Sciatica

Definition 

Sciatica is defined as pain that radiates from the lower back into the buttocks and down the back of one or both legs caused by the irritation of the sciatic nerves, the largest nerves of the body.  It usually begins as an acute pain in the lower back and then radiates down the back of either or both legs.  There are 5 pairs of nerves that exit the spine in the lower back.  These nerves make up what we know as the sciatic nerves.  If the vertebrae or bones in the lower back are misaligned or out of place; or the disc between the vertebrae are swollen, bulged or herniated, the result is pressure on those nearby nerves.  This can cause tremendous pain and normal daily activities become almost impossible. 

Symptoms

Sensation changes
Of the back of the calf or the sole of the foot
Numbness, tingling, burning, pain in back of calf or the sole of foot
Weakness of the knee or foot
Difficulty walking
Inability to move the foot (in severe cases)
Inability to bend the knee (in severe cases)

Treatment

Chiropractic care works on correcting misaligned or out of place vertebrae and can remove the pressure placed on the sciatic nerve, reducing pain and improving flexibility and function. 

BACK

Fibromyalgia

Definition

Fibromyalgia is a common condition characterized by widespread pain in joints, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues. Some other problems commonly linked with fibromyalgia include fatigue, morning stiffness, sleep problems, headaches, numbness in hands and feet, depression, and anxiety. Fibromyalgia can develop on its own, or secondary to other musculoskeletal conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, or systemic lupus.  Diagnosis of fibromyalgia requires a history of a least three months of widespread pain, and pain and tenderness in at least 11 of 18 tender-point sites. These tender-point sites include fibrous tissue or muscles of the: Neck, Shoulders, Chest, Rib cage, Lower back, Thighs, Knees, Arms (elbows), Buttocks.  The overwhelming characteristic of fibromyalgia is long-standing, body-wide pain with defined tender points. Tender points are distinct from trigger points seen in other pain syndromes. (Unlike tender points, trigger points can occur in isolation and represent a source of radiating pain, even in the absence of direct pressure.)  Fibromyalgia pain can mimic the pain experienced by people with various types of arthritis.  The soft-tissue pain of fibromyalgia is described as deep-aching, radiating, gnawing, shooting or burning, and ranges from mild to severe. Fibromyalgia sufferers tend to waken with body aches and stiffness.

Symptoms
 
Multiple tender areas  Fatigue
Sleep disturbances   Body aches
Reduced exercise tolerance  Chronic muscle pain or aching

Treatment

Chiropractic care works on relieving pain and symptoms associated with fibromyalgia 

BACK

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Definition

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is the compression of the median nerve at the wrist, which may result in numbness, tingling, weakness, or muscle atrophy in the hand and fingers.  Carpal tunnel syndrome is common in people who perform repetitive motions of the hand and wrist, such as typing. When the wrist is poorly positioned, there isn't enough space for the median nerve to travel to the hand.  Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure exerted on the median nerve at the point where it passes through the wrist. The median nerve supplies sensation to the thumb-side of the palm, and to the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and the thumb-side of the ring finger. It also supplies movement to part of 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 passageway is rigid, any swelling in this area can cause compression of the nerve (this is also called entrapment of the nerve).

Symptoms

Weakness in one or both hands
Numbness or tingling in the thumb and next two or three fingers of one or both hands
Numbness or tingling of the palm of the hand
Wrist or hand pain in one or both hands
Pain extending to the elbow
Impaired fine finger movements (coordination) in one or both hands
Weak grip or difficulty carrying bags (a common complaint)
Atrophy of the muscular bulge under the thumb

Treatment

Chiropractic care works on correcting symptoms and relieving pain associated with carpal tunnel syndrome

BACK

Osteoporosis

Definition

The thinning of bone tissue and loss of bone density over time.  Osteoporosis is the most common type of bone disease. There are currently an estimated 10 million Americans suffering from osteoporosis, as well as another 18 million who have low bone mass, or osteopenia.  Osteoporosis occurs when the body fails to form enough new bone, or when too much old bone is reabsorbed by the body, or both.  Calcium and phosphate are two minerals that are essential for normal bone formation. Throughout youth, the body uses these minerals to produce bones. If calcium intake is not sufficient, or if the body does not absorb enough calcium from the diet, bone production and bone tissues may suffer.  As people age, calcium and phosphate may be reabsorbed back into the body from the bones, which makes the bone tissue weaker. Both situations can result in brittle, fragile bones that are subject to fractures, even in the absence of trauma.  Researchers estimate that about 20% of American women over the age of 50 have osteoporosis. In addition, another 30% of them have osteopenia, which is abnormally low bone density that may eventually deteriorate into osteoporosis, if not treated.  About half of all women over the age of 50 will suffer a fracture of the hip, wrist, or vertebra.

Symptoms
 
There are no symptoms in the early stages of the disease.

Symptoms occurring late in the disease include:
Fractures of the vertebrae, wrists, or hips (usually the first indication)
Low back pain
Neck Pain
Bone pain and tenderness
Loss of height over time
Stooped posture

Treatment

Chiropractic care works on relieving symptoms and complications associated with osteoporosis

BACK

Scoliosis

Definition

A lateral curvature of the spine.  Scoliosis affects boys and girls between the ages of 8 and 18.  It is more common with girls.  There are several causes of scoliosis, the two most common are congenital and habitual.  Congenital scoliosis occurs when someone is born with a lateral curvature of the spine.  Habitual causes are environmental or situational depending on the habits of the individual.  Carrying backpacks improperly can contribute to a spinal distortion.  Poor sitting habits and practicing poor posture can also affect spinal development in children.   Signs of scoliosis are a high hip (uneven hips), a high shoulder, the head being off center, head tilt, back and leg pain. 

Symptoms
 
The spine curving abnormally to the side (laterally)

Shoulders and/ or hips appearing uneven

Backache

Low Back Pain

Fatigue

Treatment

Chiropractic care works on correcting scoliosis and relieving symptoms and complications associated with scoliosis. 

BACK

Tension Headaches

Definition

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. 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. Tension headaches are not associated with structural lesions in the brain.

Symptoms

Dull pain, pressure-like
Generalized pain, worse in the scalp, temples or back of the neck
Not one sided
Feels like a tight band or vise on the head
Occurs as an isolated incident (or occurs constantly or daily)
Worsened or triggered by stress, fatigue, noise, glare, etc.
Sleep disturbances

Treatment

Chiropractic care works on correcting misalignments that cause headaches and relieving symptoms associated with tension headaches

BACK

Whiplash

Definition

An injury to the soft tissues of the neck that occurs from a sudden jerking or "whipping" of the head. This type of motion strains the muscles and the ligaments of the neck beyond their normal range of motion.  Whiplash often occurs when a vehicle stops suddenly in a car crash or is struck from behind. Either of these two actions causes things in the vehicle to be thrown forward -- including passengers.  A seat belt will keep a person's body from being thrown forward, but the head may snap forward, then backward, causing a whiplash injury in the neck.  In addition to car accidents, whiplash can be caused by roller coasters and other amusement park rides, sports injuries, or being punched or shaken. (Whiplash is one of the hallmarks of shaken baby syndrome.)

Symptoms
 
Often, you feel pain and stiffness in your neck for the first few days following a whiplash injury. Then, you feel better, but the pain and stiffness may come back several days later.  The discomfort you feel may involve surrounding muscle groups in your head, chest, shoulders, and arms.

Treatment

Chiropractic care works on correcting complications and relieving pain associated whiplash injuries

BACK

Bursitis

Definition

Inflammation of the fluid-filled sac (bursa) that lies between a tendon and skin, or between a tendon and bone. The condition may be acute or chronic.   Bursae are fluid-filled cavities near joints where tendons or muscles pass over bony projections. They assist movement and reduce friction between moving parts.  Bursitis can be caused by chronic overuse, trauma, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or infection. Sometimes the cause cannot be determined. Bursitis commonly occurs in the shoulder, knee, elbow, and hip. Other areas that may be affected include the Achilles tendon and the foot.

Symptoms
 
Joint pain and tenderness
Swelling
Warmth over the affected joint

Treatment

Chiropractic care works on relieving pain and correcting complications associated bursitis

BACK

Migraine Headache

Definition

Common migraine is a disorder involving recurrent headaches, which may be accompanied by symptoms other than headache but which rarely include a preliminary warning (called an aura).   Migraine headaches affect about 6 out of 100 people. They are a common type of chronic headache. They most commonly occur in women and usually begin between the ages of 10 and 46. In some cases, they appear to run in families.  Migraines occur when blood vessels of the head and neck spasm or constrict, which decreases blood flow to the brain. Minutes to hours later, the blood vessels dilate (enlarge), resulting in a severe headache. Inflammation around the blood vessels also occurs in some cases.  Common migraine accounts for almost all migraine headaches. Common migraine may be accompanied by symptoms other than headache but only rarely includes any preceeding symptoms (aura). Migraine may also appear as classic migraine (a migraine preceded by other symptoms) and other rare forms.  Multiple mechanisms trigger the spasm and subsequent blood vessel dilation.

Symptoms
 
Throbbing, pulsating pain  Dizziness
Vertigo     Loss of appetite
Nausea      Vomiting
Fatigue     Neck pain

Pain sometimes may be worse on the sides of the forehead; be on only one side of the forehead; be severe or dull; and commonly lasts 6 to 48 hours.

Treatment

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

BACK

Degenerative Joint Disease/ Osteoarthritis

Definition

One of the oldest and most common types of arthritis. It is characterized by the breakdown of the joint's cartilage. Cartilage is the part of the joint that cushions the ends of bones. Cartilage breakdown causes bones to rub against each other, causing pain and loss of movement.   Most commonly affecting middle-aged and older people, OA can range from very mild to very severe. It affects hands and weight-bearing joints such as knees, hips, feet and the back.

Symptoms

Gradual and subtle onset of deep aching joint pain
Worse after exercise or weight bearing
Often relieved by rest
Joint swelling
Limited movement
Morning stiffness
Grating of the joint with motion
Joint pain in rainy weather
There may be no symptoms

Treatment

Chiropractic care works on relieving symptoms and minimizing complications associated with osteoarthritis

BACK

Cluster Headache