Santa Barbara Chiropractor: A Fat Stomach is a Pain in the Back
Posted on 31. Mar, 2009 by admin in back pain
Your Santa Barbara Chiropractor knows that there are a lot of reasons for back pain, and that body weight, especially around the middle, is one of them: There are many individuals today in a daily struggle to lose weight, particularly too much weight around the middle. Yet, the imperative to lose weight is, more often than not, more than a simple cosmetic issue. The unfortunate truth is, if people are lugging around extra weight in the front of their body, their back is going to be in pain as a consequence.
The majority of men and women who are overweight encounter moderate to severe back pain. The reason for this is because the spine was not made to carry anything that weighs more than the body is at its generally healthy weight. As a human being puts on added weight, the spine starts to negatively change and to compress, creating a lot of pain and discomfort. In addition, it can have an impact on the pelvis, tilting it forward and perhaps compelling it to pinch the sciatic nerve. That is one of the main reasons why people who are overweight tend to have challenges with their lower back. The affliction is due to either sciatica or the distorting of the spinal column.
If you are suffering from this problem, certainly the thing to do is to take off the extra weight that you are carrying around, and your spine will immediately respond and return to its regular position. Regrettably, losing weight is difficult and it can take time, even with the best of intentions. But, luckily you don’t have to endure back pain as you lose the weight. A chiropractor can help you to get the pain relief you’ll require to help you as you shed the extra pounds.
However, you will still need to lose the extra pounds, and not having back pain will undoubted help you do it. Two things that are simple (but not necessarily easy), but will be highly beneficial to you in losing the extra weight naturally are doing some sort of exercise, even if it’s merely a little bit per day, and adapting the food you eat so that you are taking in less calories than you are using throughout the day. Sure, you’ve heard about these two things before. But, now that you’ve found out that your back is depending on you, it’s the perfect time to get truly motivated.
Start exercising slowly, especially if you’re having challenges with back pain. And, most importantly, be sure to see a chiropractor so that you don’t go wrong the way many people do, which is to exercise into the pain. That will definitely make matters worse. Exercise, though occasionally uncomfortable, should never be painful or cause pain. That’s why it’s important to see a chiropractor if you’re suffering from back pain.
Do basic stretching exercises and also concentrate on your core abdominal body muscles. Strong stomach muscles aid in relieving back pain. Your chiropractor will be able to provide exercises that are best for you, personally. After a very short period of dedication to losing the weight that is producing your back pain and conceivably other health difficulties as well, you ought to begin to notice a significant difference in the way that you feel.
Santa Barbara Chiropractor: Causes and Corrections for Knee Pain
Posted on 24. Mar, 2009 by admin in Santa Barbara Chiropractor, knee pain
Your Santa Barbara Chiropractor knows how prevalent knee pain and its attendant disability are these days, second only to spinal conditions within the musculoskeletal system. Poor mechanics of the knee, as well as impaired foot mechanics as the result of foot pain often create painful knee problems. Additional causes normally include overuse of the knee joint, inflammation related to arthritic changes in the joint, and traumatic injury from sports and falls.
Non-trauma knee problems: The most prevailing cause of non-traumatic pain is insufficient mechanics of the knee joint and the corresponding stress on the soft tissues of the knee. Normally, the part of the knee involved is the patella or knee-cap. Often the patella does not move evenly or does not move adequately on the femur during bending of the knee causing abnormal stress on the tendons, cartilage and ligaments. This distinct condition is normally called chondromalacia patella (CMP) or Patella Femoral Syndrome (Knee Cap Pain).
The dysfunction generally originates when there are imbalances in the quadriceps muscles of the thigh that join to and move the patella. Imbalances in the muscles associated with knee movement commonly begin from lower back ailments, particularly in the sacroiliac joint. Imbalances in muscle groups that connect 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 cause pain on the medial or inside of the knee. Mechanical knee pain is also created by gait abnormalities such as pronation.
The correlative pain from overuse is most frequently felt during activity, particularly stair climbing, running, jumping, and following getting up from prolonged sitting. Many women seem to be predisposed to painful overuse conditions for anatomical reasons, although such ailments are frequently related to wearing high heels on a regular basis. It is important to re-establish proper muscle balance, restore appropriate motion to the patella and other knee joints, and to correct any subluxations of the sacroiliac joints and bones of the foot. In certain cases, a brace is used to help with the alignment of the patella or to secure the joint. Chiropractors, such as your Santa Barbara chiropractor are ideally trained to render the appropriate diagnosis and care of these problems.
Knee problems due to trauma: Traumatic injuries frequently happen during physical exertion that involves running and jumping, such as football, basketball, and skiing. When the knee is extended or twisted beyond the capability of the ligaments that hold the joint together, tearing of these tissues can occur causing a sprain. Strains to muscles that give motion to the knee can occur when the muscles are torn during injury. As with a sprain, a muscle strain can vary from a slight injury that requires little care to a serious injury requiring surgery. The knee also has two special “cartilages” – the menisci – between the tibia and the femur that provide for frictionless mobility and cushioning. These cartilages can also be torn during trauma, and commonly need surgical repair, or even removal if damaged severely.
Traumatic knee injuries can produce intense pain and swelling and require urgent examination and treatment. In the majority of cases a competent chiropractor, such as your Santa Barbara chiropractor, can take excellent care of these problems, although there are some injuries that do need the craft of an orthopedic surgeon. Nevertheless, it is very important to stabilize the injured joint right away and to use ice on the hurt area, if possible, until the injury can be examined. Conditions such as poor mechanics and problems due to overuse, as well as traumatic injuries, need to be eliminated at an early stage.
If not, the tissues of the knee joint, particularly the cartilage, will begin 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, is commonly progressive with age. General treatment may involve medications such as NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
Fortunately, 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 helpful in reducing the pain. Your Santa Barbara chiropractor is will be happy to recommend anti-inflammatory supplements. In addition, individuals can usually aid themselves by keeping their weight down, doing exercises (especially in the pool), and wearing cushioned shoes or insoles.
Chiropractor Santa Barbara Talks About Shoulder Pain Relief
Posted on 23. Mar, 2009 by admin in Chiropractor Santa Barbara, shoulder pain
Chiropractor Santa Barbara is an expert when it comes to shoulder pain relief. Your shoulders carry a lot of responsibility. They are expected to perform many different movements throughout your day. This variety of involved motion aids you in doing what you need to do in your life – at work and at play. However, you have been overburdening your shoulders if you are currently feeling shoulder pain. That is to say, you might be participating in repetitive activities such as lifting and other arm actions, in particular those done overhead, like throwing a baseball, swinging a golf club or tennis racket, or just putting things on upper shelves. These kinds of repetitive movements can irritate the nerves in the area, place stress on the joints, and produce wear and tear of the tissues surrounding the joints. These repetitive motions shouldn’t actually create pain if your shoulder is healthy. However, if you are experiencing pain in your shoulder, it is evidence that there’s a condition that requires correcting.
Shoulder muscles often become tight, and even weak, if the nerves are inflamed, and motion is painful and limited. This frequently occurs in the ligaments and a group of muscles (and their tendon attachments) called the rotator cuff. These muscles and tendons attach your upper arm bone with your shoulder blade and also help hold the ball of your upper arm stably in its shoulder socket. It is the result of this elegant combination that affords the opportunity for the greatest range of motion of any joint in your body.
The severity of this shoulder impingement syndrome can extend from a slight “catching” pain upon motion (particularly raising your arm overhead), to an almost complete inability to use the shoulder. Do not, under any circumstance either ignore your shoulder pain or continue an activity while in pain. It is essential for you to see a health professional about your shoulder problem as soon as possible because the problem will only go from bad to worse. Unhappily, if ignored, some shoulder challenges, such as Rotator Cuff Syndrome, many time end up needing surgery and an extended rehabilitation. Your chiropractor knows just what to do to relieve your pain, and is an authority in diagnosing and treating muscular-skeletal dysfunction. Chiropractic management finds the reason for your shoulder pain and it corrects it at its source. Your chiropractor will aid in restoring proper mobility to your shoulder joints, and will also recommend rehabilitation exercises that will not only help you get rid of the shoulder problem you have now, but will help you to avoid shoulder injuries in the future.
Chiropractor Santa Barbara: Worried About Getting Adjusted While Pregnant?
Posted on 20. Mar, 2009 by admin in pregnancy
Chiropractor Santa Barbara knows that you may be worried about getting adjusted while pregnant. Is it a good idea to get your spine checked while you are pregnant? Yes, it is a very smart idea, and to get adjusted if necessary. Obviously, your body is going through a variety of changes, and these alterations will continue as the pregnancy progresses. A subtle change is your body’s increased production of the hormone elastin. This hormone is designed to relax the tendons in the pelvis. This relaxation allows the pelvis more flexibility during the birthing process to make delivering the baby easier. This process, although designed to help the mother during labor, can produce much discomfort in the months leading up to the birth. The elastin is being released in increased amounts as the months go on, which allows the pelvis to become increasingly more unstable.
In combination with the increased size of the baby and uterus, and you have the formula for severe low back pain. As an Santa Barbara Chiropractor, I currently have several pregnant patients coming into my office for symptoms associated with their pregnancy, but usually it is for their low back pain. A bonus to seeing a chiropractor routinely during your pregnancy is that it has been shown to actually decrease labor time. Why is that you ask? Simply put, if the pelvis is where it needs to be, the muscles contracting during the labor process are more efficient and won’t have to strain against misaligned joints.
To answer the second question from the introductory paragraph, most assuredly chiropractic care during your pregnancy is safe. Chiropractic is not only safe and beneficial in relieving the low back pain associated with pregnancy, but other symptoms like heartburn, nausea, swelling, and so on. In addition, should the need arise, a trained chiropractor can assist a mother who has a breached baby. This is done by using the Webster Technique, a low force manipulation of the uterus that helps to get the baby into the appropriate position for birth. A simple Google search on the Webster Technique can give you much more information. In summation, not only is chiropractic safe for pregnant women, it is also very beneficial in helping with the symptoms associated with their pregnancy.
If you are pregnant, I highly recommend that you go to see a good local chiropractor, or if you are close enough, look up your Santa Barbara Chiropractor. We can make you feel a lot more comfortable during your pregnancy, and we can even make the labor process easier.
Santa Barbara Chiropractic Can Help Your Carpal Tunnel Pain
Posted on 16. Mar, 2009 by admin in Santa Barbara Chiropractic, carpal tunnel
Santa Barbara Chiropractic can help your carpal tunnel pain because chiropractic methods that work so effectively with the spine can, certainly, be applied to other joints in the body. Due to trauma, excess vibration, or repetitive motions, essentially all joints are subject to impaired function and range of motion limitations. That is why chiropractic care is an effective, natural, non-invasive approach to treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
The carpal tunnel is located within the underside of the wrist. It is a tunnel, or passage, through which the Median nerve travels on its way to affect and enliven the hand and fingers. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is the most common nerve entrapment disorder. As the name implies, the problem happens when a nerve is impinged or restricted between other tissues of the body causing inflammation of the nerve. This can happen if the size of the tendon enlarges as the result of irritation or overuse, or if the tunnel, itself, gets smaller due to the misalignment of the carpal bones.
Pain, numbness, pins and needles, and tingling in the fingers are the first symptoms of CTS. People with CTS frequently awaken from sleep with these symptoms and shakeout and/or rub their hands in order to decrease the unpleasant feeling. Furthermore, the hands can feel clumsy or weak, and fatigue easily with activity. In the course of time, grasping small objects with the thumb and fingers can be severely affected and, without treatment, can culminate in an entire debilitation of the hand.
In order to diminish the debilitating symptoms associated with the advancement of CTS, accurate diagnosis and proper care are essential. If you are suffering from the pain and disability associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, it just makes good sense for you to try the most conservative approach first. If you’ve been looking for a drug-free, non-surgical, and highly effective approach, chiropractic treatment may be your answer. Call your chiropractor today and learn more about what safe and natural chiropractic can do for you.
Chiropractic Santa Barbara: What You Should Know About Elbow Pain
Posted on 12. Mar, 2009 by admin in Chiropractic Santa Barbara, elbow pain
Chiropractic Santa Barbara wants you to know as much as possible about elbow pain. Tennis Elbow, the typical name for pain emanating from the outside, or lateral side, of the elbow happens when one or more tendons of the forearm muscles become irritated or inflamed. These tendons join to the bony protuberance close to the elbow joint, referred to the lateral epicondyle, hence the medical name, “lateral epicondylitis,” in essence inflammation of the epicondyle.
If the affliction is located on the inside, or medial side, of the elbow it is often called Golfer’s Elbow or medial epicondylitis. This, however, is not as prevalent as lateral epicondylitis. There are many whys and wherefores for epicondylitis – not just tennis and golf – as any activity or sport that requires repetitive gripping of objects can result in this problem.
Inappropriate wrist and arm posture while carrying heavy bags, knitting, chopping food, and/or using a computer can also cause “tennis” or “golfer’s” elbow. With sports, the condition occurs when a person, who is new to a particular game, uses an awkward technique, tries out new rackets or clubs, or adds to the intensity or duration of exercise without effective preparation. On occasion cases involving epicondylitis can be attributed to complications farther up the arm or even in the neck.
If an individual has a disc complication or spinal subluxation, the nerves that control the forearm muscles may become inflamed producing tense muscles and putting heightened strain on the tendon attachment(s). This creates 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 complication of the condition.
Examination and treatment by a qualified chiropractor, such as your Santa Barbara chiropractor can fix the problem 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 a chiropractic clinic this might include modalities such as ultrasound, electro-therapy, massage, hot and cold therapies, bracing, and home stretching and exercises. Chiropractic care has proved, in the majority of instances, to be extraordinarily beneficial in the most comprehensive management of this problem.
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