Generally speaking, whiplash is an injury sustained to the neck area that occurs when the neck and head area is violently moved to one side, backwards, or forwards. It occurs most often during automobile accidents, especially ones involving a rear-end collision. The motion itself can be likened to someone cracking a whip, hence the name. This extreme, and often rapid movement can push the neck muscles and ligaments beyond their normal range of motion.

Whiplash injuries can vary between a mild case with a few aches and pains to severe ones where dizziness, headaches, nausea and disorientation may occur. Most people treat the mild cases of whiplash with over the counter pain medications, which are wonderful for the temporary relief of the minor aches and pains. Unfortunately, they do little to solve the underlying problem, and once the painkillers wear off, the patient is back to where he or she started.

The problem of course, stems not from the aches and pain, but rather from the injury sustained during the automobile accident. In many whiplash cases, the neck is put under such strain, that the vertebrae and the associated discs will become misaligned, and compress the very nerves that affect the neck, shoulders, arms, hands, and head. It is this compression, and damage of the nerves that lead to the pain associated with whiplash.

Thankfully, there are ways to treat not only the pain of whiplash, but also the underlying causes. Chiropractic doctors have been trained extensively in how the body moves, its bone structure, anatomy, chiropractic care, and patient interaction. Before they even obtain their chiropractic training, many have at a minimum of three years preparatory schooling. Once there, they trained for just over four years in chiropractic medicine to obtain their doctor of chiropractic medicine.

Once a proper diagnosis of whiplash is confirmed, treatment is the next step. There are a number of different ways that chiropractic treatment can occur. In chiropractic medicine, a comprehensive view of the neck’s mechanisms is encouraged. The restrictive movement and acute pain experience by many patients can often be attributed to injured tissue, and the protective responses of the nervous system. In the case of whiplash symptoms, the nervous system essentially “locks up” the spinal joints to protect the spinal cord from potential injury. Essentially, your mind and nervous system has told your neck muscles not to move in a certain way because there is a chance of further injury.

Sometimes, however, the body needs a little coaxing back into full mobility. This is where chiropractic care can be such a great help to the healing process. A chiropractic doctor will focus on increasing the mobilization of the restricted spinal joints. By using spinal manipulation, the chiropractor will skillfully convince the various nerve receptors to begin sending messages again, relaying a more accurate picture of the situation to your mind. Over time, and with a bit of work, soon your neck will have increased mobility, and the pain associated with your whiplash injury will start to fade. Don’t be mistaken, dealing with an injury such as this will take time and effort. However, working with a qualified chiropractor can help immensely.

It is estimated that nearly 20 million United States citizens suffer from some form of neuropathy. Neuropathy, in the broadest of meanings refers to various ailments or diseases of the nervous system in the body. It is usually classified into three basic categories

• Mononeuropathy – damage to a single nerve, such as found in carpal tunnel
• Polyneuropathy – generalized involvement of peripheral nerves – such as diabetic neuropathy
• Multiple Mononeuropathy – two or more individual nerves being affected.

In addition to being classified based on the nerves affected, neuropathy is also commonly categorized by the type of organs affected, for example motor, sensory, or autonomic, or even the type of onset. Acute neuropathy occurs over a period of hours or days, while chronic occurs over months or years.

Although the symptoms of neuropathy are fairly easy to see, the condition itself is not always easy to diagnose. Neuropathy is not a single disease, but rather a set of symptoms that can have any number of underlying causes. However, a standard diagnostic process has been developed. It begins with a full medical history, an examination of tendon reflexes, muscle strength, and tone, and a neurological examination. There are a few other common tests, but which ones are used greatly depends on the situation. The more information that the doctor has the easier it is for him to diagnose accurately.

It is not exactly certain what causes the damage to the nerves that characterize neuropathy. About a third of the cases are due to unknown causes, while another third can be attributed to diabetes. The remaining instances appear to be caused by such things as trauma or pressure on the nerves, nutritional problems and vitamin deficiencies, or even autoimmune conditions.

Once the diagnosis has been properly made, effective treatment can begin. In a number of cases, the cause of neuropathy is trauma to the nerves involved, often through compression of the nerve where it joins into the spinal cord. If this is the case, often the treatment prescribed involves some over the counter pain medication, physical therapy, and spinal manipulation by a professional chiropractor.

If the source of your condition is due to trauma to the nerves from a misaligned spinal column, a chiropractor is an excellent resource. They have been specially trained, over many years, to manipulate the spinal column in such a way to safely relieve the pressure and compression on the nerves causing your neuropathy.

Neuropathy can be an extremely difficult condition to deal with on a daily basis. The symptoms of numbness, pain, and even the loss of motor functions can be frightening and frustrating. Worse yet, if the symptoms are not treated properly, severe injury or death is distinct possibilities. If you suffer from neuropathy, please make sure you find a program that works best for your individual set of conditions. Talk with your chiropractor today – chances are they will be able to help you live your life to the fullest.

Anyone who has survived a car accident will tell you that the recovery process can be long and difficult.  There is paperwork, legal activities, not to mention the various medical situations that may arise.  For many, the road back to a full and healthy life can take a great deal of time to travel.

It is important as you travel on the road to full recovery that you have the expert help you need.  There are many people there to help you, family and friends, and the various professionals that you will work with to get your body in full health.  If the car accident has caused a neck injury or whiplash, a chiropractor can offer immense help during the recovery process.

Whiplash, as it is commonly called, is simply a neck sprain, or another type of injury to the neck area.  Specifically, damage occurs within the joints between the vertebrae, discs, ligaments, cervical muscles and possibly the nerve roots.  A sudden, abrupt jerking motion of the head causes the cause of these injuries, which is often experience during a car accident.

The symptoms that can develop over time, and sometimes can be delayed for 24 hours or more after the car accident.  In most cases, people who are suffering from whiplash can exhibit one or more of the following symptoms:

• Headaches
• Pain in the shoulder, or between the shoulder blades
• Neck pain and stiffness
• Lower back pain
• Pain or numbness in the arm and hand
• Dizziness
• Ringing in ears
• Difficulty concentrating
• Fatigue
• Irritability

The symptoms of whiplash are truly varied, and some of them can be indicator of other conditions or diseases.  Therefore, a full diagnosis should be made by your chiropractor prior to the start of treatment.  In most cases, injuries like whiplash, which affect the soft tissues, will not be visible on standard X-rays.  Instead, specialized imaging tests, such as CT scans or magnetic resonance (MRI) is often used as a diagnostic tool.

Once whiplash is properly diagnosed by your chiropractor, effective treatment can begin. Perhaps one of the most effective means of treating whiplash is through chiropractic manipulation of the spinal column and neck area.  In fact, a study conducted by Woodward and others in 1996, and published in the industry magazine Injury indicated that nearly 93% of the patients studied were found to have a statistically significant improvement in pain and discomfort, and relative movement ability after chiropractic care.  Symptoms ranging from headaches to back pain, even related extremity pain in the arms and hand showed marked improvement over a term of chiropractic care of approximately 15 months.

Time and time again, the experience of chiropractors and their patients have reflected these impressive results.  Many people suffering from the long-term effects of a car accident have used the skills of a qualified professional to find relief from their symptoms.

Given the available data, and the many cases of people finding relieve for their soft tissue injuries beyond what a normal doctor can do, is it any wonder why many people turn to chiropractors as a viable option for recovery?  It is our sincerest hope that you are never injured in a car accident.  However, if the unforeseen does occur, having a qualified chiropractor on your recovery team can make all the difference in the world.

Numbness and Tingling

Numbness and tingling are not normal symptoms to be experiencing.  Quite often when someone experiences these sensations they are felt in the fingers, hands, feet, arms or legs.

There are many causes that may lead to the sensation of numbness and tingling below are just a few:

• Sitting or standing in the same position for a long period of time
• Pressure to a nerve from a herniated or bulging disc
• Lack of blood supply to a given area – an example of this can be atherosclerosis, which is a build up of plaque from cholesterol.  The person may experience pain, numbness and tingling in the legs.
• Pressure to peripheral nerves from enlarged blood vessels, tumors, scar tissue or infection
• Lack of vitamins such as B12
• Shingles
• Abnormal levels of calcium, potassium or sodium in the body

Some other conditions that may cause the sensation of numbness and tingling are:

• Migraines
• Diabetes
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Stroke
• Seizures
• Multiple sclerosis

Some of the causes of numbness or tingling in the arms and hands may be a result of a cervical spine nerve or a portion of it being irritated.  This irritation can be a result of a cervical subluxation.  A subluxation is a misalignment of two or more vertebral bones. The nerves that exit from the cervical vertebrae may be compromised causing the numbness and tingling sensations.

The numbness or tingling that occurs in the legs and feet may be caused by the same mechanism found in the arms and hands. A protrusion of the intervertebral disc or herniated intervertebral disc can place pressure on nerve producing numbness down the leg.  The feet may be affected depending on what level the disc is being irritated.

When and if you are experiencing the symptoms of numbness and tingling it needs to be attended with great concern.  The neurological system is the most sensitive structure in the body and early warnings are best heeded sooner rather than later.  If you are healthy and wake up with tingling in your arms or legs, it is important not to ignore the symptoms. If you experience pain in the neck or back for several days and tingling should begin then it is very important that you consult your chiropractor.

One common cause of tingling in the arm may be a subluxated first rib.  This condition is called thoracic outlet syndrome where the artery and nerve may be pinched in the neck. The tingling is usually of a diffuse nature, rather than to one particular part of the arm.  This is called a dermatomal pattern.  A dermatomal pattern occurs when a nerve root is irritated in the neck, giving.  There are many reasons for numbness and tingling as described above, the most important thing to remember is to not ignore the symptoms.

Before we can discuss the benefits of spinal decompression for herniated discs, we must first identify a herniated disc.  The spinal column consists of bones called vertebrae and in between each verterbae is a interverterbal disc.  The main functions of the discs are to absorb shock from everyday wear and tear, allow motion of the spinal column and separate the vertbrae.

The discs themselves are a type of cartilaginous joint with an outer layer called the annulus fibrosis and an inner layer called the nucleus pulposus.  The inner layers consistency is similar to jelly.  The disc will compress and decompress with pressure.  When a disc is diseased it will not have the ability to handle the pressure and can lead to arthritis, herniated discs, bulging discs, stenosis and sciatic pain.  A herniated disc is an abnormal condition of the intervetebral disc.  Some folks will describe a herniated disc as a ‘slipped disc’, ‘ruptured disc’ or a ‘blown disc’.  The cause of a herniated disc is not known but it is believed that stress due to occupation, poor spinal posture or natural processes of aging or trauma may be the culprit.

There are different symptoms associated with a herniated disc and it depends mainly on the area of the spine that is affected.  If the herniation is located in the cervical (neck) spine, the symptoms can range from:

• neck pain with or without arm pain
• numbing and tingling
• muscle weakness

If the herniation is located in the lumbar (low back) spine, the symptoms will range from:

• low back pain
• numbness and tingling
• pain down the leg and foot
• muscle weakness

The diagnosis of a herniated disc is usually determined through a physical examination along with a detailed history, orthopedic and neurological examination.  A chiropractor can determine if the disc is herniated by following the above procedure as well as incorporated x-rays to determine if any degeneration is evident.  The treatment protocol would be chiropractic treatments in the form of spinal manipulations called adjustments. Some other treatments also consists of physical therapy, epidural injectins, pain killers and surgery.  However, chiropractic is the most non-invasive form of therapy.

Chiropractors will also incorporate spinal decompression to relieve a herniated disc.  With spinal decompression the treatment is directed to the root cause of the diseased disc by relieving pressure from the disc itself.  When pressure is released from the disc, the pressure is also relieved from the nerve.

Research has shown that spinal decompression can create a negative pressure withing the disc causing a vacuum effect.  This effect can in turn suck the disc material back inside the disc, therefore relieving the pressure from the nerve.  Once the pressure is removed from the nerve, the pain is reduced and the individual can feel relief.  The symptoms of pain, numbness, tingling and muscle weakness is relieved with out the need of surgery or medications.

You are faced with this scenario – you feel a sharp pain running down your leg from your low back to your calf.  You find it difficult to bend at the waist or to walk and worse yet, the pain is affecting your daily routine.  Does this scenario sound familiar to you?  Like many and perhaps millions, the symptoms you are experiencing are related to sciatic pain or better known as sciatica.

Chiropractic can help with individuals that suffer from sciatic pain. Before we can explain how Chiropractic can benefit those individuals that suffer from sciatic pain, we must define sciatica.

Sciatica is a pain that radiates down the buttocks region and down the back of the leg.  Some individuals will also experience pain in the soles of the feet.  The pain associated with sciatica can be described as sharp or burning in nature.  Sciatica is also frequently accompanied with low-back discomfort but it can also occur in individuals with no history of back pain.

Sciatica is most commonly triggered by compression of the sciatic nerve.  The sciatic nerve emergences from the spinal cord in the low back.  It passes through the bony openng in the pelvis and beneath the muscles in the buttocks and halfway down the thigh.  The compression of the sciatic nerve usually occurs at the region of the spine where the nerve is formed, in the spinal bones and pelvic region.  This compression is known as a vertebral subluxation.  Research studies have shown that vertebral subluxations are associated with increased risk or low back pain and sciatica.

Along with the vertebral subluxation, the sciatic nerve may be compressed by a rupurted spinal disc or by bony spurs caused by osteoarthritis.  Swollen or tight muscles in the buttocks region may also restrict the nerve.  In rare cases, the sciatice nerve may be compressed by a tumor or inflamed by a disease process.

Doctors of Chiropractic have a unique approach towards ending sciatic pain.  The Chiropractor will investigate the cause of your pain, rather than merely covering up your symptoms.  He will then work to correct the source of your complaint and will then strive to prevent a relapse by helping you achieve optimal health.  Ending the sciatic pain usually involves restoring the motion and the alignment of the subluxated regions in the spine or pelvis.  The Chiropractor achieves this with safe and gentle maneuvers called chiropractic adjustments.  Along with the adjustments, the Chiropractor may recommend exercises, diet changes and perhaps some ergonomic changes to help in the recovery process.

An individual who suffers from fibromyalgia experiences pain throughout his/her entire body.  Fibromyalgia affects the muscles, tendons and ligaments therefore with every move the pain is intensified.  Many who suffer from fibromyalgia are prescribed medication for the pain since they can find no other relief.  Many will suffer with the pain because the medical community cannot properly diagnose it or will label the individual and emotionally distressed.

Since the diagnosis is difficult to determine many who suffer from fibromyalgia will encounter painful surgeries and invasive methods in order to find some relief.  However, the symptoms remain and at times the pain is intensified.  It is believed that fibromyalgia may stem from the central nervous system, a system that chiropractic is very familiar with.   The theory behind Chiropractic is that the health of the entire body is controlled by the central nervous system, which may lead many to believe that Chiropractic may be a solution for those who suffer from fibromyalgia.

Some of the symptoms associated with fibromyalgia range from trigger points found in the belly of the muscles to pain and stiffness throughout the entire body.  Many will suffer from severe headaches as well as irritable bowel syndrome, fatigue, menstrual irregularities, muscle weakness, sleep disorders and ultimately depression.  For a chiropractor to help an individual with this syndrome he must ask many questions.  The job of a chiropractor is to investigate and determine the cause of the pain.  A complete history and physical assessment is performed along with palpation of the muscles in predetermined tender points.  We all have tender muscle points but in a person who suffers from fibromyalgia the tender points will elicit severe pain when minimal pressure is applied.

Chiropractors, after performing an extensive evaluation will adjust the neck and spine.  The adjustments are gentle, short thrusts applied to the spine in order to correct misalignments of the spine. The adjustments will also relieve some of the pain that may be associated with the trigger points and the misalignment.  Although there is no cure for fibromyalgia relieving some of the symptoms the person experiences is essential in the overall picture.  Many fibromyalgia sufferers will experience relief after a chiropractic adjustment that will last longer than the usual medications that are prescribed.

Medications are temporary and usually will have side effects that will intensify the symptoms.  Fibromyalgia patients want relief from the excruciating pain they suffer from on a daily basis.  Many will search for alternative methods such as massage and manipulative therapy.  Since the central nervous is thought to be involved, chiropractic treatment has been found to improve the symptoms and make it bearable for those who suffer from them.

Peripheral neuropathy results from damaged or diseased nerves that connect to the brain and spinal cord.  The peripheral nerves are responsible for carrying information to and from the brain.  When the nerve is diseased such as in a neuropathy, pain is evident as well as the loss and inability to control muscles.

In order to better understand the condition that arises from peripheral neuropathy we must first understand the meaning of the word.  The word peripheral refers to the nerves that go out from the center of the body and move out from the brain and spinal cord.  The word neuro refers to the nerves and pathy means abnormal.  Quite simply put, the central nervous system consists of your brain and spinal cord.  All the other nerves in your body are part of the peripheral nervous system.

When the nerves are damaged or diseased it will affect the following:

• Motor nerves which control your muscles and how they move
• Sensory nerves that receive feeling signals such as heat, pain or touch
• Autonomic nerves that control blood pressure, heart rate, digestion and bladder functions

Peripheral neuropathy symptoms will vary and mainly depend on the nerves that are affected.  Some of the signs and symptoms to be aware of are the following:

• Burning sensation and pain
• Loss of coordination
• Sharp, jabbing or electric-like pain
• Sensitivity to touch, especially light touch
• Gradual onset of numbness and tingling beginning in the feet and hands and possibly moving upward to the legs and arms
• Bladder dysfunction
• Muscle weakness
• Paralysis
• Difficulty breathing
• Itching
• Decreased blood pressure
• Difficulty swallowing

If the peripheral neuropathy is a result of nerve compression or impingement, chiropractic may be able to help with the symptoms.  A neurological examination is performed by the chiropractic to determine if indeed a nerve is impinged.  With chiropractic manipulations called adjustments, the misalignment causing the impingement is removed.  The misalignment or impingement is referred to a verterbral subluxation.  Once the subluxation is corrected the nerves are released and the messages that the respective nerves supply will be able to reach their destinations without  disruption.

Along with chiropractic treatments, exercise is recommended to reduce the spasms and posture is altered to relieve the stress that was placed on the nerves.  Other treatments such as physical therapy may be suggested as well as switching to a more balanced diet in order to control the disease.  Some neuropathy are associated with diseases such as diabetes and diet will definitely help with those conditions.

Migraine headaches affect many individuals.  The symptom associated with migraines produce severe pain, usually on one side of the head, along with intolerance to light and nausea.  Migraine headaches are commonly seen in women as well as children.

Chiropractors can help with migraine headaches but first they set out to identify the source of the headaches to stop them before they begin.  Migraine headaches are thought to come from chemical imbalances, but more research has found that migraines may be linked to spinal problems.  The spinal problems migraine headaches are linked to are called vertebral subluxations.  Vertebral subluxations are areas in the spine where motion is restricted or bones are out of alignment.

Chiropractic adjustments not only restore motion to the areas effected but they also create spinal alignment.  This alignment removes the vertebral subluxations which in turn eliminates the major migraine risk factor.  Another source that chiropractors can help in combating migraine headaches is a misaligned neck.  Individuals that work at a desk all day with slumped shoulders can lead to straightening or reversal of the neck’s natural curve.  This reversal of the neck’s natural curve is a major risk factor for neck and head pain and is associated with migraine headaches.

Some may think that it is easier to pop a pill instead of seeking chiropractic care for migraine headaches, however chiropractic care is more effective, safer and increases the chances of never having another headache, unlike the temporary relief of a pill.  The problem with over the counter medications is that consistent use of such medications can in turn be the actual cause of the headaches.  Conistent use can produce a condition called ‘analgesic-rebound headache’ which no one is immune to and it can affect adults as well as children.

Although this symptom can result from the overuse of over the counter medications it is not well known because of the pro-drug society we live in and because rebound headaches often are misdiagnosed.  Doctors of chiropractic are trained to detect analgesic-rebound headaches and offer natural approaches for recovery.

The chiropractor can also provide other alternatives to over the counter medications such as herbs and vitamins.  Research studies have found that supplements with Vitamin B have been successful in warding off migraine headaches. Yet high doses of Vitamin B are not always safe.  Herbs such as giner, peppermint, willow bark and Ginkgo may also alleviate migraine pain.  Before starting any vitamin or herbal remedy it is wise to check with your chiropractor first.

Chiropractic care is the most effective and safer than many drugs for headache pain.  Chiropractic care is also a safer and more effective method to alleviate the neck pain associated with migraines.  Migraine headaches can have destructive effects on your life, why put up with head pain when you can find relief with chiropractic care.

Can you imagine going throughout your day with back pain?  Every day thousands of people suffer from the annoying back ache.  Individuals are unproductive and can’t concentrate because of the back pain they are experiencing.  Chiropractic can end your low back pain and get you back to feeling ‘normal’ again.  Chiropractors are highly skilled in relieving back discomfort.  They are able to detect the cause of your pain and stop it at its source without masking it with the use of medications.

Back pain can result from a trauma to the spine, such as a fall, or automobile accident.  However, an individual may experience back pain from simply bending over.  Those slight movements from reaching or bending were merely the catalyst from something else that was brewing .  Some may refer to it as ‘the straw that broke the camel’s back’.  If you have been in auto accidents in the past, perhaps falling while rollerblading, fallen from your bike or worse yet a ladder; these activities may be the cause of future back problems.  Those simple activities can cause the bones (vertebrae) of the spine to move out of alignment, a condition that is referred to as a vertebral subluxation.

Vertebral subluxations are what Chiropractors detect and correct.  Vertebral subluxations are dysfunctional areas in the spine where movement is restricted or 2 or more bones are displaced.  This condition leads to back pain, the inability to move and osteoarthritis.  Chiropractors will work to remove the subluxations with gentle and safe maneuvers called chiropractic adjustments.  The chiropractic adjustments will help to restore movement and alignment of the spine.

A common concern from many individuals is the time it will take to get out of pain.  Once you have been diagnosed by the chiropractor, the chiropractor will answer your questions with an honest estimate based on research and clinical experience.  Your worries and concerns are legitimate but rest assured that chiropractic is the fastest and most effective strategy for reducing and ending low back pain.

Chiropractic focuses not only on ending your back pain, but it also helps you achieve optimal health.  The chiropractor will emphasize the importance of a healthy lifestyle and provide empowering recommendations for controlling your well-being.  Contrary to the belief of many that you must visit a chiropractor forever, the chiropractor may suggest regular preventative care checkups after you recover.  The checkups are desiged to keep your spine in alignment much like and oil change for your vehicle.  The oil change will prevent further damage to your vehicle and regular checkupswill ensure that you remain pain-free for life.  Isn’t this what we should all strive for?  Chiropractic helps with back pain without the use of medications and keeps the pain away.