Each year thousands of Martin County residents are involved in car accidents. Here are 3 reasons to choose chiropractic care after a car accident. Some car accidents cause minor damage while others cause major damage. The severity of the damage to vehicles and the severity of the injuries vary. Did you know that the vehicle […]
Chiropractic Treatment of Back Pain
Chiropractic Treatment: Facet Syndrome
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. Facet syndrome is degenerative joint disease of the facet joint that can mimic the symptoms of a herniated disc.
The facet joints play an important role in stabilizing the spine while allowing movement. When these joints become injured in some way, it can result in considerable pain and disability. Since there are facet joints throughout most of the spine, this is a condition that can affect the neck, upper back and the lower back. Even though facet syndrome can occur in any facet joint, it appears most often in high movement and weight bearing areas such as the neck and low back.
While facet syndrome often presents in patients older than age 50, anyone suffering from repeated trauma such as whiplash or multiple car accidents can suffer from facet syndrome.
Chiropractic care specializes in treating disorders of the musculoskeletal system and can offer some of the most effective treatment options for facet syndrome.
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, contact us at 855-509-5400
Chiropractic Treatment: Thoracic T4 Syndrome
Your upper back hurts and your hands are swollen and feel heavy. As you read the symptoms of T4 syndrom, you realize that if you look at them long enough, you could swear they’re turning blue.
It’s understandable that you would look up those symptoms online before scheduling an appointment to see your health care provider. However, you need to keep in mind that there are important things to keep in mind when checking with “Dr. Google” and his associate”Dr. WebMd.”
Please remember, that Dr. Google and Dr. WebMd’s are not medical professionals. Instead, their “higher calling” is to get you to pick up the phone and schedule an appointment with a qualified health care provider.
So if you typed in your symptoms and saw “T4 syndrome” as a possible diagnosis, please remember that you may not have T4 syndrom or T4 damage. You’ll need to see your physician or chiropractor and allow them to make that diagnosis.
T4 syndrome occurs when the T4 vertebrate in the spine is damaged and causes pain in the arm. The vertebrae bones which make up the spine are named T1 to T12 from top to bottom. When the nerves become damaged and the patients experience the pain and discomfort, this is known as T4 Syndrome. 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 call 855-509-5400 so schedule your appointment with Advanced Wellness Solutions.
Chiropractic Treatment of Thoracic or mid-back pain
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. The thoracic spine connects to the ribs and chest region. Sprains and fractures in this area are primarily caused by high velocity auto accidents, and may result in permanent nerve damage.
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 (such as those experienced in a car crash.)
- compression fracture
- postural syndrome
Causes of non-mechanical thoracic pain are:
- osteoid osteoma
- Scheuermann’s Disease
- T4 Syndrome
- herpes zoster
- osteoporosis
- fibromyalgia
- metastasis (the development of secondary malignant growths at a distance from a primary site of cancer.)
- 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 back 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
- Supervised medical massage
Thoracic back pain can have a multitude of causes and can be a symptom of cancer. Back pain should always be checked by a chiropractor or medical doctor.
If you live or work in Stuart, Florida and are experiencing back pain, call 855-509-5400 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Danielle Hurd, DC.
Chiropractic Treatment of Lumbar Spondylolisthesis
Do you have low back pain that is worse with extension? Do you have a family member with spondylolisthesis? Do you have degenerative joint disease in the lumbar? Then you may have lumbar spondylolisthesis.
What is a lumbar spondylolisthesis?
Spondylolisthesis refers to the forward slippage of one vertebral body to the beneath it. This most often happens at L5 and S1 but it can occur at higher levels.
Chiropractic care is a nonsurgical, conservative care treatment option for pain commonly caused by spondylolisthesis.
There are six types of slippage graded I-VI.
- Type I: Congenital/Dysplastic caused by congenital anomaly
- Type II: Isthmic caused by pars fractures and is most common at L5 and in youths
- Type III: Degenerative caused by degenerative joint disease and is most common at L4
- Type IV: Traumatic caused by trauma resulting in a pedicle fracture
- Type V: Pathological caused by an underlying pathology
- Type VI: Iatrogenic caused by surgery
Imaging of the lumbar spine is the only definitive way to diagnose lumbar spondylolisthesis.
What causes lumbar spondylolisthesis?
The cause of lumbar spondylolisthesis is unclear however certain factors seem to be prevalent in
- Genetics
- Sports that require a lot of hyperextension such as gymnastics
- Trauma (such as injuries suffered in a car crash.)
- Degenerative joint disease
- Surgery
Traumatic spondylolisthesis occurs when an acute, traumatic injury such as a car accident leads to spondylolisthesis.
What are the symptoms of lumbar spondylolisthesis?
Lumbar spondylolisthesis is often asymptomatic. When symptoms do occur they can present in several ways.
- Low back pain made worse with extension
- Hamstring tightness
- Inflexibility
- Hyperlordosis of the lumbar or thoracolumbar spine (sway back)
In extreme cases:
- Gait disturbance
- Radiculopathy
- Neurogenic claudication
What are the treatments for lumbar spondylolisthesis?
- Chiropractic adjustments (unless instability is present)
- Physical therapy
- At home exercises and stretches (avoiding extension exercises)
- TENS unit
- Reduction of activity during periods of aggravation
- Orthopedic intervention if grade III – V
- Surgery
If you are experiencing back pain, it could be lumbar spondylolisthesis. If you live in or near Stuart, Florida contact Advanced Wellness Solutions to schedule an appointment.
Chiropractic Treatment of Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
“Pain in and around the sacroiliac joint is one of the more common causes of low-back pain. With approximately 80 percent of the population suffering from low-back pain at some point in their lives, the sacroiliac joint dysfunction likely represents about 15-25 percent of those cases.” American Chiropractic Association
What is a sacroiliac joint dysfunction?
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction is a broad term used to describe injury to the sacroiliac joint. This injury can be very painful but is often not life threatening. This injury is often very uncomfortable to life since it is difficult to perform everyday tasks. It has been found that conservative treatment is superior in minor cases of sacroiliac joint dysfunction.
What causes sacroiliac joint dysfunction?
Most patients report spontaneous occurrence of sacroiliac joint dysfunction. It’s a common injury among golfers. However there are some things that can lead to damage.
- Trauma
- Pregnancy
- Overuse
- Genetic predisposition
What are the symptoms of sacroiliac joint dysfunction?
Symptoms of sacroiliac joint pain can range in severity from mild to severe. It is important to remember that pregnant women may experience sacroiliac joint dysfunction due to hormone-induced ligament laxity. The symptoms most often present with sacroiliac joint dysfunction are:
- Dull achy to sharp stabbing pain in the low back, buttocks or back of the leg
- Pain on one or both sides of the buttocks or legs
- Pain along the back where a belt would sit (belt line pain)
- Pain made worse with movement and better with rest
- Tender to the touch in the low back and over the sacroiliac joint
What are the treatments for sacroiliac joint dysfunction?
- Chiropractic adjustments
- Physical therapy
- Stretching
- TENS unit
- Massage
- At home stretches and exercises
If conservative treatment does not produce results than a referral for injections or NSAIDs is recommended
If you are experiencing sacroiliac joint dysfunction and live in or near Stuart, Florida, please call 855-509-5400 to schedule your appointment with Advanced Wellness Solutions.
Chiropractic Treatment of Piriformis Syndrome
The piriformis is a powerful, flat, pear-shaped musclegoes unnoticed because it’s located beneath the gluteal musculature. However, when the piriformis muscle causes compression or contraction on certain areas of the sciatic nerve, it can cause pain in the buttocks and/or lower back that can radiate down the leg to the foot.
The two piriformis muscles sit behind the hip sockets, extending from the upper, outer corner of each femur (thighbone) to the sacrum. These two pear-shaped muscles are joined by a band of connective tissue, or fascia, that stretches across the sacrum just above the tailbone.
The primary function of the piriformis is the external rotation of the hip, which is why swinging a golf club can cause piriformis syndrome. is The piriformis msucle is part of the hip rotator cuff, which are small, deep muscles that rotate the leg outward at the hip.
The piriformis muscle also helps with abduction or the act of moving your leg away from the midline of your body. It also plays a role when you extend and lift your leg behind you. The piriformis laterally rotates the femur with hip extension and abducts the femur with hip flexion.
Piriformis syndrome effects women more than men in a ratio of 6:1.
What are the symptoms of piriformis syndrome?
The symptoms of piriformis syndrome vary from person to person but can include:
- Chronic pain in the buttocks
- Pain when rising from a seated position
- Pain increased with moving the leg off to the side or moving the leg back and forth
- Inability to sit without pain
- pain, sometimes severe when climbing stairs, walking, running, and golfing
- tingling and numbness,
- pain that can go from the back to the foot,
Piriformis syndrome is pain that may be difficult to pinpoint. Often located in the hip, buttocks and distal part of the leg, it can produce a pain that is very similar to sciatic pain.
In 20% of the population the piriformis splits and the sciatic nerve runs through that split. Those people are much more susceptible to piriformis syndrome due to their unique anatomical structure.
What causes piriformis syndrome?
The cause of piriformis syndrome is varied.
You can develop piriformis syndrome from everyday activities, such as sitting for long periods of time, climbing stairs, walking, or running. You can also develop it after a traumatic event, such as a car accident or a fall.
High activity level sports such as skiing, tennis or long-distance bikers can cause piriformis syndrome. A golfers swing can also cause piriformis syndrome.
What are the treatments for piriformis syndrome?
This is a muscle that contributes to many leg and hip movements. When this muscle is aggravated, it doesn’t suffer in silence. Rest is an important part of the treatment process. If you continue performing aggravating activities during treatment, then expect it to take longer to heal. Treatments for piriformis syndrome include:
- Chiropractic adjustments
- Physical therapy
- Myofascial release techniques (such as cupping)
- Stretches
- At home exercises
- TENS unit
If you are experiencing pain in your buttocks, pain when rising from a seated position or any of the other symptoms of piriformis syndrome, you should schedule an appointment with your local chiropractor. If you live or work in the Stuart, Florida area, contact Advanced Wellness Solutions at 855-509-5400 to schedule your appointment today.
