Lower Back Pain

 

 

     

 

…often more effective than surgery. Many of the pain-sensing nerves of the spine are in the facet joints, the two interlocking “fingers” at the back of each spinal bone. The normally smooth surfaces on which these joints glide, can become rough, irritated, and inflamed.

 

 

Surgical treatment often involves removing these facet joints, exposing the spinal cord!

Another cause of lower back pain can be a bulging disc putting pressure on the spinal cord or a nearby nerve root. The result is often numbness, tingling, or pain down the leg. Cutting away the bulging disc tissue, can permanently alter its ability to separate and cushion the adjacent bones. This rarely addresses the underlying structural cause(s) of the problem.

The chiropractic approach is to help restore a more normal motion and position of affected spinal bones by specific chiropractic adjustments. The simplicity and success of this approach has been documented in numerous research projects and has helped many patients avoid risky surgery.

Improper sitting or lifting, overexertion, trauma, or inherited spinal abnormalities can be the cause. Low back pain results in millions of dollars of lost work, and untold suffering every day.

Find out if yours is a chiropractic case and enjoy the positive results that millions of patients have discovered.

Get started today!

 

 

 

· REFERENCES ·

 

Buerger, A., Ph.D., Greenman, R., D.O., Validation of Spinal Manipulation, Charles C. Thomas Company, 1985.

Cox, J., D.C., Low Back Pain, Mechanism, Diagnosis and Treatment, 4th edition, Williams and Wilkins, 1990.

Faye, L., D.C., Good Bye Back Pain, Tale Weaver Publishing, 1990.

Low Back Pain; The $50 Billion Problem, Conference sponsored by the Institute for Low Back Care, Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Minneapolis, Minnesota, September 30, 1982.

Kirkaldy-Willis, W., M.D., Managing Low Back Pain, 3rd edition, Churchill Livingstone, 1993.

Manga, P., Ph.D., Angus, D., M.A., Papadopoulos, C., M.H.A., Swan, W., The Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness of Chiropractic Management of Low Back Pain, (funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health) p. 104, August, 1993.

Markey, P., D.C., Managing Disorders of the Lumbar Spine, 2nd edition, 1986.

Rothman, M.D., Simone, M.D., The Spine, 3rd edition, W.B. Saunders, 1992.

Stork, M.D., Bradley, M.D., Magnetic Resonance Imaging, 2nd edition, Mosby Yearbook, 1992.

White, A. A., M.D. and Panjabi, M. M., Ph.D., Clinical Biomechanics of the Spine, 2nd edition, J. B. Lippincott, 1990.

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Chronic Headaches

When bones of the spine lose their normal position or motion, sensitive nerves and blood vessels to the head can be affected. When spinal nerves and related tissues are stretched or irritated they can produce throbbing headaches. Aspirin and medications may cover up these warning signs, but do not correct the underlying structural cause.

Many people find relief and correction with chiropractic care. If a thorough examination reveals reduced range of motion, loss of normal spinal curves, or mechanical restrictions, chiropractic care should be considered. After a complete explanation, you’ll receive a care program designed for your unique spinal problem. Many patients report headache relief. Others find that the correction of their problem takes longer because their spinal problem has existed undetected for many years. Every patient responds differently. Regardless of how you respond, enjoy the drug-free results millions have enjoyed by consulting a chiropractic doctor. Get started today!

	Loss of normal spinal curves are a
	common cause of many types of headaches. A continuing schedule of regular chiropractic checkups can help detect, correct, and maintain optimum spinal and nervous system function. Find out how chiropractic care, combined with proper diet, exercise, and other aspects of good health and personal hygiene can enhance your well-being and help you enjoy life to the fullest. Ask your Doctor of Chiropractic for a care program designed for your age, condition, and lifestyle.
	· REFERENCES · Attanassieo, V. Fowler, S., Follick, M., Perry, R., Issues in the Management of Recurrent Headaches: Nonpharmacological Treatment Offers Relief to Many Victims, Headache Magazine, Vol. 27, 163-167, 1987. Braaf, M., Rosners, M., Trauma of Cervical Spine as Cause of Chronic Headache, Journal of Trauma, 15:445, 1976. Bogduk, N., Headache and Cervical Manipulation, Medical Journal of Australia, 65-66, July 28, 1979. Collins, D., M.D., Dynamic Differential Diagnosis, The Lippincott Company, 1981. Friedman, A.P., Reflections of the Treatment of Headaches, Vol. 11, 148-155. Kelly, P., The Management of Cervical Headaches, A proceeding of the Cervical Headache Symposium, Manipulative Therapist Association of Australia, 1983. Management of Chronic Head and Neck Pain: The Effectiveness of Altering Factors Perpetuating Myofascial Pain, Headache Magazine, 27:186-190, 1987. Saunders, D.N., Orthopedic Physical Therapy, Saunders, 1992. Theisler, C., Editor, Chronic Headache Pain, Williams & Wilkins, 1990. Wolfe, H.G., Headache and Other Head Pain, 2nd edition, Oxford University Press, 1963. © 1999 Back Talk Systems, Inc.

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Chiropractic Extremities

 

 

   

 

…proper function. When joint function is impaired, there is reduced range of motion, inflammation, calcium buildup, and scar tissue.

 

 

This can be caused from repetitive motions, improper sitting, overexertion, slips, falls, accidents, and other causes. Awareness of these types of problems has become more common with terms like “tennis elbow”, “runner’s knee”, “frozen shoulder”, and “carpal tunnel syndrome.”

The traditional treatment of these problems involves splinting the joint to reduce movement, pain medications, muscle relaxers, steroid injections, and even surgery!

What else can be done?

Today, a more common sense approach is being taken. Joint mobilization, like chiropractic care for the spine, is being used in the care of elbows, wrists, and other joints of the body. Helping to restore normal range of motion to joints that have become “locked up”, “jammed”, or injured, seems to improve blood circulation, reduce scar tissue, and speed the healing process.

 

Your Doctor of Chiropractic is uniquely trained to detect and help restore proper joint function of the spine and the extremities. Find out if you can be helped, by arranging for a consultation and thorough examination today!

 

· REFERENCES ·

Hoppenfeld, S., M.D., Orthopedic Neurology, J.B. Lippincott Company, 1977.

Cailliet, Rene, M.D., Knee Pain and Disability, Pain Series, F.A. Davis, 1983.

Bonebrake, A., D.C., Fernandez, J., D.C., A Treatment For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Results of a Follow-up Study, Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 16:125-139, 1993.

Guch, R., The Chiropractic Theories: A Synopsis of the Research, 2nd edition, Williams and Wilkins, 1986.

Cyraix, J., M.D., Orthopedic Medicine, Diagnosis of Soft Tissue Lesions, Baillere Tindell, Vol. 1, 1984

Kellett, J., Acute Soft Tissue Injuries: A Review of the Literature, Science in Sports and Exercise, American College of Sports Medicine, Vol. 18, No. 5 pp. 489-500, 1986.

Kessler, R., Hertling, D., Management of Common Musculoskeletal Disorders, Harper and Row, 1983.

Schafer, D.C., Faye, D.C., Motion Palpation and Chiropractic Technique, 2nd edition, Motion Palpation Institute, 1990.

Schafer, R.C., Chiropractic Management of Sports and Recreational Injuries, 2nd edition, Williams and Wilkins, 1986.

Meal, G.M., Scott, R.A., Analysis of Joint Grade by Simultaneous Recording of Sound and Tension, Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 9:189, 1986.

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Carpel Tunnel Syndrome

 

 

 

 

The major nerve controlling the thumb, index, and parts of the middle, and ring finger is called the median nerve. From the tip of your fingers, it travels through the bones in your wrist, past your elbow, up your arm, through your shoulder and neck, and finally to your spinal cord. Problems can develop in one or more of these areas.

The carpal “tunnel” is formed by bones in the wrist. The median nerve, tendons, and blood vessels pass through this opening. If one or more of the bones forming this tunnel should collapse, inflammation, nerve pressure, and painful symptoms in the wrist area can result. The median nerve connects to the spinal cord through openings between several bones in the lower neck. When these spinal bones lose their normal motion or position, they can cause problems in the fingers and wrist.

After a thorough examination, your chiropractic doctor will perform specific adjustments where needed to help normalize structure and reduce nerve irritation. When given time, conservative, chiropractic care has produced excellent results with carpal tunnel problems-without drugs or surgery.

 

A thorough examination can detect problems which may be the cause or contributing factor of your wrist pain.

Have someone try to pull your thumb and finger apart. If your fingers seem weak, yours could be related to a carpal tunnel problem.

If placing your hands back to back produces an increase in numbness, tingling or pain, you could have a carpal tunnel problem.

Every day, assembly workers, keyboard operators, grocery store clerks, and many others receive micro-traumas to their hands and wrists. Vibration and repetitive motions, when combined with spinal problems and other joint dysfunction, can result in a condition known as carpal tunnel syndrome.

 

· REFERENCES ·

 

Bonebrake, A., D.C., Fernandez, J., D.C., A Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Results of a Follow-up Study, Journal of Manipulative Physiological Therapeutics, 16:125-139, 1993.

Cailliet, R., M.D., Hand Pain and Impairment, 3rd edition, F. A. Davis Company, 1983.

Cailliet, R., M.D., Pain; Mechanisms and Management, F. A. Davis Company, 1993.

Kendall, F., McCreary, E., Muscle Testing and Function, 3rd edition, Williams and Wilkins, 1983.

Kirk, R., D.C., Lawrence, D., D.C., Valvo, N., D.C., States’ Manual of Spinal, Pelvic and Extravertebral Technics, 3rd edition, National College of Chiropractic, 1991.

Norkin, C., P.T., Levrangie, P., P.T., Joint Structure and Function: A Comprehensive Analysis, 2nd edition, F. A. Davis Company, 1992.

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Popularity: 4% [?]

Common Chiropractic Symptoms

 

 

 

 

…or just feel good? It surprises many patients when they discover chiropractic doctors don’t treat symptoms. A medical approach is to treat symptoms. This is done by using drugs or surgery to numb, slow down, speed up, or cut out the malfunctioning body part.

 

 

 

Instead, chiropractic doctors find the underlying cause(s) of your ache or pain, and help correct it.

Judging your health by how you feel can be dangerous! The first symptom of high blood pressure is often a deadly stroke. The first symptom of heart disease could be a fatal heart attack! Because your body is so adaptive, by the time many symptoms warn you of a problem, it can be well advanced.

Would you rather be healthy or just feel good?

You can be healthy and still not feel well. Vomiting after eating improperly prepared food is a healthy response. Taking a drug to prevent your body from expelling the toxic food could be deadly! Fevers, diarrhea, and other symptoms are natural ways your body responds to infection and disease.

Proper function, controlled by your nervous system, is the key to health. Fortunately, the proper function of your nervous system is the primary interest of your chiropractic doctor.

 

When spinal functions improve, your symptoms usually improve too.

 

· REFERENCES ·

 

Barge, F.H., D.C., Tortipelvis, The Slipped Disc Syndrome; It’s Cause and Correction, 4th edition, Bawden Brothers Printing, Inc. 1986.

Collins, D., M.D., Dynamic Differential Diagnosis The Lippincott Company, 1981.

Govan, A. Callander, R., MacFarland, P., Pathology Illustrated, 2nd edition, Churchill Livingstone, 1986.

Marmot, M., Elliott, P., Coronary Heart Disease Epidemiology, 3rd edition, Oxford Medical Publications, 1992.

Maynard, J., D.C., Healing Hands, 4th edition, Jonorm Publishing Company, 1991.

Mendelsohn, R., M.D., How to Raise a Healthy Child, Contemporary Books, 1984.
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Popularity: 2% [?]

Chiropractic Home Self Test 6 and 7

 

 

Test 6

Have the adult or child being tested wear hard soled shoes and lie face down on a bed with their feet over the edge. Their legs should be kept together with their arms resting at each side.

During the test, the head must be facing straight down. This may be uncomfortable, but should be maintained for the duration of the test.

 

 

Grasp both of the feet and apply equal pressure between the heel and the arch with your thumbs. Check to see if one leg appears shorter.

 

 

Test 7

With the adult or child in the position as described in Test 6, test further by bending the legs up at the knees and compare again.

 

 

A contracted or short leg in either position is a common reaction to many types of spinal problems.

 

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Chiropractic Home Self Test 2 Through 5

 

 

Test 2

A low shoulder is a common postural deviation that may be an indication of a spinal malfunction with possible nervous system involvement.

 

 

Test 3

A common indicator of spinal stress is a head that is leaning too far forward. This puts wear and tear on the spine, leading to degenerative changes.

 

 

Test 4

Frequently, uneven shoe wear indicates some type of spinal imbalance. Examine a pair of shoes for unusual signs of wear.

 

 

 

Test 5

Often unequal pant leg length or an uneven skirt hemline can indicate a low hip or some other spinal problem.

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Chiropractic Home Self Test 1

 

 

 

Headaches, back pain, numbness, tingling, and other health problems can often be traced to the spine.Many things can cause the moving bones of the spine to lose their normal motion or position. This can irritate or choke the sensitive nerves that branch off the spinal cord to service the organs and tissues of your body. Many spinal problems can cause postural changes. Take a few moments to check a loved one. If you discover problems, encourage them to seek a professional chiropractic examination.

Do you know someone who should investigate Chiropractic?

Try these simple tests. If you detect a possible problem, schedule a Chiropractic examination. Spinal problems rarely get better on their own, and often get worse with time.

 

 

 

Test 1

Have adults or children being tested stand on a hard, flat surface. Have them close their eyes and “march in place” 2 or 3 steps and then stop.With their eyes still closed, have them nod their head 2 or 3 times, as if they were looking at the floor and then the ceiling, stopping where they feel comfortable.

With their eyes still closed, examine their posture. From the front, all 9 test points should line up. If they are not in alignment, schedule a chiropractic examination today.

 

 

 

 

 

Still with their eyes closed, test their posture from the side. There are 4 points that should line up. Again, if these points are not in alignment, seek a thorough chiropractic examination.

 

 

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When Should I See A Chiropractor?

Chiropractic is based on the scientific fact that your nervous system controls the function of every cell, tissue, organ, and system of your body. Your nervous system consists of your brain, spinal cord, and millions of nerves. Your brain is protected by the skull, and your spinal cord by the 24 moving bones of the spine. Many everyday activities can cause these spinal bones to lose their normal position or motion. This can result in nervous system dysfunction and ultimately ill health.

The chiropractic approach to better health is to detect, reduce, and help prevent nervous system disfunction.

Here is what will happen when you visit your chiropractor for the first time.

A thorough examination.
You’ll be asked to turn and bend, your posture will be checked, your reflexes and muscle strength will be tested, and other orthopedic and neurological tests may be performed. These tests are designed to show if any areas of your spine are causing problems.

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Diagnostic Imaging.
These images can help reveal pathologies, document the history of your spinal health, and guide your doctor in creating a care program based on your unique spinal condition. Today’s high-tech equipment and ultra sensitive films help minimize your exposure.

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A teamwork approach.
Your health today is the result of your habits, your thoughts, your actions and all the circumstances of your life. Little can be done about the past, but we’re here to help with your future.

Learn as much as you can about the nature of true health and follow your doctors recommendations.

©© 1999 Back Talk Systems, Inc.
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Chiropractic Proof

For over 100 years, chiropractic has produced significant results with a wide variety of health complaints. Millions of patients, from newborns and adolescents, to adults and seniors have benefited from this safe, conservative form of health care.

This success has attracted the attention of more and more researchers who want to better understand the role of chiropractic in improving health. This information has been prepared to help interpret some of the many research projects from around the world, that have positive chiropractic implications.

Because chiropractic care centers around the role of the nervous system, in the future, watch for research findings in the areas of aging, genetics, and immune system response.

The AHCPR Findings

The results published in 1994 by the United States Agency for Health Care Policy Research, reviewed the many treatments for acute low back pain in adults. The panel consisted of medical doctors, osteopaths, nurses, physical therapists, and others familiar with the treatment of low back pain. The results of their five-year study concluded that relief “can be accomplished most safely with nonprescription medication and/or spinal manipulation.”

What Works & What Doesn’t

The panel screened over one hundred published studies relating to spinal manipulation. Using the criteria of symptomatic and functional improvement, the researchers concluded that spinal manipulation is helpful for patients with acute low back pain.

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After reviewing the many treatments for low back pain, the panel recommended spinal manipulation.
Perhaps more significant were treatments found to be ineffective and of unproven value. The panel found no evidence of benefit from physical therapy, massage, traction, ultra-sound, laser treatment, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, or biofeedback techniques.

More invasive procedures were dismissed as well. There was little evidence to support the use of injections, muscle relaxers, steroids, acupuncture, or early surgical intervention. The panel found that even prolonged bed rest (more than 4 days), should be avoided.

Upon review of countless controlled randomized clinical trials, the panel concluded that restoration of spinal biomechanics, using methods like those used by chiropractic doctors, to be helpful and highly recommended.

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The Manga Report

In 1993, the Ontario Ministry of Health funded a Canadian research project to study if chiropractic could help lower the costs of work-related injuries or improve the rehabilitation of disabled or injured workers.

This study specifically explored the effectiveness of chiropractic management of low back pain. Based on a historical review of the most significant clinical studies, the panel of researchers concluded that the approaches employed by chiropractic doctors were more effective than traditional forms of treatment. In fact, they found the most commonly used medical treatments have questionable value.

Very Persuasive Evidence

Besides revealing that chiropractic patients were able to return to work more quickly than those who received traditional treatment, chiropractic patients reported a high level of satisfaction with their care.

One of the most persuasive findings was the issue of safety. The study concluded that chiropractic care is safer than medical management of low back pain.

Based on the evidence, the researchers recommended that chiropractic services be fully covered under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan. Further, they concluded that chiropractic doctors should be engaged at the highest levels to assess policy and review standards and care recommendations for workers with back injuries.

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The Virginia Assessment

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Chiropractic Care was shown to help avoid or reduce the incidence of other more expensive forms of treatment.
This 1992 study was conducted to determine the value of including chiropractic in Virginia’s mandated health care coverage. The research was conducted by a professor of economics and preventive medicine. Because chiropractic care could help avoid more costly types of treatment, it was concluded that mandating chiropractic coverage could actually reduce costs.

Chiropractic Compared Favorably

The researchers conducted a thorough investigation between chiropractic and traditional medical treatment. While their primary focus was on the costs associated with including chiropractic coverage, they explored safety issues, efficacy, wage loss, and treatment frequency. Before reaching their conclusions they reviewed 35 different comparisons.

A concern explored in their research was whether expanding coverage to include chiropractic would increase costs to the state. This concern seemed to unfounded.

The evidence they present shows that chiropractic care provides substantial benefits at a relatively low cost. They concluded that adding chiropractic benefits would have a very small impact on health insurance expenditures and might actually lower overall health care costs.

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The British Study

A three year British study involved 741 patients. Roughly half received traditional medical treatment and the other half received chiropractic care. The 1990 report observed that patients seen by chiropractic doctors were significantly better within six months and remained so during the two year follow-up period. This, and other evidence, led researchers to conclude that chiropractic care compares more favorably than traditional outpatient hospital treatment.

Long Term Results

Published in the prestigious British Medical Journal, this study is especially important due to its size and independent nature. Besides revealing the effectiveness of chiropractic in the short-term, the lasting effect of treatment two and three years later was significant.

Researchers used the Oswestry Pain Disability Questionnaire and the results of objective range of motion testing to confirm their findings. The patients progress was measured by their ability to walk, lift, sit, and conduct their lives. Not only did the chiropractic patients experience better results for a longer period of time, they missed less time from work.

Based upon patients consulting chiropractic doctors instead of receiving hospital treatment, the researchers concluded that reduced absenteeism could save millions in lost production each year. Because of its effectiveness and long-term benefits, they recommended that including chiropractic in the British National Health Service should be considered.

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· REFERENCES ·

Bigos, S., Bowyer, O., Braen, G., et al. Acute Low Back Problems in Adults. Clinical Practice Guideline No. 14. AHCPR Publication No 95-0642. Rockville, MD: Agency for Health Care Policy and Research, Public Health Service, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. December, 1994.

The Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness of Chiropractic Management of Low-Back Pain, Pran Manga, Ph.D., Douglas Angus, M.A., Costa Papadopoulos, M. H.A., William Swan, B. A. Funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health, August, 1993, Page 104.

Leonard G. Schifrin, Chancellor Professor of Economics and Preventive Medicine, The College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia.

Low Back Pain of Mechanical Origin: Randomized Comparison of Chiropractic and Hospital Outpatient Treatment , T.W. Meade, Sandra Dyer, Wendy Browne, Joy Townsend, A.O. Frank, British Medical Journal, Volume 300, 2 June 1990, Pages 1431-1437.

© 1999 Back Talk Systems, Inc.

Popularity: 2% [?]

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