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Dr.D.C.Hurd

Is chronic pain harming your overall health?

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There’s no doubt about it – the only thing worse than being in pain is suffering from chronic pain.  No one likes living with chronic pain, but did you know that chronic pain can harm your health even if it’s not limiting your activities?

If you’re living with chronic pain, university medical school studies reveal that you may be doing long term damage to your overall health.

According to a University of Utah School of Medicine report published at NCBI, chronic pain can significantly impact your overall health.

One of the ways chronic pain can affect your  health is by disrupting your sleep. According to a study released by the American Psychological Association, healthy sleep has been proven to be the single most important factor in predicting longevity, more influential than diet, exercise, or heredity!

Another negative health effect of chronic pain is it impairs your cognitive processes, brain function – even your your mood and your mental health. 1 2 3

As if that laundry list weren’t enough, the University of Utah study shows that chronic pain can even impact your cardiovascular health, not to mention your sexual function.

The Good New is: Chronic pain can be successfully managed without drugs or injections.

Modern chiropractic care addresses so much more than just neck and back pain. Modern chiropractors treat the whole person – not just a specific body part.

Dr. Danielle has helped hundreds of people suffering from chronic pain return to the activities they love while enjoying pain free living.

If you’re dealing with chronic pain – don’t delay!  Chronic pain can have a domino effect on your overall health!

Don’t suffer another day with pain! Schedule your appointment today!

Chiropractic Treatment: Disc Herniation

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“Oh no! Not a herniated disc!” This phrase is probably uttered every day in doctor’s offices across the country.

You should know that with proper treatment a herniated disc does not mean a lifetime sentence of unbearable pain.

Are herniated disc serious? Yes.  However with proper care and monitoring many herniated discs can be managed successfully.

Seek immediate medical attention if you present with any of the following symptoms:

  • Loss of balance
  • Loss of bladder control
  • Loss of sensation especially in the inner part of the thighs
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Vomiting
  • Symptoms are rapidly getting worse

A disc herniation falls into a broader category of disc derangement.

Disc derangement is when the disc positioned between your vertebrae has damage to its structure.  This damage can be minor or major depending on age and type of trauma. The disc is a made up of a gelatinous center called the nucleus pulposus surrounded by fibrocartilaginous material (annulus fibrosis).  When the annulus fibrosus is torn due to stress the gelatinous nucleus pulposus can ooze out creating disc derangement.  How far that gelatinous nucleus pulposus oozes out is what determines what kind of disc derangement you have.

There are four stages of disc derangement:

  • degeneration,
  • prolapse,
  • extrusion,
  • and sequestration.

Degeneration is where the nucleus pulposus is no longer in a nice contained area but rather is oozing into the layers of annulus fibrosis.  The oozing hasn’t gone far but the nucleus pulposus is no longer contained.

Prolapse is when the nucleus pulposus is pushing all the way out to the last layers of the annulus fibrosis.  It hasn’t left the confinement of the disc but its close.

Extrusion is when nucleus pulposus has left the confinement of the annulus fibrosis.  This is the state where nucleus pulposus can physically start interfering with surrounding structures.

Finally sequestration is when the nucleus pulposus has left the confinement of the annular fibrosis and has broken off into little pieces.  These pieces can travel and cause interference with the surrounding structures.

Any stage of disc derangement can cause pain. How much pain depends upon the individual and the location of the derangement.  However extrusion and sequestration can pose the most serious risk of the four.  Anytime nucleus pulposus has left its confinement, it can cause impingement and pain.

When a disc undergoes derangement it was believed that it actually pinched a nerve causing pain. Although that can be the case with some types of derangement in general the pain associated with disc derangement comes from the inflammatory response of the body to the change in structure. The inflammation occurs around the deranged disc and then the nerve and other pain sensitive structures become irritated, causing pain.

Herniated discs are diagnosis with MRI imaging which can tell the doctor where and what type of disc derangement is present.  MRI imaging can also show the doctor if any other structures are being physically intruded by the disc derangement.

What are the symptoms of a herniated disc?

Disc derangement can have many presentations and should always be check by a qualified medical professional such as a medical doctor or chiropractor.

Some people have herniated discs and do not demonstrate any symptoms.  However when symptoms do arise they are different depending on location.

Cervical disc herniation symptoms:

  • Pain in the arm or hand, this pain often feels like it is traveling down the arm or radiating
  • Numbness and tingling
  • Weakness in the arms
  • In severe cases reduced reflexes in the upper limbs with increased reflexes in the lower limbs

Lumbar disc herniation symptoms:

  • Low back pain that travels down the buttocks, legs and feet
  • Numbness and tingling
  • Weakness in the legs
  • Decreased reflexes

Risk factors for herniated disc:

  • Overweight: excess weight puts extra stress and different weight loading on discs
  • Physically demanding jobs
  • Genetics: a family history of disc herniation
  • Age: most likely to occur between 30-50

What causes a herniated disc?

Herniated discs happen gradually with repeat stress. A person can’t often pinpoint when they herniated a disc.  If they do say that picking up a piece of paper caused their herniated disc it was not the simple act of bending over but rather the repeated stress to the disc that caused the herniation.  When that person bent over to pick up the paper that was the straw that broke the camel’s back.

How do you treat a herniated disc?

Treatments for a herniated disc include:

  • Chiropractic treatment with adjustments
  • Cervical traction
  • Physical therapy
  • At home exercises and stretches
  • Postural correction
  • Weight reduction
  • OTC, muscle relaxers and other narcotics
  • Surgery

Chiropractic care with flexion distraction has been shown to be helpful in disc herniation treatment.

An important thing to remember is to avoid too much bed rest.  Taking it easy and not lifting heavy things is fine but lying in bed for the pain to go away is one of the worst things you can do for your spine.  Retaining motion is crucial when there is a herniation of a disc.

If you are experiencing herniated disc symptoms and wish to discuss your treatments options please schedule your appointment today.

Chiropractic Treatment: Facet Syndrome

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Do you have dull aching pain in the back of your neck? Does that pain sometimes travel down to your arms? Is your neck not moving as well as it has before? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you could be suffering from facet syndrome.

What is facet syndrome?

Facet syndrome is degenerative joint disease of the facet joint that can mimic the symptoms of a herniated disc. It often presents in patients older than age 50 but anyone that has had repeated trauma such as whiplash or multiple motor vehicle accidents can suffer from facet syndrome.

Facet syndrome can occur in any facet joint but happens most often in high movement and weight bearing areas such as the neck and low back.

What causes facet syndrome?

The cause of facet syndrome is still unclear.  There are several factors that can contribute to the presentation of facet syndrome.

These factors are:

  • Age 50 or older
  • Repeated trauma to the neck or low back
  • Repetitive stressful movement
  • Genetics

Degeneration of the facet joint due to age or trauma causes the inflammation that produces pain in facet syndrome.  Inflammation irritates the small nerves located in the facet joint causing pain.

What are the symptoms of facet syndrome?

The symptoms vary from depending on the area that is involved.

In the cervical region the symptoms that may present are:

  • Headaches
  • Inflammation
  • Neck and shoulder pain
  • Limited range of motion when turning the head and bending the neck
  • Stiffness

In the lumbar region the symptoms that may present are:

  • Lower back pain
  • Tenderness
  • Stiffness
  • Radiating pain down the buttocks or back of the thighs
  • Pain when twisting or arching the lower back

How do you treat facet syndrome?

In both the cervical and lumbar regions treatment usually starts conservative.

Conservative treatments include:

  • Chiropractic adjustments
  • Acupuncture
  • Massage
  • Physical Therapy
  • NSAIDs
  • Hot/Cold therapy
  • Range of motion exercises
  • At home stretching

If conservative treatment fails there are other options such as:

  • Intra-articular facet injections
  • Median nerve block
  • Radiofrequency neurotomy
  • Cervical Fusion

Surgical options are usually not necessary because conservative treatment often resolves the issue.  All surgical intervention should not be taken lightly and should only be considered if a great deal of conservative treatment has failed.

If you are experiencing symptoms of facet syndrome and wish to discuss your treatments options please schedule your appointment today.

Chiropractic Treatment: Thoracic T4 Syndrome

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T4 syndrome is rare yet deceptive issue that can present in many different ways.  T4 syndrome most often appears in people whose profession requires long hours in the same position.  Working at a computer most of the work day would be a perfect example.

T4 syndrome can be confused with carpal tunnel syndrome, myofascial pain syndromes, cervical spine degenerative conditions, thoracic outlet syndrome, cardiac pain and pain originating from the viscera. 

It is crucial that you seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional if you are experiencing any of the symptoms of T4 syndrome to rule out the possibility of more serious conditions.

What is T4 syndrome?

T4 syndrome is characterized by upper back discomfort and diffuse pain in the arms.  The exact cause of T4 syndrome is unclear but it is hypothesized that constant extreme postures can lead to blood loss in multiple tissues contributing to symptoms. Another possible cause for T4 syndrome is that the facet joints in the thoracic spine become damage, either from poor posture or trauma, and that causes inflammation to the nerve root at that level.  This could lead to symptoms of T4 syndrome.  T4 syndrome is more often found in women than men.  The reason for this sex discrepancy is unknown.

What are the symptoms of T4 syndrome?

The symptoms of T4 syndrome can vary but can present as:

Upper body pain that is or is not associated with headache and/or neck pain.

Upper body pain usually presents as:

  • Paraesthesias in all five digits, or whole hand, or forearm-hand
  • Hands feel hot or cold
  • Heaviness in upper extremities
  • Hands feel and may objectively be swollen
  • Non-dermatomal aches/pains in arm and/or forearm
  • Pain often described as crushing or like a tight band

Other symptoms include:

  • Tenderness upon palpation in the upper back region
  • Palpation of the ribs can recreate symptoms
  • Poor slumped over posture
  • Hands are slightly discolored or purple

How do you treat T4 syndrome?

Treatment for T4 syndrome includes:

  • Chiropractic adjustments
  • Soft tissue work on the upper back and neck muscles
  • Ultrasound
  • TENS unit
  • Postural exercises
  • Stretching muscles of the chest
  • Strengthening muscles of the upper back
  • At home exercises to keep good posture

If you are experiencing symptoms of T4 syndrome and wish to discuss your treatments options please schedule your appointment today.

Chiropractic Treatment of Poor Posture

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As more people spend their time working on computers, riding in the car for long commutes and spending their free time on their phones or even reading proper posture becomes crucial. Postural syndrome also known as postural dysfunction occurs when poor posture is maintained for long periods of time causing discomfort.

What is postural syndrome?

Postural syndrome is the result of prolonged time in poor posture.  This posture includes head forward, shoulders slouched and the upper back arched for the upper body.  For the lower body poor posture is slouched forward while sitting or with the hips pushed forward when standing.  This posture causes the muscles in the front of the body to become tight and the muscles in the back of the body to become stretched and weak.  This poor posture can occur in many aspects of life such as at the computer, gardening or cleaning.

If you are spending a large amount of your time with your arms stretched out in front of you then you are in a position that could lead to postural syndrome.

What are the symptoms of postural syndrome?

The symptoms of postural syndrome most often occur while the person is holding the problem position for extended periods of time.  These symptoms are:

  • Pain when the muscles of the upper back are pressed on
  • Forward head carriage
  • Muscle tightness
  • Dull aching pain
  • Burning pain in the upper back all the way up to the base of the head
  • Headaches
  • Muscle fatigue

How do you treat postural syndrome?

  • Chiropractic adjustments
  • Physical therapy
  • Postural Taping
  • Postural Exercises
  • At home strengthening exercises and stretches
  • TENS unit
  • Massage
  • Ergonomic corrections

A key with postural syndrome is being aware of one’s posture; this is where postural taping is helpful.

If you are experiencing poor posture or symptoms of postural syndrome and wish to discuss your treatments options please schedule your appointment today.

Chiropractic Treatment: Thoracic or mid-back pain

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Thoracic or mid-back pain is most likely as common as cervical or lumbar pain but less often reported due to its mild pain presentation.

Where the neck is made for movement and the low back is made for power and flexibility, the mid-back (thoracic spine) is made for stability.  With the rib cage attached to all levels of the thoracic spine (ribs 1-10 being attached to the sternum and ribs 11-12 floating or not attached to the sternum) this severely limits the motion of the thoracic spine.  This limit in motion makes disc herniations and nerve root compression in the thoracic spine less common

There are two types of thoracic pain. Mechanical thoracic pain is caused by injury, trauma or overuse. Non-mechanical thoracic pain is due to underlying pathology or disease.

Causes of mechanical thoracic pain are:

  • sprain/strain
  • compression fracture
  • postural syndrome

Causes of non-mechanical thoracic pain are:

  • osteoid osteoma
  • Scheuermann’s Disease
  • T4 Syndrome
  • herpes zoster
  • osteoporosis
  • fibromyalgia
  • metastasis
  • referred pain from viscera

What to expect at your appointment for a complaint of thoracic pain:

You should expect to provide a full medical history to your healthcare provider.  An event or physical complaint that you think is entirely unrelated to your thoracic pain may provide essential information needed to make a correct diagnosis.

Your doctor will perform a full physical exam, including sensation and strength testing.   Your doctor may order X-rays, CT or an MRI to confirm the diagnosis. If non-mechanical thoracic pain is suspected, blood work will be ordered to confirm the diagnosis.

When to seek immediate care for thoracic pain:

Thoracic pain can be referral pain from the viscera i.e. cancer so please seek immediate professional help if you experience thoracic pain with any of the following symptoms.

  • Fever
  • History of cancer
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Lower limb spasticity
  • Progressive pain, worse at night

What can a Chiropractor do for thoracic pain:

  • Adjustments
  • Mid-back exercises and stretches
  • Ergonomic training
  • Electrical stimulation/TENS treatment
  • Acupuncture (if certified in acupuncture)
  • Supervised medical massage

Thoracic pain can have a multitude of causes and should always be checked by a qualified professional such as a chiropractor or medical doctor.

Chiropractic Treatment of Neck Pain: Brachial Plexus

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Have you ever taken a fall and almost landed on your head?  When you got up from your fall did you notice that the side of your body you fell on was burning or stinging?  If you answered yes then you could have experienced a brachial plexus injury.

What is a brachial plexus injury?

A brachial plexus injury is commonly known as a burner/stinger.  A brachial plexus injury is when the network of nerves going from the spine to the shoulder, arm and hand become stretched, compressed and in some cases torn.

What causes a brachial plexus injury?

This injury happens when your shoulder is pressed down forcefully and your head is pushed in the opposite direction of your shoulder.  A direct hit to the upper part of the shoulder can also cause this injury.

What events can cause a brachial plexus injury?

  • Contact sports such as football
  • Trauma such as a motor vehicle accident
  • For children difficult births
  • Inflammation
  • Tumors

What are the symptoms of a brachial plexus injury?

The symptoms of a brachial plexus injury vary depending on the severity of the injury.  However symptoms are most commonly on one side of the body.

Less severe symptoms are:

  • Burning or stinging pain going down the arm
  • Numbness and weakness in that arm

These less severe symptoms are often due to a stretch or compression of the plexus due to a contact sport or fall.

More severe symptoms are:

  • Unable to move or feel the injured arm
  • Severe pain
  • Weakness in the muscles of the hand

These more severe symptoms are often due to a tear in the nerves of the plexus.

How long do symptoms last?

In less severe cases the symptoms last anywhere from a few seconds to several days. In more severe cases the injury can be permanent if not address immediately.

When to see a doctor

A brachial plexus injury should always be evaluated by a qualified medical professional such as a medical doctor or chiropractor.

In some cases a brachial plexus injury can lead to permanent damage and loss of function if not treated in a timely manner.

Here are signs that warrant immediate medical attention:

  • Weakness in the arm or hands
  • Weakness following trauma
  • If you have suffered multiple burners/stingers
  • Neck pain
  • Symptoms in both arms

How do you treat a brachial plexus injury?

Treatment for brachial plexus injuries depends on the severity of the injury.

For less severe injury:

  • Time, most minor injuries will correct itself over time
  • Muscle strengthening and posture exercises: to maintain motion in the joint and to prevent further injury
  • Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for pain control

For more severe injury:

  • Surgery for nerve repair
  • Physical therapy

The best treatment for brachial plexus injuries that do not tear a nerve is prevention of multiple injuries.  Prevention comes from strengthening exercises for the surrounding muscles, range of motion exercises to keep the joints of the shoulder and arm moving, and recommendations for proper protective gear when playing contact sports.

If you are experiencing symptoms of a brachial plexus injury and wish to discuss your treatments options please schedule your appointment today.

Chiropractic Treatment of Neck pain: Cervical spondylosis

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Sometimes referred to as “arthritis of the neck,” cervical spondylosis is an age related cause of neck pain.

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, then you may have cervical spondylosis.

  • Are you over 65?
  • Have you played a lot of sports maybe on the collegiate level?
  • Have you had a fair amount of physical trauma in your past such as multiple motor vehicle accidents?

What is cervical spondylosis?

Cervical spondylosis is the medical term for wear & tear of your cervical discs and joints.  Cervical spondylosis occurs when trauma or age causes the discs to shrink and bone spurs to form and other signs of osteoarthritis to appear.

What are your risk factors for cervical spondylosis?

  • Age
  • Multiple neck injuries
  • Jobs that have strenuous physical demands
  • Genetics

Cervical spondylosis is very common and worsens with age.  There are some suggestions that there is a genetic component to the severity of degeneration that will occur.  This means that if someone in your family has serious arthritic symptoms in their neck then you may be more likely to develop more severe cervical spondylosis.

According to the Mayo Clinic, “More than 90 percent of people older than age 65 have evidence of cervical spondylosis and osteoarthritis that can be seen on neck X-rays.”

What causes cervical spondylosis?

There are many causes for cervical spondylosis and all increase in severity with age.

The most common causes of cervical spondylosis are:

  • Dehydrated discs
  • Herniated discs
  • Bone spurs
  • Stiff ligaments

If you have more questions about discs and what they do please check out our page on degenerative discs.

What are the symptoms of cervical spondylosis?

If you are experiencing sudden numbness, loss of strength or loss of bladder or bowel control seek emergency medical help as soon as possible.

Often cervical spondylosis produces very few symptoms.  When symptoms do occur they are often pain in stiffness located in the area of the neck.

However symptoms can arise from the bone spurs and disc height loss associated with cervical spondylosis.  Bone spurs and loss of disc height can narrow the space required by the spinal cord and nerve roots.

If this space is compromised it can cause symptoms that present as:

  • Numbness or tingling
  • Loss of balance
  • Loss of reflexes, decreased sensation and loss of muscle strength along one part of the arm
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control.

What are the treatments for cervical spondylosis?

Treatments for cervical spondylosis are geared toward pain relief and motion preservation.

Chiropractic adjustments can help to reduce the loss of motion in cases not presenting with worsening neurological symptoms.

The treatments available for cervical spondylosis are:

  • Chiropractic adjustments in cases not presenting with worsening neurological symptoms.
  • Range of motion exercises
  • Cervical stretches
  • Cervical traction
  • Pain medication
  • Steroid injections
  • And in cases of severe neurological symptoms surgery

A word of caution to anyone experiencing cervical spondylosis/arthritis in the neck, cervical traction should only be done under direct supervision of a medical professional!  Even at home units leave the potential for serious harm and should only be used under a professional’s guidance.  I know the infomercial and online ads look simple but please contact a qualified medical professional to see if this treatment is right for you.

If you are experiencing cervical spondylosis symptoms and wish to discuss your treatments options please schedule your appointment today.