Posts Tagged ‘chiropractic’
The most commonplace reason for visits to a pediatrician is earache. By the age of three years, more than 70 percent of children will have had at least one incident of earache, and about a third will have had more than three incidents. Although, what might be surprising is that earache is also the most widespread basis for children under the age of five years to be taken to the chiropractor’s office.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help Earache and Ear Infections
A pediatrician who suspects that a child with an earache has a middle ear infection will generally prescribe antibiotics as a typical course of treatment. New research, however, has ascertained that this type of treatment is often imprudent. Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial pathogens, and since the child’s middle ear infection may be caused by a virus, antibiotics are ineffectual. This may be the explanation for a child’s chronic ear infections.
One of a number of assessments that your Orlando Chiropractor can make is whether the earache or ear infection is created by irritation of the small nerves in the spine, called free nerve endings.
An aberrant tension in the small muscles of the neck is produced when these nerve endings are irritated. Pressure created on the lymphatic drainage ducts as a result of muscle tension can prevent adequate drainage from inside the ear. This problem prevents the body from naturally correcting the problem. Additionally, balance can also be affected.
Inadequate drainage of lymphatic ducts can be identifed by a chiropractor if there is more tension in the neck and paraspinal muscles on the side with the earache. The chiropractor also looks for spinal vertebrae that are either moderately out of alignment or are not moving within their normal range. This problem may have been due to any one of the many bangs, jolts and falls that the majority of children encounter in the early years of their life. Frequently, a short course of spinal adjustments and manipulation of the neck muscles can help to restore normal lymph drainage. If your child is suffering from an earache or an ear infection, contact your Orlando chiropractor as soon as possible.
Advanced Research and Guidelines
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), ear infection, the most frequent childhood disease after the common cold, accounts for nearly 30 million doctor visits every year. In addition, at least 6 million courses of antibiotics are causelessly prescribed for the condition.Just recently, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released new guidelines for treating pediatric ear inflammation, and expressly recommended a period of “watchful waiting” since, in many cases, infections clear up on their own, without medication.
The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) endorses the AAP on the guidelines and reiterates that chiropractic care is a “good first option” for treating ear infection conservatively. “Doctors of chiropractic have been treating children for decades with great success – helping them to avoid painful ear infections, antibiotic overuse and resistance, and ear tube surgery,” said ACA President Donald Krippendorf, DC. “Particularly when dealing with young children, drugs and surgery should be an absolute last resort.”
In the past sports injuries were primarily limited to professional athletes, kids participating in school sports programs, and the occasional male “weekend warrior. Today, a large number of people of both sexes and all ages are regularly active in sports and fitness activities. There are women involved traditionally men’s sports such as soccer, basketball, and kick-boxing. As a whole, most people are involved in sports like golf and tennis, and/or other healthy activities like running, aerobic classes, and weight training. Unfortunately, risk of injury is always possible with any sports activity.
Nearly all of injuries generally fit into two groups: 1) traumatic injury, such as a slip, fall, or collision and, 2) repetitive stress or overuse injury.
Traumatic Injuries
These injuries cause the debilitating difficulties often associated with trauma. As a rule injuries to the ligaments (the tissue that connects bone to bone) and to muscles are the most commonplace, however the trauma of fractures and dislocations regularly occurs in contact sports. An injury to a ligament is called a sprain, while damage to a muscle or its tendon is a strain. The most frequent areas for these types of injuries are the ankles, knees, and shoulders, nevertheless other areas can be affected including the low back and neck. Because the spinal cord and/or spinal nerves can be involved, injury to the neck and low back can be very serious.
A traumatic injury may be relatively mild, such as a “muscle pull” or ankle twist. But, some can be extremely serious and require surgery. The seriousness of the injury depends upon several factors, such as the amount of tearing of the tissues, the whereabouts of the injury, and the age of the person. Some amount of swelling occurs with almost all sprains and strains. In addition, with certain injuries, particularly those of the ankle and knee, there can be some internal bleeding as well. With all strains and sprains appropriate management is very important, especially during the initial stages of the injury to insure correct healing and protect against future disability. Attention from a competent health-care professional, such as your Orlando chiropractor, is highly expedient.
The following is an acronym for the post-injury treatment of sprains and strains specifically if no professional aid is available: PRICE
P Protect injury to prevent more damage
R Rest the injury
I Ice injury to lessen swelling, bleeding, muscle spasm, and pain
C Compress injury with a specialized support or elastic bandage to support injured tissues
E Elevate the injury, expressly when dealing with ankles and knees
Naturally it is necessary to get the injury professionally evaluated by a chiropractor, or other competent health professional, to ascertain the degree of damage. When knowledgeable management is given during the various stages of healing, most individuals who have suffered sprain and strain injuries will recover. If not carefully monitored and treated, a sprain or strain injury can result in long-lasting joint instability, painful or weak joints and muscles, and lack of mobility. A chiropractor that is trained in the care of sports injuries can deliver highly knowledgeable advice and management you’ll want to have to insure that your injury will mendl in the best possible way. Call your Orlando Chiropractor if you have sustained a traumatic injury.
Overuse or Repetitive Strain Injuries
Sports such as golf, tennis, and bowling, as well as any other activity that requires the same actions over and over are common reasons for repetitive stress injuries. Even running, especially on a treadmill, can generate such conditions.
Essentially, overuse or repetitive stress injuries come about when someone is occupied in a repetitious activity that creates a tiny strain to tissues, particularly tendons and muscles, that by itself would not create a problem, but performed many times has an accumulative effect. carpal tunnel Syndrome is one of the most common types of overuse injuries. Eventually the muscle or other affected tissue develops changes that no longer allow it to function normally, resulting in pain, stiffness and disability. There are two categories of factors that predispose a person to these types of problems: 1) Intrinsic, i.e., found within a person’s own body, and 2) Extrinsic, i.e., external factors that can generally be changed or controlled by the individual.
Some of the most prevalent intrinsic factors for injury
Age is the mostgeneral intrinsic factor for injury. The older a person is, the easier it is for that individual to get injured. Congenital abnormalities are another factor. There are those who are born with joint or muscle problems. And, lastly, previous injuries are a factor as they often keep the joints or muscles from functioning properly.
Extrinsic factors for injury
Extrinsic factors are numerous. A wrong grip size of a tennis racket, worn-out running shoes, an uneven treadmill surface, or a too-hard surface for soccer are all instances of insufficient sports equipment that can produce problems. Improper technique, like an improper golf grip or swing, can cause stress and strain injuries. All sports activities require an amount of pre-conditioning, which is why people who are out of shape who continue to extend the duration of an activity without developing slowly, as well as those who lack flexibility, are injured most often. Lack of warm-up, like stretching and appropriate preparation, is a common factor in injuries. And, finally, but perhaps surprising to some, stress is a factor. Muscles that are tense and inflexible because of stress are too tight and, therefore, unprepared for most sports activities.
It is important to remember that the majority of factors are extrinsic and, hence, they are factors that can be individually regulated. Before embarking on a new sport, or as a way to ward off injury in a current sport, it’s smart to get an evaluation of your general body condition. If you’ve been injured, it is crucial to seek out a qualified professional, like a chiropractor, to determine the nature of the injury and create a plan of care. If left untreated, an injury will not only stop a person from participating in a favorite activity, but can significantly affect someone’s life in general. Treatment such as joint manipulation, massage, bracing, and specific exercises is frequently needed to stabilize the condition. A chiropractor is and excellent source of help. Call a chiropractor if you’re either thinking of beginning a new activity, you’re feeling pain related to a current sports activity, or you’ve sustained a sports injury. Your Orlando Chiropractor has years of experience helping people just like you.
“Tennis Elbow” is the familiar name for elbow pain originating on the outside or lateral side of the elbow. This affliction occurs when an irritation or inflammation of the tendons of one or more forearm muscles at their attachment to the bony protuberance approximal to the elbow joint, known as the lateral epicondyle. The medical term for this problem is lateral epicondylitis, signifying an inflammation of the epicondyle. When the inflammation occurs on the inside, or medial side, of the elbow, the problem is frequently referred to as “Golfer’s Elbow” or medical epicondylitis. Golfer’s Elbow, however, is not as widespread as Tennis Elbow.
There are many whys and wherefores for epicondylitis – not just tennis and golf – as any activity or sport that involves repetitive gripping of objects can result in this condition. Improper wrist and arm posture while carrying heavy bags, knitting, chopping food, and/or using a computer are additional causes of “tennis” or “golfer’s” elbow. With sports, the difficulty arises when someone, who is new to a particular game, uses an awkward technique, experiments with new rackets or clubs, or increases the intensity or duration of exercise without effective preparation.
Some cases involving epicondylitis can be attributed to difficulties farther up the arm or even in the neck. If an individual has a disc problem or spinal subluxation, the nerves that give movement to the forearm muscles may become inflamed producing tense muscles and inserting undue strain on the tendon attachment(s). This makes for a predisposition to elbow pain whatever the exacerbating cause. If ignored, joints of the elbow can become subluxated further, and even arthritis can be a difficulty with the condition. Evaluation and adjustments by a qualified chiropractor, such as your Orlando chiropractor can remedy the condition and eliminate future complications.
Epicondylitis is a condition that rarely resolves of its own accord and so requires proper health management. A qualified professional such as a chiropractor can determine the exact cause of the problem and initiate the proper care and treatment. In your Orlando Chiropractor’s office this might include modalities such as ultrasound, electro-therapy, massage, hot and cold therapies, bracing, and home stretching and exercises. Chiropractic management has proved, repeatedly, to be extremely effective in the overall management of this affliction.
Along with spinal complaints, knee pain and disability is one of the most frequent dysfunctions of the musculoskeletal system. Insufficient mechanics of the knee, as well as reduced foot mechanics due to foot pain frequently create painful knee conditions. Additional causes generally include overuse of the knee joint, inflammation due to arthritic changes in the joint, and traumatic injury from sports and falls.
Non-trauma knee problems: Insufficient mechanics of the knee joint and the related stress on the soft tissues of the knee are, by far, the most prevailing cause of non-traumatic pain. The patella or knee-cap is the most common area affected because many times the patella does not move properly on the femur during bending of the knee causing abnormal stress on the tendons, cartilage and ligaments. This particular condition is frequently called chondromalacia patella (CMP) or Patella Femoral Syndrome (Knee Cap Pain). This dysfunction is due to imbalances in the quadriceps muscles of the thigh that attach to and move the patella. Imbalances in the muscles having to do with knee movement often start from lower back ailments, particularly in the sacroiliac joint. Imbalances in muscle groups that join to the knee can also lead to pain and dysfunction. For example, the muscles on the inside of the thigh, when strained and tight, can create pain on the medial or inside of the knee. Faulty foot mechanics that cause gait irregularities such as pronation, are one more cause of mechanical knee pain.
Evidence of overuse includes pain during activities such as climbing stairs, running, jumping, as well as pain upon standing after prolonged sitting. Some women seem to be predisposed to painful overuse problems for anatomical reasons, however such conditions are frequently due to 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 required to aid with the adjustment of the patella or to secure the joint. Chiropractors, such as your Orlando chiropractor, are highly experienced in rendering the appropriate diagnosis and management of these conditions.
Knee problems due to trauma: Traumatic injuries often take place during sports that involve running and jumping, especially. Sprains happen when tissue is torn due to the knee being stretched or bent beyond the strength of the ligaments that hold the joint together. Strains to muscles that facilitate movement of the knee can take place when the muscles are torn during injury. As with a sprain, a muscle strain can range from a minor injury that needs little attention to a severe injury necessitating surgery. Furthermore the two special knee “cartilages” located between the tibia and femur (called the menisci), which facilitate smooth mobility and cushioning, may also be torn during traumatic injury. This serious injury often needs surgical repair, or even removal if damaged severely.
Traumatic knee injuries can produce severe pain and swelling and require prompt evaluation and attention. In the majority of cases a qualified chiropractor, such as your Orlando Chiropractor, can take excellent care of these problems, however there are some injuries that do need the craft of an orthopedic surgeon. Whatever the case, it is vital to stabilize the injured joint as soon as possible and to put ice on the injured area, if possible, until the injury can be assessed.
Conditions such as poor mechanics and problems due to overuse, as well as traumatic injuries, need to be fixed at an early stage. If not, the tissues of the knee joint, particularly the cartilage, will start to erode. Consequently the bones will rub on one another, and changes such as bone spurs can occur. This painful condition, known as degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis, commonly increases with age. Common treatment may involve medications such as NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). However, there are natural anti-inflammatory supplements that are highly effectual such as rosemary, glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, bioflavinoids, curcumin. Conservative treatment, such as chiropractic, can be extremely valuable in reducing the pain. Your Orlando chiropractor is will gladly discuss anti-inflammatory supplements. In addition, people can often help themselves by keeping their weight down, doing exercises (especially in the pool), and wearing cushioned shoes or insoles.
Good balance is essential for an individual to be able to regulate and keep body position while moving or staying still. Good balance helps an individual to walk without staggering, arise from a sitting position without slipping, and to climb stairs without tripping.
About 9 percent of adults, age 65 and older, describe having challenges with balance. Good balance is necessary in helping an older person to stay independent, and to carry out daily chores and activities. Dizziness, “wooziness,” and problems with balance are experienced by quite a few individuals as they grow older.
The sensation by some people that they, themselves, or their environment is spinning is known as “vertigo.” About 40 percent of individuals in the U.S. will encounter dizziness that is serious enough to go to a doctor. And, among older adults, falls are the prevailing cause of serious injury and deaths.
Balance and Inner Ear Conditions
There are a variety of balance disorders. Three familiar types are benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, labyrinthitis, and Meniere’s disease. Of these three, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is the most common. Its symptoms involve a brief, intense experience of vertigo with a change in head position, when rolling over to the left or right in bed or when getting out of bed, or when looking up for an object on a high shelf. This condition is more disposed in individuals 60 and older, but it can also happen in younger people.
The reasons for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo are diverse. It may be produced by an inner ear infection, head injury, or simply aging. Many times times a simple Epleys procedure can correct the condition, though it can be associated with other disease processes. Your Orlando Chiropractor has many years of experience in this procedure.
Labyrinthitis is an infection or iagitation of the inner ear that cause dizziness and loss of balance. It affects people|individuals of any age and the cause is currently undiscovered.
Ménière’s disease is a balance disorder that causes vertigo, hearing loss inconsistent, tinnitus (ringing or roaring in the ears), and a “full feeling” in the ear.
Age is not the only reason these conditions take place, but older people are more likely to encounter balance disorders. Depending on the cause of the balance disorder, therapy will vary. A chiropractor is well-trained in diagnosing and treating many of the causes. Sometimes, even simple exercises for vestibular rehab can be the solution to balance challenges. Consult a health care professional, such as yourOrlando Chiropractor, if you have encountered, or are currently experiencing, dizziness, vertigo, or other problems with balance.
Whereas some balance disorders are created by problems in the inner ear, other disorders may involve another area of the body, such as the brain or the heart. Head injury, stroke, certain medicines, circulation challenges, upper respiratory infections and other viral infections, stress, fatigue, smoking, alcohol use, high or low blood pressure, and heart disease are all factors that, in addition to aging and ear infection, may create balance disorders.
Balance disorders caused by high blood pressure can generally be managed by less sodium intake,maintaining a healthy weight, and exercise. To help in making the symptoms of dizziness less intense, most often eating low-salt or salt-free foods, and avoiding caffeine and alcohol, will help.
Balance disorders are dangerous. It is the number one cause of falls and fall-related injuries in older people. It is essential to have a suspected balance disorder diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.
If you can answer “yes” to any of the questions listed below, you should discuss the symptom(s) with your chiropractor:
• Do you have the feeling of being “unsteady?”
• Does the room seem to spin around you?
• Is there ever a time when you feel as if you are moving when you know you are standing still?
• Do you lose your balance and/or fall?
• Do you feel as if you are falling?
• Does your vision ever become “blurred?”
• Do you ever feel disoriented, or lose a sense of time, place or identify?
Don’t wait until it’s too late! Call your chiropractor today.