Gentle chiropractic care is ideal for seniors, providing safe, effective relief for aging joints. As we age, our bodies go through natural changes that affect flexibility, balance, and joint health. Many seniors live with arthritis, osteoporosis, or chronic back and neck pain that interferes with everyday activities. The good news is, pain and stiffness don’t […]
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic Treatment of Brachial Plexus Injury
Chiropractic treatment for brachial plexus injuries offers an innovative approach to managing this complex condition.
When the brachial plexus—a network of nerves that sends signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand—is damaged, it can lead to excruciating pain and debilitating loss of function. Chiropractors employ a combination of spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapies, and gentle mobilization techniques tailored specifically to release tension and realign the cervical spine. This not only alleviates pressure on affected nerves but also promotes overall nerve health by improving circulation in the area.
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 becomes 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.
Chiropractic Treatment Brachial Plexus Injury: 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.
Chiropractic Treatment of Neck pain: Cervical spondylosis
Chiropractic Treatment of Neck Pain: Cervical spondylosis is 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 throughout your life?
- Have you had a fair amount of physical trauma in your past, such as multiple motor vehicle accidents?
What is cervical spondylosis?
The medical term for the wear and tear of your cervical discs and joints is called cervical spondylosis. Cervical spondylosis occurs when trauma or age causes the discs to shrink, 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 arthritis symptoms in their neck, 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 are the symptoms of cervical spondylosis?
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.
If you are experiencing sudden numbness, loss of strength or loss of bladder or bowel control, seek emergency medical help as soon as possible.
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
Chiropractic Treatment of Neck pain: 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:
- Gentle chiropractic adjustments (in cases not presenting with worsening neurological symptoms)
- Acupuncture 1
- Medical massage therapy
- 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 the 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. The infomercials and online ads make it look easy to use, but please check with your healthcare provider to see if this treatment is right for you.
If you live in Martin County, Florida and are experiencing any of the symptoms associated with cervical spondylosis, please contact Advanced Wellness Solutions 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 hyperextension 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 caused 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 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:
- Gentle Chiropractic care
- Acupuncture
- Medical Massage Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- At-home exercises
- 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. Call 855-509-5400.
Chiropractic Treatment of Lumbar Spondylolisthesis
Chiropractic Treatment of Lumbar Spondylolisthesis can be beneficial if you are suffering from spondylolisthesis back pain.
Do you have low back pain that is worse with extension?
Maybe you have a family member diagnosed with spondylolisthesis.
Degenerative joint disease in the lumbar region can also result in 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.
Gentle chiropractic care is a nonsurgical, conservative care treatment option for pain commonly caused by spondylolisthesis.
Accepting new patients. Call 855-509-5400 to schedule your appointment.
We Accept All Major Medical Health Insurance and Medicare.
There are six types of slippage graded I-VI.
- Type I: Congenital/Dysplastic due to 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 golf.
- Trauma (such as injuries suffered in a car crash.)
- Degenerative joint disease
- Surgery
Traumatic spondylolisthesis can occur when a car accident leads to spondylolisthesis.
In adults, the most common cause is a degenerative disease such as arthritis.
What are the symptoms of lumbar spondylolisthesis?
Lumbar spondylolysis 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?
- Gentle chiropractic adjustments (unless instability is present)
- Acupuncture 1
- Medical Massage Therapy 2
- 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.
Accepting new patients. Call 855-509-5400 to schedule your appointment.
We Accept All Major Medical Health Insurance and Medicare.
If you live in or near Stuart, Florida, contact Advanced Wellness Solutions to schedule an appointment.
Chiropractic Treatment of Sprains and Strains
Chiropractic treatment of sprains and strains can help improve healing and provide pain relief.
Gentle chiropractic adjustments can help to reduce pain, inflammation, and stiffness while also promoting healing.
Chiropractic treatment offers a gentle, medication-free method for addressing sprains and strains. This approach can accelerate recovery and enhance overall performance. Strains result from muscles or tendons being overstretched or torn, whereas sprains happen when ligaments are stretched excessively or damaged. Frequently, strains arise from factors such as improper posture, repetitive actions, lifting heavy items, or sleeping in uncomfortable positions.
Medical massage therapy can alleviate muscle tightness, diminish discomfort and rigidity, and enhance circulation.
Acupuncture 1 has the ability to trigger the release of endorphins and serotonin, offering quick relief from pain. Research indicates that the pain alleviation achieved through acupuncture may be comparable to that of certain medications.
Sprains and strains are common injuries that fall into three categories: mild, moderate and severe.
What is a sprain?
A sprain is a stretch and/or tear of a ligament, the fibrous band of connective tissue that joins the end of one bone with another. Ligaments stabilize and support the body’s joints. The ligaments that help support, protect, and restrict excessive movement are torn, which is called a sprain.
What is a strain?
A strain is an injury of a muscle and/or tendon. Tendons are fibrous cords of tissue that attach muscles to bone. When these fibrous cords are stretched beyond their normal limits, they become strained.
What causes sprain/strains?
Causes for sprains are:
- Direct or Indirect trauma
Causes for strains are:
- Repetitive movements
- Overuse
- Over stretching
- Direct trauma
What are the symptoms of a sprain/strain?
Symptoms for a sprain are:
- Pain
- Bruising
- Inflammation
- Swelling
These symptoms vary in intensity depending on whether the sprain is mild, moderate or severe.
- Symptoms for a strain are:
Pain - Muscle weakness
- Muscle spasms
- Swelling
- Inflammation
- Cramping
- These symptoms vary in intensity depending on whether the strain is mild, moderate or severe.
Treatment for sprain/strains
Treatment for a sprain or strain is similar in the beginning with RICE:
- Rest
- Ice
- Compression
- Elevation
After the initial injury, a medical professional must assess the patient to determine whether additional therapy or treatment is necessary.
Prevention of sprains and strains
No one is immune to a sprain or strain injury but there are several things you can do to try and prevent or lessen the severity of the injury.
- Stretching
- Proper conditioning for the activity you are planning in participating in
- Properly fitted shoes; a knowledgeable sports shoes clerk or, better yet, a knowledgeable chiropractor can help you with the fit of your shoes.
- Proper warm-up before activity
If you are experiencing sprain or strain symptoms and wish to discuss your treatment options, please schedule an appointment with Advanced Wellness Solutions
Chiropractic Treatment of Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
Chiropractic treatment of sacroiliac joint dysfunction can be an effective, non-invasive treatment for 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 or SI 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?
- Gentle chiropractic 1
- Acupuncture
- Medical massage therapy
- Physical therapy
- Stretching
- TENS unit
- At home stretches and exercises
If conservative chiropractic treatment of sacroiliac joint dysfunction does not produce results, then 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
Chiropractic Treatment of Piriformis Syndrome: Regular chiropractic care can provide considerable relief for individuals experiencing piriformis syndrome. By utilizing a mix of spinal and joint adjustments, chiropractic treatment can alleviate tension in tight muscles, restore proper alignment to the body, and ensure the nervous system operates effectively.
What is the piriformis?
To fully appreciate the impact of the piriformis muscle on the body, it’s essential to understand its characteristics and location. The piriformis is a slender, band-like muscle that extends diagonally from the lower spine to the outer hip bone. This powerful, flat, pear-shaped muscle often goes unnoticed because it’s located beneath the gluteal musculature. This positioning allows it to facilitate hip rotation as well as movement in the legs and feet. It plays a crucial role in walking, stabilizing our movements, and maintaining overall balance and control.
The two piriformis muscles sit behind the hip sockets, extending from the upper, outer corner of each femur (thighbone) to the sacrum. A band of fascia, or connective tissue, runs across the sacrum just above the tailbone and connects these two pear-shaped muscles.
The primary function of the piriformis is the external rotation of the hip, which is why swinging a golf club can cause piriformis syndrome. The piriformis muscle is part of the hip rotator cuff, which are small, deep muscles that rotate the leg outward at the hip.
In essence, it’s a frequently utilized muscle that deserves protection!
However, an important aspect to consider regarding piriformis syndrome is its proximity to the sciatic nerve. This long nerve runs beneath and through the piriformis muscle, extending down along the back of each leg before branching out into the feet—creating a delicate relationship between these two structures. 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.
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 biking can cause piriformis syndrome.
Chiropractic Treatment of Piriformis Syndrome
Gentle chiropractic uses several methods to address piriformis syndrome, which include:
- Spinal adjustments: targeted manipulations aimed at correcting misalignments and alleviating pressure on the sciatic nerve.
- Soft tissue treatments: techniques like trigger point therapy and massage to relieve tension.
- Stretching and rehabilitation: tailored exercises and stretches designed to ease the piriformis muscle.
- Lifestyle recommendations: advice on maintaining good posture and implementing other beneficial lifestyle changes.
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.
What are other treatments for piriformis syndrome?
Other treatments for piriformis syndrome include:
- Acupuncture 1
- Medical massage therapy
- 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.
Chiropractic Care for Neck Pain Due to Torticollis
Chiropractic Care for Neck Pain Due to Torticollis
Imagine going to sleep feeling perfectly normal, only to wake up the next day unable to move your head at all. If you’ve experienced this, it’s quite likely that you are dealing with torticollis.
What is torticollis?
Torticollis is a condition where the muscles of the neck spasm, causing the head to be tilted. The head tilt can happen in several directions depending on what muscles in the neck are in spasm. Torticollis can result from a traumatic event, such as a car accident or a fall.
There are two types of torticollis: acquired and congenital.
Acquired torticollis can affect anyone at any age. It has a myriad of causes but often develops as a result of damage to the muscles, nervous system or upper spine.
The most important key in treating acquired torticollis is to identify the root cause of the condition.
Symptoms of torticollis:
The symptoms of torticollis can differ from person to person but generally they are:
- Limited range of motion of the head
- Headache
- Head tremor
- Neck pain
- Shoulder that is higher on one side of the body
- Stiffness of the neck muscles
- Swelling of the neck muscles (possibly present at birth)
Congenital torticollis is rare and is often due to birth trauma. When an infant is suffering from congenital torticollis, you’ll notice that the baby is always lying down or sitting with his head tilted to to one side. No matter what your baby does, the baby’s head is constantly tilted to the same side.
The muscle most often injured is the sternocleidomastoid (SCM). This damage often occurs in babies who were delivered breech or were removed with forceps. Treatment for babies with congenital torticollis is often successful, especially when it is started within three months of birth.
What are the treatments for torticollis?
The following are the treatments for congenital torticollis:
- Passive stretching of the neck muscles
- Postural training/proper positioning of the head
If conservative treatment fails, then surgery can be done to correct the problem. Surgery is most often performed in the child’s preschool years.
Acquired torticollis is treated after underlying pathology is ruled out. Treatments include:
- Gentle Chiropractic adjustments
- Medical massage therapy
- Cervical traction
- Heat
- Stretches and exercises for cervical muscles
In severe cases, surgery may be required. Before you consider surgery, you should first try 8 weeks of conservative care treatment like chiropractic care 1.
Complications from untreated torticollis could be muscle swelling due to constant contraction and damage to nerves from compression.
If you are experiencing neck pain, it could be torticollis. If you live or work in Stuart, FL, then call 855-509-5400 to schedule an appointment with Advanced Wellness Solutions.
