Whenever we wake up in the morning with a stiff and painful neck, the propensity is to blame the situation on our pillow, bed, or sleep position during that night. We also make an effort to figure out what is taking place when we move our neck suddenly and feel a sharp pain that feels as if something has suddenly slipped out of position or is pinching a “nerve.” Though it may seem so, one single incident is hardly ever the cause of most neck problems, but rather the cumulative effects of incorrect sitting posture, bad work and lifestyle habits, and lack of healthy exercise for strength and flexibility. Obviously, some neck problems are due to traumatic events such as a whiplash accident, a fall, or a sports injury.

To understand neck pain, it is important to understand the anatomy of the spine. The spinal bones or vertebrae of the neck are comprised of posterior joints, called facets, that attach vertebrae to one another and serve to pilot the motion of the spine. Inter-vertebral discs, composed of strong cartilage, join the “bodies” of the vertebrae. This strong cartilage encases the nucleus, a soft material in the center of the inter-vertebral discs. The discs act as shock absorbers and spacers between the vertebrae. The spinal cord is positioned between the facets of the vertebrae. Spinal nerves leave the spine between the vertebrae and provide energy to muscles and organs of the body. They also carry sensory impulses, including pain information, from the body to the brain.  The nerves that leave from the neck are responsible for the entire upper extremity including the shoulder, elbow and hand, as well as structures of the head and neck. The natural forward curve of the neck balances the weight of the head and alleviates stress on neck vertebrae. For more information please feel free to visit your Colorado Springs Chiropractor.

Risk Factors: Neck Pain and Computer Use

Computer use has risen dramatically over the years, at home and in the workplace. Nowadays, a large number of people spend eight to ten hours a day, or more, bent over a keyboard and staring at a monitor. Sitting with the head in a forward bent position (the posture most computer users assume), puts tremendous strain on neck ligaments and muscles. Furthermore, the normal forward curve of the neck may become reversed and create more stress on the surrounding tissue of the neck. Awkward posture and repetitive stress can produce spinal problems including disc herniation and subluxations, which are the main causes of spinal nerve pain. Conjointly with general pain, spinal nerve irritation in the neck can cause symptoms including headaches, eye problems, giddiness, arm and hand pain (and paraesthesia), as well as shoulder pain.

Headaches and Chiropractic Care

Headaches or migraines are frequently associated with misalignments of the cervical spine. Symptoms, from a dull ache to throbbing pain, are caused when the cervical vertebrae lose their essential position or motion and sensitive nerves and blood vessels, associated with structures in the head are stretched or irritated. Trigger points, the tight knots in the muscles of the neck, can also refer pain to the head.  Of course there are other factors associated with headaches including toxic fumes, certain foods, additives such as MSG, alcohol, caffeine, and stress. Nevertheless one must always look at the tissues and alignment of the neck when considering the cause of headaches and migraines. Chiropractic care has been shown to exceptionally beneficial in the treatment of headaches. Your Colorado Springs Chiropractor can give you further information regarding treatment and pain relief.

Whiplash and Chiropractic Care

Unfortunately, many people are involved in car accidents. Rear-end collisions are the most common. During such an accident, the passenger in the front vehicle gets his or her head forcefully wrenched backward and then forward causing injury to the structures of the back and front of the neck. Such a powerful force can cause trauma to the ligaments, muscles, facet joints, discs, and spinal nerves. Whiplash injury includes neck pain and immobility, and other symptoms such as headaches, nausea, vertigo, arm and should pain, tingling in the hands and fingers, and weakness of the arms and hand. It is extremely important to get immediate evaluation and x-rays to rule out the possibility of fracture. More often than not in most cases, the injuries are principally to the soft tissues and joints. Proper management is crucial in rehabilitation from the pain and symptoms of whiplash, and also to prevent future disability. Your Colorado Springs Chiropractor is educated to understand whiplash injury, and is more than capable of managing the case from injury to recovery.

Chances are that at some point in your life, you’ll experience back pain. When it happens, it’s likely that your first reaction will be to grab some pain relievers. Medication, however, can be helpful in some ways, yet harmful in others. If you are experiencing severe pain, medication is definitely in order. Muscle relaxants can be effective at temporariy calming muscle spasms in your back. As a practicing Orlando Chiropractor, I say go see your local chiropractor for treatment.

Because medication really doesn’t treat the cause of the problem and it just masks your discomfort sufficiently to help you get through the day. If you never really treat the problem, you’re likely to experience back pain issues on an ongoing basis.

If you can’t get to a Orlando chiropractor, there is another method of treating back pain. This technique can be far more effective than medication. The key is that you must be dedicated to using it on an ongoing basis. And don’t give up without giving it enough of a chance to start working. What is this miraculous treatment? It’s a simple thing known as stretching exercises.

There are lots of good reasons to use stretching exercises to manage your back pain. First of all, it’s an all natural way to deal with the problem. You won’t have the need for continuous medication or various treatments to ease your pain. Since it’s completely natural, there aren’t any side effects to worry about. This can certainly happen with some medications. However, you do need to make sure you perform the exercises correctly so you don’t injure yourself further.

Another great reason to take up stretching to manage your back pain is that it helps you avoid more damage down the road. It’s unlikely that any medication can make that claim. Stretching strengthens your core muscles. So you’re ensuring that your body can handle the demands you place on it every day.

You’re also contributing to the flexibility of your muscles. So they will be prepared to perform well whenever you need them. It’s important that your muscles be limber so they can support you in unexpected situations like when you lose your balance.

Stretching exercises aren’t just good for your back. They have benefits for your entire body. By incorporating a stretching routine into your day, you improve your fitness. This gives your cardiovascular system a health boost. Your immune system will be strengthened, which means you won’t get sick as often or as severely.

It’s to your benefit to regularly perform stretching exercises. The benefits aren’t only for your back. Your whole body will be more fit and full of health.

One of the most frequently misunderstood conditions among people is arthritis..Often the word, “arthritis,” produces fear of a future that includes crippled and twisted joints.  However “arthritis” is a very general word that encompasses many different conditions from the benign to the severe. For our purposes we will limit this analysis to the most common forms of arthritis.

Osteoarthritis and Chiropractic Care

The most common form of arthritis has many labels: osteoarthritis, degenerative arthritis, degenerative joint disease (DJD), and spondylosis if it is in the spine. This form of arthritis is not limited to humans, but occurs in all mammals, and is due to the breakdown of the cartilage that covers the joint surfaces. When joint cartilage is injured, the sensitive bone tissue that is normally preserved by the cartilage becomes stressed causing degenerative changes in the joint. Sometimes the bone around the joint will proliferate and make osteophytes, or what are more commonly called bone spurs. These spurs can produce painful irritation to other tissues surrounding the joint, in this way complicating the already distressing condition. 

Degenerative joints most often occur in the lower neck and lower back, the knees, hips, and fingers. Previous trauma, certain occupations and activities, weight, diet, and heredity all appear to influence both the onset and severity of DJD.

The symptoms of DJD invariably involve some degree of pain and/or stiffness in the body part involved. If the weight-bearing joints, such as the hips or knees are involved, ones mobility can be affected especially in the more advanced stages of the condition.  As a last resort joints can be surgically replaced with synthetic devices. This should be done only in severe cases where the joint is measurably worn and movement is impossible without severe pain.

Prevention is always the best option, beginning at an early age.

• Making sure that all injuries to joints are appropriately treated will help to avoid future problems.
• Shoes with proper support and shock absorption should be worn by those whose jobs necessitate extended periods of standing or walking.
• Excess body weight can cause increased stress upon the weight bearing joints of the body.

• Avoid kneeling on hard surfaces, such as when doing housework, as this can put strain and create knee pain.

• Eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables as they include natural vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are essential for the health of the joints, as well as the rest of the body.

Recent studies have shown that long-term use of the nutritional supplement, Glucosamine, can not only assist with DJD symptoms, but might help to rebuild joint cartilage.

Chiropractic adjustments assist in restoring proper mobility and function to the spinal joints. Chiropractic care is not only safe, but extremely effective in relieving the debilitating pain of arthritis. Your Chicago chiropractor is highly skilled when it comes to arthritic pain relief. Other forms of chiropractic care may include joint mobilization, massage, ultrasound, cold laser, or electro-therapy, all of which may be helpful in the relief of painful and stiff joints. Occasionally, a brace is necessary to support the joint and relieve pain. A chiropractor may suggest exercises such as stretching, yoga, tai chi and other gentle mobilizing activities to help maintain arthritic joints.

Gout

Gouty arthritis is generated by elevated levels of uric acid in the blood and the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints. Generally, gouty arthritis is characterized by acute pain and swelling of the joints in the big toes, knees, ankles and wrists. Most people who develop gout are predisposed through heredity, though episodes are usually brought on by binge eating of inflammatory foods, when dehydrated or fasting, or after a major surgery or illness. Certain foods such as red meat (especially organ meat), certain seafood, legumes, and mushrooms contain the natural substance, Purines, that are metabolized in the liver to form uric acid. Since individuals with gout cannot efficiently metabolize uric acid, the accumulation in the bloodstream creates joint problems. In addition to the foods mentioned and additional foods containing Purines, other dietary restrictions must be followed including the avoidance of alcohol.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease of systemic origin. The principal cause is not known, but it is thought to be associated with a problem with the immune system. The most common joints affected are the small joints of the hands and fingers, the feet, knees, and shoulder, although other areas of the body can be affected as well. The condition is most often associated with morning stiffness that is aggravated by motion. Further symptoms can include general malaise and fatigue, and in its more advanced stages other systems of the body may be affected. There are specific blood tests to help identify Rheumatoid arthritis that can be easily run. Management includes medication and vitamin and diet therapy, as well as chiropractic manipulations. In addition, joint mobilization and modalities such as ultrasound, heat, electro-therapy and massage can help with the pain and stiffness associated the condition. Your Chicago chiropractor is dedicated to supporting people in getting relief from the pain and suffering associated with arthritis.

This is a great article on childhood obesity and deals with first steps to take care of the problem. As a Fort Worth chiropractor, I have seen this situation first hand in my office. Great Advice!

The highly emotive issue of childhood obesity will be the topic of a seminar spearheaded by the Child Care Links program of Burnside City Council on March 14.

Wishing all of my fellow chiropractors safe and gentle days ahead. We chiropractors here in the States our hearts go out to all those who lost anything precious in the fires. Take Care and god speed. Ventura Chiropractor, Dr. Jamie Phillips.

Stuart O’Grady urges Tour Down Under cyclists to mind their backs!