADVANCED WELLNESS

Filed Under: exercise, health, nutrition, Uncategorized, weight loss
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