There are many spinal stenosis treatment options you should consider before resorting to surgery. Most patients with spinal stenosis respond well to non-surgical treatments such as medication, physical therapy, and gentle chiropractic care. Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal, typically caused by age, injury, or congenital disorder. The condition can cause difficulty […]
Conditions Chiropractors Treat
Chiropractors treat a variety of conditions including musculoskeletal injuries. Below is an archive of articles featuring the conditions that respond well to chiropractic treatment.
Arthritis Pain Management
Gentle chiropractic is a safe, nonsurgical method of arthritis pain management. Gentle chiropractic care can help reduce inflammation and increase range of motion while reducing arthritis pain.
Movement is like lubrication for the joints. Gentle chiropractic adjustments can help to encourage full range of joint motion to provide safe arthritis pain management. In conjunction with the gentle chiropractic adjustment, electrical muscle stimulation is often used for immediate pain relief. In addition to in office therapies, patients are also given appropriate exercises to perform at home to promote increased joint mobility.
Arthritis
Arthritis is inflammation of the cartilage which causes swelling and tenderness in afflicted joints. Cartilage is the connective tissue that surrounds the ends of bones. It is dense, elastic tissue that supports and cushions the joints while helping joints to move smoothly. When cartilage becomes inflamed, joint pain and stiffness result.
The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. While the symptoms are similar, the cause of each is dramatically different.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease.
RA is an autoimmune disease is when the body’s immune system attacks healthy cells by mistake. In the case of RA, the healthy cells in the cartilage cushioning the joints are attacked. The joints affected are usually in the hands, wrists, and knees. When the body’s immune system attacks the joint cartilage, it becomes inflamed, swollen and tender. Eventually, the inflammation damages the joint cartilage as well as the bones of the joint. This can cause long-lasting or chronic pain, unsteadiness (lack of balance), and deformity (misshapenness). 3
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis.
OA is a degenerative condition that affects joint cartilage and bones. It causes pain, loss of mobility, as well as decreased muscle function and strength. Like RA, osteoarthritis causes joint pain and stiffness. It was once thought that in osteoarthritis, the joints were simply wearing out. Research has shown that OA is a complex process with many causes. It is not an inevitable part of aging experts say, but rather the result of a combination of factors.
While osteoarthritis can damage any joint, it most commonly affects joints that bear weight — like your knees, hips, feet, and spine. It often comes on gradually over months or years.2 Ten percent of men and 20% of women aged between 45 and 65 years report OA,4 with 80% of those older than 75 years showing radiographic evidence of OA.5
Treatments for Arthritis Pain
According to Scott Haldeman, MD, a neurologist in Santa Ana, California and Chairman Emeritus of the Research Council for the World Federation of Chiropractic as quoted in arthritis.org6,
Chiropractic care is one of the safest therapies you can use if you have back or neck pain due to osteoarthritis.
In addition to treating neck and back pain from osteoarthritis, gentle chiropractic treatment can also treat osteoarthritis of the hip 7 and other arthritic joints.
Gentle Chiropractic Care for arthritis pain
Gentle chiropractic care can help increase the range of motion in arthritic joints and reduce arthritic joint pain.
While gentle chiropractic care won’t repair or rebuild cartilage, it can relieve pressure on joints caused by arthritis. Gentle chiropractic care can also stop muscle spasms and tenderness caused by osteoarthritis through gentle manipulation of muscles and soft tissues surrounding arthritic joints.
Acupuncture for arthritis pain
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine have been used for thousands of years to relieve arthritis pain. While acupuncture can’t cure or reverse the process of arthritis, a study showed it can help you feel significantly less pain and function better. 8
Over-the-counter medications
It’s very common to reach for over the counter (OTC) pain medication for arthritis pain management. Unfortunately, all NSAIDs (including OTC pain medication) now carry a black box warning. This is the strongest of all FDA warnings and is reserved for drugs that pose a significant risk to the population. In 2007, the American Heart Association issued a scientific statement warning of the long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) 9 which included this warning:
“Consumers are advised that all over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications, including NSAIDs, should be used in strict accordance with the label directions. If use of an OTC NSAID is needed for longer than ten days, a physician should be consulted.”
A practice based study of patients with acute and chronic low back pain found that patients receiving chiropractic manipulation as their primary treatment had significant reductions in visual analogue scale (VAS) scores within two weeks of care.10 This study also included evaluation of traditional medical management with a primary treatment using NSAIDs. The same level of pain reduction was not reported in the NSAID group until the 12-week marker.
Herbs and supplements for arthritis pain relief
There are many herbal supplements which tout anti-inflammatory properties. It’s important to exercise caution when taking supplements. Just because a product is natural does not mean it’s safe. The contents of supplements are not verified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Some supplements can interact with medications or can cause health problems.
You should always consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any supplement.
Turmeric, ginger and cinnamon are supplements that reduce inflammation in the body. There is also evidence that vitamin C and fish oil may help with arthritis pain while providing other health benefits.
Glucosamine sulfate supplements have unique anti-inflammatory effects. In some laboratory tests, it demonstrated a protective effect on the cartilage as well. Chondroitin sulfate supplements also appears to have anti-inflammatory properties. Some laboratory studies suggest that chondroitin sulfate may slow cartilage breakdown associated with osteoarthritis and even stimulate cartilage growth.11
Trigger point injections for arthritis pain relief
If chiropractic treatment alone does not provide adequate pain relief, the medical professionals at Advanced Wellness Solutions may recommend a trigger-point injection. A trigger-point injection usually contains an anesthetic and a steroid to immediately help alleviate arthritis pain. These injections are rarely a standalone treatment. They work best when combined with other conservative treatment methods such as chiropractic care.
Trigger point injection therapy can provide immediate and ongoing relief from pain in the targeted area while chiropractic treatments address the underlying cause of the pain.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for arthritis pain relief
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) delivers a small electric current to specific nerves. Tens units provide neuromodulation treatments which can ease pain with minimal risks and offer an alternative to pain medication for arthritis pain management. According to Arthritis.org 12
These devices are generally safe. However, they involve sending electrical impulses though your body. So it’s important to talk with your doctor first if you have a pacemaker, another implanted device, are pregnant, have epilepsy, or have a heart problem.
Topical medications for arthritis pain relief
Topical medications that do not contain NSAIDs that Advanced Wellness Solutions recommends are:
- CryoDerm Gel: It contains almost 300% more of the active ingredient and pain reliever menthol than other topical pain relievers. Menthol is used clinically as an anti-inflammatory and pain reliever. It creates a cold sensation on the skin, by activating the peripheral cold receptors.
- Biofreeze Professional: Biofreeze is greaseless, stainless and has a vanishing scent. It is an optimized, fast-acting proprietary formula.
Topical NSAIDS are now available without a prescription. Diclofenac sodium 1% gel (Voltaren Arthritis Pain) is now available at many pharmacies. A 2016 Cochrane review 14 concluded, “Topical diclofenac and topical ketoprofen can provide good levels of pain relief beyond carrier in osteoarthritis for a minority of people, but there is no evidence for other chronic painful conditions.”
Safe Arthritis Pain Management
When arthritis threatens to immobilize you, gentle chiropractic care can keep you moving.
Accepting new chiropractic patients. Call (772) 403-7640 to schedule your appointment.
We Accept All Major Medical Health Insurance and Medicare.
You can find safe arthritis pain management at Advanced Wellness Solutions. Effective gentle chiropractic care can help to relieve the pain and slow the damage to cartilage from osteoarthritis. Gentle chiropractic maximizes the function of arthritic joints by encouraging full range of joint motion.
Chiropractic care for shoulder pain
Gentle chiropractic can effectively treat shoulder pain. Shoulder pain is musculoskeletal pain. Gentle chiropractic care shines as an effective, drug free way to relieve musculoskeletal pain.
Accepting new patients. Call 855-509-5400 to schedule your appointment.
We Accept All Major Medical Health Insurance and Medicare.
The shoulder is a complex arrangement of bone, muscles, nerves, bursa, tendons, and ligaments. No other joint in the body has the range of motion that a fully functioning shoulder does. It’s easily the most mobile joint in the body. This incredible mobility and flexibility comes at a price. Shoulders are prone to injury.
If shoulder pain comes on suddenly and was not caused by an injury, call 911 immediately. Shoulder pain can be a symptom of a heart attack.
It’s important to diagnose the cause of shoulder pain. We will perform a variety of orthopedic tests to determine the cause of shoulder pain. Imaging will be ordered if the prescribed treatment plan isn’t providing pain relief.
Causes of Shoulder Pain:
Golfing
Common shoulder problems affecting golfers include rotator cuff tears, long head of the biceps tendon injuries, shoulder impingement, osteoarthritis, and shoulder joint instability. Due to the golf swing, the lead shoulder is particularly vulnerable to injury. Golf injuries often respond well to nonsurgical gentle chiropractic treatment.
Rotator Cuff Injuries
If you’re a sports fan, you’ve probably heard of a rotator cuff injury. Rotator cuff injuries are a common reason for shoulder pain.
Four different muscles and associated tendons make up the rotator cuff. This unique arrangement of muscles, tendons surround a ball socket like joint allowing you to raise, rotate and move your arm in a wide variety of ways.
There are three different types of rotator cuff injury: 1
- RCT or Rotator Cuff Tendinitis: the tendons are irritated and/or damaged,
- RCI or Rotator Cuff Impingement: the bony process on the scapula is rubbing (impinging) upon the tendons and bursa of the rotator cuff.
- RCB or Rotator Cuff Bursitis : the bursa is inflamed and swollen
Postural Syndrome
Poor office posture injuries (postural syndrome) are repetitive use injuries. Poor ergonomics can cause musculoskeletal disorders. Ergonomics describes how you interact with your environment. Poor workspace ergonomics can result in
- headaches
- shoulder pain
- back pain
- neck pain
- wrist pain
Postural syndrome is common if you spend 8-10 hours a day with
- your shoulders rolled forward
- your head jutting forward
- and your upper back slouched.
The human body is great at “making do” with whatever situation you put it in. It will do it’s best to adapt. Ifyou keep stressing your body, you will cause a repetitive use injury. In repetitive use injuries, pain develops over time. As you can see from the list above, shoulder pain is part of postural syndrome.
Chiropractic care is very effective at relieving shoulder pain and other symptoms of postural postural syndrome. For long term relief, you should address your workplace ergonomics. Click here to learn how to create an ergonomic home office.
Frozen Shoulder
Adhesive capsulitis (a,k.a. frozen shoulder) is sneaky. It isn’t caused by an injury. Patients will try to describe it as a dull pain located deep inside the shoulder.
In the earliest stages, the symptoms are mild becoming more severe over time. Over time, the shoulder may become almost impossible to move. Thus the moniker, “frozen shoulder.” 2
Frozen shoulder can be treated with gentle chiropractic care.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis of the shoulder is rare and usually caused by a previous injury. Chiropractic care maximizes the function of arthritic joints. Gentle chiropractic care can treat osteoarthritis 3 and is recommended for arthritis pain management.
Chiropractic Care of Shoulder Pain
Chiropractors focus on the relationships between the structure and function of joints, muscles and other soft tissues. They accomplish drug free pain relief without surgery through manual manipulations and other therapies. These therapies reduce inflammation and swelling and aid in natural healing.
There are many therapies chiropractors use to relieve shoulder pain. Chiropractic treatments include:
- Chiropractic adjustments
- prescribed exercises
- ultrasound
- electrical muscle stimulation
- application of ice/heat
These chiropractic therapies can
- provide pain relief
- restore mobility
- increase range of motion.
Most patients choosing chiropractic care of shoulder pain are able to return to their normal activities within 6-8 weeks without resorting to steroid injections or surgery.
Accepting new patients. Call 855-509-5400 to schedule your appointment.
We Accept All Major Medical Health Insurance and Medicare.
If you’re experiencing shoulder pain, call Advanced Wellness Solutions to schedule your appointment at either of our two Martin County, Florida gentle chiropractic locations.
Chiropractic Treatment for Disc Herniation
Chiropractic treatment is a non-surgical option for disc herniation. Chiropractic treatment is often the first option for care because it is non-invasive and does not involve drugs or injections.
Your spine is made up of a series of bones (vertebrae). Between each bone is a rubbery disc that acts as a cushion. When the soft center of a rubbery disc is pushing through a crack in the tougher exterior casing it’s called a disc herniation.
Unfortunately a herniated disc can irritate nearby nerves, resulting in pain, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg.
With proper treatment a herniated disc does not mean a lifetime of unbearable pain.
Is a herniated disc serious? Yes. Many herniated discs can be managed successfully with proper care and monitoring.
Gentle Chiropractic Treatment for Disc Herniation
Gentle chiropractic care has been demonstrated to effectively treat lumbar disc herniation. A gentle chiropractic care technique (activator method) has advantages over traditional chiropractic techniques when treating symptomatic lumbar disc herniation.1
We [the case study authors] speculate that the use of an AAI, combined with Activator methods, may provide definitive benefits over side-posture manipulation of the lumbar spine in treatment of resistive disc lesions, because of the lack of torsional stress imposed upon the disc during instrumental spinal adjustment.
In another case study, Activator-assisted spinal manipulative therapy had positive subjective and objective results for low back pain in a patient with degenerative disk disease.2
Yet another case study concluded:3
Conservative chiropractic treatment may provide an effective therapeutic intervention in selected cases of cervical disc protrusion.
This study specifically cited “instrument-delivered adjustments” (gentle chiropractic) as providing benefit in cases in which manual manipulation causes an exacerbation of the symptoms or is contraindicated altogether.
Two more gentle chiropractic techniques, Flexion-distraction technique and drop technique, have both been shown to be helpful treating disc herniations.3,4
Seek immediate medical attention if you have:
- Loss of balance, bladder control or consciousness
- Vomiting
- Loss of sensation
- Symptoms are rapidly getting worse
A disc herniation falls into a broader category of disc derangement.
Disc derangement is a general term for when a disc has been damaged. 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.
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
This stage is when the nucleus pulposus is no longer in a contained. Instead it is oozing into the layers of annulus fibrosis.
Prolapse
Prolapse is when the nucleus pulposus pushes all the way out to the last layers of the annulus fibrosis.
Extrusion
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.
Sequestration
Sequestration is the most severe. 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. Extrusion and sequestration pose the most serious risk of the four. Anytime nucleus pulposus has left its confinement, it can cause impingement and pain.
In rare cases, disc derangement actually pinches a nerve causing pain. Usually, the pain associated with disc derangement comes from the inflammatory response of the body to the change in structure. Inflammation occurs around the deranged disc, causing the nerve to become irritated. This in turn causes pain.
An MRI can tell show the location and what type of disc derangement is present.
What are the symptoms of a herniated disc?
Disc derangement can present in many different ways. If you’ve been involved in a serious accident you should be seen by a doctor or chiropractor.
Some people have herniated discs and do not demonstrate any symptoms. Symptoms differ depending upon location of the herniated disc.
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 can happen gradually with repeat stress. In other cases, trauma (like a car accident) can damage or displace one or more discs. Common car accident injuries include bulging discs (when a disc shifts out of place and bulges into the spinal canal), annular tears and herniated discs.
How do you treat a herniated disc?
Treatments for a herniated disc include:
- Gentle chiropractic treatment with adjustments
- Cervical traction
- Physical therapy
- At home exercises and stretches
- Postural correction
- Weight reduction
- OTC, muscle relaxers and other narcotics
- Surgery
An important thing to remember with a herniated disc is to avoid too much bed rest. Lying in bed waiting for the pain to go away is one of the worst things you can do. Taking it easy and not lifting heavy things is fine.
Chiropractic Treatment for Disc Herniation
Not every herniated disc needs gentle chiropractic. If you are experiencing symptoms of a herniated disc or have been in a Florida car accident and fear you have a herniated disc you should contact Advanced Wellness Solutions.
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
Thoracic T4 Syndrome symptoms include upper back discomfort and diffuse pain in the arms. Thoracic T4 Syndrome occurs when the T4 vertebrate in the spine is damaged and causes pain in the back and into the arms.
Your upper back hurts and your hands are swollen and feel heavy. As you read the symptoms of T4 syndrome, you realize that if you look at your hand long enough, you could swear they’re turning blue.
It’s understandable that you would look up these symptoms online before scheduling an appointment to see your health care provider. If you typed your symptoms into a search engine and saw a possible diagnosis of “T4 syndrome” which lead you here, STOP! Schedule an appointment with your physician or chiropractor and allow them to make a diagnosis. Your health care professional needs to rule out any cardiac, respiratory or visceral issues before making a diagnosis of Thoracic T4 Syndrome.
It’s important to keep in mind when checking with “Dr. Google” and his associate “Dr. WebMd” that neither are trained and licensed health care professionals. Instead, their “higher calling” is to get you to pick up the phone and schedule an appointment with a trained and licensed health care professional such as a chiropractor. A chiropractor is able to diagnose and treat T4 syndrome.
If you live near Stuart, Florida, Advanced Wellness Solutions has two Martin County, Florida locations offering gentle chiropractic care.
What is T4 syndrome?
T4 syndrome symptoms include upper back discomfort and diffuse pain in the arms
When the nerves become at T4 damaged, the pain and discomfort caused 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.
Check out our article 7 Tips to Creating an Ergonomic Home Office
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.
What causes T4 syndrome?
Symptoms may arise following a change in normal routine. A new job or hobby may require constant extreme postures which 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. This causes inflammation to the nerve root at that level, leading to symptoms of T4 syndrome.
More often found in women than men, the reason for the sex discrepancy for T4 syndrome is unknown.
What are the symptoms of T4 syndrome?
The symptoms of T4 syndrome can vary and presents as:
- Neck pain
- Headaches
- Upper limb pain (bilateral or unilateral)
- Pain around the T4 area
- Scapular pain
- Reduced hand dexterity
- Thoracic spine stiffness
- Tenderness on palpation of T4 vertebra
- An abnormal sensation tingling, pricking, chilling, burning, or numbness with no apparent physical cause in all five digits, or whole hand, or forearm-hand
- feeling heaviness in the upper extremities
- Hands feel hot or cold
- Hand may feel and/or appear swollen
- Non-dermatomal aches/pains in arm and/or forearm
- Pain often described as crushing or like a tight band
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.
Accepting new patients. Call 855-509-5400 to schedule your appointment.
We Accept All Major Medical Health Insurance and Medicare.
There are two types of thoracic pain.
- Mechanical thoracic pain: caused by injury, trauma or overuse.
- Non-mechanical thoracic pain: caused by 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 (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 such as a car accident or any 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 blood work, X-rays, CT or an MRI to confirm the diagnosis.
Seek immediate care for thoracic pain:
Thoracic pain can be a symptom of cancer. Seek immediate medical for thoracic pain combined with:
- 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 Neck Pain: Brachial Plexus
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 may 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.
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
What events can cause a brachial plexus injury?
- Contact sports such as football
- Non-contact sports such as golf.1
- 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 in or near Stuart, Fl and are experiencing symptoms of a brachial plexus injury, contact us to schedule an appointment.
Neck Pain and Whiplash
Neck pain and whiplash are common complaints, especially if you’ve been injured in a Florida car accident.
Whiplash is a generic term used to describe a hyper extension and flexion injury to the neck. It is a soft tissue injury to the neck.
Accepting new patients. Call 855-509-5400 to schedule your appointment.
We Accept All Major Medical Health Insurance and Medicare.
Did you know that whiplash injuries aren’t limited to car accidents? A fall, a sports injury, or anytime there’s a sudden jolt of the head can cause whiplash.
What is whiplash?
Whiplash describes a soft tissue injury to the neck. Whiplash is cause by a forceful back and forth movement of the neck. The force of the back and forth movement causes injury to the ligaments and muscles of of the neck. Whiplash is technically a strain/sprain injury to the ligaments and the muscles of the neck.
What causes neck pain and whiplash?
Any large force that causes the head to “whip” back and forth can cause whiplash.
Such forces include:
- Car accidents: rear-end collisions.
- Physical abuse or violence
- Contact sports: football, soccer, and lacrosse to name a few.
What are the symptoms of whiplash?
Symptoms for whiplash usually develop within 24 hours of the accident. In rare cases, symptoms can take longer to appear. Symptoms of whiplash are:
- Neck pain
- Neck pain worse with movement
- Loss of range of motion or inability to move the neck
- Headaches
- Pain in the shoulders, arms and upper back
- Tingling and numbness in the arms
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
Other whiplash symptoms include:
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Irritability
- Inability to sleep
- Nausea
If you have been in any type of accident and experience any of the above symptoms, seek the advice of a qualified medical professional immediately.
Treating neck pain and whiplash?
It is important to remember to keep active after a whiplash injury.
After the first 24 hours, movement is vital.
Inactivity and foam cervical collars lead to the weakening of the cervical muscles. This can prolong your healing time.
It is highly recommended to seek professional medical care within 24 hours of your injury. Your doctor can make recommendations on bed rest and cervical collars based on your individual case.
Treatments for neck pain and whiplash include1:
- Chiropractic care
- Physical Therapy
- At home exercises
- Massage
- TENS unit therapy
- Ice or heat therapy
- Over-the-counter pain medication
- Prescription medication
If you are experiencing neck pain and live or work in the Stuart, Fl area, feel free to schedule a consultation with Dr. Danielle Hurd, DC. Call 855-509-5400.