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Headache

Cervicogenic headaches originate from disorders of the neck, including muscles, joints and ligaments innervated by the first three nerves coming from the spinal cord. Cervical headache is often caused by a sudden unguarded neck movement or sustained awkward head positioning. It is often accompanied by restricted range of motion in the neck, as well as vague neck, shoulder, or arm pain on the same side.

The most compelling study of chiropractic efficacy is Nelson's randomized trial, comparing chiropractic to medical care,[4] which included the drug amitriptyline, for the treatment of Migraine Headache. During the 4-week trial, both groups reduced in symptoms. After withdrawal of treatment, the medical group relapsed or got worse, whereas the group receiving chiropractic care maintained their improvements. The amitriptyline is more cost-effective as it is cheaper than the cost of visiting a doctor, but freedom from symptoms or a reduction in frequency only happened in the chiropractic group.

Independent (non-chiropractic) researchers reviewed research on many different types of behavioral and physical treatments for tension-type and cervicogenic headaches[5] and found that cervical spinal manipulation was associated with improvement in cervicogenic headache outcomes (but not for tension-type headache), and was superior to soft-tissue therapies like massage.

Neck Pain

Neck Pain is an increasing phenomenon in the healthcare field. It is increasing in both intensity, frequency and severity of episodes. The reason is simple. As we work more at our desks, live fast paced and hectic lives, we place more stress and strain on the upper back and neck regions of our spines.

Neck pain although felt in the neck, can be caused by numerous other spinal issues. Neck pain may arise due to muscular tightness in both the neck and upper back. Joint disruption in the neck creates pain as does joint disruption in the upper back.

The head is supported by the lower neck and upper back, it is these areas that commonly cause neck pain. The top three joints in the neck allow for most movement of your neck and head. The lower joints in the neck and those of the upper back create a supportive structure for your head to sit on. If this support system is affected adversly, then the muscles in the area will tighten, leading to neck pain.

Neck pain is treated by numerous physical therapies. They range in complexity depending on the severity and underlying causes of the pain. Chiropractic adjustments are safe and are often applied to the joints to help restore proper movement and function. Neck pain can also be eased via many self help techniques such as stretching, strength building exercises and/or home ice or heat therapy.

Shoulder Pain

The shoulder is the most movable joint in the body. However, it is an unstable joint because of the range of motion allowed. It is easily subject to injury because the ball of the upper arm is larger than the shoulder socket that holds it. To remain stable, the shoulder must be anchored by its muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Some shoulder problems arise from the disruption of these soft tissues as a result of injury or from overuse or underuse of the shoulder. Other problems arise from a degenerative process in which tissues break down and no longer function well.

Shoulder pain may be localized or may be referred to areas around the shoulder or down the arm. Disease within the body (such as gallbladder, liver, or heart disease, or disease of the cervical spine of the neck) also may generate pain that travels along nerves to the shoulder. Conversely, pain felt in the region of the shoulder blade or scapula nearly always has its origin in the neck.

Carpal Tunnel/numbness

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a medical condition in which the median nerve is compressed at the wrist, leading to pain, paresthesias, and muscle weakness in the forearm and hand. A form of compressive neuropathy, CTS is more common in women than it is in men, and, though it can occur at any age, has a peak incidence around age 42. The lifetime risk for CTS is around 10% of the adult population.

CTS is usually caused by forceful and repetitive use of the wrist and hands. Numbness of the hands has also been linked to later stages of pregnancy, diabetes and other pathologies which affect peripheral nerves. Causes of CTS by repetitive stress are best treated by eliminating the stressful activity or by taking more frequent rest. It has been shown taking multiple mini breaks during the repetitive activity is more effective than taking occasional longer breaks. A common culprit is long periods of computer use. There are computer applications that aid users in taking breaks. Before investing in these types of programs, best consult with a health practitioner to determine the true cause of the hand/wrist numbness.

It is also important that one's body be aligned properly with the keyboard. This is most easily accomplished by bending ones elbows to a 90 degree angle and making sure the keyboard is at the same height as the elbows. Also it is important not to put physical stress on the wrists by hanging the wrist on the edge of a desk, or exposing the wrists to strong vibrations (e.g. manual lawn mowing). Position the computer monitor directly in front of your seat, so the neck is not twisted to either side when viewing the screen.

Exercises that relax and strengthen the muscles of the upper back can reduce the risk of a double crush of the median nerve. Spinal manipulations performed by a chiropractor may be appropriate to relieve compression of the nerve.

Central Back Pain

Mid-back pain can originate from many different structures including postural muscles, ribs, ligaments, spinal joints and nerves. Certain internal organs can also refer pain to the mid-back such as some of the upper digestive tract.

The spine is a complex interconnecting network of nerves, joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments, and all are capable of producing pain. Large nerves that originate in the spine and go to the legs and arms can make pain radiate to the extremities.

Chiropractors treat central back pain with good results. During the visit, the chiropractor would discuss the history of the problem, perform a physical exam to determine the cause of the mid-back pain and then treat the musculoskeltal problem with manual therapy such as spinal manipulation and mobilizations and may also use ultrasound or other physical modalities, heat or ice, and home exercises to help promote healing.

Lower Back Pain

Low back pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder which affects the lumbar segment of the spine. It can be either acute, subacute or chronic in its clinical presentation. Typically, the symptoms of low back pain do show significant improvement within two to three months from its onset. In a significant number of individuals, low back pain tends to be recurrent in nature with a waxing and waning quality to it. In a small proportion of sufferers this condition can become chronic. Population studies show that back pain affects most adults at some stage in their life and accounts for more sick leave and disability than any other single medical condition.

Radiation into legs/sciatica

The sciatic nerve is a collection of nerve roots originating in the low back which join together to give sensation and messages to the lower leg and foot. “Sciatica” is defined as pain down the back of the leg associated with the sciatic nerve.

The current theory on the cause of sciatica is that one of the nerve roots which contributes to the sciatic nerve is inflamed or compressed from an irritated or herniated disc. This may reveal itself as a specific pattern of numbness, depressed reflexes or muscle weakness.

Unfortunately, “sciatica” has become a catch-phrase for any pain down the leg. However there are many other structures which can give sciatic-like symptoms including:

1. Piriformis Syndrome: A muscle in the buttock called piriformis may put pressure on the sciatic nerve and cause sharp buttock pain or achy pain into the back of the leg or calf.
2. Sacro-iliac joint sprain: the joint between the sacrum and the pelvis may give pain into the buttock and leg. This pain usually does not go below the knee and tends to be achy or vague in nature.
3. Facet Joint Syndrome: the ligaments and capsules around the joints between the vertebrae in the low back can be the cause of leg pain. Usually this low back complaint is described as “sharp with certain movements” and the person may also experience hip/buttock or leg pain which stays above the knee.

Narrowing of the Vertebral Canal (Stenosis): Usually targeting people in their 50’s or older, narrowing of the vertebral canal may put pressure on spinal structures. Symptoms include low back and leg pain – often worse when walking and better when resting in a flexed position.

There are many causes to leg pain. If you are experiencing sciatica, the best course of action is visit a health professional such as a chiropractor who trained in diagnosing musculoskeletal complaints. He or she will take a proper history, perform a physical examination and determine the cause and best method of treatment for the leg pain.

S.I. Joint problems

The condition is characterized by local pain to the back of the hip and buttock region. It is caused by excessive strain to the sacroiliac (SI) joint, and is often more painful with walking, bending, or getting up from a seated position – but the symptoms can vary. There can be a wide variety of causes of this condition, some of the most common being: muscles imbalance, foot hyperpronation, overuse, and joint dysfunction.

Since the cause of this condition can vary, the treatment will also vary to match the underlying cause of the joint strain. Assessment will include a comprehensive examination of the entire lower extremity, pelvis, and low back to determine the specific mechanism of injury. Treatment will be directed not only at relieving pain and discomfort, but also at full correction of the underlying dysfunction.