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CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is the compression of the median nerve at the wrist, which is common in people who perform repetitive motions of the hand and wrist, such as typing, sewing, painting, etc.

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When the wrist is poorly positioned, there isn’t enough space for the median nerve to travel to the hand.  The nerve enters the hand between the wrist bones (called the carpal bones) and the tough membrane that holds the bones together (the transverse carpal ligament). This space is called the carpal tunnel. Since the tunnel is rigid, any swelling in this area can cause compression of the nerve (this is also called entrapment of the nerve). 

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If you are experiencing any of the common symptoms below, please call our office now to schedule an appointment.

 

WEAKNESS IN ONE OR BOTH HANDS

NUMBNESS OR TINGLING IN THE THUMB AND NEXT TWO OR THREE FINGERS OF ONE OR BOTH HANDS AND PALMS.

WRIST OR HAND PAIN

PAIN EXTENDING TO THE ELBOW

IMPAIRED FINE FINGER MOVEMENTS (COORDINATION) IN ONE OR BOTH HANDS

WEAK GRIP OR DIFFICULTY CARRYING BAGS OR OPENING A BOTTLE / JAR

Headache

HEADACHES / MIGRAINE

What do you do when you suffer from a pounding headache? Do you grit your teeth and carry on? Lie down? Pop a pill and hope the pain goes away? There is a better alternative.

 

Duke University Evidence Report in 2001 by McCrory, M.D.: “Patients with HEADACHES improved best with chiropractic care compared to acupuncture, painkillers, amytriptyline drugs (Elavil, Endep), exercise, surgery, TENS unit, stress therapy."

 

Also, a 1995 study in the Journal of Manipulation & Physiological Therapeutics found that chiropractic care is an effective treatment for tension headaches and that those who ceased chiropractic treatment after four weeks experienced a sustained therapeutic benefit in contrast with those patients who received a commonly prescribed medication.

 

Another randomized clinical trial by Macquarie University in Australia studied people who have had migraines all their lives and found that over one-fifth of the participants were reported more than 90% reduction of migraines by chiropractic care. Approximately 50% more participants reported significant improvement in the morbidity of each episode.

 

Migraine headaches have no known cause, but often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity (photophobia). Certain external triggers such as perfume, coffee, chemicals in food / air, and emotional stress have been known to trigger migraine.  

 

Misalignments of upper neck bones (vertebrae) as well as the occiput in relation to C1, can irritate nearby nerves, including the optic nerves, facial nerves, suboccipital nerves, mandibular nerves (jaw), etc. Chiropractic care realign these structures, taking the pressures and irritation off of the nerves. This is also related to the tension headaches cases.

 

Tension headaches, on the other hand, are a condition involving pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck, usually associated with muscle tightness in these areas. Tension headaches are one of the most common forms of headache. They can occur at any age, but are most common in adults and adolescents. If a headache occurs two or more times weekly for several months or longer, the condition is considered chronic. 

 

Tension headaches result from the contraction of neck and scalp muscles. One cause of this muscle contraction is a response to stress, depression or anxiety. Any activity that causes the head to be held in one position for a long time without moving can cause a headache. Such activities include typing or use of computers, fine work with the hands, and use of a microscope. Many office workers, dentists, dental assistants, surgeons, hairstylists, students, electricians, and pharmacists have these issues and have been helped by chiropractic care. Sleeping in a cold room or sleeping with the neck in an abnormal position can also trigger this type of headache. Other causes include spinal misalignment, eye strain, fatigue, alcohol use, excessive smoking, excessive caffeine use, sinus infection, nasal congestion, overexertion, colds, and influenza. 

 

Chiropractic care works on correcting the underlying causes of headaches and relieving symptoms associated with migraines.  

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If you are experiencing any of the common symptoms below, please call our office now to schedule an appointment.  859-303-7000

  

THROBBING PULSATING NECK PAIN OR HEADACHE

FEELS LIKE A TIGHT BAND OR VISE ON THE HEAD

CAUSE SLEEP DISTURBANCES / LACK OF SLEEP / TOSS AND TURN

VERTIGO / DIZZINESS

NAUSEA

FATIGUE

LOSS OF APPETITE

NECK PAIN THAT RADIATES UPWARD TO BACK OF HEAD OR TEMPLE INTO BACK OF EYE(S) OR FOREHEAD, LASTING 6 TO 48 HOURS.

KNEE PAIN, ANKLE PAIN, FEET PAIN

The knee joint takes on a lot of stress every day.  Over time the accumulation of these daily micro traumas can lead to knee pain and discomfort. The Common Conditions we see in our Office Include: Arthritis, Cartilage injuries, IT band syndrome, Ligament injuries, Osgood’s schlatter, Meniscus injuries, Tendon injuries, Referred Pain from other areas.  All are diagnosed and cared for by our chiropractic doctors.

 

The knee is a joint that is located in the middle of the lower extremity so knee pain can be caused by improper foot support or low back and pelvic dysfunction. That is why our team will evaluate the entire lower extremity as well as the pelvis and low back. A knee problem can also affect the joints in other areas of the body and it is important to address these changes as well.

 

When Should I get Chiropractic Treatment? If knee pain is limiting your day-to-day or sporting activities. You have been given painkillers or taken anti-inflammatories and been told to rest with no long-term improvement. You have been told you have arthritis and there is nothing that can be done.  Our clinic has a team of doctors trained in biomechanics and the function of the feet, in addition to state of the art technology to actually scan your feet and see where your imbalanced pressures are.

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Did you know your foot is made of 26 tiny bones? If only one of these bones is misaligned or not functioning properly pain and discomfort can and usually will result. The foot also contains a multitude of ligaments, tendons and muscles which are directly affected by these mis-alignments. Slips, falls, athletics, sports injuries, traumas, sprains and strains to our feet can lead to these mis-alignments. Simple and proper chiropractic adjustments to correct alignment issues in the foot can decrease pain and increase function. The proper mechanics and workings of the foot are terribly important as these mis-alignments will usually alter your walking or step pattern and lead to causing knee, hip and lower back problems.

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So what if you need orthotics or insoles? We use Foot Levelers custom orthotics!
Orthotics are custom-made inserts that fit directly into your shoes. They support the arches of the feet and stabilize them as well. When the feet are stabilized, the knees and pelvis are stabilized and so on up the chain all the way to the top of your cervical spine. By correcting the misalignments within the feet, you promote proper positioning, better posture and less pain. That being said, the pain does not have to be in the feet to need Foot Levelers orthotics. In fact, your feet could feel perfectly fine. You may even be feeling pain in other areas of the body that could be stemming from improper positioning of the feet within shoes resulting in poor posture and fatigue.

 

How do I get my orthotics?

A digital scanner is used at your chiropractor’s office to scan both of your feet and get an impression of what areas within your feet need to be corrected and stabilized. Based off of the scan results, the doctor will be able to recommend proper style and fit needed for your specific daily activity level. The digital scan will be processed by the Foot Levelers Laboratory and your custom orthotics will be crafted from 16 precise measurements that were taken of your feet during your digital scan. When finished, the lab will send your orthotics back to your chiropractor where you will be able to pick them up, be fitted and be on your way back to a pain-free, balanced and happy lifestyle.

SHOULDER PAIN

Many shoulder pain is often misdiagnosed by most doctors, and is often ignored or covered up by prescribing anti-inflammatories, steroid shots, painkillers, etc.  Let's understand the anatomy better: 

 

The shoulder is comprised of several joints that are held together with tendons and muscles.  The shoulder joint made up of the glenoid fossa and the humeral head form a ball and socket joint. This type of joint allows for great range of motion. With increased joint motion, less stability is present. To help stabilize the joint during these large movements the shoulder had many muscles and ligaments that provide support to maintain the joint position. Most shoulder injuries are due to damages acquired by the soft tissue. Most shoulder problems can be categorized into three major categories:

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  • Tendonitis - A tendon is the soft tissue structure that connects muscle to bone. When a tendon is irritated because of shoulder misalignment or repetitive activities overuse, it can become inflamed and this is called Tendonitis, which over time can alter the motion of the joint leading to extreme wear on the soft tissues and eventually the tendon can begin to tear. When a tear is present in the 4 most prominent muscles of the shoulder it is referred to as a rotator cuff tear.  At the early and intermediate stage, chiropractic care is effective and helpful.

  • Bursitis - A bursa is a fluid filled sac that allows for easy movement of the muscles and ligaments over bone. When the bursa becomes inflamed it is called Bursitis. Bursitis is often the result of excessive and/or improper use of the shoulder. Bursitis can be very painful and can be debilitating. When the condition advances to the point that the joint is unable to function, the resulting condition is called frozen shoulder.  This could be corrected with chiropractic care in most cases.

  • Injury/Instability - The ball and socket shoulder joint allows for a lot of motion but little stability, making it more susceptible to dislocation or subluxation. When injuries are not corrected by a chiropractor, it can lead to reoccurring dislocations and further damage in the future of the soft tissue structures. Our team is trained to evaluated and rehabilitate you shoulder to prevent or reduce the frequency of future dislocations.

  • Arthritis - Over time these various injuries and micro traumas cause inflammation and irritation of the shoulder joint, which lead to arthritis, with pain and swelling that can affect motion and quality of life. When the arthritis becomes severe enough it can cause bone spurs that can rub on the tendons and muscle of the shoulder resulting in rotator cuff tears down the road or joint stiffening up and eventually will no longer function.  This can be prevented with chiropractic care.

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With the shoulder joint it is important to not ignore even minor pain. Pain is an indication that there is a problem and when ignored a small easy to treat problem can latter become a much bigger issue. A Chiropractor can evaluate your shoulder and help to restore normal function and reduce inflammation with the use of Chiropractic manipulation and the use of rehabilitative exercises that will help to put the shoulder joint back in balance.

TENNIS ELBOW / GOLFER'S ELBOW

Many of us do repetitive movements that overuse and inflames the elbow's soft tissues.  Misalignments of joints, biomechanical alteration of the joint motion or subluxation, often irritate the tendons, and create abnormal motion of the joint too. 

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When the pain is on the inside of the elbow joint, that's called Medial Epicondylitis, common among golfers.  When the pain is on the outside of the elbow joint, that's called Lateral Epicondylitis, common among tennis players.

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​The symptoms of tennis elbow develop gradually. In most cases, the pain begins as mild and slowly worsens over weeks and months. There is usually no specific injury associated with the start of symptoms. Common signs and symptoms of tennis elbow include: Pain or burning on the outer part of your elbow Weak grip strength The symptoms are often worsened with forearm activity, such as holding a racquet, turning a wrench, or shaking hands. Your dominant arm is most often affected; however both arms can be affected.

  

Chiropractic care has been effective in early to intermediate stage of these elbow conditions.

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