Chiropractic Health & Wellness Blog
Scheuermann’s and thoracic disc herniations
November 25, 2009
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Due to the increase of patients with mid back pain we are seeing at Lyn Lake Chiropractic, we decided to write a little info blog to help educate people on a couple of topics.
Scheuermann’s and thoracic disc herniations. Please use this for information only and not for diagnosis or a treatment plan. Consult a Chiropractor or Medical Doctor. I wrote this to help one of my friends that recently had an MRI and had questions on what to do next.
Scheuermann’s kyphosis
This condition (also called Scheuermann’s disease) occurs when the front of the upper spine does not grow as fast as the back of the spine, so that the vertebrae become wedge-shaped, with the narrow part of the wedge in front. The wedge-shape of the vertebra creates an increase in the amount of normal kyphosis (front angulation of the thoracic spine)
The wedging of vertebrae in Scheuermann’s kyphosis is most Quick read more or view full article common in the thoracic spine (upper back), with the apex of the curve typically between the T7 and T9 levels of the spine. Although less common, Scheuermann’s kyphosis may also occur in the junction between the thoracic and lumbar spine (thoracolumbar spine) or in the lumbar spine (lower back).
The cause of Scheuermann's disease is unknown, but is thought to be due to a growth abnormality of the vertebral body. The growth plate anteriorly (in the front) stops growing but the posterior part of the growth plate continues to grow. This is due to a condition known as osteochondrosis.
Scheuermann’s disease does not spread and is not really a “disease” but a condition that can arise during growth. It is more common in males and appears in adolescents usually towards the end of their growth spurt. If the roundback deformity is severe, patients are more likely to have discomfort or pain along with the deformity as they age.
Treatment options for Scheuermann's disease:
Treatment will vary depending on the size of the curve, the flexibility of the curve, the patient’s age and the patient’s preferences.
Chiropractic is extremely important for anyone with Scheuermann, Sheuermanns does not make the discs brittle. What chiropractic will do is ensure that the joints in the back have motion in them because as the joints lose their motion they begin to degenerate (you don't use it, you lose it). So it is particularly important for people with Sheuermanns to have their spine adjusted by a chiropractor because there’s already some degree of spinal degeneration involved with the disease. Chiropractic will not cure this disease however many people have found it to help decrease the curve and keep it from getting worse.
Some other thoughts on treating these symptoms:
Chiropractic adjustments of the spine are beneficial, increasing the movement and nutrition of the joints
Exercise has been proved to help with the treatment of Scheuermanns disease, but contact sport like rugby and karate are forbidden. The vertebral endplates are fragile leading to fragmentation of the bone and cartilage. Obviously trauma should be avoided.
Specific exercises to strengthen the muscles between the shoulder blades are advised. Either by your chiropractor or P.T.
Using a foam roller, over which the back is gently extended is recommended and flexion distraction.
Swimming, particularly breaststroke and backstroke, is excellent.
Thoracic Herniated Discs
Any injury that causes a high degree of sudden force on the discs in the upper spine could lead to a thoracic herniated disc. Examples of a traumatic event that may lead to a thoracic herniated disc include a fall, car accident or sports injury that places sudden force on the upper back.
Thoracic herniated discs tend to occur in younger patients prior to significant degenerative disc changes. While in most cases some history of mild trauma has led to an exacerbation of the patient’s symptoms, a mild trauma (such as reaching up while twisting) will usually just worsen symptoms from a degenerated disc. Regardless of the cause of the thoracic back pain, getting a correct diagnosis is critical because it will guide treatment of the thoracic herniated disc. Thoracic disc disease is conceptually similar to disc disorders in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine, but symptomatic lesions (anatomical problems related to the symptoms) are far less common.
The most common location for thoracic disc disorders is at the thoracolumbar, mid back pain (the thoracic and lumbar parts of the spinal column) junction (T8-T12) in the mid back. The true incidence is unknown because many thoracic disc disorders do not cause thoracic back pain or other symptoms, and they comprise only a very small percent of all herniated disc surgeries.
In one study, 90 asymptomatic patients (with no pain or other symptoms) were evaluated with thoracic MRI scans. These were the findings:
1. 73% of patients were found to have disc abnormalities in the upper back, such as a thoracic herniated disc.
2. 37% specifically had a thoracic herniated disc.
3. 29% had radiographic evidence of spinal cord impingement identified on the MRI.
These patients were followed for 26 months and none of them developed thoracic back pain from their thoracic disc disorders. The fact that so many people had thoracic herniated discs but no pain or symptoms is important to mention, as it shows that people may have both upper back pain and a thoracic herniated disc, but that the disc disorder may not be the cause of the thoracic back pain – it may just be an incidental finding. In fact, there are many causes of upper back pain that are much more common than a herniated disc.
Thoracic Disc Herniation Treatment
The vast majority of thoracic disc herniation can be treated without thoracic surgery. There are a variety of non-surgical treatment options that can be tried, and often patients will need to try several, or a combination of different treatments, to find what works best for them.
1. A short period of rest (e.g. one or two days) and activity modification (eliminating the activities and positions that worsen or cause the thoracic back pain). After a short period or rest, the patient should return to activity as tolerated. Gentle exercise, such as walking, is a good way to return to activity.
2. Narcotic and non-narcotic analgesic medications to help reduce the thoracic back pain. Narcotic pain medication is usually only prescribed to treat severe upper back pain for a short period of time. For mild or moderate thoracic back pain, an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) is commonly recommended for thoracic herniated discs.
3. Anti-inflammatory agents, to help reduce inflammation around the herniated disc in the upper back, including:
Medications NSAIDS – Advils, oral steroids.
Anti-inflammatory injections – epidural steroid injections.
Ice packs - applied to the painful area for 15–20 minutes at a time, as often as necessary.
Strengthening exercises - stabilization exercises do not directly affect the herniated disc, but they
can stabilize the thoracic spine muscles. This has an effect of decreasing the load experienced by
the disc and vertebrae. Stronger, well balanced muscles help control the thoracic spine and
minimize the risk or injury to the nerves and the disc.
Manual manipulation - usually performed by chiropractor.
The patient’s activity levels should be progressed gradually over a 6 to 12 week period as symptoms improve. In the vast majority of cases, the natural history of thoracic disc herniation is one of improvement with one or a combination of the above conservative (non-operative) treatments.
Thoracic Surgery
Most often surgery is recommended if more conservative measures do not relieve your symptoms. Thoracic herniated disc surgery is reserved for cases of myelopathy (Defined: Disorder in which the tissue of the spinal cord is diseased or damaged.), progressive extremity weakness, and intolerable radicular pain that does not get better with non-surgical treatments.
In cases where thoracic surgery was indicated, two researchers evaluated 19 patients treated with either costotransversectomy or trans-thoracic decompression of a thoracic disc herniation.
The following was reported:
16 patients with good or excellent outcomes
3 patients with fair or poor results
2 of the poor outcomes were in the costotransversectomy group.
With these results in mind, the researchers opined that the trans-thoracic approach should be the preferred.
Another approach you can try - supplements:
Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are components of normal cartilage. In the body, they are the building blocks for cartilage and appear to stimulate the body to make more cartilage.
Many people with back pain especially osteoarthritis use supplements in their diet to ease the pain of. Glucosamine and chondroitin are the most well-known and best tested.
Glucosamine works to improve the condition of the cartilage of the body. The cartilage is a fibrous substance most often found in our joints. One of its main functions is to attach bones to other surfaces of the body such as tendons Glucosamine works by making the cartilage stronger and more pliable.
Chondroitin is another substance that is normally found in the cartilage in joints and disc of the body. It is responsible for improving the ability of cartilage to defend itself against stress. It also helps to inhibit action on the part of certain enzymes that have the ability to break down the cartilage of the joints. Several clinical trials have shown that when chondroitin was taken regularly long term, people had reduced pain and inflammation.
MSM or methyl sulfonylmethane is a herbal supplement that is sulfur based. This substance is a naturally found sulfur and is normally found in the foods that humans and animals eat on a daily basis. The way that this substance works is that it reduces inflammation. It also has been shown to reduce painful sensation by stopping or reducing the pain impulses that are relayed on the nerve fibers from the body part through the nervous system to the brain.
The combination of the three supplements gives the consumer the best combination possible. Glucosamine and chondroitin help to improve the structure of the cartilage as well as reducing inflammation while MSM quickly reduces inflammation and pain that comes along with these illnesses. The addition of MSM can give people much quicker results as well as an added boost in a well rounded combination of herbs for issues such as we have discussed here.
Lyn Lake Chiropractic likes to use a product by Metagenics.
Chondro-Relief Intensive Care: Ingredients -
Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Chondroitin Sulfate, MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane), Vitamin C (Manganese ascorbate),
Manganese (Manganese ascorbate), Hyaluronic Acid.
What Lyn Lake Chiropractic would do to treat these issues.
We would provide chiropractic adjustments, Ultrasound, Cold Laser treatment, EMS, Hot or Cold Packs, Massage, Therapeutic Exercises, Traction and more! If you want us to help set you up on some core exercise, you can meet one of our Certified Personal Trainers at no cost.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact us at Lyn Lake Chiropractic and we would be glad to help point you in the right direction. If needed, we will refer you to either a Neurologist and/or Neurosurgeon for a second opinion on what you should do next. I hope this helps! Read Less
Scheuermann’s and thoracic disc herniations. Please use this for information only and not for diagnosis or a treatment plan. Consult a Chiropractor or Medical Doctor. I wrote this to help one of my friends that recently had an MRI and had questions on what to do next.
Scheuermann’s kyphosis
This condition (also called Scheuermann’s disease) occurs when the front of the upper spine does not grow as fast as the back of the spine, so that the vertebrae become wedge-shaped, with the narrow part of the wedge in front. The wedge-shape of the vertebra creates an increase in the amount of normal kyphosis (front angulation of the thoracic spine)
The wedging of vertebrae in Scheuermann’s kyphosis is most Quick read more or view full article common in the thoracic spine (upper back), with the apex of the curve typically between the T7 and T9 levels of the spine. Although less common, Scheuermann’s kyphosis may also occur in the junction between the thoracic and lumbar spine (thoracolumbar spine) or in the lumbar spine (lower back).
The cause of Scheuermann's disease is unknown, but is thought to be due to a growth abnormality of the vertebral body. The growth plate anteriorly (in the front) stops growing but the posterior part of the growth plate continues to grow. This is due to a condition known as osteochondrosis.
Scheuermann’s disease does not spread and is not really a “disease” but a condition that can arise during growth. It is more common in males and appears in adolescents usually towards the end of their growth spurt. If the roundback deformity is severe, patients are more likely to have discomfort or pain along with the deformity as they age.
Treatment options for Scheuermann's disease:
Treatment will vary depending on the size of the curve, the flexibility of the curve, the patient’s age and the patient’s preferences.
Chiropractic is extremely important for anyone with Scheuermann, Sheuermanns does not make the discs brittle. What chiropractic will do is ensure that the joints in the back have motion in them because as the joints lose their motion they begin to degenerate (you don't use it, you lose it). So it is particularly important for people with Sheuermanns to have their spine adjusted by a chiropractor because there’s already some degree of spinal degeneration involved with the disease. Chiropractic will not cure this disease however many people have found it to help decrease the curve and keep it from getting worse.
Some other thoughts on treating these symptoms:
Chiropractic adjustments of the spine are beneficial, increasing the movement and nutrition of the joints
Exercise has been proved to help with the treatment of Scheuermanns disease, but contact sport like rugby and karate are forbidden. The vertebral endplates are fragile leading to fragmentation of the bone and cartilage. Obviously trauma should be avoided.
Specific exercises to strengthen the muscles between the shoulder blades are advised. Either by your chiropractor or P.T.
Using a foam roller, over which the back is gently extended is recommended and flexion distraction.
Swimming, particularly breaststroke and backstroke, is excellent.
Thoracic Herniated Discs
Any injury that causes a high degree of sudden force on the discs in the upper spine could lead to a thoracic herniated disc. Examples of a traumatic event that may lead to a thoracic herniated disc include a fall, car accident or sports injury that places sudden force on the upper back.
Thoracic herniated discs tend to occur in younger patients prior to significant degenerative disc changes. While in most cases some history of mild trauma has led to an exacerbation of the patient’s symptoms, a mild trauma (such as reaching up while twisting) will usually just worsen symptoms from a degenerated disc. Regardless of the cause of the thoracic back pain, getting a correct diagnosis is critical because it will guide treatment of the thoracic herniated disc. Thoracic disc disease is conceptually similar to disc disorders in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine, but symptomatic lesions (anatomical problems related to the symptoms) are far less common.
The most common location for thoracic disc disorders is at the thoracolumbar, mid back pain (the thoracic and lumbar parts of the spinal column) junction (T8-T12) in the mid back. The true incidence is unknown because many thoracic disc disorders do not cause thoracic back pain or other symptoms, and they comprise only a very small percent of all herniated disc surgeries.
In one study, 90 asymptomatic patients (with no pain or other symptoms) were evaluated with thoracic MRI scans. These were the findings:
1. 73% of patients were found to have disc abnormalities in the upper back, such as a thoracic herniated disc.
2. 37% specifically had a thoracic herniated disc.
3. 29% had radiographic evidence of spinal cord impingement identified on the MRI.
These patients were followed for 26 months and none of them developed thoracic back pain from their thoracic disc disorders. The fact that so many people had thoracic herniated discs but no pain or symptoms is important to mention, as it shows that people may have both upper back pain and a thoracic herniated disc, but that the disc disorder may not be the cause of the thoracic back pain – it may just be an incidental finding. In fact, there are many causes of upper back pain that are much more common than a herniated disc.
Thoracic Disc Herniation Treatment
The vast majority of thoracic disc herniation can be treated without thoracic surgery. There are a variety of non-surgical treatment options that can be tried, and often patients will need to try several, or a combination of different treatments, to find what works best for them.
1. A short period of rest (e.g. one or two days) and activity modification (eliminating the activities and positions that worsen or cause the thoracic back pain). After a short period or rest, the patient should return to activity as tolerated. Gentle exercise, such as walking, is a good way to return to activity.
2. Narcotic and non-narcotic analgesic medications to help reduce the thoracic back pain. Narcotic pain medication is usually only prescribed to treat severe upper back pain for a short period of time. For mild or moderate thoracic back pain, an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) is commonly recommended for thoracic herniated discs.
3. Anti-inflammatory agents, to help reduce inflammation around the herniated disc in the upper back, including:
can stabilize the thoracic spine muscles. This has an effect of decreasing the load experienced by
the disc and vertebrae. Stronger, well balanced muscles help control the thoracic spine and
minimize the risk or injury to the nerves and the disc.
The patient’s activity levels should be progressed gradually over a 6 to 12 week period as symptoms improve. In the vast majority of cases, the natural history of thoracic disc herniation is one of improvement with one or a combination of the above conservative (non-operative) treatments.
Thoracic Surgery
Most often surgery is recommended if more conservative measures do not relieve your symptoms. Thoracic herniated disc surgery is reserved for cases of myelopathy (Defined: Disorder in which the tissue of the spinal cord is diseased or damaged.), progressive extremity weakness, and intolerable radicular pain that does not get better with non-surgical treatments.
In cases where thoracic surgery was indicated, two researchers evaluated 19 patients treated with either costotransversectomy or trans-thoracic decompression of a thoracic disc herniation.
The following was reported:
With these results in mind, the researchers opined that the trans-thoracic approach should be the preferred.
Another approach you can try - supplements:
Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are components of normal cartilage. In the body, they are the building blocks for cartilage and appear to stimulate the body to make more cartilage.
Many people with back pain especially osteoarthritis use supplements in their diet to ease the pain of. Glucosamine and chondroitin are the most well-known and best tested.
Glucosamine works to improve the condition of the cartilage of the body. The cartilage is a fibrous substance most often found in our joints. One of its main functions is to attach bones to other surfaces of the body such as tendons Glucosamine works by making the cartilage stronger and more pliable.
Chondroitin is another substance that is normally found in the cartilage in joints and disc of the body. It is responsible for improving the ability of cartilage to defend itself against stress. It also helps to inhibit action on the part of certain enzymes that have the ability to break down the cartilage of the joints. Several clinical trials have shown that when chondroitin was taken regularly long term, people had reduced pain and inflammation.
MSM or methyl sulfonylmethane is a herbal supplement that is sulfur based. This substance is a naturally found sulfur and is normally found in the foods that humans and animals eat on a daily basis. The way that this substance works is that it reduces inflammation. It also has been shown to reduce painful sensation by stopping or reducing the pain impulses that are relayed on the nerve fibers from the body part through the nervous system to the brain.
The combination of the three supplements gives the consumer the best combination possible. Glucosamine and chondroitin help to improve the structure of the cartilage as well as reducing inflammation while MSM quickly reduces inflammation and pain that comes along with these illnesses. The addition of MSM can give people much quicker results as well as an added boost in a well rounded combination of herbs for issues such as we have discussed here.
Lyn Lake Chiropractic likes to use a product by Metagenics.
Chondro-Relief Intensive Care: Ingredients -
Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Chondroitin Sulfate, MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane), Vitamin C (Manganese ascorbate),
Manganese (Manganese ascorbate), Hyaluronic Acid.
What Lyn Lake Chiropractic would do to treat these issues.
We would provide chiropractic adjustments, Ultrasound, Cold Laser treatment, EMS, Hot or Cold Packs, Massage, Therapeutic Exercises, Traction and more! If you want us to help set you up on some core exercise, you can meet one of our Certified Personal Trainers at no cost.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact us at Lyn Lake Chiropractic and we would be glad to help point you in the right direction. If needed, we will refer you to either a Neurologist and/or Neurosurgeon for a second opinion on what you should do next. I hope this helps! Read Less
How do you find out if you have a subluxation
November 22, 2009
We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them. We have a significant health problem in this country. A different way of thinking about health is the key to unlocking this problem. The current healthcare model is failing and relying on it can be dangerous to your health. Your body is programmed for health and balance and has the intelligence to return to health and full function if given the opportunity with keeping your spine and nervous system unblocked and free of interference such as a subluxation in your spine. Your spine is the life-line of your body. Every family should have a chiropractor as part of your lifetime wellness team.
This healthcare system really is about disease and when you apply such a system to a population you get a sick population.
Current health statistics and trends:
16,000 death per year from taking Quick read more or view full article NSAIDS ie: Advils, 900,000 people died of heart disease a year, 82% coronary disease cases in 84,000 female nurses found to be lifestyle related. Obesity is up over 60% in the past 10 years, Type 2 diabetes up over 90% in the past 10 years.
Solution to these problems is not more than different strategies and behaviors. Chiropractic represents an entirely different health model. Our focus is on health promotion rather than treatment of disease. We recognize health comes from inside out. We believe there as an intelligence in the body that guided its formation from two cells and has the ability if uninterrupted can heal the body.
Life energy is flowing through your nerves, like the electricity flowing through your household appliances. If you have a cut in the line you have no or less function to that appliance or body part. Which could be a pinched nerve causing numbness, pain or tingling into your legs or arms. Headaches, neck pain, low back pain and more can be caused by a subluxation, or simply put a pinched nerve from a bone out of place or a muscle putting pressure on your nervous system.
How do you find out if you have a subluxation or a bone out of place? The same way you find out if you have a cavity in your mouth, you get checked out. Many conditions will not cause symptoms until it's too late.
Subluxation is just a condition, so by getting adjusted by your chiropractor will not only remove your pain but will help keep you healthy. The role of chiropractic in lifetime family wellness is to keep your goal of staying healthy throughout your lives.
Lyn Lake Chiropractic will give you a free consultation and a free 15 minute massage to anyone who wants to get their spine checked for subluxations. If we feel you're a chiropractic patient we can help, and you feel you want to become our patient we will check on your health insurance to see what is covered, if you don't have insurance or have a high deductible we will work with you to make it affordable. From this point we will schedule an exam and x-rays and find out what is causing your problems.
Get checked today! Please call us or find a chiropractor near your home and ask for a through exam. Stay healthy! Read Less
This healthcare system really is about disease and when you apply such a system to a population you get a sick population.
Current health statistics and trends:
16,000 death per year from taking Quick read more or view full article NSAIDS ie: Advils, 900,000 people died of heart disease a year, 82% coronary disease cases in 84,000 female nurses found to be lifestyle related. Obesity is up over 60% in the past 10 years, Type 2 diabetes up over 90% in the past 10 years.
Solution to these problems is not more than different strategies and behaviors. Chiropractic represents an entirely different health model. Our focus is on health promotion rather than treatment of disease. We recognize health comes from inside out. We believe there as an intelligence in the body that guided its formation from two cells and has the ability if uninterrupted can heal the body.
Life energy is flowing through your nerves, like the electricity flowing through your household appliances. If you have a cut in the line you have no or less function to that appliance or body part. Which could be a pinched nerve causing numbness, pain or tingling into your legs or arms. Headaches, neck pain, low back pain and more can be caused by a subluxation, or simply put a pinched nerve from a bone out of place or a muscle putting pressure on your nervous system.
How do you find out if you have a subluxation or a bone out of place? The same way you find out if you have a cavity in your mouth, you get checked out. Many conditions will not cause symptoms until it's too late.
Subluxation is just a condition, so by getting adjusted by your chiropractor will not only remove your pain but will help keep you healthy. The role of chiropractic in lifetime family wellness is to keep your goal of staying healthy throughout your lives.
Lyn Lake Chiropractic will give you a free consultation and a free 15 minute massage to anyone who wants to get their spine checked for subluxations. If we feel you're a chiropractic patient we can help, and you feel you want to become our patient we will check on your health insurance to see what is covered, if you don't have insurance or have a high deductible we will work with you to make it affordable. From this point we will schedule an exam and x-rays and find out what is causing your problems.
Get checked today! Please call us or find a chiropractor near your home and ask for a through exam. Stay healthy! Read Less
Chiropractic supports massage therapy
November 18, 2009
Chiropractic Care for your Pain
Both long-term muscle tension and sudden impacts, such as a fall, car accident, whiplash can pull and hold your joints out of normal alignment. These misalignments, called subluxations, can disrupt nerve transmissions, especially in the spine which houses nerves affecting the entire body. The result is pain or other symptoms, such as numbness or tingling, both at the site of the misalignment and frequently at related sites elsewhere in the body.
Lyn Lake Chiropractic chiropractors uses manipulations to return your joint to its normal position and restore joint mobility. Often, this restores balance within your body, allowing a return to optimal, pain-free health or other symptoms, such as numbness or tingling, or other symptoms, such as numbness or tingling, both at the site of the misalignment and frequently at related sites elsewhere in the body.
Soft tissue components of your pain
Joint subluxations, troublesome enough on their own, are Quick read more or view full article almost always accompanied by tension or injury in your soft tissue: muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia (connective tissue that permeates muscles and forms protective sheets throughout your body). Soft tissue pain can actually spread because it causes protective muscle tightening in surrounding areas. Over time, tight, inflamed muscles and fascia (together called myofascia) suffer poor circulation and can develop glue-like myofascial adhesions which prevent muscles from lengthening completely. Painful trigger points can also develop, often referring pain or tingling to other areas in the body. In extreme cases, tight muscles can compress nerves just as painfully as a subluxation.
Why soft tissue is important
Addressing soft tissue problems is an important complement to chiropractic care. This is because muscles move joints, while ligaments and fascia support them. If a subluxation is adjusted without addressing related soft tissue problems, you may still experience pain. In addition, your tight muscles and shortened fascia can pull your joint out of alignment again.
Massage therapy supports Chiropractic
You can benefit in a number of ways by adding massage therapy to your chiropractic care. Recovery is normally faster and more complete when you address multiple components of your pain. Chiropractic treatment often proceeds more easily, with less discomfort, when soft tissue has been relaxed with massage. You may be less anxious and more ready to receive chiropractic adjustment after a relaxing massage. Adjustments frequently last longer when muscle tension is released that might otherwise pull your joints out of alignment again.
Chiropractic supports massage
If you are seeking massage therapy for pain but find your pain Persists, recurs or even worsens after your massage, chiropractic could help in these ways: . If your pain involves a subluxation, chiropractic adjustment may give immediate relief as your joint is restored to alignment and mobility. You may find that surrounding soft tissue heals quickly once it is no longer subjected to the stress of misaligned joints. The joint movement in chiropractic adjustments can sometimes relax deep layers of soft tissue that can be difficult to reach with massage. . Your chiropractor can use x-rays and manual diagnostic techniques to evaluate other possible causes for your pain and can make appropriate referrals if necessary. Read Less
Both long-term muscle tension and sudden impacts, such as a fall, car accident, whiplash can pull and hold your joints out of normal alignment. These misalignments, called subluxations, can disrupt nerve transmissions, especially in the spine which houses nerves affecting the entire body. The result is pain or other symptoms, such as numbness or tingling, both at the site of the misalignment and frequently at related sites elsewhere in the body.
Lyn Lake Chiropractic chiropractors uses manipulations to return your joint to its normal position and restore joint mobility. Often, this restores balance within your body, allowing a return to optimal, pain-free health or other symptoms, such as numbness or tingling, or other symptoms, such as numbness or tingling, both at the site of the misalignment and frequently at related sites elsewhere in the body.
Soft tissue components of your pain
Joint subluxations, troublesome enough on their own, are Quick read more or view full article almost always accompanied by tension or injury in your soft tissue: muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia (connective tissue that permeates muscles and forms protective sheets throughout your body). Soft tissue pain can actually spread because it causes protective muscle tightening in surrounding areas. Over time, tight, inflamed muscles and fascia (together called myofascia) suffer poor circulation and can develop glue-like myofascial adhesions which prevent muscles from lengthening completely. Painful trigger points can also develop, often referring pain or tingling to other areas in the body. In extreme cases, tight muscles can compress nerves just as painfully as a subluxation.
Why soft tissue is important
Addressing soft tissue problems is an important complement to chiropractic care. This is because muscles move joints, while ligaments and fascia support them. If a subluxation is adjusted without addressing related soft tissue problems, you may still experience pain. In addition, your tight muscles and shortened fascia can pull your joint out of alignment again.
Massage therapy supports Chiropractic
You can benefit in a number of ways by adding massage therapy to your chiropractic care. Recovery is normally faster and more complete when you address multiple components of your pain. Chiropractic treatment often proceeds more easily, with less discomfort, when soft tissue has been relaxed with massage. You may be less anxious and more ready to receive chiropractic adjustment after a relaxing massage. Adjustments frequently last longer when muscle tension is released that might otherwise pull your joints out of alignment again.
Chiropractic supports massage
If you are seeking massage therapy for pain but find your pain Persists, recurs or even worsens after your massage, chiropractic could help in these ways: . If your pain involves a subluxation, chiropractic adjustment may give immediate relief as your joint is restored to alignment and mobility. You may find that surrounding soft tissue heals quickly once it is no longer subjected to the stress of misaligned joints. The joint movement in chiropractic adjustments can sometimes relax deep layers of soft tissue that can be difficult to reach with massage. . Your chiropractor can use x-rays and manual diagnostic techniques to evaluate other possible causes for your pain and can make appropriate referrals if necessary. Read Less
Back Pain Treatment Less Costly With Chiropractic
November 15, 2009
 |
I thought this is something to share.
Back Pain Treatment Less Costly With Chiropractic Care
The report appears in the Oct. 11 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine.
Although the researchers did not look at patient satisfaction in this study, Metz says company studies show that 95% of chiropractic care patients are satisfied with the care they receive.
Patients often say they are satisfied with the chiropractic care they receive, says Scott Boden, MD, director of the Emory Orthopaedic and Spine Center in Atlanta.
"Chiropractic patients tend to be satisfied because of the hands-on attention they get," Boden tells WebMD. "But there are different schools of chiropractic and different kinds of chiropractors. There are some that make accurate medial diagnoses and give appropriate treatments, and there are those that treat less well-documented disorders with treatments that may not be of acceptable quality. There is a wide range of variation."
Doctors, too, vary in the quality of Quick read more or view full article care they offer back pain patients, Boden says. Patients without chiropractic care coverage may first see general practitioners who may run up health care costs by prematurely sending patients off to get expensive tests and treatments.
"A disease like back pain can have a lot of variability in the ways medical professionals approach patient care," Boden says. "The best thing is to have an organized, integrated approach that uses state-of-the-art and cost-effective care. Many -- if not most -- primary care providers have little training in how to manage musculoskeletal disorders. That leads to some of the costs. If you were to match a chiropractic network against trained physicians instead of general medical practitioners, you might get different results." Read Less
Back Pain Treatment Less Costly With Chiropractic Care
The report appears in the Oct. 11 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine.
Although the researchers did not look at patient satisfaction in this study, Metz says company studies show that 95% of chiropractic care patients are satisfied with the care they receive.
Patients often say they are satisfied with the chiropractic care they receive, says Scott Boden, MD, director of the Emory Orthopaedic and Spine Center in Atlanta.
"Chiropractic patients tend to be satisfied because of the hands-on attention they get," Boden tells WebMD. "But there are different schools of chiropractic and different kinds of chiropractors. There are some that make accurate medial diagnoses and give appropriate treatments, and there are those that treat less well-documented disorders with treatments that may not be of acceptable quality. There is a wide range of variation."
Doctors, too, vary in the quality of Quick read more or view full article care they offer back pain patients, Boden says. Patients without chiropractic care coverage may first see general practitioners who may run up health care costs by prematurely sending patients off to get expensive tests and treatments.
"A disease like back pain can have a lot of variability in the ways medical professionals approach patient care," Boden says. "The best thing is to have an organized, integrated approach that uses state-of-the-art and cost-effective care. Many -- if not most -- primary care providers have little training in how to manage musculoskeletal disorders. That leads to some of the costs. If you were to match a chiropractic network against trained physicians instead of general medical practitioners, you might get different results." Read Less
Whiplash, auto injury - minneapolis chiropractic
November 11, 2009
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Auto Injuries:
According to the Insurance Research Council, nearly 1/3 of all claimants injured in motor vehicle accidents (MVA's) seek treatment from doctors of chiropractic. This is an impressive number given that the National Safety Council (NSC) has determined there to be more than 12 million MVA's annually involving
more than 20 million vehicles.
The reason individuals like yourself choose chiropractic care for treatment of injuries sustained in MVA's is simple - chiropractic care is exceptional in the treatment of soft tissue injuries, especially of the spine. Since the most common injuries associated with MVA's are sprains and strains of the spinal muscles and ligaments, it's only natural that chiropractic be the treatment of choice.
Many studies have also found individuals injured in MVA's prefer chiropractic care for the treatment of their injuries. One such study evaluated 190 whiplash injury victims and found those who received chiropractic care reported treatment satisfaction of 100%.
1.Balla Quick read more or view full article JI, Iansek R. Headaches arising from disorders of the cervical spine. In: Hopkins A, ed. Headache: Problems in Diagnosis and Management. London: WB Saunders; 1988.
Minimum Accident Speed to Cause Injury:
Minimum Accident Speed to Cause Injury:Studies involving live humans have demonstrated that a motor vehicle accident of as little as 5 mph can induce cervical (neck) injury. However, other studies have shown that cars can often withstand crashes of 10 mph or more without sustaining damage.
Motor vehicle accidents can result in a number of very diverse and complex injuries and symptoms. This is due to the diversity of factors involved with the each MVA - i.e. vectors of the collision, size of the vehicles involved in collision, preexisting health conditions of victims, age of victims, size and strength of victims, etc.
Whiplash:
The Forwards-flexion and/or backwards-extension of the neck essentially
results in a soft tissue sprain/strain injury to the structures within the cervical
and upper thoracic spinal regions. When the initial impact occurs and the head
is forced in either excessive flexion or excessive extension, protective
reflexes cause the muscles of the neck to forcefully contract which "whips" the
head back in the opposite direction. The resulting injury often leads to
numerous symptoms, many of which are confusing and poorly understood.
Symptoms following a "whiplash" accident include:
neck pain, tenderness, achiness and stiffness
cervical muscle spasms
tenderness and nodules in superficial cervical musculature
cervical reduced range of motion
post-traumatic headaches (including migraine and muscle-tension headaches)
shoulder and interscapular pain
hand and finger pain, numbness and tingling
blurred vision
difficulty swallowing/feeling of lump in throat
dizziness and balance problems
lightheadedness
post-traumatic depression and cognitive problems
Headaches:
Headaches are the second most common complaint following motor vehicle accidents (MVA's). Like the many other MVA symptoms, headache may not be present immediately following the accident and may take several weeks and often months to eventually surface.
Most post-traumatic headaches are thought to originate from the soft tissues and facet joints of the neck as well as injury or irritation to the nerves of the upper cervical spine.
Back Pain:
In addition to whiplash/neck pain and injuries, the mid and lower back are also frequently injured in motor vehicle accidents (MVA's).
Mid Back Pain:
The mid back or thoracic spine is most commonly injured as a result of the asymmetry of most seat belt designs. As the torso moves forward the seat belt locks and the torso is forced to stop at the end of the shoulder strap. Because the shoulder strap crosses only one shoulder (usually the left), the side without a strap (usually right) is able to travel forward further which results in a forward flexing and twisting injury to the mid back.
Lower Back Pain:
The lumbar spine is also frequently injured, but the mechanism differs from the above. As the torso and pelvis move forward the pelvis is stopped by the lap belt. However, the torso continues to move forward which producing a shearing force in the lumbar spine. These injuries often result in lumbar disc injuries.
Chiropractic care is a safe, natural, noninvasive, and addresses the cause of the symptoms. Our treatments also include active patient participation, and in some cases, lifestyle modifications. While we do focus on eliminating pain early on, we realize that in addition to pain - optimal tissue healing, restoration of normal function, and prevention of future recurrences and reinjuries - are equally important.
Our treatments at Lyn Lake Chiropractic are highlighted by our use of many gentle and highly effective spinal adjustive techniques. When used properly, these techniques allow us to safely and effectively reduce pain levels, reduce muscles spasms, eliminate inflammation, restore normal joint motion and biomechanics, prevent or minimize degenerative processes, and minimize the likelihood of future recurrences.
We also incorporate many natural and safe adjunctive therapies into our treatment plan to further assist in the healing process. Some common adjunctive therapies include ice therapy, heat therapy, physical therapies like therapeutic ultrasound and muscle stimulation, spinal traction, soft tissue mobilization, spinal exercises and stretches, and nutritional supplementation.
Don't Delay! Call Today!
If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident, call (or have them call) our office immediately. The quicker you receive the care you need, the quicker your injuries will heal and the faster you can get on with your life. Don't delay, call today! Lyn Lake Chiropractic 612-879-8000 Read Less
According to the Insurance Research Council, nearly 1/3 of all claimants injured in motor vehicle accidents (MVA's) seek treatment from doctors of chiropractic. This is an impressive number given that the National Safety Council (NSC) has determined there to be more than 12 million MVA's annually involving
more than 20 million vehicles.
The reason individuals like yourself choose chiropractic care for treatment of injuries sustained in MVA's is simple - chiropractic care is exceptional in the treatment of soft tissue injuries, especially of the spine. Since the most common injuries associated with MVA's are sprains and strains of the spinal muscles and ligaments, it's only natural that chiropractic be the treatment of choice.
Many studies have also found individuals injured in MVA's prefer chiropractic care for the treatment of their injuries. One such study evaluated 190 whiplash injury victims and found those who received chiropractic care reported treatment satisfaction of 100%.
1.Balla Quick read more or view full article JI, Iansek R. Headaches arising from disorders of the cervical spine. In: Hopkins A, ed. Headache: Problems in Diagnosis and Management. London: WB Saunders; 1988.
Minimum Accident Speed to Cause Injury:
Minimum Accident Speed to Cause Injury:Studies involving live humans have demonstrated that a motor vehicle accident of as little as 5 mph can induce cervical (neck) injury. However, other studies have shown that cars can often withstand crashes of 10 mph or more without sustaining damage.
Motor vehicle accidents can result in a number of very diverse and complex injuries and symptoms. This is due to the diversity of factors involved with the each MVA - i.e. vectors of the collision, size of the vehicles involved in collision, preexisting health conditions of victims, age of victims, size and strength of victims, etc.
Whiplash:
The Forwards-flexion and/or backwards-extension of the neck essentially
results in a soft tissue sprain/strain injury to the structures within the cervical
and upper thoracic spinal regions. When the initial impact occurs and the head
is forced in either excessive flexion or excessive extension, protective
reflexes cause the muscles of the neck to forcefully contract which "whips" the
head back in the opposite direction. The resulting injury often leads to
numerous symptoms, many of which are confusing and poorly understood.
Symptoms following a "whiplash" accident include:
Headaches:
Headaches are the second most common complaint following motor vehicle accidents (MVA's). Like the many other MVA symptoms, headache may not be present immediately following the accident and may take several weeks and often months to eventually surface.
Most post-traumatic headaches are thought to originate from the soft tissues and facet joints of the neck as well as injury or irritation to the nerves of the upper cervical spine.
Back Pain:
In addition to whiplash/neck pain and injuries, the mid and lower back are also frequently injured in motor vehicle accidents (MVA's).
Mid Back Pain:
The mid back or thoracic spine is most commonly injured as a result of the asymmetry of most seat belt designs. As the torso moves forward the seat belt locks and the torso is forced to stop at the end of the shoulder strap. Because the shoulder strap crosses only one shoulder (usually the left), the side without a strap (usually right) is able to travel forward further which results in a forward flexing and twisting injury to the mid back.
Lower Back Pain:
The lumbar spine is also frequently injured, but the mechanism differs from the above. As the torso and pelvis move forward the pelvis is stopped by the lap belt. However, the torso continues to move forward which producing a shearing force in the lumbar spine. These injuries often result in lumbar disc injuries.
Chiropractic care is a safe, natural, noninvasive, and addresses the cause of the symptoms. Our treatments also include active patient participation, and in some cases, lifestyle modifications. While we do focus on eliminating pain early on, we realize that in addition to pain - optimal tissue healing, restoration of normal function, and prevention of future recurrences and reinjuries - are equally important.
Our treatments at Lyn Lake Chiropractic are highlighted by our use of many gentle and highly effective spinal adjustive techniques. When used properly, these techniques allow us to safely and effectively reduce pain levels, reduce muscles spasms, eliminate inflammation, restore normal joint motion and biomechanics, prevent or minimize degenerative processes, and minimize the likelihood of future recurrences.
We also incorporate many natural and safe adjunctive therapies into our treatment plan to further assist in the healing process. Some common adjunctive therapies include ice therapy, heat therapy, physical therapies like therapeutic ultrasound and muscle stimulation, spinal traction, soft tissue mobilization, spinal exercises and stretches, and nutritional supplementation.
Don't Delay! Call Today!
If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident, call (or have them call) our office immediately. The quicker you receive the care you need, the quicker your injuries will heal and the faster you can get on with your life. Don't delay, call today! Lyn Lake Chiropractic 612-879-8000 Read Less
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome- Lyn Lake Chiropractic
November 9, 2009
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Is it difficult to grasp a jar, bottle, or cup? Have you lost the strength to twist open a large jar? Do you have tingling or numbness in your hand, wrist, or fingers? Or, does your wrist just plain hurt? If you have some or all of these symptoms, you may have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
What is CTS? It is common to hear this term used frequently when patients have wrist or hand pain. The human body has two long bones that start at the elbow and extend to our wrists. These bones are called the ulna and the radius. Connective tissue attaches the bones near the wrist from one side to the other. Picture in your mind, a piece of silk attached to both bones and pulled tightly. The pressure on the nerves below is the most common cause of true carpal tunnel syndrome.
Fortunately, Quick read more or view full article not all wrist pain should be called CTS. It is important to determine, if in fact, the symptoms are being caused by the pressure on the nerves of the wrist, or if there is a different cause of the problem. It is VERY common for these types of symptoms to exist when there is a neck misalignment, history of auto injury, or other spinal conditions. The nerves of the neck control all the nerves of our arms and hands. If the nerves of the neck are being compressed, wrist and hand pain is a common symptom. Lyn Lake Chiropractors are trained to determine whether your condition is a true carpal tunnel syndrome.
How can Lyn Lake Chiropractic Help you?
In some cases Lyn Lake Chiropractic can use physio therapy (Ultrasound, EMS, Massage, Graston, Kinesio Taping, Cold Laser Treatment) and/or manipulation of the wrist to alleviate the symptoms of true CTS. In more serious cases, a surgical referral may be required. If it is determined by the Chiropractors at Lyn Lake Chiropractic, that the cause of your symptoms are due to a neck-related situation, a series of chiropractic adjustments may be recommended. Whatever the cause, be assured that we will do our best to lead you in the most appropriate direction for the resolution of your health issue. If you have any questions please Call Lyn Lake Chiropractic or your local chiropractor. Read Less
What is CTS? It is common to hear this term used frequently when patients have wrist or hand pain. The human body has two long bones that start at the elbow and extend to our wrists. These bones are called the ulna and the radius. Connective tissue attaches the bones near the wrist from one side to the other. Picture in your mind, a piece of silk attached to both bones and pulled tightly. The pressure on the nerves below is the most common cause of true carpal tunnel syndrome.
Fortunately, Quick read more or view full article not all wrist pain should be called CTS. It is important to determine, if in fact, the symptoms are being caused by the pressure on the nerves of the wrist, or if there is a different cause of the problem. It is VERY common for these types of symptoms to exist when there is a neck misalignment, history of auto injury, or other spinal conditions. The nerves of the neck control all the nerves of our arms and hands. If the nerves of the neck are being compressed, wrist and hand pain is a common symptom. Lyn Lake Chiropractors are trained to determine whether your condition is a true carpal tunnel syndrome.
How can Lyn Lake Chiropractic Help you?
In some cases Lyn Lake Chiropractic can use physio therapy (Ultrasound, EMS, Massage, Graston, Kinesio Taping, Cold Laser Treatment) and/or manipulation of the wrist to alleviate the symptoms of true CTS. In more serious cases, a surgical referral may be required. If it is determined by the Chiropractors at Lyn Lake Chiropractic, that the cause of your symptoms are due to a neck-related situation, a series of chiropractic adjustments may be recommended. Whatever the cause, be assured that we will do our best to lead you in the most appropriate direction for the resolution of your health issue. If you have any questions please Call Lyn Lake Chiropractic or your local chiropractor. Read Less
Lyn Lake Chiropractic and Flu Season
November 5, 2009
 |
Your best defense against flu during the winter season is having a STRONG IMMUNE SYSTEM. Regular chiropractic adjustments improve nerve and body function ensuring your immunity at its peak! See your local chiropractor now and stay healthy.
Free Consultation at Lyn Lake Chiropractic located in Uptown, Minneapolis Minnesota. Our Minneapolis Chiropractor has a decade of experience in keeping you on the Best Wellness Plan.
Free Consultation at Lyn Lake Chiropractic located in Uptown, Minneapolis Minnesota. Our Minneapolis Chiropractor has a decade of experience in keeping you on the Best Wellness Plan.
Children Chiropractic - Lyn Lake Chiropractic
November 4, 2009
 |
Children Chiropractic Care
At Lyn Lake Chiropractic, we recognize that children often have a need for children chiropractic care. While resilient and quick to heal, children are subjected to numerous factors that can result in injury and illness. The very events of birth and infancy can represent most of our earliest trauma to the spine and nervous system. Toddlers, faced with the challenges of learning to crawl and walk are constantly straining and falling. Preschool and elementary aged children play relentlessly hard and do not always exercise the best judgment concerning risk. Older children often develop poor posture, engage in physically demanding sports and are faced with ever increasing workloads at school. Late teens and graduates are often starting their first jobs and are not work hardened to all the physical and mentally fatiguing demands of the work force.
In our Chiropractic Clinic, we treat children and family members of all ages. Quick read more or view full article As parents ourselves, we want the best for your children as for our own. We believe childhood should be free of pain, discomfort and distress as possible. Chiropractic care offers conservative treatment for a host of problems for even the youngest of children. Chiropractic care in our office begins with a complete history and physical examination irregardless of the age of the patient. For those children still too young to communicate their distress, Our Chiropractors will thoroughly explore the history of the child's condition with you as the parent. Only after a careful examination, a detailed explanation of your child's condition and having obtained your consent as a parent will age appropriate treatment begin children's chiropractic care.
Dr Jill Field and Dr Kevin Schreifels have adjusted many children at all ages. Question I would ask, if the chiropractor that is about to adjust your children? Do they have children of their own? Being a father of 3 children, and many nephews and nieces our chiropractors at Lyn Lake Chiropractic have the knowledge and personal experience. Read Less
At Lyn Lake Chiropractic, we recognize that children often have a need for children chiropractic care. While resilient and quick to heal, children are subjected to numerous factors that can result in injury and illness. The very events of birth and infancy can represent most of our earliest trauma to the spine and nervous system. Toddlers, faced with the challenges of learning to crawl and walk are constantly straining and falling. Preschool and elementary aged children play relentlessly hard and do not always exercise the best judgment concerning risk. Older children often develop poor posture, engage in physically demanding sports and are faced with ever increasing workloads at school. Late teens and graduates are often starting their first jobs and are not work hardened to all the physical and mentally fatiguing demands of the work force.
In our Chiropractic Clinic, we treat children and family members of all ages. Quick read more or view full article As parents ourselves, we want the best for your children as for our own. We believe childhood should be free of pain, discomfort and distress as possible. Chiropractic care offers conservative treatment for a host of problems for even the youngest of children. Chiropractic care in our office begins with a complete history and physical examination irregardless of the age of the patient. For those children still too young to communicate their distress, Our Chiropractors will thoroughly explore the history of the child's condition with you as the parent. Only after a careful examination, a detailed explanation of your child's condition and having obtained your consent as a parent will age appropriate treatment begin children's chiropractic care.
Dr Jill Field and Dr Kevin Schreifels have adjusted many children at all ages. Question I would ask, if the chiropractor that is about to adjust your children? Do they have children of their own? Being a father of 3 children, and many nephews and nieces our chiropractors at Lyn Lake Chiropractic have the knowledge and personal experience. Read Less