Dr. Paula Weihler licensed Chiropractic Physician & Acupuncturist talks about acupuncture to stop smoking. Would you like to quit smoking? Call Priority Health today (630) 553-7737.
Neck Pain Relief and Best Treatment Options 60560
Neck pain is a very common problem. In fact, 2/3rds of the population will have neck pain at some point in life. It can arise from stress, lack of sleep, prolonged postures (such as reading or driving), sports injuries, whiplash injuries, arthritis, referred pain from upper back problems, or even from sinusitis! Rarely, it can be caused from dangerous problems including referred pain during a heart attack, carotid or vertebral artery injuries, or head or neck cancer, but these, as previously stated, are very uncommon. However, since you don’t know why your neck hurts, it’s very important to have your neck pain properly evaluated so the cause can be properly treated and not just covered up from the use of pain killers!
Barring the dangerous causes of neck pain listed above, treatment methods vary depending on whom you elect to consult. Classically, if you see your primary care physician, pharmaceutical care is usually the approach. Medications can be directed at reducing pain (Tylenol, or one of many prescription “pain killers”), at reducing inflammation and pain (Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Aleve, etc.), to reduce muscle spasms (like muscle relaxers) or, medications may be directed to reduce depression, anxiety, or the like. When a sinus infection affects the 2 deep sinuses (ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses which are located deep in the head), the referred pain is directed to the back of the head and neck. Here, an antibiotic may be needed and/or something specifically directed at allergies when present. In general, in cases that do not respond to usual chiropractic care, co-management with the primary care physician is a good option.
However, the good news is that chiropractic care usually works well, and the need for medication can be avoided since the side effects of medication can sometimes be worse than the benefits. Recently, The Bone and Joint Decade Task Force on Neck Pain published arguably the best review of research published between 2000 and 2010 regarding neck pain treatment approaches. They concluded that spinal manipulation and mobilization are highly effective for many causes of neck pain, especially when arising from the muscles and joints – the most common cause. Therefore it would seem logical to consult with a Chiropractor FIRST since manipulation and mobilization are so effective and safe. When we add neck exercises, the results are even better, according to some studies. As chiropractors, we will often use different modalities including electric stimulation, ultrasound, hot and/or cold (which are usually given as a good home-applied remedy), and others. In particular, low level laser therapy (LLLT) has been shown, “…to reduce pain immediately after treatment in acute neck pain and up to 22 weeks after completion of treatment in patients with chronic neck pain” [Lancet, 2009; 374(9705)]. LLLT is a commonly used modality by chiropractors and when combined with spinal manipulation, the results can be even faster! We will also evaluate your posture, body mechanics, and consider “ergonomic” or work station problems and offer recommendations for improving your work environment. We also frequently utilize anti-inflammatory nutrients including vitamins, minerals, herbs, and more to avoid the negative side effects to the stomach, liver, and kidney negative that can result from using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin, ibuprofen, or Aleve. Make chiropractic your FIRST choice when neck pain strikes, NOT last resort!
We realize that you have a choice in where you choose your health-care services. If you, a friend or family member requires care for neck pain, we sincerely appreciate the trust and confidence shown by choosing our services and look forward in serving you and your family presently and, in the future.
To schedule an appointment for neck pain relief in Yorkville please call 630-553-7737.
Benefits of Chiropractic for your Child
There are innumerable benefits of taking your child to a chiropractic doctor. Several of very serious and worrisome conditions that your child suffers from can be dealt with under this conservative care. The one major reason why chiropractic is considered a conservative mechanism is that it helps maintain the health and prevents it from unforeseen risks and issues.
Benefits
Several reasons worry you about your kids, and chiropractic treatments are a great way to tackle these reasons. You might have stumbled upon a few of these benefits earlier, however, chiropractic has success stories in a wide array of child related issues. Following is a list of benefits that attract parents to this form of care:
1. Alternative To Medicine– During pregnancy, women avoid all kinds of medication to ensure the safety of their developing baby from any physical or mental harm. Similarly, parents avoid medicines with their infants and young children. Chiropractic services are a healthy and active way of dealing with many issues.
2. Colic- For the first few months of an infant’s life, being in a colic state is one of the major headaches for the parents. With several spine manipulation techniques, this state can be overcome allowing the child to be at ease.
3. Sleep disturbance- Inadequate or disturbed sleep can constantly irritate the mood of an infant. Spine dysfunction is said to be associated with sleep issues and a chiropractic doctor can help alleviate the issues.
4. Bed wetting– Chiropractic practitioners manipulate the spine to adjust the functioning of the body. Running through the spine are nerve roots that carry signal and messages to and from different parts of the body. Spine manipulation can then allow the practitioner to adjust nerves that run to urinary system and treat the habit of bed wetting.
5. Attention Deficient Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) – A common psychological disorder amongst children, this is often dealt with the use of medication. The medications can have several negative side effects such as loss of memory etc. However, with a chiropractic doctor, the part of the brain that functions poorly can be stimulated through spine manipulation. Thus, conservative care can put forward promising results for ADHD.
Several other issues with which chiropractic care is effective include ear infections, allergies, asthma, headaches, constipation, cold, sore throat, body aches and many more. The chiropractic doctor utilizes several manual therapies on the spine, and contributes to the healthy development and the overall wellness of your child.
Imaged used under Creative Commons Licensing: Soapbubbles-SteveEF.jpg
Shoulder pain? Chiropractic may help you shrug off your shoulder issue! Yorkville Clinic
Often clients come into my office and their nagging shoulder problem that has been lingering and not improving for months or even years isn’t their main concern- usually their back is what brings them in and they have no idea that chiropractic could even potentially help their shoulder!
Many people aren’t aware that chiropractic can potentially help shoulder injuries like repetitive motion injuries and those occurring in sport and the workplace
Quite often their story is something along the lines of a ‘sports injury’, ‘work injury’, or ‘repetitive motion injury’ that occurred months or years ago followed by some form of treatment that ‘helped a little’ but the unfortunate fact remains that the problem is just still there.
In the same way that the proper alignment of spinal vertebrae is crucial to spinal and nerve system health, the proper alignment of the bones and joints that make up the shoulder is just as important- and this is where chiropractic can make a huge difference.
The bones that make up the shoulder are the clavicle, scapula, and humerus. When shoulder injuries happen, small misalignments of these bones at the joints that connect them can occur- just like they can in the spine! When this happens, the muscles surrounding the shoulder often tense up and spasm in an attempt to keep the shoulder from further misalignment and injury, resulting in decreased range of motion, muscle soreness, pinching sensations, and nerve issues.
When shoulder injuries happen, misalignments of the bones and joints making up the shoulder can occur and cause major issue- just like the spine!
At my clinic shoulder issues are dealt with by:
– Looking at a client’s history to determine if the shoulder is safe to work on;
– Assessing the neck for subluxations (misalignments of spinal vertebrae causing irritation to the nerves going to the shoulders) and adjusting these back into proper alignment;
– Going through a protocol of testing muscles of the shoulder to determine where misalignments of the bones of the shoulder are;
– Adjusting these misalignments back into place;
– Working on muscular trigger points surrounding the shoulder;
It definitely it puts a smile on my face when over several weeks time, and sometimes after the first visit clients say things like “I can’t believe it, I finally have my ARM back!”, or ” I haven’t been able to move my arm like THAT in over a year!” Results vary from person to person depending on many factor of course, but great results are common.
Maintaining proper alignment of ALL joints of the body can help ensure top performance in athletes.
You don’t necessarily have to have symptoms to have the alignment of your shoulder assessed either. For example, athletes can certainly benefit from making sure that not just their shoulders, but all the joints of their body are in proper alignment- from hips to wrists, knees, elbows, feet, ankles, and even jaws. Chiropractic assessment and adjustment of all the joints involved in their sport will help ensure any athlete’s best performance.
Call today 630-553.7737 if you have questions or to schedule an appointment. See the coupon online to cover your first appointment.
How Does Massage Work? Yorkville IL Top Clinic
How Does Massage Work?
Massage causes physiological changes in your body through:
- The relaxation response, which is an involuntary, yet predictable response of the nervous system to massage techniques and touch
- Mechanical responses, which are physical effects that occur in the body when pressure is applied to the soft tissues
Together, these responses can produce physical and emotional benefits.
What is the relaxation response?
In a massage, a caring, safe touch is an invitation to relax. This, together with pain relief, generally produces a “relaxation response.”
The relaxation response is a state in which your heart and breathing rate slow, your blood pressure goes down, your production of stress hormones decreases, and your muscles relax. The relaxation response also seems to increase the available level of serotonin, which is a chemical in the body that positively affects emotions and thoughts. While this information is promising, more studies are needed to directly confirm the relationship between massage and levels of serotonin in the brain.
The relaxation response may decrease the physical effects of stress and reduce the risks associated with stress, such as hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, anxiety, insomnia, persistent fatigue, sexual dysfunction, digestive disorders, and psychological issues–to name a few.
What are mechanical responses?
The physical manipulation in massage has two major physical effects:
- Increase in blood and lymph circulation
- Relaxation and normalization of the soft tissue (muscle, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments), which releases nerves and deeper connective tissues
Improving Circulation
Massage is believed to improve blood and lymph circulation. This is probably due partly to the physical manipulation of soft tissue and partly to the chemicals released as part of the relaxation response.
Improved circulation can enhance the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to muscle cells. As cellular health improves, tissues function more efficiently. More efficient functioning leads to the removal of waste products and may increase the absorption of excess fluids and reduce swelling in soft tissues.
Relaxing Tissue
Massage therapy relaxes muscle tissue, which reduces painful contractions and spasms. Massage can also reduce nerve compression. To understand this, consider that when muscles are contracted, they sometimes compress the nerves around them. When these muscles are relaxed, the nerves are no longer compressed, and, in theory, can get proper nutrients and operate more efficiently. The nerves can assume their normal work of transmitting messages to and from the brain, which improves functioning of the muscles and organs.
Touching the skin or applying pressure relaxes muscles, tendons, and ligaments. In addition, while some of the deeper tissues of the body, such as deep spinal musculature, cannot be easily accessed by a massage therapist, the release of more superficial layers of muscles may also affect these deeper layers. This can lead to both superficial and deep tissues finding a better alignment and balance.
Organs can also benefit from massage, as they share neurological pain pathways with muscles, bones, and nerves. When muscles, bones, or nerves are distressed, organs can sometimes reflect distress and dysfunction. For example, low back pain can intensify menstrual cramps and menstrual cramps can cause low back muscles to tense. Massage can therefore improve symptoms associated with the functioning of both the organ and the muscles.
References
Photo credit of American Massage Therapy Association.
Fritz, Sandra. (2008). Fundamentals of Therapeutic Massage. St. Louis, MO: Mosby, Inc.
Yates, John. (2004). A Physician’s Guide to Therapeutic Massage, Third Edition. Ontario, Canada: Curties-Overzet Publications, Inc.
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