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herniated disc injury

Herniated Disc Injury

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Chiropractic Care for Herninated Disc In Edmonton

Back or neck pain can change quickly when a spinal nerve becomes irritated. An ache that once stayed near the spine may begin travelling into a leg or arm, accompanied by tingling, numbness or weakness. If you are searching for a solution for a herniated disc injury, you may be wondering whether conservative care is appropriate, whether you need an MRI and whether a herniated disc injury automatically leads to surgery. The reassuring answer is that many people begin with a careful assessment and a nonsurgical plan, provided they do not have symptoms that require urgent medical attention.

A disc-related diagnosis can sound alarming, but the words on an imaging report do not tell the entire story. Your symptoms, strength, sensation, mobility, medical history and daily demands all help determine what should happen next. A thoughtful plan focuses on the person living with the problem, not simply the picture of the spine.

This article explains what a herniated disc is, what a chiropractor assesses and how conservative care may support a safe return to comfortable movement. It offers general education and does not replace an individual diagnosis or emergency care.

What Is a Herniated Disc?

Discs sit between the vertebrae and help the spine absorb load while allowing movement. Each disc has a tough outer ring surrounding a softer, gel-like centre. With time, repeated loading or an injury, the outer layers can weaken. When material from the centre pushes through a tear in the outer ring, clinicians describe the change as a disc herniation.

People often use “bulging disc,” “slipped disc,” “ruptured disc” and “herniated disc” interchangeably, but they do not mean exactly the same thing. A bulge usually involves a broader portion of the disc extending beyond its usual boundary. A herniation is more focal. “Slipped disc” is an informal expression; the disc does not literally slide out of place.

These distinctions can matter clinically, but symptoms matter just as much. Some disc changes appear on imaging without causing pain. In other cases, displaced tissue and local inflammation irritate a nearby nerve root. That irritation may produce pain, altered sensation or weakness along the path of the nerve.

Herniations commonly affect the lower back or neck. A lumbar disc problem may cause pain through the buttock and leg, often called sciatica. A cervical disc problem may send symptoms through the shoulder, arm or hand. The location of the symptoms gives the clinician useful information, but it does not provide a complete diagnosis on its own.

Common Herniated Disc Symptoms and Pain Patterns

Disc-related symptoms vary widely. Some people experience a deep ache near the spine, while others notice sharp, electric or burning pain away from the spine. Symptoms may worsen with sitting, bending, lifting, coughing or sneezing. They may ease when walking, lying in a particular position or changing posture.

Common symptoms include:

  • Neck or lower-back pain that limits normal movement
  • Pain travelling into one arm or one leg
  • Tingling, pins and needles or areas of reduced sensation
  • Muscle weakness or unusual fatigue in an arm or leg
  • Pain that changes noticeably with posture or repeated movement
  • Difficulty sitting, sleeping, lifting, driving or working comfortably

Not every case follows a textbook pattern. Hip, shoulder and peripheral nerve conditions can mimic disc symptoms. Muscle and joint pain can also occur at the same time. That is why self-diagnosing a herniation from pain location alone can lead to the wrong strategy.

When to See a Chiropractor for Herniated Disc Injury

A chiropractic assessment may be reasonable when neck or back pain is affecting your mobility, work, sleep or preferred activities and no emergency warning signs are present. It may also help when radiating symptoms are mild or stable and you want to explore conservative options.

Assessment should come before treatment. The chiropractor needs to understand when the symptoms began, how they have changed, what positions aggravate or relieve them and whether you have noticed numbness or weakness. Previous injuries, medical conditions, medications, imaging and treatments also shape the clinical picture.

You do not necessarily need an MRI before seeking an assessment. Imaging can be important when the result is likely to change management, when symptoms are severe or progressive, or when the history suggests a more serious condition. At the same time, imaging findings must be interpreted alongside the examination because structural changes can exist without matching a person’s pain.

A chiropractor should explain the working diagnosis, the proposed approach, expected benefits, material risks and alternatives. You should also understand how progress will be measured. If the assessment suggests that chiropractic care is inappropriate or insufficient, referral to a physician or another regulated provider is part of responsible care.

Herniated Disc Injury Chiropractic Checklist

A disc-focused examination may include several elements:

  • Symptom history: where symptoms begin, where they travel and how intensity changes during the day
  • Movement testing: which directions feel limited, comfortable or provocative
  • Neurological screening: strength, reflexes and sensation in the arms or legs
  • Functional testing: walking, changing position, lifting or other movements connected with daily life
  • Orthopaedic tests: carefully selected procedures that help distinguish possible sources of symptoms
  • Safety screening: questions and findings that indicate a need for imaging, medical evaluation or urgent care

The goal is not to “prove” that every symptom comes from a disc. It is to build the most reasonable explanation from the available evidence and choose an appropriate next step. Reassessment matters because the response to care provides additional clinical information.

How Conservative Disc Care May Support Recovery

Conservative care does not mean ignoring the problem and hoping it disappears. It means beginning with lower-risk, nonsurgical strategies when the clinical picture supports that choice. The plan may include chiropractic treatment, exercise, education, activity modification or collaboration with another healthcare professional.

For some patients, carefully selected manual care may help reduce pain and improve short-term function. Evidence is stronger for spinal manipulation in nonspecific low-back pain than it is for confirmed disc herniation, so claims should remain measured. A 2025 evidence review prepared for New Zealand’s Accident Compensation Corporation characterized evidence for chiropractic interventions in disc herniation as inconsistent and weak. That does not mean no patient can benefit; it means treatment decisions should be individualized and progress should be monitored rather than promised.

Treatment should match irritability and tolerance. A person in a highly sensitive acute episode may need gentler positioning, limited loading and simple movements. Someone whose symptoms have stabilized may be ready for progressive strengthening and a more active rehabilitation plan. The technique should serve the patient, not the other way around.

Adjustments, Gentle Techniques, Exercise and Daily Habits

A personalized plan may draw from several approaches:

  • Manual or instrument-assisted techniques: chosen according to the diagnosis, comfort and safety findings
  • Mobility exercises: intended to restore tolerable motion without repeatedly provoking radiating symptoms
  • Progressive strengthening: focused on the trunk, hips, shoulders or other areas that support daily function
  • Movement coaching: practical ways to bend, lift, sit and change position with greater confidence
  • Activity pacing: balancing recovery with enough movement to avoid unnecessary deconditioning
  • Home strategies: short, manageable actions that fit the patient’s work and family routine

Heat or cold may provide temporary comfort for some people. Short walks and regular position changes are often easier to tolerate than prolonged sitting or bed rest. The right choice depends on how symptoms respond, so a clinician may ask you to track whether pain is moving farther into an arm or leg, returning toward the spine, becoming less intense or affecting strength.

Symptom location can be especially useful when choosing and progressing movement. If leg or arm pain begins to retreat toward the spine during or after an exercise, clinicians sometimes call that response centralization. It can be an encouraging sign, even if some discomfort remains near the back or neck. Pain that consistently travels farther into the limb, new numbness or declining strength deserves reassessment. Patients should not force a movement simply because it appeared on a generic online exercise list.

Work and recreation also need a gradual plan. A warehouse employee, office worker and golfer may share the same diagnosis but require very different preparation. Rehabilitation can break a demanding activity into smaller parts, build tolerance to each part and then reconnect them. For example, a return-to-lifting plan might begin with hip and trunk control, progress to light loads close to the body and eventually include the positions and weights required at work. This approach gives patients practical milestones and reduces the fear that every sensation signals fresh injury.

Recovery is rarely a perfectly straight line. A demanding workday or an unfamiliar lift may briefly increase symptoms. The more useful question is whether function and symptom tolerance are improving across several days or weeks. A plan should evolve as capacity returns.

Recovery Expectations, Warning Signs and Your Next Step

Healing time varies. The duration and severity of symptoms, degree of nerve involvement, sleep, general health, smoking status, work demands and confidence with movement can all influence recovery. The goal of care is not simply to chase a pain score. It is to help you regain meaningful abilities, such as sleeping through the night, sitting through a commute, carrying groceries or returning to recreation.

Useful progress markers may include:

  • Symptoms travel a shorter distance into the arm or leg
  • Numbness or tingling occurs less often
  • Strength remains stable or improves
  • Sitting, walking or sleeping tolerance increases
  • Daily tasks require fewer workarounds
  • Flare-ups become less intense or easier to settle

If reasonable progress is not occurring, the plan deserves another look. That may mean changing the treatment approach, requesting additional evaluation or coordinating care with a physician, physiotherapist or specialist. Conservative care should have clear checkpoints rather than continuing indefinitely without measurable benefit.

A Safety Checklist Before Beginning Treatment

Some symptoms should not wait for a routine appointment. Seek urgent medical care for new loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the groin or saddle area, rapidly worsening weakness, or an inability to urinate. These symptoms can indicate severe nerve compression.

Prompt medical evaluation is also important when spinal pain follows major trauma or occurs with fever, chills, unexplained weight loss, a history of cancer, significant immune suppression or severe unrelenting night pain. New neurological symptoms deserve careful attention, particularly when they are progressing.

For non-emergency symptoms, prepare for your appointment by noting when the problem began, where symptoms travel, what movements change them and which activities you have stopped. Bring relevant reports and a current medication list. Choose clothing that allows comfortable movement during the examination.

Living with radiating pain can make the future feel uncertain, but a careful evaluation can replace guesswork with a practical plan. To discuss whether conservative care fits your symptoms and goals, book an assessment with a herniated disc injury at Oliver Chiropractic Wellness Clinic. Call 780-455-2112 or contact the clinic online.

custom orthotics in Edmonton

Custom Orthotics in Edmonton

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How Foot Support Can Help Pain, Posture, and Daily Movement

If your feet feel tired, your knees ache after a long day, or your lower back complains every time you stand for too long, the problem may not start where you feel it. Your feet are the foundation for nearly every step, shift, and movement you make. When that foundation lacks support, your body often compensates. For many people, custom orthotics in Edmonton can be a practical way to support better alignment, improve comfort, and make daily movement feel easier.

What Are Custom Orthotics in Edmonton?

Custom orthotics are shoe inserts designed specifically for your feet, your movement patterns, and your support needs. Unlike a basic insole from a pharmacy or sporting goods store, custom orthotics are created after an assessment that looks at how your feet function and how they may affect the rest of your body.

At Oliver Chiropractic Wellness Clinic, we use Orthogenic Labs and a 3D scanning system to help assess foot structure and create a more personalized orthotic fit. The scan is only one part of the process. Your chiropractor also considers your symptoms, posture, activity level, footwear, and health goals.

Your feet do more than carry your body weight. They help absorb shock, guide your stride, and influence how your knees, hips, pelvis, and spine respond to movement. If your arches collapse, your feet roll inward, or your weight distribution is uneven, the effects may travel upward through the body.

Custom orthotics may help support:

  • Foot and arch comfort
  • Heel support
  • Knee and hip alignment
  • Lower back comfort
  • More balanced standing and walking
  • Better support during long workdays

They are not a magic fix for every ache or injury, but they can be an important part of a well-rounded care plan.

When Custom Orthotics in Edmonton May Be Worth Considering

You may want to consider an orthotics assessment if you notice discomfort during regular activities, especially when symptoms worsen with standing, walking, or certain shoes.

Common signs include:

  • Foot pain after work or exercise
  • Heel pain when first getting out of bed
  • Aching arches
  • Uneven shoe wear
  • Knee pain that appears during walking or stairs
  • Hip or low back discomfort after standing
  • Flat feet or high arches
  • Feeling unstable or unsupported in your shoes

Many people wait until pain becomes disruptive before they seek help. A better approach is to look at foot support early, especially if you invest in your long-term health and want to stay active.

How Better Foot Support Can Improve Daily Movement

Everyday movement asks a lot from your feet. Walking to work, standing at a counter, chasing errands, exercising, lifting groceries, and moving around the house all require your feet to adapt constantly.

When your feet do not have the support they need, your body may compensate in small ways. Your knees may rotate inward. Your hips may shift unevenly. Your lower back may take on more strain. Over time, these small patterns can become familiar discomfort.

Custom orthotics help by supporting your feet in a more balanced position. This may reduce unnecessary stress through the joints and muscles above the feet.

Think of your body as a connected chain. If the base of that chain tilts or collapses, other areas often adjust to keep you upright. Those adjustments may keep you moving, but they can also create fatigue, tension, and pain.

Better support may help you:

  • Stand for longer with less fatigue
  • Walk with more comfort
  • Reduce pressure on sensitive areas of the feet
  • Improve how your shoes feel
  • Support better posture from the ground up
  • Move with more confidence during daily activities

This is especially important for people who spend a lot of time on their feet. Healthcare workers, teachers, retail staff, tradespeople, hairstylists, active parents, and office workers using standing desks can all place repetitive strain on their feet.

Orthotics can also be helpful if your shoes are wearing down unevenly. Shoe wear patterns often reveal how your feet strike the ground and whether one side carries more stress than the other.

The Connection Between Feet, Posture, and Back Pain

Many people are surprised to learn that foot mechanics can influence the lower back. If your feet roll inward too much, your legs may rotate slightly. That can affect the knees, hips, pelvis, and spine.

This does not mean every case of back pain comes from the feet. Back pain can have many causes. Still, foot support is worth assessing when discomfort appears during standing, walking, or activity.

A chiropractic orthotics assessment looks at the bigger picture. Your chiropractor may assess your posture, gait, joint mobility, muscle tension, and footwear. This helps determine whether orthotics may support your care plan or whether other treatment approaches should be prioritized.

At OCWC, the goal is not just to hand you a product. The goal is to understand how your body moves and what kind of support may help you function better.

The OCWC Orthotics Assessment and 3D Scanning Process

A good orthotic starts with a good assessment. At Oliver Chiropractic Wellness Clinic, we use an Orthogenic Labs 3D scanning system to capture detailed information about your feet. This technology helps create a digital picture of your foot structure, including areas of pressure and support needs.

Your appointment may include:

  • A discussion of your symptoms and health history
  • A review of your work, activity level, and footwear
  • A posture and movement assessment
  • A 3D scan of your feet
  • Recommendations based on your goals and findings

The 3D scan helps support a more precise fit, but your chiropractor’s clinical assessment remains essential. Your feet do not function in isolation. Your movement, lifestyle, and comfort goals all matter.

Once your orthotics are made, you may need a break-in period. This allows your body to adapt gradually to the new support. Some people feel comfortable quickly, while others need more time. Your chiropractor can guide you on how often to wear them at first and when to follow up.

For best results:

  • Bring the shoes you wear most often
  • Avoid switching into unsupportive footwear right away
  • Wear your orthotics gradually at first
  • Tell your chiropractor if something feels uncomfortable
  • Replace worn-out shoes that no longer support your feet

Orthotics work best when they are paired with appropriate footwear. A custom insert placed inside a badly worn or poorly fitted shoe may not provide the support you expect.

Insurance Coverage for Orthotics

Most insurance plans cover orthotics, but every plan has its own requirements. Some insurance providers require a medical doctor’s note before you see your chiropractor for orthotics. Others may require specific documentation, a diagnosis, or a detailed receipt.

Before booking, check your insurance requirements and steps. This can help you avoid delays or denied claims.

Ask your provider:

  • Are custom orthotics covered under my plan?
  • Do I need a medical doctor’s referral or prescription?
  • Do I need pre-approval?
  • What documentation is required?
  • How often can I claim a new pair?
  • Is there a yearly or lifetime maximum?

Our team can help provide appropriate clinic documentation, but your insurance company decides what it requires for reimbursement.

Are Custom Orthotics Right for You?

Custom orthotics can be a smart investment if foot mechanics are contributing to discomfort, fatigue, or movement issues. They may be especially helpful if you have recurring pain, spend long hours on your feet, or notice that store-bought insoles do not provide enough support.

That said, orthotics are only one part of care. Depending on your needs, your chiropractor may also recommend stretching, strengthening, footwear changes, mobility work, or chiropractic treatment. The best results often come from addressing both support and movement.

If you are ready to understand what your feet may be telling you, contact Oliver Chiropractic Wellness Clinic to book an orthotics assessment. We will assess your needs, use our Orthogenic Labs 3D scanning system, and help you decide whether orthotics are the right next step for your health.

Truck Drivers and Chiropractic Care

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Truck driving puts a lot of stress on the body. Just spending hours behind the wheel can take its toll no matter what type of vehicle you are driving. When you factor in the shifting, steering, clutching, and constant monitoring that is required in a big truck, you have increased risk of neck, back, arm, hip, and leg pain. If they drive a type of truck that requires loading, unloading, or tying down a load, the probability increases even more. Many drivers experience pain, difficulty in mobility, and decreased flexibility. This can impact how well they perform their job as well as how much they enjoy their down time.

How Truck Driving Takes a Toll on the Body

Drivers spend a lot of time doing just that – driving. That is hard on the body in and of itself. With professional drivers, they do it every day for hours on end. Even local drivers who are home every night put in a lot of miles.

Often, drivers must also perform certain functions regarding what they are hauling. Some have to secure their load with straps and tie-downs, or have to handle heavy hoses and equipment to load and unload tankers.

Some drivers have to load and unload (known as “lumping”) their freight themselves. It can involve heavy lifting and repetitive movements. Loaded tanker trucks can be challenging to drive because of the slosh. Most big rigs require a lot of shifting. They may have to shift through 10, 15, or even 18 forward gears.

Team drivers have the added stress of being in a vehicle that is constantly in motion. Even while sleeping in the bunk, they can be subject to the constant vibrations and bouncing as the truck travels over the road. This can lead to impact trauma, often to the shoulder as the driver in the sleeper lays on his or her side. Roads that are poorly maintained can cause impact trauma to both the driver and the person in the bunk.

For all the physical exertion and exposure to a rough environment, though, drivers get very little exercise. They spend a lot of time sitting behind the wheel and making the same movements over and over.

This limited mobility can lead to structural problems like pain in the back, hip, knee, shoulder, arms, and legs. This is compounded by the fact that many prescription medications that are typically prescribed for these issues have side effects that can be dangerous for someone getting behind the wheel.

How Chiropractic can Help Truck Drivers

Chiropractic care provides truck drivers with a non-invasive, drug free way to treat injuries, manage conditions, and relieve pain. Regular chiropractic care can help correct postural habits that can expose the body to injury or move the body out of balance and the spine out of alignment. Often, it can identify emerging issues before they become a problem.

When a driver first visits a chiropractor’s office, he or she will go through a thorough check up and assessment to determine their needs and goals. The chiropractor may recommend certain lifestyle changes and show them some exercise they can do in the truck or while they are on the road as well as ways to minimize the effects of the activities their job requires.

Some of the larger truck stops are now offering drivers access to medical and chiropractic services which allows them to get treatment when they need it. Sometimes a driver is out for several weeks at a time and may not be able to get to their regular chiropractor for an adjustment. However, it is still a good idea to have a regular chiropractor at home and keep regular appointments so you can stay healthy and on the road.

To learn more about our clinic, check out ocwc.ca. Or call 780-455-2112 to book your first appointment.

Ever Wonder: Why Does My Neck Hurt?

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Why Does My Neck Hurt?

Why does my neck hurt? Your neck has a tough job. It has to hold, stabilize, and move the weight of your head every day for a lifetime. Holding up 11 pounds may not seem like a lot, but the seven bones and 20 muscles of your neck need to work together in perfect harmony for you to move your head around and keep that weight balanced. Postural changes, sudden injuries, and arthritis are a few of the primary causes of neck pain.

Pain can often be traced to a problem with either the muscles, bones, discs, or nerves in your neck.

Why it Matters:

If you’ve ever wondered why does my neck hurt? If you’ve ever been unable to turn your head for a day or two, you know how debilitating and life-changing neck pain can be. The sharp muscle spasms that restrict your ability to move can happen when your body tries to protect a spinal joint that isn’t moving correctly.

Almost every bone in your neck has a pair of sliding joints towards the back called facet joints. If an adhesion forms or the joint is stuck, your body will try to compensate or work around the issue for a little while. But, over time, this compensation can cause a cascade of additional challenges.

  • Sudden injuries, arthritis, and postural issues can all contribute to neck pain.
  • The small sliding joints (facet joints) of your neck can become stuck and cause muscles spasms and pain.
  • Gentle spinal adjustments combined with daily stretching can help restore the motion of your facet joints and reduce pain.

Pain in your neck is your body’s way of saying “pain attention”! Even if it eases up by the end of the day, it’s a smart idea to have us evaluate your motion. Movement assessments are a part of our examination and provide us with an incredible amount of information about your body. By taking a proactive approach today, you may be able to prevent future episodes of neck pain and stiffness in the future.

Stenosis: How a Pinch in Your Neck Can Affect Your Whole Body

Here’s a potential answer to question – why does my neck hurt? Have you been told that you have spinal stenosis? If so, you’re not alone. Millions of people suffer from spinal stenosis each day, and it’s the number one reason people over 65 years old have spine surgery. Spinal stenosis is the compression, or pinching, of your spinal cord. It can occur due to a disc herniation, bone spur, or ligament overgrowth. But, drugs and surgery are not the only way to find relief.

Why it Matters:

For many people, the most significant challenge associated with spinal stenosis is the decreased ability to get up and move! Severe pinching in your neck can cause issues with your arms and legs. One of the best ways to relieve the symptoms associated with spinal stenosis is to open up the spinal canal and take the pressure off the nerves and spinal cord. Many chiropractic techniques focus on decreasing the pressure on your spinal cord, relieving the symptoms associated with spinal stenosis.

  • Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces within your spine, which can put pressure on the nerves that travel through the spine.
  • Spinal stenosis is most commonly caused by degenerative changes in the spine related to osteoarthritis.
  • Relief can often be found by building up your strength while improving the flexibility and stability of your spine with chiropractic care.

After chiropractic care, many patients report having a decrease in their symptoms, the ability to walk further without pain and find an improvement in their overall quality of life. If you have been slowed down due to spinal stenosis, do not hesitate to schedule an evaluation with us. We will provide a complete evaluation and guide you towards the best treatment options to find relief.

Is My Arm Pain Coming from My Neck?

Pain in your hand, wrist, or arm can be frustrating. You don’t realize how much you use your arms and hands until pain, numbness, or tingling gets in the way. Most of us don’t usually think that an issue in our neck may cause our arm pain. But it’s very common that arm pain can be traced back to a nerve issue in your neck.

Why it Matters:

Hand, wrist, and arm pain often starts with a neck problem. When a spinal disc in your neck irritates or presses on a nerve, it can result in arm pain. Just like the power lines that bring electricity to your house, your brain and spinal cord split into individual nerve roots that deliver information to every part of your body. The nerves in your neck are specifically focused on providing strength and sensation to your head and arms.

  • A bulged or herniated disc in your neck can irritate or compress the nerves that travel to your hands, arms, and shoulders
  • A recent study of people with cervical (neck) disc herniation showed improvement in over 86% of people who received chiropractic adjustments.
  • Improving spinal mobility, decreasing inflammation, and improving your posture may help prevent future episodes of neck and arm pain.

A painful arm as a result of a pinched nerve in your neck very rarely requires surgery. Most people can find long-term relief with conservative care, such as chiropractic.

Getting rid of the inflammation and giving the disc time to heal are part of a complete plan we use each day to help our patients reduce their symptoms and get their lives back.

Neck Pain: How To Find Relief

An episode of neck pain can quickly hamper your everyday activities. The answer to the question – why does my neck hurt can be varied. Whether you began experiencing pain due to injury, degenerative spinal changes, or poor posture, it can be difficult to think about anything except the pain when you’re struggling. It’s estimated that 70% of people experience neck pain in their life, but you should know there is a path towards relief.

Why it Matters:

Neck pain can create everything from headaches to pain in your arms and hands to pain directly on your neck. Different types of pain indicate different issues. The most common reasons for neck pain are strained muscles and stuck spinal joints. Each of these challenges can cause a lot of pain and may have you fearing that you have a more significant issue. But, with a proper examination, our team can pinpoint the cause of your pain and provide a complete plan of care to help you reclaim your life from neck pain.

  • Facet joints are small spinal joints at the back of your spine which can become fixated or stuck and cause pain.
    • Muscle strains can occur due to poor posture at your desk or sleeping in an awkward position.
    • Motion heals: relief typically begins by reducing the inflammation and improving your range of motion.

A small adjustment can make big changes in your quality of life. Our practice is focused on helping you feel (and function) better by improving your spinal motion and then providing you with the stretches and exercises you can do at home to continue your improvement. If neck pain has got in the way of you enjoying your life- give us a call. Or check out the clinic @ ocwc.ca. Our team is here to help.

Science Sources:

Intervertebral Kinematics of the Cervical Spine. The Spine Journal. 2018. Spinal Stenosis. The Mayo Clinic. 2022.

Cervical Nerve Root Injections or Spinal Manipulative Therapy. JMPT. 2016. Spinal Manipulation, Medication, or Exercise. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2012. 5 Healthy Habits That Prevent Chronic Disease. Cleveland Clinic. 2020.

Bulging Disc vs. Herniated Disc: What’s the Difference? Can Chiropractic Help?

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Discs are the cushioning in your spine that act as shock absorbers and prevent vertebrae from rubbing together. Discs consist of cartilage. The outer layer is tough cartilage, while the interior of discs is softer. Your vertebral discs wear out over time. Injuries can cause a disc to bulge or become herniated. The cartilage can become stiff and dehydrated, giving you less cushion and shrinking the space between your vertebrae. If the space between vertebrae narrows, you might experience pain, stiffness or poor range of motion in the area.

When You Have a Bulging Disc

A bulging disc occurs when the outer layer of your disc becomes compressed, and the disc becomes more flattened. The whole structure doesn’t have to be impacted, but the bulge tends to be fairly even throughout the disc. While damage can occur if you have a bulging disc, decompression strategies to open up the area with chiropractic care can reduce pain and inflammation in the area.

Understanding a Herniated Disc

Herniated discs are different from a bulging disc. When you have a herniated disc, there is damage to the tough outer layer of cartilage and the inner layer is protruding out from the tear. Your doctor might also call a herniated disc a ruptured or slipped disc. It means you have damage to the outer layer of your disc, and you are more likely to experience pain. Herniated discs tend to reach nerve endings more readily than bulging discs, resulting in nerve pain that can be difficult to treat.

Chiropractic Assessments For Disc Problems

Chiropractic care looks at the overall function of your spine to determine what can be done about areas that are out of alignment. You can find pain relief by working with a chiropractor, but it’s important to work with your chiropractor on a consistent basis. Chiropractic treatment begins with a careful assessment of what is going on in your spine to cause pain, stiffness or inflammation.  Your chiropractor will want to look at any imaging that has been done on your spine to see what your discs look like. Once problem areas are identified, your chiropractor creates a treatment plan to address these areas.

Treatment for Bulging and Herniated Discs

If you are in pain , chiropractic treatment can ease some pressure on your disc. Decompression strategies such as stretching and traction are used to open up the space between your vertebrae. You will be taught strengthening exercises to keep your spine in alignment. You might find relief after one appointment, but it is important to keep seeking care from your chiropractor when you are trying to get help for a bulging or herniated disc.

Chiropractic care is a safe, holistic way to treat pain, stiffness and swelling. If you have been told that surgery is your only option, it’s time to seek the services of a chiropractor first. You might discover that you can decrease your pain and begin moving about easier again. Some people are able to prolong their need for surgery, while others avoid surgery completely.’

You deserve a healthy spine. We are here to help you get what you deserve. To learn more about our office check out our website here.  Call 780-455-2112 to contact our us to learn more about how we can help you with postural issues and other joint issues through chiropractic care. We look forward to hearing from you!

5 Benefits of Graston Technique

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Graston technique is a soft tissue mobilization technique that has been used for many years in physical therapy, chiropractic therapy, and sports rehabilitation. This technique involves the use of specialized tools to engage with the muscle and soft tissue to treat a range of conditions from chronic pain to post-surgical recovery. Here are five benefits that you can expect to experience when you undergo Graston technique therapy. 

1. Pain Relief with Graston Technique: 

This is one of the most effective methods for reducing acute or chronic pain, especially musculoskeletal pain. Whether you’ve developed overuse injuries, such as carpal tunnel or tendinitis, or have acute muscle strains or sprains, Graston technique can help. The positive force created by the instrument during the therapy breaks down scar tissue, reduces adhesions, and stimulates the body’s natural healing process, thereby reducing pain in the long run. 

2. Improved Range of Motion with Graston Technique: 

Another significant benefit of this technique is the improvement in range of motion. When you’re injured, or you have a chronic condition, you may find it difficult to move your joints freely. This is because joint mobility is limited by scar tissue and adhesions that form around joint capsules. Graston technique helps to break down these barriers, allowing your joints to move more freely, and with less pain. By improving joint mobility, you can return to your normal daily activities more easily. 

3. Faster Healing with Graston Technique: 

In addition to reducing pain and improving joint mobility, Graston technique also helps you to heal faster. The unique mechanical force used in this technique targets deeper muscle layers, enhancing blood flow and oxygen delivery to affected tissues. This boost in circulation accelerates the healing process by promoting the regeneration of tissues and cellular growth. 

4. Improved Athletic Performance:

This technique can help athletes improve their performance. This technique reduces inflammation and scar tissue that result from physical activity, which can otherwise affect the muscles’ long-term health. By undergoing Graston therapy, athletes can recover quicker and improve their overall performance. 

5. Versatile Therapy: 

Finally, Graston technique is an incredibly versatile therapy method that can be used to treat a wide range of conditions. It can be used to treat issues such as plantar fasciitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, knee pain, back pain, and other musculoskeletal disorders. 

Whether you’re an athlete with tendonitis or an office worker with neck or back pain, this technique can help identify any underlying structural or functional issues and provide effective treatments to address them.

Graston technique is a gentle, non-invasive, and effective soft tissue mobilization technique that can provide numerous benefits for those who have chronic or acute muscle and joint problems. It can help relieve pain, improve joint mobility, and accelerate natural healing. Graston therapy can also improve the overall function of your body, which can positively impact your daily life activities and athletic performance. Give us a call today @ 780-455-2112 to get started. Check out our office @ ocwc.ca. 

How to Take Care of Your Posture While Working From Home

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More people are working from home than ever before. While there are definitely some advantages that come from such an arrangement, there are also some challenges. One of those challenges is maintaining good posture. Your workplace likely had a variety of measures in place to encourage good posture and reduce strain at your desk – but most people don’t have the same resources at home.

Here are a few ways you can help your posture and your overall health while working from home.

Working from Home? Simple Ways to Protect Your Posture

1. Stretching

There are numerous muscles and soft tissues supporting the spine – and your entire skeletal system, for that matter. Those muscles can become tight and tense as you spend time at your desk. If they become tight enough, they can pull your spine out of alignment and leave you feeling worse for wear. Fortunately, you can do some occasional stretches to help relieve some of the tension.

A quick search online will show you numerous stretches, but a few you can consider include:

  • Child’s Pose. Begin on hands and knees. Push your hips back over your calves and stretch your arms out in front of your body. Relax your head on the ground and take five to ten deep breaths.
  • Standing Forward Fold. Stand with feet hip-width apart. Bend your knees and exhale as you fold forward at the hips. Bend your elbows and grasp each elbow with a hand. Pull your shoulders up to lengthen your neck. Relax here and breathe deeply five to ten times.

2. Use a standup desk.

If you have one available or can construct one, a standup desk can do a lot to help you maintain good posture. Standing is not only good for your overall health, but it also makes it easier to keep your spine aligned. You already know how to stand straight, which is generally an improvement over the slouch that tends to develop at your desk.

If you don’t have access to a standing desk, at least get up every half hour or so and walk around for a few minutes. The walking and standing will help to reset your spinal alignment.

3. Eat a healthy diet.

It may seem weird to focus on your diet when considering postural correction, but you’d be surprised just how much of an impact your diet has on your spinal health. Proper nutrition – including plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins – is necessary to rebuild your joints as they wear down each day through use. It helps increase circulation as well. Your back will be healthier if you eat a nutritious diet.

4. Stay hydrated.

Here is another tip you might not have been expecting. Sufficient hydration is necessary to get nutrition to your discs and to keep them hydrated. They need to be hydrated to provide the cushioning necessary to protect your spine and keep you mobile. You can get hydration from most liquids, but your best bet is still water. Try to drink water regularly throughout the day to stay hydrated. You may find it easier to get your water in if you purchase a reusable water bottle and keep it with you as you go about your day to day tasks.

Contact Us to Learn More About Posture and Spinal Health

You deserve a healthy spine. We are here to help you get what you deserve. To learn more about our office check out our website here.  Call 780-455-2112 to contact our us to learn more about how we can help you with postural issues and other joint issues through chiropractic care. We look forward to hearing from you!

How the Armed Forces Benefit From Chiropractic

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Members of the military put their bodies through tremendous stress every day, both physical and emotional. Add to that injuries that gamut from minor to serious trauma and you have a strong case for chronic pain. Often, this pain affects our veterans and soldiers on a daily basis, interfering with their normal activities and impacting their ability to perform their regular daily tasks. All too often, doctors will dismiss the pain as “something you just have to live with” and write prescriptions for narcotics that impair and incapacitate the patient. There are better ways to manage a good bit of the chronic pain that members of the military live with each day. We’ll explore one way, mainly chiropractic, in today’s article.

Chronic pain and members of the military

The regular demands of being a soldier, coupled with the stress that is prevalent, particularly among active duty military personnel, can create a perfect storm of sorts for chronic pain. When they are advised to tough it out or arrive at that option on their own, they usually do not get the medical attention they need. This can lead to exacerbation of the issue, compelling the soldier to seek treatment only when the pain is severe, or the condition is serious.

Single event trauma is all too common in this arena and plays a large part in the pain they experience, as does surgeries to correct injuries or trauma. However, the cumulative stress can have a detrimental effect on not just the condition and the pain, but the patient’s perception of the pain. In other words, it can cause them to experience the pain more acutely and have greater difficulty in managing it.

These issues are a part of the military and they aren’t likely to change. A chiropractor can help military personnel manage their pain, prevent injury, and regain flexibility and range of motion. It can be the solution that makes all the difference.

Using alternative treatments to combat an epidemic

Right now, opioid abuse has become an epidemic, yet doctors can rarely find viable alternatives that don’t have the dangerous and uncomfortable side effects – and that are not addictive. In truth, painkiller use is a growing problem with veterans and active military alike, mainly due to issues with substance abuse.

While their medications do relieve pain, the cost is just too great in many cases. Many people who take these pain pills report that they would live from pill to pill, their lives revolving around their next dose. That is why chiropractic is such an attractive option.

Chiropractic care for chronic pain

Chiropractic care is a highly effective way to manage chronic pain and help speed healing from injuries. It is safe, non-invasive, and does not require any medication.

The chiropractor will use specific spinal adjustments and other techniques to bring the body back into alignment. A balanced body heals faster and experiences less pain.

The patient may also receive recommendations regarding lifestyle changes and dietary advice from their chiropractor which can help speed up the results and bring them to a place of less pain or no pain much faster.

To learn more about our office, check out ocwc.ca.
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What’s the Difference Between Osteopenia and Osteoporosis?

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Osteopenia and osteoporosis are two very similar conditions, but one is more severe than the other. Both conditions are decreased bone density, but osteopenia is to a lesser degree than osteoporosis. Osteopenia is still a problem though because it can increase a person’s chances of breaking a bone due to bone fragility.

What are the symptoms?

Osteopenia usually doesn’t cause symptoms unless a bone is broken. However, some patients who present with osteopenia complain of dull back pain.

Symptoms associated with osteoporosis include the following:

  • Back pain, caused by a fractured or collapsed vertebra
  • Loss of height over time
  • A stooped posture
  • A bone fracture that occurs much more easily than expected

What are the causes and who is at risk?

Women (primarily small-boned Caucasian and Asian) are most at risk for both conditions, primarily those who are age 65 or older as well as women who are postmenopausal. However, men can also be affected.

Anyone who meets any of the criteria for being at risk for either of the bone conditions should be evaluated. Often, catching the conditions early can make a significant difference in the effects that they have on the body and in some cases, can even be arrested so that they don’t progress.

Some of the common causes of both conditions include:

  • Lifestyle habits
    • Smoking
    • Insufficient calcium
    • Sedentary lifestyle
    • Excessive alcohol consumption
    • Vitamin D deficiency
    • Carbonated beverages
  • Medical situations
    • Bulimia, anorexia, and other eating disorders
    • Estrogen deficiency in women
    • Certain hormone imbalances
    • Overactive thyroid
    • Certain treatments including radiation and chemotherapy
    • Low testosterone in men
    • Medications including anti-seizure, hydrocortisone, and steroids
  • Health issues
    • Tumors
    • Cystic fibrosis
    • Crohn’s disease
    • Digestive issues

It should also be noted that certain types of diets, particularly those that advocate extremely low fat, or no fat can also cause problems. Vitamin D is necessary for calcium absorption in the body, but vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin meaning the body requires some fat in order to make use of it. When there is inadequate fat, the vitamin cannot be absorbed and in turn calcium cannot be absorbed.

A family history of osteopenia, osteoporosis, or low bone mass can increase a person risk by 50% to 85%.

How is it diagnosed?

Bone mineral density (BMD) tests are used to diagnose both osteopenia and osteoporosis by measuring the calcium levels in bone. This type of test can also provide an estimate of how much at risk a person is for bone fractures.

This test is painless and non-invasive. It is usually performed on the heel, shin bone, wrist, spine, finger, or hip.

Two common types of these tests are radiographs, a common diagnostic tool for osteopenia, and Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA). A DEXA scan is essentially a low energy x-ray so patients are not exposed to as much radiation as they would be if they had a regular x-ray. The results are attained by comparing the score (measurements taken) to scans of individuals who do not have the condition.

Once the score is measured and compared, it is assessed using a chart that identifies the level or risk:

  • +1.0 to -1.0  –  Normal bone density
  • -1.0 to -2.5  –  Low bone density
  • -2.5 or higher  –  At risk for osteoporosis

What are the treatments?

As with most conditions, prevention is the most effective treatment. If you have a family history or fall under any of the risk factors, there are things you can do to minimize the effects or prevent the conditions completely.

Your chiropractor can talk to you about lifestyle changes, exercise, and diet as well as supplements that you can take. Chiropractic adjustments can also be effective for many patients with osteopenia and osteoporosis as long as the choose technique is a low force technique like Activator.

Many patients find these natural treatments preferable to any medications that may be prescribed. The most important thing you should do, though, is get a bone density test if you are in an at-risk category, are a woman who is postmenopausal or age 65 or older.

To learn more about our office, check out our website @ ocwc.ca
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3 Abnormalities of the Spine that Benefit from Consistent Chiropractic Care

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The spine are comprised of vertebrae, small bones that are stacked on top of each other with impact cushioning discs between each one. These bones act as joints, allowing the spine to bend and twist in a variety of ways. However, it is not intended to be naturally bent, twisted, or curved. The natural state of a healthy spine is somewhat straight with slight curves running front to back so that a side view would reveal them. They gently curve, sloping slightly inward at the small of the back, and again slightly at the neck. The pull of gravity, combined with body movement, can put a great deal of stress on the spine and these slight curves help absorb some of the impact.

Viewing the spine from the back, you should see something completely different – a spine that runs straight down, top to bottom with no side to side curves. This doesn’t always happen though. Sometimes there are abnormalities of the spine and it causes a misalignment of the natural curvatures or some curvatures may be exaggerated. These unnatural curvatures of the spine are characterized by three health conditions called lordosis, kyphosis, and scoliosis.

Three different conditions for three different types of spinal curvatures

Each of these three spinal curvature disorders affects a certain area of the spine in a very specific way.

  • Hyper or Hypo Lordosis – This spinal curvature disorder affects the lower back, causing the spine to curve inwards or outwards significantly.
  • Hyper or Hypo Kyphosis – This spinal curvature disorder affects the upper back, causing the spine to bow, resulting in that area rounding or flattening abnormally.
  • Scoliosis – This spinal curvature disorder can affect the entire spine, causing it to curve sideways, forming a C or S shape.

What are the symptoms of spinal curvature disorders?

Each type of curvature exhibits its own set of symptoms. While some symptoms may overlap, many are unique to the specific curvature disorder.

  • Lordosis
    • A “swayback” appearance where the buttocks stick out or are more pronounced.
    • Discomfort in the back, typically in the lumbar region
    • When lying on a hard surface on the back, the lower back area does not touch the surface, even when attempting to tuck the pelvis and straighten the lower back.
    • Difficulty with certain movements
    • Back pain
  • Kyphosis
    • A curve or hump to the upper back
    • Upper back pain and fatigue after sitting or standing for long periods (Scheuermann’s kyphosis)
    • Leg or back fatigue
    • The head bends far forward instead of being more upright
  • Scoliosis
    • Hips or waist are uneven
    • One shoulder blade is higher than the other
    • Person leans to one side

What are the causes of spinal curvature disorders?

Many different health issues can cause the spine to become misaligned or to form a spinal curvature. Each of the spinal conditions mentioned is affected by different conditions and situations.

  • Lordosis
    • Osteoporosis
    • Achondroplasia
    • Discitis
    • Obesity
    • Spondylolisthesis
    • Kyphosis
  • Kyphosis
    • Arthritis
    • Tumors on or in the spine
    • Congenital kyphosis (abnormal development of the vertebrae while the person is in utero)
    • Spina bifida
    • Scheurmanns disease
    • Spine infections
    • Osteoporosis
    • Habitual slouching or poor posture

Scoliosis is still a bit of a mystery to doctors. They are not certain what exactly causes the most common form of scoliosis that is typically seen in children and adolescents. Some of the causes that they have pinpointed include:

  • Hereditary, it has a tendency to run in families
  • Infection
  • Birth defect
  • Injury

Chiropractic for spinal curvature disorders

Spinal manipulations for spinal curvature disorders have been shown to be very effective. Chiropractic helps restore the spine’s natural balance even if the patient has one of these types of conditions.

There are screenings available for both children and adults to identify any spinal curvatures in their early stages through your chiropractor. Early detection of these disorders is crucial in identifying them before they become too serious.

To learn more about our office, check out www.ocwc.ca