Australian Chiropractors

San Jose Chiropractor: Ten Most Frequently Asked Questions

Besides spinal problems, knee pain and disability is one of the most frequent problems of the musculoskeletal system. Problems with the knee can be separated into several categories including unsatisfactory of the knee and faulty foot mechanics that compensate for foot pain, general overuse of the knee joint,  inflammation due to arthritic changes in the joint, and traumatic injury from events such as sports and falls.

Non-trauma knee problems: Deficient mechanics of the knee joint and the corresponding stress on the soft tissues of the knee are, by far, the most widespread cause of non-traumatic pain. The patella or knee-cap is normally the area affected because many times the patella does not move adequately on the femur during bending of the knee producing abnormal stress on the tendons, cartilage and ligaments. This particular condition is often called chondromalacia patella (CMP) or Patella Femoral Syndrome (Knee Cap Pain). The problem usually starts when there are imbalances in the quadriceps muscles of the thigh that attach to and move the patella. Lower back conditions, especially in the sacroiliac joints, are one of the foremost reasons for imbalances in the muscles related to knee movement, and resultant knee problems. Pain and dysfunction can also be produced by imbalances in the muscle groups that connect to the knee. For example, pain on the medial or inside of the knee occurs when the muscles on the insides of the thigh are stressed and taut.   Mechanical knee pain is also caused by gait abnormalities such as pronation.

The associated pain from overuse is most generally felt during activity, particularly stair climbing, running, jumping, and following getting up from prolonged sitting. Many women are likely to be predisposed to painful overuse problems for anatomical reasons, although such ailments are often caused by wearing high heels on a regular basis.

The main treatment for mechanical or overuse injuries to the knee is to re-establish proper balance of the muscles, restore proper movement to the patella and other joints of the knee, and to correct any subluxations of the sacroiliac joints and bones of the foot.  In certain cases, a brace is used to assist with the positioning of the patella or to stabilize the joint. Chiropractors, such as your San Jose chiropractor, are highly experienced in administering the appropriate diagnosis and treatment of these ailments.

Knee problems due to trauma: Traumatic injuries often occur during sports that involve running and jumping, particularly. When the knee is pulled or bent beyond the strength of the ligaments that hold the joint together, tearing of these tissues can happen producing a sprain. Strains to muscles that facilitate movement of the knee can occur when the muscles are torn during injury. As with a sprain, a muscle strain can range from a mild injury that requires little care to a serious injury needing surgery. The knee also has two special “cartilages” – the menisci – between the tibia and the femur that allow frictionless motion and cushioning. These cartilages can also be torn during trauma, and often require surgical repair, or even removal if damaged severely.

Traumatic knee injuries can cause severe pain and swelling and need prompt diagnosis and care. In most instances a qualified chiropractor, such as your San Jose Chiropractor, can manage these conditions, however there are some injuries that do need the skills of an orthopedic surgeon. Nevertheless, it is crucial to stabilize the injured joint right away and to put ice on the damaged area, if possible, until the injury can be examined.

Conditions such as poor mechanics and problems due to overuse, as well as traumatic injuries, need to be corrected at an early stage. Otherwise, the tissues of the knee joint, especially the cartilage, will start to erode. Consequently the bones will rub on one another, and changes such as bone spurs can occur. This painful affliction, known as degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis, is commonly progressive with age. Usual treatment may involve medications such as NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Nevertheless, there are natural anti-inflammatory supplements that produce excellent results such as rosemary, glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, bioflavinoids, curcumin. Conservative treatment, such as chiropractic, can be extremely valuable in reducing the pain. Your San Jose chiropractor is will gladly discuss anti-inflammatory supplements. In addition, sufferers can frequently help themselves by keeping their weight down, doing exercises (especially in the pool), and wearing cushioned shoes or insoles.

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.

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.