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Scroll down for information on the following health conditions: 1. Fibromyalgia 2. Carpal Tunnel Snydrome 3. Headaches 4. Whiplash 5. Low Back Pain 1. FIBROMYALGIA Fibromyalgia and Sleep Deprivation The link between fibromyalgia (FM) and sleep is well established. Some feel FM is caused by a lack of deep sleep, which usually takes about 4 hours of continuous sleep to achieve. Overtime, the inability to fully relax due to the lack of deep sleep results in a gradual tightening of the muscles, which further prohibits deep sleep. FM symptoms include a widespread, generalized muscle aching, chronic fatigue, lack of drive, depression, irritability, gut or bowel problems, tingling or numbness, and others. It is most common in woman between 40 and 60 years of age and is the third most common rheumatologic disorders. Because these symptoms are usually chronic (present for at least 3 months), depression is a common complaint. This is due, in part, to the inability to get enough deep sleep that, in turn, results in less patience, less tolerance, and a decreased ability to cope with every day stresses. This can lead to inactivity, weight gain, poor dietary habits and sometimes, substance abuse. Unfortunately, all of this self-perpetuates the condition and frequently, anti-depressant medication and/or herbal approaches are helpful in breaking this cycle. Sleep aids can also be helpful since this may be at the core of the condition. Chiropractic care addresses spinal dysfunction, faulty posture as well as lifestyle issues such as stress, diet and exercise when managing the complex issues associated with fibromyalgia. Co-management with other health care partners such as counseling with a clinical psychologist may also be beneficial. If FM is secondary to a disorder such as irritable bowel syndrome, dietary management is an important treatment aspect. Most patients with FM will benefit from increasing their activity level, gradually working towards a rigorous exercise program. Vigorous exercise increases endorphin levels, which block pain and elevates mood. The exercise approach should include both strength enhancement, such as circuit training with weights, and increasing aerobic activities, such as fast-paced walking. These have been shown in studies to help patients with both stress reduction as well as reducing the chronic fatigue associated with FM. Overall, pain levels are reduced by the addition of exercise though this may seem hard to believe since people with FM already have muscle pain. Exercise is also important in maintaining a healthy weight and improving self-confidence. If post-exercise soreness occurs after exercising, chiropractic approaches can be very beneficial. If the side effects of medication outweigh the benefits, or if you’re looking for a non-drug approach to FM, the combination of nutrition, exercise, and chiropractic care should strongly be considered. This approach is specifically utilized at our clinic. YOU MAYBE A CANDIDATE FOR DRUG FREE RELIEF!
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New Research on Strength and Endurance
Training for Fibromyalgia It seems a month doesn't go by when yet another scientific study is published proving the benefits of exercise for fibromyalgia patients. The most recent study from Finland (Valkeinen H, Alen M, Hakkinen A, Hannonen P, Kukkonen-Hariula K, Hakkinen K. Effects of concurrent strength and endurance training on phsyical fitness and symptoms in postmenopausal women with fibromyalgia: a randomized controlled trial. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2008;89:1660-1666.) looked at 26 women who were postmenopausal and had fibromyalgia symptoms such as widespread pain and fatigue. The participants were given a supervised 21-week progressive program addressing both strength and endurance exercises. The results were very encouraging and merit further large-scale studies. The scientists found increases in muscle strength and that fibromyalgia symptoms were also reduced, especially fatigue. The front of the legs (quadriceps) improved significantly in strength over the control group. What is key to this study is both weight training or resistance types of exercises were used along with aerobic conditioning, which works your heart and lungs. This combination coupled with a weight-loss or sound nutrition program are key adjuncts in getting a patient with fibromyalgia to move again. The addition of chiropractic care rounds out a natural and comprehensive alternative approach. When pain limits your mobility and ability to exercise, chiropractic can help to lessen pain and help you to regain more function. When research (Athritis Rheum 2006;54:1334, Scand J Rheumatol 2005;34:309) shows again and again the importance of exercise in treating fibromyalgia patients, it should compel us to take action. If you can still walk (even it's in a swimming pool), you can begin an exercise program. Just make sure it is doctor-supervised so you don't go too far, too quickly. Since gains are great in the first month and we feel much better, we may progress too quickly with demands, resulting in injury or over-training. Advice as simple as getting enough rest at night, is to recovery and advancing your fitness goals. Also, a sound diet with vitamin and mineral support needs to be considered when you are consuming less calories for weight-loss needs. If you would like to schedule a complementary consultation to discuss the specific strategies we use to help you regain your natural vitality, just call Oak Springs Chiropractic in Oakdale, MN at 651.739.2500. Ask for Melanie or Gretchen to schedule your appointment. YOU MAYBE A CANDIDATE FOR DRUG
FREE RELIEF! FOR A FREE NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION CALL OAK SPRINGS CHIROPRACTIC IN OAKDALE, MN AT 651.739.2500 Depressed with Fibromyalgia? Many patients with fibromyalgia have long standing depression, which is more substantial than just having the occasional morning blues. The muscle pain can be either a cause for the depression or even the effect of a prolonged, depressed state of mind. Or, the two may not be linked at all and simply co-exist at the same time. In some patients, the depression may lead to inactivity, an unhealthy diet or weight gain, or even substance abuse. These habits will generally aggravate fibromyalgia pains. Recent research (Rheumatology[Oxford] 2008 Apr 29) has discovered fibromyalgia patients with physical pain can decrease their pain symptoms when they take anti-depressant medications. I bring this up, not so that more people or directed towards taking additional medications (especially not with being thoroughly diagnosed), but instead to show the mind-body link. In addition to using chiropractic care to deal with spinal function and posture, there are other important aspects to be considered when thinking about the complexity of fibromyalgia. If the depression seems to predate the muscle pains, then a through work-up and perhaps counseling with a clinical psychologist can be of help. Other patients can benefit from increasing their activity and starting a rigorous exercise program. Both strength training and aerobic activities, such as fast-paced walking have been shown in studies to help patients. Since you have muscle pain, it may not seem correct to work the muscles more, but research has shown that increasing muscle strength can decrease pain in the long run. Some people find exercise causes joint pain in their spine and/or hips. Exercising in pain is no fun at all and cannot be sustained. This is where chiropractic can be an important adjunct to keeping you moving. Exercise is also key to maintaining a healthy weight. Vigorous exercise can also raise endorphin levels, blocking pain and elevating your mood. A comprehensive approach is the solution to treating fibromyalgia and not simply focusing only on medications for all of our ills. For some patients, drugs will be the answer and can be life-savors. In others, the side effects will eclipse any benefits. Natural approaches should at least be considered if your drug regimen is currently not working for you. Nutrition, exercise, and chiropractic care are the main hallmarks of care at our clinic. If you would like a complimentary consultation to address your health concerns, just call Oak Springs Chiropractic in Oakdale, MN at 651.739.2500. Ask for Melanie or Gretchen to schedule your appointment. YOU MAYBE A CANDIDATE FOR DRUG FREE RELIEF!
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Fibromyalgia and Cord Compression? Fibromyalgia is a difficult problem to diagnose or determine its cause. Since exercises, diet, and weight loss can be so helpful to fibromyalgia patients, we may think they can completely solve the problem. Chiropractors recognize the importance of good spinal posture in affecting a variety of health problems, including fibromyalgia. It's important to not think of the disease as having a single solution, but rather as a more complex entity, needing a comprehensive approach. But is there any research on the spine being involved in patients with fibromyalgia? Recent research (Holman AJ. Positional cervical spinal cord compression and fibromyalgia: a novel comorbidity with important diagnostic and treatment implications. J Pain 2008; May 20 epub.) has looked into a specific problem seen in fibromyalgia patients: spinal cord compression. The scientist took MRIs of fibromyalgia patients with the neck in different positions such as max forward and backward bend. These positions can show the spinal cord is compressed/pinched where a neutrally positioned MRI or CT scan may not. In the study, 71% of patients with fibromyalgia had positional cervical spinal cord compression. So what does this mean? It means if you have fibromyalgia there may be an undetected cervical compression problem that may also be affecting you. Good neck posture and mobility are keys to good health. We can diagnose your condition and see if there is a spinal component to your problem that may have been overlooked. Sometimes it's the low back pain that keeps us from exercising and ultimately getting rid of the fibromyalgia-inactivity-pain cycle. And, as the research above suggests, maybe the problem is in the neck and this needs to be addressed in a specific and comprehensive manner. Sometimes immobility in one area of the spine is compensated for in another, which can make your ability to heal somewhat lessened. Maybe the neck has been a concern of yours for a long time since the fibromyalgia symptoms came on following a neck trauma such as a whiplash. If you also suffer from headaches and have spinal pain, these are important clues that some of your symptoms may be spinally related. It's important to view your fibromyalgia symptoms from a global perspective, and not just think of one isolated issue as the root cause, and the only place where treatment needs to be directed. If you would like a complimentary consultation to address your health concerns, just call Oak Springs Chiropractic in Oakdale, MN at 651.739.2500. Ask for Melanie or Gretchen to schedule your appointment. YOU MAYBE A CANDIDATE FOR DRUG FREE RELIEF!
FOR A FREE NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION CALL OAK SPRINGS CHIROPRACTIC IN OAKDALE, MN AT 651.739.2500 Fibromyalgia And Your Upper Neck How can a spinal problem possibly contribute to your fibromyalgia symptoms? As with many disorders, especially pain, the nervous system is involved. The nervous system can get affected through structural changes in the spinal column. The classic one is the disk bulge producing a painful sciatic nerve. But, there are also other ways to interfere with the function of nervous system. When viewing the neck from the side, there should be a forward curve with your head above your shoulders, not in front of them. When forward head carriage is present or when there is a reduction in this forward arch, this may cause additional strain to the upper cervical spine or spinal cord, allowing delicate nerves to be compromised. Chiropractic care should improve your posture if this forward head carriage is present. The upper neck can also be influenced by malalignment/subluxation of the upper vertebrae, such as the atlas. This small bone supports the weight of the skull and is necessary for the great rotational range of motion of the neck. During neck trauma, the head and neck can be put through a violent range of motion that causes the soft tissues (muscles and ligaments) to tear. Blows to the head, childhood or sports injuries and even poor sleeping posture, can cause the upper neck vertebrae to displace, injuring the soft tissues of the joint. Swelling and inflammation can also be a source of irritation to the nervous system. Scar tissue can develop after trauma, which may affect the precise movements of the upper neck. The atlas surrounds the spinal cord and as it displaces, it can also pull or tether the spinal cord through attachments of delicate ligaments (dentate). This could cause irritation to the nervous system. The disorders of poor posture and displaced vertebrae can be assessed through x-rays. Range of motion tests are necessary to see how your function may be affected. In some patients, fibromyalgia symptoms can improve substantially. However, most people will need a comprehensive approach that also incorporates an exercise program and nutritional or weight loss support. Chiropractic care is a natural alternative for those who wish a drug-free and non-invasive approach. It carries few risks of side effects and is balanced by the potential to help patients who also have spinal disorders contributing to their poor health. YOU MAYBE A CANDIDATE FOR DRUG FREE RELIEF! FOR A FREE NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION CALL OAK SPRINGS CHIROPRACTIC IN OAKDALE, MN AT 651.739.2500 Fibromyalgia and Vitamins C and E? Fibromyalgia is a complex disease that requires a comprehensive approach. Often, the spine is neglected and chiropractic care is, therefore, underutilized. This seems surprising since so many patients have spinal pain and chiropractic care is one of the most proven treatments for this condition. Chiropractic care of the fibromyalgia patient may also incorporate a structured exercise program utilizing strength training and aerobic components, as well as nutritional adjuncts. Sound nutrition is one of the keys to vitality. One scientific study (Altindag O, Celik H. Total antioxidant capacity and the severity of the pain in patients with fibromyalgia. Redox Rep 2006;11(3):131-5.) looked at antioxidant (such as vitamin C and E) markers in the blood of patients who had fibromyalgia symptoms. The researchers wanted to see if patients with low levels of these vitamin markers experienced more pain. The results indicated that patients with fibromyalgia are exposed to oxidative stress and this increased oxidative stress may play a role in the cause of the disease. Supplementation of antioxidant vitamins such as vitamins C and E may be indicated based on the results of the study. A preliminary study (Bramwell B, Ferguson S, Scarlett N,Macintosh A. The use of ascorbigen in the treatment of fibromyalgia patients: a preliminary trial. Altern Med Rev 2000;5(5):455-62.) looked at 12 fibromyalgia patients and gave them a blend of vitamin C and broccoli powder. The results suggested that physical impairments were reduced and quality of life was increased. Vitamins such as C and E can act as antioxidants protecting your cells from damage. They are found in fruits (oranges, strawberries, kiwi) and vegetables (kale, broccoli, bell peppers). Heat and processing can destroy their actions so eating raw forms may be preferred. If you do not eat lots of servings (e.g. five to nine) of these foods every day, it is wise to consider supplementing with natural source vitamins to boost your blood stream antioxidant levels. There is some scientific debate about the benefits of natural versus synthetic vitamins and whether it's best to consume them through primary food sources. The important thing is to take a step in the direction with whatever path you choose. It may make an important difference in how much pain you experience as the above cited studies suggest. With less pain, this may help you to move and exercise more. To schedule a complimentary consultation and learn how our comprehensive fibromyalgia program may be of benefit to you or a loved one regaining health, call Oak Springs Chiropractic in Oakdale, MN at 651.739.2500. Ask for Melanie or Gretchen to schedule your appointment. YOU MAYBE A CANDIDATE FOR DRUG FREE RELIEF! FOR A FREE NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION CALL OAK SPRINGS CHIROPRACTIC IN OAKDALE, MN AT 651.739.2500
2. CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME: Non-Surgical Treatment for CTS Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is basically a pinched nerve on the palm side of the wrist. It is very common and symptoms can vary from periodic tingling to a debilitating disorder that can stop activities at home and work. The cause is usually gradual due to repeated movements, especially fast paced motions such as prolonged practicing of a musical instrument, typing, various hobbies (knitting, crocheting), as well as fast paced and/or firm gripping when assembling products on a line at work. Initially, symptoms can include tingling or numbness that gradually increases in frequency, intensity and duration followed by weakness in pinch or grip. Because the symptoms can slowly and gradually appear, most people wait a while, sometimes years, before they seek treatment for CTS. It is important to recognize the initial signs and properly manage the condition AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE to avoid a potentially disabling CTS condition. Early treatment may be minimal and only require learning proper exercises or making minor activity modifications. The following is a list of symptoms that should warn you to seek treatment for CTS: sleep interruptions due to numb hands/fingers (usually the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th fingers), the need to shake or flick your fingers, numbness with driving/holding onto the steering wheel, difficulty in buttoning clothing, dropping objects/weak grip or pinch, age over 50 (with these symptoms), and others. If you have other conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disease, obesity, hormone replacement/birth control pills or are pregnant, CTS is more common. When you arrive at our clinic, we will conduct a thorough history and physical exam to determine if you are a candidate for non-surgical care. Treatment will include, along with restoring motion to the joints affected by the condition, advice on sleep (such as the use of a wrist splint at night), job/work station modifications (include working with your employer), teaching of exercises so you can help yourself in the treatment process, and other education approaches to help you avoid future episodes of CTS. Because of the gradual onset of symptoms including finger numbness, wrist pain and/or loss of joint motion, the elbow, shoulder and neck often become affected and require treatment and exercise in order to obtain a good result. One exercise for stretching the forearm is performed by placing the palm of your hand on a wall in front of you (fingers pointing downward) while keeping your elbow straight. Then, reach over with your opposite hand, grasp your thumb and pull it back until you feel a “good stretch” in your forearm. Other exercises to the shoulder and neck may be appropriate and can be discussed. Most importantly, don’t wait too long after symptoms start! The faster you present to our office, the better the outcome of treatment will be. YOU MAYBE A CANDIDATE FOR DRUG FREE RELIEF!
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Its Cause Research has shown certain work practices and risk factors, such as being overweight, can elevate your risk for developing carpal tunnel symptoms. As a chiropractor, I often look to the spine when my patients have nerve pain. Many people with carpal tunnel syndrome have a history of a whiplash injury or other neck trauma. But how can a neck injury make me susceptible to carpal tunnel? Simple. When you sprain the ligaments in your neck, this can cause damage and inflammation, which can irritate a nerve where it exits the spinal cord and courses between tiny bones to eventually reach your hand. If the nerve is irritated at the neck region, then this makes it more vulnerable to compression as it passes through the wrist tunnel. Signs that your carpal tunnel pain is a neck problem include shoulder and neck pain and/or a history of a neck trauma. How can this possibly be fixed “chiropractically”? The first step is to diagnose if you have a primary wrist or neck problem, or a problem with both areas. A thorough examination of the neck, which may include x-rays, is important. The carpal bones of the wrist can be out of alignment or the vertebrae in the neck can be out of normal position. A specific adjustment can help to correct the abnormal posture and restore mobility. You may also need to do strengthening exercises, especially if the condition is long-standing or you've worn a brace. The muscles of the lower arm are integral to providing wrist support and optimum function Contractures can develop over time as well, fixating the nerves and not allowing them to glide normally with movements. Deep tissue therapy such as "pin and stretch" and deep massage and break up knots and tight tissues or scarring. With most patients, alignment is an issue, as is flexibility and strength. I consider the cause of most carpal tunnel symptoms to be multifactorial. Not one exercise, or one pill, or even one adjustment, is right for everyone. However, it's important to consider conservative options first before deciding on invasive surgery. Even rest and taking pain pills is not really exploring all of the potentially conservative options available. If you would like to schedule a complimentary consultation to see if chiropractic care can befit your health, just give Melanie or Gretchen a call at 651.739.2500 to make an appointment. YOU MAYBE A CANDIDATE FOR DRUG FREE RELIEF!
FOR A FREE NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION CALL OAK SPRINGS CHIROPRACTIC IN OAKDALE, MN AT 651.739.2500 Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Getting Well In a lot of cases, the body can naturally recover from any disease or injury. Although doctors have their place, it is really the wisdom of the body that does the heavy lifting. Chiropractic doctors especially, recognize this healing capacity: the body needs no help, just no interference. They refer to it as Innate or inborn intelligence. Others may revere it as Mother Nature. Scientists commonly call it homeostasis and when diseases heal over time it is called natural history or taking nature's course. So what is the natural history of carpal tunnel syndrome? How will one fare over time? Recently, researchers looked into this question by studying 132 carpal tunnel syndrome patients over an average of two years (Ortiz-Corredor F, Enriquez F, Diaz-Ruiz J, Calambas N. Natural evolution of carpal tunnel syndrome in untreated patients. Clin Neurophysiol 2008;119(6):1373-8.). They studied objective nerve tests as well as patient reports of symptoms. None of the patients received treatment from any doctors. The results were impressive, only 23% had a worsening of their symptoms. About 29% stayed the same throughout the study. Amazingly, 48% showed recovery. As far as the objective nerve tests, 8% got worse, 67% remained constant and 25% improved. This study speaks to the incredible power of the body to heal itself and the researchers concluded that conservative treatments therefore, may be all that is needed for many patients. Of course, conservative treatments in medicine can range from doing nothing at all, to rest, to prescription drugs and bracing. Chiropractic care will involve specific adjustments for the wrist and or the areas that supply the nerves to the wrist, such as the neck. When a problem in the nerve is caused by compression at both the wrist and neck, it is called double-crush syndrome. In addition, strengthening and stretching exercises can add support to the wrist, especially in long term sufferers who may have used excessive bracing, which can produce weakness. Most patients will benefit from a comprehensive approach. Even nutritional adjuncts can benefit some patients, such as taking B6. However, over the long term, taking excessive quantities of vitamin B6 can cause problems for some patients. Being overweight is also an important risk factor for carpal tunnel syndrome, as well as for many other diseases. If you would like to schedule a complimentary consultation to address your health concerns, just call Melanie or Gretchen at 651.739.2500 to make an appointment. YOU MAYBE A CANDIDATE FOR DRUG FREE RELIEF!
FOR A FREE NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION CALL OAK SPRINGS CHIROPRACTIC IN OAKDALE, MN AT 651.739.2500 Vitamin Therapy For My Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? As with most problems of the body, there are a multitude of causes and cures and rarely is there a magic bullet for anything, including carpal tunnel syndrome. At our clinic, we look at how the wrist and neck are aligned to see if there is an irritation or compression on the nerves that pass through the carpal tunnel. We use a detailed examination of both the wrist and neck to see if your carpal tunnel symptoms may actually be referred from your neck. Most patients will benefit from other aspects of our comprehensive approach, such as specific stretches or exercises and appreciating how our lifestyle choices can also influence symptoms. While excessive weight is a risk factor for carpal tunnel syndrome (obese and overweight patients have a greater risk for developing carpal tunnel syndrome), there are also other dietary approaches that have been tried to cure or alleviate symptoms. One of these is vitamin therapy, specifically vitamin B6. This is an important vitamin for many complex bodily functions, including maintaining a strong immune system. It also supports glucose or blood sugar functions. Recent research (Ryan-Harshman M, Aldoori W. Carpal tunnel syndrome and vitamin B6. Canadian Family Physician 2007;53(7):1161-2.), has shown that although the research is weak on the subject, there appears to be modest evidence that supplementing their diet with vitamin B6 can help some patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. This effect has to be balanced against any known risks, which appear to be very rare and not severe. The recommended daily dose is about 100-200 mg and this can be taken for a few months with a gradual reduction in the dose after this time. Other authorities believe it's better to take the B vitamins in a complex form rather than one vitamin in isolation. There may be some biochemical synergy to taking the various B vitamin forms together, which is how they are often sold in stores. You can also get B6 from natural food sources such as potatoes, garbanzo beans, and fortified cereals. Older adults and those who consume excessive alcohol can be at risk for developing a vitamin B6 deficiency. But proper treatment can only begin after a thorough diagnosis to determine the cause of your symptoms. If you would like to schedule a complementary consultation with the doctors at Oak Springs Chiropractic in Oakdale, MN to discuss your health concerns, just call Melanie or Gretchen at 651.739.2500 to make an appointment. YOU MAYBE A CANDIDATE FOR DRUG FREE RELIEF!
FOR A FREE NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION CALL OAK SPRINGS CHIROPRACTIC IN OAKDALE, MN AT 651.739.2500 Hand Pain and Its Causes When hand pain strikes, it can be a difficult problem to deal with since we use our hands for so much; our work, our play. It can also be distressing psychologically to have a part of your body not working as it should. Hand pain can be a difficult thing to diagnose since there are many causes of hand pain. One familiar cause is a carpal tunnel syndrome. This is where the bony tunnel in the wrist is narrowed, entrapping the nerves that pass through and go into the hand. Another cause for hand pain is a thoracic outlet syndrome. The thoracic outlet can be compressed in the shoulder girdle region causing hand pain, often at night. The last thing to consider with hand pain is a neck problem such as a disk lesion compressing the nerves in the neck causing referred or radicular (nerve root) pain into the hand. These three problems can independently cause hand pain or they can all co-exist to varying degrees. You are entitled to more than one cause, correct? Getting a proper diagnosis is the first key to a full correction of a problem. If your hand pain is being treated with analgesics (pain killers), there may be a reduction in pain sensations but pain medications cannot release an entrapped nerve. You might also want to consider that pain is a signal. The problem that is causing the pain should be a patient's focus. When the fire alarm goes off at home do we think to put out the fire alarm, or put out the fire? Pain is the fire alarm, not the fire. Recent research (Nord KM, et. al. False positive rate of thoracic outlet syndrome diagnostic maneuvers. Electromyogr Clin Neurophysiol 2008;48:67.) has shown that differentiating between these three unique disorders with clinical tests can be problematic, since false positive tests are more a rule, rather than an exception. Patients with carpal tunnel syndrome were one of the most frequently misdiagnosed groups of patients. You may also need x-rays of your spine to fully get at the cause of your hand pain and determine the best course of action; pills, surgery or specific chiropractic care. Chiropractic is an often-overlooked conservative form of care. It carries very low risks, and should be a considered option for anyone who is considering bracing, medications or wrist surgery If you would like to discuss your health concerns, we are always available for complimentary consultations. Just call Oak Springs Chiropractic in Oakdale, MN at 651.739.2500. Ask for Melanie or Gretchen to schedule an appointment today. YOU MAYBE A CANDIDATE FOR DRUG FREE RELIEF!
FOR A FREE NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION CALL OAK SPRINGS CHIROPRACTIC IN OAKDALE, MN AT 651.739.2500 New Research on the "Double Crush" link to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Carpal tunnel syndrome patients often complain of neck pain. The same nerves that go through the wrist tunnel, emerge from the neck and can be compressed or irritated at the neck joints. If the nerve is pinched in these two areas, it has been referred to as a "double crush." Because of this irritation at the neck, focusing only on the wrist for treatment may not be a comprehensive solution to this often debilitating problem. Recent research (Russel BS. Chiro & Osteo 2008,162doi:10.1186/1746-1340-16-2) has reviewed the evidence for and against this linkage of two problems. Dr. Russel concludes if the wrist symptoms only involve sensation, rather than weakness, then the double crush link may be more tenuous. However, if you have a "motor" problem with a nerve, and experience weakness or loss of grip strength, then the implication of a problem also at the neck appears to be more relevant. However, since many patients with carpal tunnel will also have neck pain, a trial of chiropractic care at both the wrist and neck is a conservative strategy that seems prudent and should be considered. If your carpal tunnel symptoms developed after a neck injury or you also have pain into the upper arm or shoulder, these may be clues that your nerve is irritated in more than one location. Getting to the cause of a problem, rather than just treating the symptoms, is a hallmark of specific chiropractic care. We can assist you with doing corrective wrist strengthening exercises and stretches, which may relieve pressure at the wrist tunnel. Some patients can benefit from nutritional counseling and even weight-loss strategies, since excessive weight is a risk factor for developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Other patients may need simple ergonomic instruction such as modifying your posture at a workstation, to take pressure off of both the neck and wrist. The important thing is get properly diagnosed, with x-rays if needed, to get a full and comprehensive picture of the actual problem. Simply limiting wrist motion with a splint may not be enough to make the wrist and hand both pain-free and functional. Many people only consider surgery or daily medications as their only alternatives and fail to consider natural and drug-free chiropractic care If you would like a complimentary consultation to address your wrist health, then just call Oak Springs Chiropractic in Oakdale, MN at 651.739.2500. Ask for Melanie or Gretchen to schedule an appointment. YOU MAYBE A CANDIDATE FOR DRUG FREE RELIEF!
FOR A FREE NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION CALL OAK SPRINGS CHIROPRACTIC IN OAKDALE, MN AT 651.739.2500 3. HEADACHES: Headaches and Posture Have you ever glanced at your reflection in a storefront window or mirror as you walked by and noticed your posture? Scary, isn’t it? We all know that we should stand up straight but we soon forget when we get busy and stop thinking about it. Poor posture is often due to years of standing slouched and this bad “habit” usually starts at a young age. Just look around when you’re in an airport or shopping mall and notice the many people have poor posture. In fact, people’s posture may reflect their attitude – if they’re happy, sad or depressed. Poor posture may be related to self-consciousness, especially during adolescence. It is also genetic as we frequently see a “trait” throughout family members with similar postural tendencies. The most common postural fault associated with headaches is the forward based head and shoulders. From the side, it appears that the head is significantly forward relative to the shoulders, the upper back is rounded forward and the shoulders are rolled forwards and rotated inward. One exercise that helps reduce this postural bad habit is tucking in the chin and pretending a book is balancing on top of the head. The objective is to not allow the book to slide forward off your head and land on your toes! It takes approximately 3 months of CONSTANT self-reminding before the new “good habit” posture becomes automatic, so be patient. Soon you’ll “catch yourself doing it right” without thinking about it. Frequently, posture is faulty lower down the “kinetic chain.” The first link of the chain is the feet and the last link is the head. Since we stand on two feet, any change in that first link or the feet, can alter the rest of the chain, especially areas furthest away – the head, resulting in headaches. For example, if one leg is short, the pelvis drops, the spine shifts (scoliosis), the shoulder drops and the head shifts trying to keep the eyes level. A short leg usually needs to be managed with a heel lift, an arch support or combination of both to properly treat the headache patient. Most health care providers EXCEPT Chiropractors typically ignore these issues. Chiropractors are doctors specifically trained to analyze posture and correct it. You can depend on our clinic for up-to-date health care approaches such as these. YOU MAYBE A CANDIDATE FOR DRUG FREE RELIEF!
FOR A FREE NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION CALL OAK SPRINGS CHIROPRACTIC IN OAKDALE, MN AT 651.739.2500 Stimulation vs. Manipulation A recent study (Li C, Xiu-ling Z, Hong D, Yue-qiang T, Hong-sheng Z. Comparative study on effects of manipulation treatment and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation [TENS] on patients with cervicogenic headache J Chin Integrat Med 2007;5(4)DOI:10.3736/jcm20070408) compared alternative treatments for patients suffering from cervicogenic headaches, headaches related to/caused by your neck. Patients will typically have pain with neck motion and also limited mobility. There may also be a history of a neck injury such as a whiplash or head trauma. The study of seventy patients was randomized to minimize bias. Patients either had TENS (nerve stimulation) or manipulations. They were given treatments every other day for forty days (about 20 visits). After treatments, patients’ pain scores were compared. The group receiving manipulations had significant reductions in the headache pain score, the frequency (how often) of headaches, and the duration of the headaches. There was a 94.5% response in the manipulation group compared to 64.5% in those patients getting nerve stimulation. If you get headaches after your neck begins to give you trouble (pain, stiffness), then this could indicate you have a cervicogenic headache. Also, many patients do not fit neatly into categories that scientists and doctors conjure up. Many patients with migraines and tension-type headaches will complain of neck pains and problems. These types of headaches also respond favorably to chiropractic care applied to mechanical problems/subluxations in the neck when studied in randomized clinical trials. There are also fewer side effects when compared to drug treatments. In Chiropractic, we direct treatment to the cause-the mechanical problem/subluxation in your neck. Drugs and surgery are ineffective options for these mechanical-types of problems. Chiropractic care has a low-risk safety profile, especially when compared to long-term drug use or surgery. As seen in the study above, electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) to block pain is relatively safe, but it also appears less effective than manipulations in combating headache pain from the neck. After a thorough diagnosis, including x-rays, we can determine if it is indeed a neck problem that may be causing your headaches. We study small changes in the alignment of the vertebrae, as well the posture of the neck curve. Mobility tests are used to see if the joints are moving fully and symmetrically. If you would like a complimentary consultation to discuss your health concerns, just call Melanie or Gretchen at 651.739.2500 to schedule an appointment. YOU MAYBE A CANDIDATE FOR DRUG FREE RELIEF!
FOR A FREE NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION CALL OAK SPRINGS CHIROPRACTIC IN OAKDALE, MN AT 651.739.2500 Different Headaches and Chiropratic Care Adults may experience many different kinds of headaches. A primary headache is a headache that is not a part of another disease process. Secondary headaches can come from a poor eyeglass prescription, diabetes, the flu, or even a brain tumor. The most common primary headaches are tension-type, migraine, and cervicogenic (from the neck). Tension type headaches feel like a tight band around your head. Stress seems to aggravate them and women tend to get this type of headache more frequently. Females are also more affected by migraine headaches. There are two types of migraine: classical and common. The classical migraine headache may start with nausea or sickness in the stomach and proceed to an intense throbbing pain on one side of the head. The common migraine lacks this nausea and is more common than the classical type. In cervicogenic headache, neck function is prominently disturbed. In addition to neck pain, there are usually tight neck and shoulder muscles, and a limited range of motion. Recent research has shown that the three above described headaches can also overlap with one another. In chiropractic, we look to the spine as an often-overlooked factor in headache treatment. By objectively analyzing spine function, the doctor will identify the joints that are restricted in their range of motion or show abnormal posture and alignment. Many patients on x-ray, or through external postural analysis from the side, can show forward head posture. This is where the neck seems to arise from the front of the chest rather than back over your shoulders. The head is very heavy and with this poor posture, the muscles at the back of the neck must contract to restrain this heavy load. There isn't one particular bone that is treated for these different types of headaches, the premise being that the headache is a symptom of another problem in the spine. Chiropractic care has an excellent safety profile and several studies have shown that patents with headaches positively respond to chiropractic care without the side effects often seen with drug treatments. Chiropractic care is one of the most researched non-drug options available for patients. Unfortunately, many patients choose over-the-counter and prescription medications and don't consider more natural approaches that may get at the cause of the condition rather than just its effects. If you would like to try chiropractic care or discuss your health concerns, just call Oak Springs Chiropractic in Oakdale, MN at 651.739.2500. Ask for Melanie or Gretchen to schedule a complementary consultation. YOU MAYBE A CANDIDATE FOR DRUG FREE RELIEF!
FOR A FREE NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION CALL OAK SPRINGS CHIROPRACTIC IN OAKDALE, MN AT 651.739.2500 Will You Need Surgery For Your Headache? I certainly hope not. Unless you've got a brain tumor, surgery is rarely an option considered by people with benign headaches. When I say benign, I mean not caused by cancer or some other serious medical disorder. Benign headaches can, in fact, be quite disabling and completely disrupt a person's quality of life. Work and exercise routines may add psychological or physical stress and make the headaches more acute, curtailing activities. Although most headaches are treated conservatively, surgeons have recently begun to take an interest. Dr. Jansen of Germany (Jansen J. Surgical treatment of cervicogenic headache. Cephalgia 2008;28 Suppl 1:41-4.) recently reported on a group of 60 patients operated on for headache. They had headaches caused by neck problems, commonly called cervicogenic headaches. These types of headaches respond very well to chiropractic adjustments. In Dr. Jansen's study, he reports removing the disks of C4, C5, and C6 levels in different patients. He analyzed the results over two years later and found that about 36-37% had deterioration of their condition. Although Dr. Jansen thinks surgery should be considered more often based on his case series, the lack of a control group makes his results suspect, modest as they are. Surgery is really a very last step in the treatment palette patients should consider. Unfortunately, many patients consider only medications as options for headache management. Some patients will consume so much over the counter medication that their headache is actually aggravated by the heavy use of pain killer medications. Many of these patients will benefit from gradually weaning off of the drugs, if they are in fact medication induced. The important thing is to first get your headache properly diagnosed because only then can a specific treatment be applied. What is somewhat underappreciated is how common spinal problems can cause head pain. Cervicogenic and tension-type headaches can commonly result from whiplash trauma and other acceleration injuries of the head and neck. This type of trauma can sprain the cervical ligaments and disks, and cause tears in muscle fibers. Tension-type and cervicogenic headaches have been shown in randomized clinical trials to respond favorably to chiropractic adjustive care. These studies have also shown minimal side effects when compared to certain medications. This is especially true for tension-type medication treatments. If you would like to discuss your headache health concerns, just schedule a complimentary consultation by calling Oak Springs Chiropractic in Oakdale, MN at 651.739.2500. Ask for Melanie or Gretchen to make an appointment. YOU MAYBE A CANDIDATE FOR DRUG FREE RELIEF!
FOR A FREE NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION CALL OAK SPRINGS CHIROPRACTIC IN OAKDALE, MN AT 651.739.2500 Acupuncture for Migraine Headaches? Many patients with migraine headaches seek out alternative therapies for their condition if daily medications do not seem to help. Some choose to look East and may consider acupuncture for their care. But what is the evidence for this treatment? Does it work? Two studies in recent years (Alecrim-Andrade J, et. al. Acupuncture in migraine prophylaxis: a randomized sham-controlled trial. Cephalgia 2006;26:520 and Linde K, et. al. Acupuncture for patients with migraine: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA 2005;293:2118.) compared the results from a sham acupuncture procedure to the real deal. Unfortunately, the sham procedure had the same results as the bonafide treatment, meaning the acupuncture treatment was ineffective for persons with migraine headache. In contrast, there are several studies (Tuchin PJ. A twelve month clinical trial of chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy for migraine. Australas Chiropr Osteopathy 1999;8:61 and Tuchin PJ, et. al. A randomized controlled trial of chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy for migraine. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2000;23:91 and Nelson CF, et. al. The efficacy of spinal manipulation, amitriptyline and the combination of both therapies for the prophylaxis of migraine headache. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 1998;21:511.) that suggest chiropractic care may be an effective treatment for patients with this severe problem. Although it may seem difficult to understand just how a spinal adjustment might help a patient with migraine, it is what the research does, in fact, show. It is something that doctors of chiropractic and their patients have known anecdotally for decades. Having scientific proof for something can provide to you added confidence in your health care choices. It could be that sprains of the delicate joints of the neck region interfere with the neural connection to the blood supply of the brain. Or perhaps it is imbalanced neuromuscular reflexes that are the culprit. Ultimately, how something works is less important to a patient than IF something works. Another factor to consider in a health care decision is the safety profile of chiropractic vs. long-term medication use, as well as potential side effects. The safety of chiropractic care is well proven, with few people experiencing untoward side effects or severe complications. Chiropractic is a natural, non-drug, and proven alternative and efficacious treatment for migraine. If you would like to discuss how chiropractic care may be able to help your migraine pain, we are always available for complimentary consultations at Oak Springs Chiropractic (Oakdale, MN). Just call Melanie or Gretchen at 651.739.2500, to schedule an appointment. YOU MAYBE A CANDIDATE FOR DRUG FREE RELIEF!
FOR A FREE NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION CALL OAK SPRINGS CHIROPRACTIC IN OAKDALE, MN AT 651.739.2500 Stress and Headaches How does stress affect your wellbeing? And how is stress related to getting headaches? There are many paths to this and I will discuss the most common ways stress can make you more headache prone. Stress can affect our sleep. Americans just do not get enough sound, restful and restorative sleep. Studies suggest that few of us get the necessary eight hours each night. Tossing and turning, and simply not recovering from the previous day, adds tension to your morning. Sleep deprivation itself can lead to headaches. Sometimes we compensate for this by taking in a lot of caffeine each day, which can then create a vicious cycle, making us jittery and affecting our ability to fall asleep later that night. How we react to it stress also affects us. Some of us literally "take it out' on our bodies, channeling the stress into our neck and shoulders. This can cause tension-type headaches where the back muscles of your neck are tight and ropey. "Knots" in the muscles can develop, sending shooting pains into your head, as if it’s trapped in a vise, being squeezed by the muscle tension. Stress can affect us by disrupting our normal healthy routine. Instead of eating right and exercising, we resort to eating junk foods and avoiding the gym. Over-eating and not maintaining a healthy weight can add to the stress on our body, the spine, and our heart. A lot of us think we handle stress well and just need a two-week vacation to get back on track. But really, two weeks off does little to change your life for the other fifty weeks during the year. The key is to learn how to handle and deal with stressors on a "day to day" basis. Sometimes, it's a spinal injury that is not corrected that adds to a stressful feeling. Sometimes, it's conflict at work or at home, that is simply not getting resolved. Are we ourselves taking time out to smell the roses? Each day, try to do something positive for yourself, and resist the temptation to worry about the future and fret about the past. Take each day as it comes and try to have positive thoughts. These practices can help improve your outlook and perspective. There's a lot to be said for the person who wears "rose-colored glasses," or the person who can just let the water "run off of the duck's back." Try a different attitude in approaching the stressful things in your life. Sometimes just getting things into perspective and not stressing the small stuff are important to leading a more stress-free life, and enjoying the hidden pleasures that life brings to us each and every day. If you would like a complimentary consultation at our Oakdale, MN office to address any health concerns, just call Oak Springs Chiropractic and ask for Melanie or Gretchen at 651.739.2500 to schedule an appointment. YOU MAYBE A CANDIDATE FOR DRUG FREE RELIEF!
FOR A FREE NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION CALL OAK SPRINGS CHIROPRACTIC IN OAKDALE, MN AT 651.739.2500 4. WHIPLASH: Whiplash and Work Does this sound familiar? It’s fictional but a rather typical scenario affecting thousands of American drivers: “Last week, I was waiting at a red light and a car came up from behind and ran into the back end of my car. It was a low speed collision without a lot of damage to either of our cars. Surprising, I felt quite a jolt and my head even hit the headrest. I didn’t bother getting the name or phone number from the person that hit me because I didn’t hurt at the time and besides, there was no real damage that I could see to my car or the other person’s car." “About a half hour later, I noticed my neck felt stiff when I turned to check traffic on my right and I felt really sharp pain before I could turn the whole way. The pain was bad enough to make me yell and when I brought my head back to the front, the pain didn’t go away – in fact it felt worse. When I woke up the next day, I could hardly turn my head at all and, I had a terrible headache. The pain was so bad that even 4 Advil didn’t touch it." “I couldn’t decide what type of doctor to see for this. I knew if I went to my family doctor, he’d put me on a bunch of pills but I have to drive forty five minutes to my job and I have two small kids that require my attention. I had seen an ad for a chiropractor a while back and I wondered what they would do for something like this. I knew I had to do something and fast!" “So I decided to go to a chiropractor a friend of mine recommended and I was really surprised when I got there. The doctor was really attentive and seemed to know exactly what was going on. It was explained to me that I may have been hurt MORE than I might have been had the speed of the other car been going even faster because crushing metal absorbs the shock where in my case, no car damage resulted in more shock to me. This made sense because I had some books on the other seat that flew off when I was hit, which I forgot about until we were talking. I also learned that even if I knew I was going to get hit, I wouldn’t have been able to brace myself enough to avoid injury as the speed of the force moves the head and neck quicker than what I can tighten my muscles. The chiropractor showed me some charts that helped explain all this and why my neck hurt and where the headaches come from. I also learned NEVER assume no car damage means no injury." “The best part was right after the adjustment, I felt immediate improvement with better movement and less pain. I also was told to put ice on my neck, which helped a lot more than heat did. I’m now doing exercises and really feel good! I |
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