Frozen Shoulder

Why You Should Consider Chiropractic If You Suffer From Frozen Shoulder

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Adhesive capsulitis, also known as frozen shoulder, is a condition that causes pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint. The onset of symptoms is gradual, steadily worsening over time, then resolving. The entire process occurs over a one to three-year period. The limited range of motion in the shoulder that is a primary symptom is also one of the signs that doctors use to diagnose the condition. An x-ray may be used to determine if an underlying condition such as a broken bone or arthritis may be causing the problem.

What Causes Frozen Shoulder?

The shoulder is one of the most dynamic joints in the body. It has a very wide range of motion and endures a lot of wear and tear with normal use. The joint is a network of ligaments and tendons that connect bone and muscle. It is all encased in connective tissue capsule. When that tissue thickens, it constricts to tighten around the shoulder joint. This restricts movement and causes pain.

In some cases, the cause is due to an injury or other conditions, but in other cases the cause is unknown. There is some evidence that suggests people with diabetes and other chronic diseases are more likely to develop the condition. It is also more prevalent in people who have had an arm fracture or surgery – something that causes them to keep their shoulder immobilized for an extended period of time. Women (particularly postmenopausal women) tend to be at higher risk and it most often occurs in people who are 40 to 70 years old.

Treatment for Frozen Shoulder

Most treatments for frozen shoulder focuses on preserving the joint’s range of motion and minimizing pain. Over the counter medications like ibuprofen and aspirin are usually the first line of defense. They help reduce inflammation and pain. However, in more severe cases a doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs and pain medication. Physical therapy may also be an option.

Other treatments for frozen shoulder include:

  • Shoulder manipulation – while the patient is under a general anesthetic, the doctor moves the shoulder to loosen the tightened tissue.
  • Joint distension – sterile water is injected into the joint capsule. This stretches the tissue and improves range of motion.
  • Steroid injection – corticosteroids are injected directly into the shoulder joint.
  • Surgery – this is a last resort so it’s very rare, but the doctor may go in and remove the adhesions and scar tissue from inside the shoulder joint.

Chiropractic for Frozen Shoulder

Chiropractic is an effective treatment for frozen shoulder. Many patients see their general practitioner first to get a diagnosis and to make sure that there are no underlying conditions that should be treated before chiropractic is pursued. However, most chiropractors do have the capabilities to use x-rays and other diagnostic tools to adequately assess the patient.

A 2012 study involved reviewing the case files of 20 males and 30 female patients with frozen shoulder who underwent chiropractic treatment. All subjects sought treatment between 11 and 51 days with the median being 28 days. Of the 50 cases:

  • 16 resolved completely
  • 25 were 75% to 90% improved
  • 8 were 50% to 75% improved
  • 1 was 0% to 50% improved

Chiropractic can help reduce the pain, improve the shoulder’s range of motion, and speed recovery. The treatment depends on the symptoms that are present, how progressed the condition is, and how long the patient has had the condition.

One common chiropractic technique used to treat frozen shoulder is the Niel Asher Technique. It involves the manipulation of the joints and muscle tissues. The chiropractor applies pressure and stretches key points to help reduce pain and resolve the condition. It can make a tremendous difference in the patient’s life.

Chiropractic Adjustments

Why Chiropractic Adjustments Are Just As Important As Dental Exams

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Regular preventative care and maintenance are integral to good health. The better you treat your body, the better it will treat you. Unfortunately, you can’t always see or know when there is a problem and regular check-ups can help you stay ahead of potential health problems that could significantly impact your quality of life. However, many people only see their chiropractor when they have a problem like pain or immobility. What they don’t realize is that they may have prevented the issue had they been undergoing regular chiropractic adjustments.

Just as they can prevent serious dental issues when they undergo regular dental check-ups.

The Importance of Regular Dental Exams

Most people get regular dental exams each year without know all of the reasons why it is so important. Dental care is more than just caring for teeth; it is a crucial part of caring for your health.

Dental visits help you maintain healthy teeth and gums. Gum disease and poor dental health have been linked to a variety of health issues, including heart disease. In fact, researchers have drawn a direct line between tooth loss and heart disease. What’s more, regular oral exams and teeth cleaning can lead to the detection of early stage medical conditions, some of which can be life threatening which include:

  • Leukemia
  • Heart disease
  • Oral cancer
  • Diabetes
  • Kidney disease
  • Pancreatic cancer

Studies show that these and other systemic diseases have some type of oral manifestation such as dry mouth, swollen gums, excessive gum problems, and mouth ulcers.

In the long run, good oral care that includes regular dental exams can save you a lot of time and money because you will catch many problems before they get out of hand and can incur great expense.

The Importance of Regular Chiropractic Adjustments

Just like regular dental care can help you stay healthy, regular chiropractic can also be very beneficial to your health. Chiropractors treat so much more than just pain!

Regular chiropractic adjustments help to keep the body in balance which allows the organs to function more efficiently. What’s more, regular chiropractic treatments put you in frequent, close contact with a health professional who can spot potential problems or the early stages of chronic diseases.

The benefits extend beyond that though. Regular chiropractic care helps you stay flexible and mobile which helps prevent many conditions that are related to aging. It also naturally treats a myriad of health conditions including:

  • Back pain
  • Blood pressure
  • Arthritis
  • Headaches
  • Joint pain
  • Ear infections
  • Asthma
  • Neck pain
  • Scoliosis

It also improves organ function and can help you avoid surgery and provides a natural, healthy alternative to medications that can be addictive and have harmful side effects.

Another added benefit of chiropractic care is the whole-body approach to wellness. Your chiropractor will look at your lifestyle, habits, diet, and exercise regimen and recommend changes and modifications that will help you live a healthier, fuller life.

Sure, they are there to help when you have a problem such as pain, but, like your dentist, they can also be the front line to better health care decisions and a healthier you. The natural approach that chiropractors take to healthcare also means that they typically see issues from a different perspective and may pick up on clues that your medical doctor might miss.

So, while you are scheduling your next dental check-up, make it a point to visit your chiropractor as well and talk to him or her about creating a plan for regular chiropractic adjustments. Your body will thank you and you will find that you are healthier for it.

 

Acupuncture Points

Understanding Acupuncture Points

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In acupuncture therapy, a fine needle is inserted in an individual’s body. This allows the individual’s body to release energy and relieve their pain. This therapy is beneficial for individuals of all ages. Moreover, this therapy is popular because there are no side effects.

There are five different acupuncture points that are beneficial. When pressure is applied to these points, individuals feel a significant difference in their pain. All you have to know is where these points are located.

How is it done

For 2 to 3 minutes, you will need to press the pressure points. You will have to do this until you start to feel strong sensations. Individuals often feel warmth when energy is released in the energy channels (meridians). These channels are connected to all parts of the body.

If this warmth is taking over, then you are doing it correctly.

Large intestine 4 (LI4) –pain point

This point is connected to the head and the face. It deals with toothaches, headaches, and sinus problems. This point is extremely powerful and, therefore, acupuncture should not be done on pregnant women; otherwise, it can trigger contractions. However, if you are not pregnant and are in pain, this point can be used to ease it. No medicine will be required then.

Location: The webbing area between your thumb and index finger

Uses:

Pericardium 6 (PC6) – calming point

This point is known to provide ultimate serenity to an anxious individual.

Location: On the wrist, between two tendons that are up from the wrist.

Uses:

  • Nervousness
  • Opens up and relaxes the chest: palpitations, asthma, angina
  • Nausea, motion sickness, seasickness
  • Poor memory
  • Sleeping disorders
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome

Taiyang – headache and stress relief point

This point is known to work its magic on painful areas of your body. It also calms you.

Location: The crease away and below from your eyebrow

Uses:

  • One sided headaches
  • Migraines
  • Dizziness
  • Toothaches
  • Sinus issues
  • Facial paralysis

Liver 3 (LV3) – pain and stress relief point

This point will take away stresses and pains from your body.

Location: The webbing in between the big toe and second toe (in between two tendons).

Uses:

  • Calming point
  • Canker sores, headaches, dizziness
  • Eyes issues – pain, redness, swelling, or blurred vision
  • Digestive issues
  • Menstrual issues
  • Genital issues

Gallbladder 20 (GB 20) – flu, cough, and cold point

This point can treat chronic issues of flues, coughs, and colds and their symptoms.

Location: Back of the head, below the skull bone, and on either side of the spine

Uses:

  • Fevers and chills
  • Headaches that occur at the back of the head
  • Stiff neck
  • Twitching, numbness, vertigo, paralysis, tremors, dizziness
  • Hypertension
  • Throat, face, and “sense organ help”
  • Eye issues
  • All issues related to the head

You can apply pressure on these points by yourself or ask your acupuncturist to do so! Adapt this lifestyle and you are guaranteed to have a pain-free life.

Visit www.ocwc.ca to learn more about our Registered Acupuncturist and schedule your appointment!

Tension Headaches

Tension Headaches And How Chiropractic Can Help Relieve The Pain

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We live in a stressful world. Life happens; it moves so fast. There are pressures coming at you from all directions. Eventually it catches up with you and it’s your body that bears the brunt of it. Tension are your body’s way of telling you that it is under stress – probably too much stress.

It’s hard to escape stress in today’s society so if you find that you are exhibiting physical symptoms of stress, it might be time to make some changes. If tension headaches are one of those symptoms, you’re in good company – about 90% of adults in the US have headaches. Many of them are tension headaches.

Symptoms of Tension Headaches

Tension headaches are distinctive and can be very painful. The good news is, they are rarely an indication of a more serious condition – other than a stressful lifestyle. Some of the most common symptoms of tension headaches include:

  • Muscle tightness in the neck, jaw, and shoulders – may also be sore.
  • Headache that originates at the back of the head and moves forward over the top and sides.
  • Sleep problems.
  • Squeezing pain or dull pressure in the head, may also be described as a tight band or vice around the head.
  • Trouble eating.
  • Pain or pressure in both sides of the head equally.

Sometimes tension headache symptoms can occur prior to a migraine. In other words, a tension headache can turn into a migraine headache and may be considered a migraine trigger.

Causes of Tension Headaches

The actual cause of tension headaches is not known. Researchers have some idea of potential triggers, but recent advancements in medicine have debunked the belief that they are caused by the tightening of muscles in the scalp, shoulders, neck, and jaw. Scientific tests show that then a person has a tension headache, muscle tension does not increase. Newer theories indicate that a likelier cause involves changes neurotransmitters (chemicals in the brain) which includes serotonin. This is similar to a migraine.

While researchers do not know the exact levels of neurotransmitter fluctuations, they do have evidence that it activates the brain’s pain pathways. The tightness in the muscles could be part of the physiological changes that trigger the fluctuations in neurotransmitters, or the neurotransmitter fluctuations could cause muscle tightness.

Some common triggers of tension headaches include:

  • Stress
  • Clenching the jaw
  • Alcohol or drugs
  • Overexertion
  • Certain medications (even some medications for headaches which can cause rebound headaches)
  • Keeping your head in one position for too long (like using a cell phone or computer)
  • Depression
  • Fatigue
  • Grinding teeth
  • Neck or head injury (even old injuries)
  • Sleeping in a cold room or in an awkward position.
  • Arthritis
  • Anxiety
  • Hormonal changes
  • Sleeping on a worn-out mattress or the wrong pillow
  • Dehydration
  • Skipping meals
  • Eye strain

Certain foods can also be triggers for tension headaches. Additives and preservatives in prepared foods, even high sodium, can cause a headache.

Sinus and allergy problems can also accompany or lead to tension headaches.

Tension Headache Treatment

Over the counter and prescription medication may be recommended for tension headaches, but a good portion of the treatment involves lifestyle changes. Relaxation techniques, dietary changes, and exercise are all common treatments for tension headaches. Patients may be advised to stop smoking, limit alcohol consumption, or avoid certain foods.

Many patients find that keeping a headache journal is very useful in pinpointing triggers. There are several headache tracking apps that you can install on your smartphone and use them to get a better handle on your headaches.

Chiropractic for Tension Headaches

Chiropractic is a very effective, natural treatment for tension headaches. In addition to recommended lifestyle changes, the chiropractor may also make adjustments to realign the vertebrae and spine. The chiropractor may also use massage and other treatments that encourage relaxation of the muscles and relieve stress. He or she will use spinal manipulation of the neck and upper back to bring the body back into alignment, relieving not only the pain, but the tension as well.

Call (780)455-2112 to schedule your assessment with one of our wellness chiropractic doctors!

Trigger Points

How Chiropractic Helps Relieve Trigger Points & Other Myofascial Pain

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Many people think of joints, bones, and the skeletal system when they think of chiropractic, but in fact, the muscles also play an integral part in supporting the body. The muscles are layers and interwoven work to move and stabilize the spine, facilitate the movement of the body’s joints, and aid in respiration. When there is pain within this system, chiropractic can be a very effective treatment. More patients are turning to chiropractic care to treat a variety of painful conditions because it does not use addictive pharmaceuticals with unpleasant side effects; it is completely natural. Chiropractic can also keep patients from requiring surgery in many cases. So when it comes to myofascial pain and trigger points, this form of treatment is often considered optimal.

What is Myofascial Pain?

In simple terms, myofascial pain is simply pain in the muscles. When you break down the word, “myo” means muscle and “fascia” refers to the connective tissue that are interwoven throughout the body.

The pain originates in specific trigger points that are located in the muscles and fascia at various areas of the body. The pain can range in intensity from mild and annoying to severe and debilitating.

What are Trigger Points?

Trigger points are tightened, hypersensitive spots that can be located in any muscle. Different people may have different trigger points. It isn’t like specific lower back pain or neck pain which occur in specific areas of the body. Trigger points can vary from person to person.

When trigger points form, they become nodules or spots that exist in one of the muscle’s taut bands. The patient may experience a variety of symptoms including pain, weakness, burning, tingling, and other symptoms.

What often makes trigger points difficult to locate is that they cause what is known as referred pain. In other words, the person may experience the pain at the exact location of the trigger point, or the pain can be referred to other areas in the body. Referred pain usually has fairly consistent pain patterns so it can be traced to the origin – eventually.

Around 85% of the pain that individuals experience is attributed to myofascial pain. The trigger points determine whether the pain is chronic or acute. It is a condition that is very common.

How do Trigger Points Form?

Trigger points form when the muscle undergoes trauma of some type. The trauma can come from disease, accidents, work related conditions (from persistent, repetitive motion), and sports injuries.

Activities or habits that place a repetitive, long term strain on the muscles can also cause trigger points. Poor posture, improper ergonomics, and repetitive movements are the most common of these types of activities. Emotional and physical stress are often identified as causes of irritating trigger points.

Benefits of Chiropractic for Myofascial Pain and Trigger Points

Chiropractic care is often a preferred treatment for myofascial pain due to its effectiveness and drug free approach. Patients who undergo treatment will usually experience a dramatic decrease in their pain level or it will be eliminated altogether.

They also enjoy increased strength, flexibility, and range of motion. With continued chiropractic care, they will find that they have more endurance for work and recreational activities and even sleep better. It should be noted that sleep disruptions are a common complaint associated with myofascial pain.

Overall, chiropractic can give patients with myofascial pain a better quality of life with decreased incidence of injury. They are often able to lower their pain medication or eliminate it altogether.

Because chiropractic is a whole-body approach, patients learn healthy habits including diet, exercise, and mental wellness. Most of all, they can live with less pain or no pain at all.

Visit www.ocwc.ca to learn more about our clinic and doctors. Phone (780)455-2112 to schedule your appointment with us!