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 […]
neck pain
Get Relief from Chronic Pain
No one likes living with chronic pain, but many of us push through rather than address the underlying issue(s).
Did you know that chronic pain can harm your health even if it’s not limiting your activities?
Fortunately, effective gentle chiropractic care combined with modern therapeutics can help you say goodbye to pain.
Chronic pain significantly impacts your overall health.
If you’re living with (and ignoring) 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 significantly impacts your overall health. One of the ways chronic pain can affect your health is by disrupting your sleep. The American Psychological Association released a study proving that healthy sleep is the single most important factor in predicting longevity.Healthy sleep is more influential than diet, exercise, or heredity for predicting longevity!
Another negative health effect of chronic pain is that it impairs your cognitive processes and brain function—even your mood and your mental health. 1 2 3
As if that laundry list weren’t enough, the University of Utah study indicates that chronic pain can even impact your cardiovascular health, not to mention your sexual function.
Gentle Chiropractic Care Provides Drug-Free Relief from Chronic Pain.
The good news is that chronic pain can often be successfully managed without drugs, injections or surgeries
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 patients find drug-free relief from chronic pain.
If you’re dealing with chronic pain, don’t delay!Chronic pain can have a domino effect on your overall health!
In our continual pursuit of natural, hands-on pain relief, we’re proud to offer massage therapy and acupuncture in addition to gentle chiropractic.
Don’t suffer another day with chronic pain! You owe it to yourself to schedule an appointment with Advanced Wellness Solutions.Call 855-509-5400 to schedule your appointment today.
Chiropractic Treatment for Disc Herniation
Chiropractic treatment is a non-surgical option for disc herniation. Chiropractic care is frequently the preferred first choice for treatment since it is non-invasive and avoids the use of medications 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.
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 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
The first stage of disc derangement is when the nucleus pulposus begins 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.
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 show the location and what type of disc derangement is present.
What are the symptoms of a herniated disc?
Disc issues can manifest in various forms. Some individuals may have herniated discs yet experience no noticeable symptoms. The nature of the symptoms varies based upon where the herniated disc is located.
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 and 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,
- herniated discs.
How do you treat a herniated disc?
Treatments for a herniated disc include:
- Gentle chiropractic treatment with adjustments
- Acupuncture
- Medical massage therapy
- Cervical traction
- Physical therapy
- At-home exercises and stretches
- Postural correction
- Weight reduction
- OTC pain medications, muscle relaxers and prescription opioids.
- 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.
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.
Other gentle chiropractic techniques, such as the flexion-distraction technique, the drop technique and pelvic blocking, have been shown to be helpful in treating disc herniations.3,4
Flexion-Distraction Technique
This spinal adjustment method utilizes a specialized table that allows the chiropractor to gently stretch your spine.
The photo above is of William sitting on our specialized table that gently stretches your spine.
This technique is gentle and typically painless, making it suitable for individuals experiencing significant discomfort. It can help reposition the herniated disc away from the nerve, providing symptom relief.
Pelvic blockage Treatments
This approach makes use of specially designed cushion wedges. During treatment, these wedges are placed beneath each side of your pelvis. This positioning helps to naturally shift the herniated disc away from the impacted nerve. In addition to addressing herniated discs, pelvic blocking can also be beneficial for other issues such as headaches and general body pain.
Acupuncture Treatment for Disc Herniation
Herniated discs can cause inflammation and pain, but acupuncture can reduce it. While it doesn’t address the root cause of degenerative disc disease, acupuncture can provide relief from symptoms and help slow the disease’s advancement.
Individuals undergoing acupuncture treatment could see a faster healing journey. Additionally, acupuncture aids in improving overall movement capabilities. When it comes to alleviating pain and enhancing mobility, acupuncture may offer more advantages compared to traditional physical therapy methods. After undergoing surgery for a lumbar disc issue, acupuncture might prove to be more beneficial than standard medical treatments for alleviating post-surgical discomfort.
Medical Massage Therapy Treatment for Disc Herniation
Medical massage therapy can be an effective treatment for a herniated disc. It can alleviate discomfort resulting from nerve compression and muscle tension. It also
- enhances blood flow to the affected region
- aids in regaining mobility in the joints,
- and provides support to the herniated area.
Medical massage therapy may boost the likelihood of natural healing for the disc, potentially facilitating the disc’s return to its proper position.
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 of Poor Posture and Text Neck
Chiropractic treatment of poor posture and text neck is an effective approach for addressing both acute and chronic pain. 1
As the use of computers, long-distance driving, and mobile phone usage increases, maintaining proper posture becomes crucial. When individuals sustain poor posture over extended periods, they can develop postural syndrome, or postural dysfunction, leading to 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 (for example, holding your phone), then you are in a position that could lead to postural syndrome, a.k.a. text neck.
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 treatment of poor posture and text neck is an effective approach for addressing both acute and chronic pain.
- Gentle chiropractic
- Acupuncture
- Medical massage therapy
- Physical therapy
- Postural Taping
- Postural Exercises
- At home strengthening exercises and stretches
- TENS unit
- 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 treatment options, please schedule your appointment by calling 855-509-5400.
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 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.
