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While chiropractic care can help with any number of symptoms and problems, we have listed some of the more common conditions that you may recognize in yourself or others. If you are experiencing any of these problems, please contact us for an appointment today.
LOW BACK PAIN
Low back pain is the most common complaint after headache. It is a complex problem and is usually due to a combination of pathological factors and functional factors. Identifying and treating the key functional factors of muscle imbalance and instability, which often lead to pathology and can aggravate pathological conditions once they have developed, is a significant key to achieving a correction vs. temporary relief.
According to Nikolai Bogduk, PhD and Charles April, MDs assessment of current research the most common sites of pathology causing low back pain are the sacroiliac joints (20%), lumbar facet joints (zygapophysial joints) (36%), and intervertebral discs (39%). The single most common cause of chronic low back pain is internal disc derangement.
It is rare that joint or disc dysfunction exist without functional imbalances present as well. The chiropractic, orthopedic, and exercise rehab protocol we employ in our clinics effectively addresses both pathological and functional aspects of low back pain. Due to the power of these technologies, we can tell within two to three treatments if our approach is going to be successful. If it is not successful, it is likely due to the fact that the pathology is beyond conservative care and a medical referral is made.
Research on Chiropractic treatment of low back pain:
A 2002 literature review cited forty-three clinical trials published in peer reviewed journals on spinal manipulation for treatment of acute, sub-acute, and chronic low back pain. Thirty of these studies have shown chiropractic manipulation to be more effective than comparison treatment (physical therapy and medicine). The other thirteen studies showed chiropractic outcome to be equal. No trial to date had found chiropractic manipulation to be statistically or clinically less effective than comparison treatment. (Annals of Internal Medicine, Feb. 2002, pp 216-227)
A study published October 2005 in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (JMPT) finds that chiropractic and medical care have comparable costs for treating chronic low-back pain, with chiropractic care producing significantly better outcomes. Patients with chronic low-back pain receiving chiropractic treatment showed higher pain relief and satisfaction with the care and lower disability scores than the group treated with medical care.
Newer practice guidelines published in the October 2007 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine and targeted toward "all clinicians caring for patients with low (lumbar) back pain of any duration, either with or without leg pain", recommend spinal manipulation for patients whose pain does not improve with self-care. These recommendations were made by the American College of Physicians and the American Pain Society based on an extensive review of the medical literature derived from Medline studies (1966-2006), the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and EMBASE.
Treatment of low back pain is complex and should involve:
- identifying causes of pain such as which joints, discs, muscle, fascia, organs are responsible for the pain.
- identifying activities that cause or aggravate your condition such as posture, gait, lifting etc.
- identifying orthopedic instability and treating with the proper support to allow healing.
- treating causes of pain with precise manipulation, soft tissue therapy, and physical therapies.
- identifying underlying global (postural and muscle imbalances) problems and retraining with exercise rehabilitation.
- auditing results of treatment.
- co-managing with other therapists and doctors when indicated.
Disc Problems
The disc is a small cartilage pad that is situated between spinal bones (vertebra). The soft jellylike center is contained by layers of fibrous tissues. Each disc serves as a connector, spacer, and assists in shock absorption along with the vertebra of the spine. When healthy, discs allow normal bending and turning in the spine.
Since spinal discs have a very poor blood supply, they depend upon the circulation of joint fluids to bring nutrients and expel waste. If a spinal joint loses its normal motion, this pumping action is impaired and the health of the disc deteriorates. Like a wet sponge, a healthy disc is flexible. A dry sponge is hard, stiff, and can crack easily. Poor spinal stability places undue stress on discs, which over time lead to vulnerability and eventual failure.
Because of the way each disc is attached to the vertebra above and below it, a disc cannot slip as commonly thought. However, trauma or injury to the spine can cause discs to herniate. This can be quite painful, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots, interfering with their function.
Disc problems are complex and sometimes have to be treated invasively with injections or surgery. Dr. Fowler's orthopedic training contributes to his knowing when co-management is needed and can refer his patients to the proper medical specialist. However, patients at our clinics have had a good degree of success with disc herniations due to the integration of precise non-force manipulation, orthopedic management, and spine stabilization exercises. While results cannot be guaranteed, many patients have avoided needless surgery or a dependency on pain pills, by properly implementing proper conservative care.
Whiplash
Whiplash is most commonly received from riding in a car that is struck from behind or that collides with another object. When the head is suddenly jerked back and forth beyond its normal limits, the muscles and ligaments that support the spine and head can be overstretched or torn. The soft, pulpy discs between spinal bones can sprain or herniate. Vertebrae can be forced out of their normal position. The spinal cord and nerve roots in the neck can get stretched and irritated. Newer cars are designed to crumple in certain zones to reduce the forces to the passengers in higher impacts which often reduces the trauma, however occupants can suffer considerable soft tissue injury even when the car is only slightly damaged as all the force is transferred to the people in the car.
The resulting instability of the spine and soft tissues can cause headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, pain in the shoulder, arms and hands, reduced ability to turn and bend, and even low back problems. As the body attempts to adapt, symptoms may not appear for weeks or even months later.
The approach to these types of injuries in our clinics is to address soft tissue trauma and use specific non-force chiropractic adjustments to help return spinal function. It is essential to evaluate how patients sleep and sit in order to reduce ergonomic stresses, which could prevent expedient healing. After a thorough examination and case history, Doctor Fowler will recommend the protocol you can perform at home as well as a series of visits to help restore proper motion and position of the spinal bones. If caught early enough, inflammation can be reduced and scar tissue can often be minimized.
Osteoarthritis
Arthritis is a condition characterized by the gradual breakdown of joint cartilage, most common in the weight bearing joints of the body such as the knees, hips, and back. It is also common in the neck, hands, and feet. As the joint is broken down it can lead to joint stiffness and increased strain on the muscles in that area. Additionally, as joint function changes it can lead to movement compensations and place strain on other areas of the body as well. Although degenerative changes are common with age they do not automatically result in pain. Research now shows that it is not the degeneration of the joint that is responsible for pain but the effects the degeneration has on how the joint is functioning particularly the stiffness and muscles strain.
We focus on restoration and maintenance of function by emphasizing joint movement and increasing the ability of the muscles to support and stabilize the affected joints. In addition, we assess how the body as a whole if functioning to uncover any other movement abnormalities that may be affecting the degenerated area.
Osteoarthritis can be caused by environmental, physiological, or even genetic problems however, mechanical stress from joint and muscle imbalances in the body are a primary cause of arthritis in weight bearing joints. When this is the case these painful joints often improve greatly with D.N.F.T. Chiropractic, and exercise rehabilitation.
Joint Dysfunction
Joints of the body need to move. When this movement becomes restricted and normal motion is altered several problems arise. Most commonly joint dysfunction results in pain, stiffness, muscle tightness, cartilage breakdown/degeneration, and movement compensation leading to undue stress on other areas of the body. Joint dysfunction is common in the spine and the extremities and can commonly occur with injury, poor posture, muscles tightness, scar tissue, or muscles imbalance.
Dr. Fowler will assess movement of the joints to feel for areas of altered or restricted movements. He will also identify postural stresses and muscle imbalances which are usually associated with joint dysfunction. Once identified, the abnormal movement can be restored using precise chiropractic manipulation, joint mobilization, and soft tissue techniques to release spasm. Specific home exercises are taught to facilitate and maintain proper motion in key areas. Underlying factors such as poor posture and muscle imbalance need to be addressed in cases of chronic or recurrent joint dysfunction to prevent dependance on passive care.
Headaches
80% of headaches originate from the neck. Usually an increased amount of stress and tension held in the shoulders causes contractions of all of the surrounding neck muscles. When these muscles contract, vertebrae can become misaligned causing pressure on spinal nerves, and ultimately pain. With a typical cervicogenic (neck origin) headache, a person usually feels pain starting at the base of the skull which radiates into the temples, eyeballs, and forehead.
RESEARCH VALIDATES CHIROPRACTIC TREATMENT FOR HEADACHES:
In the Duke Study a panel of 19 multidiciplinary experts concluded that chiropractic treatment resulted in almost immediate improvement for cervicogenic headaches and had significantly fewer side effects and longer lasting relief of tension type headaches than a commonly prescribed medication. The Boline Study reiterated these findings. The Nelson Migraine Study found that spinal manipulation seemed to be as effective (and longer lasting) as a well-established and efficacious treatment (amitriptyline) without the side effects and therefore should be considered a treatment option for patients with frequent migraine headaches.
Sciatica
The sciatic nerve is a long nerve originating in the lower back and extending down the back of the leg. When this nerve is irritated, it can cause pain, numbness, weakness, or other symptoms in the lower back and down the leg. There are several possible causes of this condition. A misaligned vertebra can cause inflammation of the joints, putting pressure on the nerve. Bulging discs and muscle spasms can also cause pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Several other conditions may cause this symptom, so a complete evaluation would be needed to correctly asses the exact cause. Barring a true medical cause of sciatica like tumor or infection, there is usually a combination of functional problems associated with instability present in the spine causing this condition. To alleviate the sciatica without addressing these issues would be incomplete. (See "Low Back Pain" tab for elaboration).
Pinched Nerve
A pinched nerve is just that. It is a severely compressed nerve, usually caused by a combination of pathology and functional imbalances in the spine. When nerves get pinched they become severely inflamed and muscles may spasm, causing even more discomfort. The pain is usually so severe that you can't move that part of the body and it can cause other symptoms as well.
A skillful examination is performed to determine the proper approach to treatment. If severe pathology is suspected, a referral is made. If there are no contraindications to precise non-force manipulation and soft tissue therapy, this is done with careful auditing of results. Often successful, treatment at Integrated/Fowler Chiropractic and Rehab Clinics is quickly transitioned to integrate active rehab to expeidite healing and prevent recurrence.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
These days millions of Americans have jobs which can have damaging effects on the hands and arms. Repetitive movements which are not performed with good ergonomics or proper stabilization can cause micro-trauma to the hands and wrists. This trauma combined with joint dysfunction and spinal problems may result in a condition known as carpal tunnel syndrome. The median nerve which is affected travels from the tips of the fingers through the wrist up the arm and into the neck connecting to the spinal cord. If one or more of these structures are affected, symptoms of wrist pain, numbness, weakness, burning and loss of muscle function can occur.
Chiropractic, postural retraining, and exercise rehabilitation can assure that all of the joints and muscles along the path of the nerve are free of obstruction and functioning normally, thus reducing nerve irritation.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a controversial and complicated condition to understand. For proper diagnosis and treatment, a wide variety of factors need to be considered including "head-to-toe" joint and muscle function, nutrition, and lifestyle issues. A thorough examination including orthopedic and neurologic testing, as well as other specialized tests, will help to determine the exact causes of your symptoms and your individualized treatment plan. Very often, a comprehensive treatment program addressing all of these issues leads to significant improvement.
Joint and soft tissue manipulation is often very helpful in relieving the aches and pains of fibromyalgia and related conditions. Other treatment options may include ultrasound or electrical muscle stimulation, acupuncture, therapeutic exercises, and massage therapy & myofascial release techniques. These procedures, combined with nutritional & herbal medicine, and/or homeopathy constitute a comprehensive, holistic approach. Although researchers are still a long way from finding a "cure" for fibromyalgia, chiropractic care is usually very successful in the effective management of this condition. However, if after examination we conclude that your case cannot be helped with conservative care, a prompt referral will be made.
Allergies
Millions of people who suffer from a wide variety of conditions, allergies included, have benefited from chiropractic care even though chiropractic is not an allergy treatment, Why? Because chiropractic is a method of healthcare that permits your body to function at its best. That is especially important if you suffer from allergies.
But first, let's find out, what is an allergy? Your immune system keeps you 100% natural, organic, unadulterated! It recognizes and destroys anything not supposed to be in you: bacteria, and viruses, pollutants, dust, pollen, drugs, tumors, dead pieces of your own skin cells, and even artificial hearts and donor organs (Metal and plastic, however, don't trigger an immune reaction.) A healthy immune system means high resistance to disease and infection, better ability to deal with stress and greater health and well-being.
By releasing stress on the nervous system, chiropractic permits the immune system to function more effectively-something all allergy sufferers need. A nervous system without stress functions more efficiently. Recent understandings in psychoneuroimmunology reveal that when the nervous system functions better the immune system benefits.
Chiropractors correct a basic cause of body malfunction to improve the function of your immune system. Please note that the chiropractic approach is to remove vertebral subluxations, a common spinal distortion that puts stress on your nervous system. Freed of nervous system stress, your body will work more effectively to neutralize the allergy causing chemicals in your environment.
Allergies are often chemical in nature and it is essential to work with a chiropractor that can recognize when co-management is indicated and not try to oversimplify treatment isolated to chiropractic care.
Maintenance Care
What many people don't know is that you don't have to be injured to benefit from chiropractic care. By staying well adjusted with maintenance chiropractic care you can help prevent injury. Some other possible benefits of maintenance care are: optimal nerve output for optimal physical performance, improved posture, decreased stiffness, increased mobility, energy, strength, circulation, and immune function just to name a few.
If you want something to last you have to maintain it. This goes equally for your spine as it does your teeth, homes, and cars. Nobody wants to buy a used car that was only attented to when it broke down when you can find a car that was properly maintained. Unlike modern cars that tell you when they need maintainence, our bodies often break down insidiously and if we wait for symptoms there is already damage to vital tissues.
Periodic maintenance for most people can be as infrequent as three to four times per year provided you perform your exercises and manage stress (physical, chemical, and emotional) properly. Serious athletes often choose more frequent "tune-ups" just as race cars are tuned up and re-built much more frequently that cars driven back and forth to work.
Everybody benefits from chiropractic a little differently, but one thing everybody has in common is that they just feel better.
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