Can a Chiropractor Treat a Pinched Nerve?

Have you ever experienced shooting pain in your arms or legs? Or maybe an intense tingling in your hands and feet has woken you up out of your sleep. Well, you may have a pinched nerve. Not only does this condition lead to pain and discomfort, it can also impact your body’s ability to send the proper signals to vital systems. Fortunately, chiropractic services offer an affordable and near-immediate solution to ease your pain and restore regular function so that you can feel your best.

Continue reading to learn more about the symptoms and causes of pinched nerve and your available treatment options.

What is a pinched nerve?

A pinched nerve, also known as radiculopathy, occurs when too much pressure or force is applied to a nerve by surrounding tissues, including bones, cartilage, muscles, and tendons. Typically, the problem begins at the nerve root and radiates outward. Pinched nerves can occur in many places throughout the body, but mainly originate in the neck and upper or lower back.

The elbows and wrists are also common locations for pinched nerves due to repetitive use. Carpal tunnel syndrome is an example of a pinched nerve in the wrist. This condition is characterized by pain and numbness in the hands and fingers. Desk workers are highly susceptible to this form due to constant typing and hand positions.

Sciatica is also a form of radiculopathy that affects the sciatic nerve (the longest nerve in the body) and causes radiating pain through the hips, buttocks, and legs.

In the short-term, pinched nerves do not cause damage. Left untreated, they can become serious, leading to chronic pain. Worst case scenario, the fluid and swelling causes permanent, irreversible damage. Finding swift and appropriate treatment is vital for long-term comfort.

Pinched Nerve Symptoms

Pinched nerve symptoms are easy to spot. Depending on the location, you may experience symptoms in corresponding areas:

• If your pinched nerve is in your neck (the cervical spine), you might experience neck stiffness, and pain and numbness in the shoulder or arm.
• When the lumbar spine (lower back) is affected, you might feel radiating pain in your back and hips through your legs.
• A pinched nerve in the upper middle back can cause chest pain. If you are experiencing severe chest pain, you should call your doctor immediately, as it could indicate a more serious condition.

Regardless of location, you can still experience any combination of the following symptoms:

• Numbness
• Shooting pain in the arms or legs — often the first sign
• Decreased sensation in the affected area
• Sharp aching around the nerve
• Burning feeling radiating from the nerve
• Tingling, or pins and needles sensation
• Muscle weakness in the areas supplied by the nerves
• Neck pain
• Feeling that your limbs have “fallen asleep”

These symptoms can feel worse when you’re sleeping or just after waking up.

Pinched Nerve Causes

A pinched nerve can result from a variety of causes, from lifestyle habits to other chronic conditions. Determining the cause of your problem is key to finding a long-term solution and preventing recurrence.

Bone or cartilage is one of the most common pinched nerve causes. For instance, a herniated disc will slip out between the vertebrae in the spinal cord and press on the nerve root that corresponds to the leg. In other instances, swollen or tight muscles and tendons surrounding the nerve root can compress the nerves.

Other common causes of a pinched nerve include:

• Injuries, from sports, car accidents, etc.
• Rheumatoid arthritis, as the inflammation in the joints can compress the nerves.
• Hobbies or sports, mainly those that have repetitive movements, like tennis.
• Obesity puts more pressure on the nerve and swells pathways causing constriction
• Overuse or stress, especially in repetitive movements of the hand, wrist, or shoulder
• Bad posture or repeated strain from poor work ergonomics
• Prolonged bed rest can put pressure on nerves.

While anyone can have a pinched nerve, there are certain characteristics and factors that may make you more susceptible to them:

• Sex. Women have a greater susceptibility to carpal tunnel syndrome, or pinched nerves in the wrists.
• Age. Being over 50 increases your risk for pinched nerves, due to natural degeneration and the prevalence of arthritis among this demographic.
• Bone spurs. Bone spurs stiffen and narrow areas where nerves travel, causing a pinch. People with osteoarthritis are likely to develop bone spurs and, in turn, pinched nerves.
• Pregnancy. Water retention and weight gain during pregnancy swells neural pathways.
• Diabetes. High blood sugar damages the nerves over time.
• Active people. Lifting, twisting, or pulling motions can cause a herniated disc – one of the many causes of pinched nerves.

Ways to Treat a Pinched Nerve

Pinched nerves will often heal on their own in about four to six weeks with the right treatment. Like many injuries, rest is key for self-healing, as the body repairs itself during sleep. Avoiding movements that may irritate the nerve is another crucial step in pinched nerve treatment.

• NSAIDs – Over-the-counter medications, like ibuprofen, can reduce your pain and ease the swelling that may be contributing to the pinched nerve.
• Stretching or yoga – Gentle stretches and strengthening exercises can removing some of the pressure off the affected area. However, stretching too deeply can have the opposite effect and further irritate your nerve and worsen symptoms. If you feel your symptoms begin to worsen, stop the exercise completely.
• Splint, collar, or brace – You may be advised to wear a sprint, collar, or brace on the affected area to stabilize the area. It can prevent further aggravation, especially when sleeping. Hand or wrist splints are standard when treating carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Ice and Heat – Just like traditional injuries, this option reduces swelling and inflammation and boosts blood flow to the impacted nerves to encourage healing. Apply ice at 15-minute intervals about 3 times a day. Heat can be applied for up to an hour 3 times a day.
• Massage therapy – Massage therapy can reduce pain and stress in the affected areas. Gentle pressure relieves the surrounding muscle tension that may be contributing to your condition. Deep tissue massage should not be used as a treatment for pinched nerve pain as it can make symptoms worse.
• Spinal decompression therapy – A motorized traction therapy that changes the force and position of the spine. Through cycles of gentle stretching and relaxation, spinal decompression removes pressure off the nerves.

Your chiropractor may also suggest some lifestyle changes, such as using cushions and neck rests to support your posture when sitting. Updating your workspace with an ergonomic keyboard and mouse or using a standing desk may also reduce added pressure. Click here for more ways to update your desk area.

Doing regular low-impact exercise, like walking or swimming, can keep your body limber to prevent recurrence after your pinched nerve heals. Aim to complete about 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity exercise every week.

Losing weight with the help of a nutritionist may also remove significant pressure from the nerves and boost your general health.

If your symptoms do not resolve after a few weeks or months of non-invasive treatment, your doctor may suggest surgery. In these cases, surgery may involve removing bone spurs or parts of herniated discs – or making more room for nerves to pass through certain areas depending on the location of your condition. Surgery acts as a last resort because of the side effects and possible complications.

Can a Chiropractor Treat a Pinched Nerve?

Yes! Chiropractors specialize in disorders in the musculoskeletal system, including pinched nerves. During your appointment, you and your chiropractor will discuss your lifestyle habits, symptoms, medical history, and other relevant information to determine the indirect cause of your problem.

From there, they will do a physical examination to pinpoint any misalignments that may be putting pressure on your nerves. Through a manual adjustment, your chiropractor restores proper alignment, and frees the trap nerve. This action can also relax surrounding muscles that might be compressing the nerve and reduces inflammation, which can also irritate nerves.

Neck and back pain are often a major indicator of a pinched nerve. Problems in these areas can radiate down to the hands or feet, making you extremely uncomfortable. Luckily, your Bend chiropractors specialize in treating neck pain.

Depending on the location of your pinched nerve and the frequency of your condition, your chiropractor will build a treatment plan including stretches you can do at home, lifestyle changes that can help, and a schedule of office visits. They may also suggest spinal decompression therapy or massage therapy in addition to your regular routine to keep your body moving as it should and prevent the muscle tightness and stress that often causes pinched nerves.

Chiropractic Services at Total Body Chiropractic, Massage, & Acupuncture

If you’re experiencing neck or back pain that you think may be due to a pinched nerve, you don’t have to live with it. Chiropractic treatment offers fast relief with complete healing. We combine the power of chiropractic with holistic treatment options, like massage and acupuncture, to help your body function at its highest and prevent future disruptions. Schedule your appointment today and let us help you get back to comfort.

8 Benefits of a Deep Tissue Massage

Massage is one of the most relaxing therapies available. More than that, it can act as a powerful tool for treating painful conditions and restoring balance within your body. Deep tissue massage is one popular technique used to ease chronic pain and heal injuries. This therapy also has several practical uses that can make life more comfortable. Continue reading to learn eight benefits of a deep tissue massage.

What is a deep tissue massage?

A deep tissue massage is a therapeutic technique that targets the inner layers of muscle and its surrounding connective tissue known as fascia. Using firm pressure and slow, deep strokes, your massage therapist works to break up scar tissue and release muscle adhesions, or knots. These knots are bands of rigid muscles that negatively impact your circulation and cause pain and inflammation.

Deep tissue can relieve the built-up tension from stress, exercise, and prolonged postural problems. It offers a prime solution for those dealing with:

• Chronic pain
• Muscle injuries
• Sports-related injuries
• Fatigued bodies from highly physical activities

This therapy begins with light strokes to warm up the muscles and then progresses to deep pressure along the muscle fibers. Deep tissue uses more pressure than other massages, like Swedish massage. While it can cause discomfort during your session, the pain should not feel unbearable. Be sure to communicate your needs with your Bend massage therapist so that they can adjust the pressure accordingly. In the days after your session, you may experience lingering soreness. This is completely normal. Using a heating pad or cold pack on the affected areas can provide relief.

Benefits of a Deep Tissue Massage

1. Relieves lower back pain

Lower back pain can have a myriad of causes, from normal aging and prolonged sitting to a lack of exercise or, conversely, heavy lifting. This condition can also stem from specific nerves, like the sciatic nerve, or major muscle groups that support this area, such as the quadratus lumborum and gluteus medius. Issues in these areas can make simple tasks like bending over or getting out of your car difficult.

Deep tissue massage releases tissues that may be causing pinched nerves, helping sciatica. These techniques also restore proper function in the areas that support your lower back.

A 2014 study found that deep tissue massage may provide a similar level of relief as common NSAIDs, like ibuprofen. Although massage therapy can be better for your body and more cost-efficient in the long run.

2. Lowers blood pressure

It’s no secret that stress and tension increase your blood pressure—and deep tissue massage addresses both. Deep tissue massage releases endorphins that relax blood vessels, allowing your body to more easily pump blood. These benefits combined with increased blood circulation after your session can all positively impact your readings.

A 2008 study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that massage can reduce diastolic, systolic, and mean arterial readings. It can even lower your heart rate by an average of 10 beats per minute.

3. Reduces muscle tension and pain

Tension occurs when your muscles stay in a contracted state and cannot relax. Over time, this tension can cause pain and reduce your range of motion. During a deep tissue massage, your Bend massage therapist will apply firm pressure on these trigger points, causing them to manually relax. This technique can reduce pain and restore movement.

If your discomfort stems from adhesions, or bundles of fibers that have grouped together due to tension, your therapist will break them up to increase flexibility and ease pain.

4. Lowers stress and anxiety

Stress is a normal part of life. When your body senses danger, it begins releasing more cortisol, a stress hormone that triggers your fight or flight. These levels should rise in moderate amounts during the day and level out at night. For people experiencing chronic stress, these cortisol levels remain high, which results in weight gain, sleeping troubles, and more.

Deep tissue massage not only lowers the levels of this stress hormone in your blood. It also counteracts its effects by releasing feel-good hormones, like oxytocin and serotonin. Oxytocin, your body’s “bonding hormone,” promotes positive moods and social interactions, while serotonin can encourage happiness and relaxation.

Not to mention, the simple act of taking 60 minutes for self-care can help you unwind mentally and physically. Massage therapy often promotes total-body relaxation with soothing music and aromatherapy. Even physical touch has been shown to reduce stress quickly and effectively.

5. Rehabilitates Athletic Injuries

Soreness and injuries are inevitable in most sports. That’s why massage therapy acts as an integral part of an athlete’s routine. Whether you have a student athlete or play league sports, this treatment option can provide countless benefits, including:

• Decreased muscle stiffness
• Increased range of motion
• Reduced swelling and inflammation
• Prevention of future injuries
• Better athletic performance

Deep tissue massage removes toxins and sends blood and key nutrients to injured areas to promote faster recovery and proper healing. It can even break up scar tissue and encourage your body to restart the healing process in older injuries.

Using massage therapy after hard sessions can delay the onset of soreness by clearing lactic acid build-up, a major cause of discomfort. The techniques also help with muscle fatigue to ensure your body performs at its best during every game.

Your massage therapist will use specific techniques for athletes, like stretching. This method aids tight, twisted muscles and discourages active and passive stiffness to increase your flexibility and range of motion.

6. Breaks up scar tissue

Scar tissue is a natural part of the body’s healing process. However, when this tissue forms improperly, it can become restrictive, painful, and stiff. Fortunately, scar tissue doesn’t have to be permanent—and it can even be remodeled to resemble healthy muscle tissue.

Deep tissue massage can break up scar tissue by increasing lymphatic circulation and drainage. If your scars are less than two years old, your therapist can break it down and help properly align the collagen cells and fibers. It can take time to break down scar tissue, so regular visits are necessary if this is your goal.

This therapy is also encouraged for post-surgical recovery as it can help the scars form correctly. For older problems, Bend Total Body also offers the Graston technique to break up difficult-to-treat scar tissue and old injuries.

7. Improves Arthritis Pain

Nearly 1 in 4 adults deals with arthritis in the muscles, joints, and tendons. This condition is characterized by pain, stiffness, and swelling in the affected joints. Deep tissue massage works in conjunction with your traditional treatment plan to deliver extended relief.

Massage therapy improves circulation to arthritic joints and decreases inflammation. This effect boosts your range of motion to keep you moving, breaking the cycle of stiffness and soreness that keeps you sedentary.

Many people also experience acute insomnia due to arthritic pain. By soothing your symptoms, massage therapy can encourage a better night’s rest.

8. Helps Labor and Delivery

Pregnancy, while a magical time in a woman’s life, can often result in some miserable symptoms. Fortunately, regular massage therapy during and after pregnancy can make this time more enjoyable.

Common benefits of pregnancy massage include:

• Increased circulation and blood oxygen, which benefits the baby
• Decreased pain in muscles and joints, especially the lower back
• Less muscle tension
• Stress and anxiety relief
• Reduced swelling
• Better sleep

Deep tissue massage therapy not only encourages physical and mental relaxation, but it also helps regulate key hormones. This therapy decreases levels of the stress hormone cortisol, while increasing feel-good hormones like serotonin and dopamine. So, expectant mothers leave their session feeling happier and more at ease.

Massage therapy can also help during labor. It’s thought that stimulating painful areas can encourage the brain to release its own pain-relieving endorphins. In other situations, massage techniques flood the body with pleasant sensations, blocking pain signals. Be sure to ask your therapist for at-home massage techniques that you can do when the time comes.

Regular massage throughout your pregnancy can result in less labor pain and shorter delivery times. Some mothers even feel less need for medication.

Always ensure that your massage therapist is thoroughly trained in pre-natal massage techniques. Some areas can induce labor or even cause complications, so they should not be stimulated during your session. For example, pregnancy can cause sluggish blood flow to the legs. However, your therapist should avoid deep tissue techniques here to prevent dislodging blood clots that could travel to vital organs.

Deep Tissue Massage at Total Body Chiropractic

If you’re dealing with ongoing discomfort that is impacting your quality of life, massage therapy can help. This treatment option offers a non-invasive and extremely relaxing way to address the root of your problems. You will experience a range of benefits during your session to help you feel your best on and off the table.

Are you new to massage therapy? We offer several types of massage options to help you work your way up to the intensity of deep tissue. Schedule your appointment and treat yourself to relaxation today!

5 Pressure Points for Headaches

Nearly 45 million Americans get at least one headache per year. Of that number, 30% deal with migraine disorder, which can be highly debilitating. Some people experience headaches that are so severe and frequent that they end up missing work and many of life’s moments. Finding a way to manage your headaches outside of pain medication (a solution that doesn’t always work) is vital for living a happier, healthier life.

Holistic treatment options, like massage therapy and chiropractic care, may be the answer. Continue reading to learn how massage therapy can help with your headaches and techniques you can use to find relief at home.

Types of Headaches

Not all headaches are the same. When you can pinpoint the type of headaches you are experiencing, treatment becomes much easier. Typically, headaches fall into two major categories: muscle tension and vascular.

• Muscle tension — This pain is usually dull and constant on both sides. It can be caused by the tightening of muscles in the head, face, and neck.
• Vascular headaches — Vascular headaches feel like pounding or throbbing. They occur when the blood vessels that supply the brain begin to swell and constrict.

There are over 150 nuanced headaches. However, based on the sensation, duration, and location, you may be dealing with one of the four most common types of headaches:

1. Tension Headache

This is the most common form of head pain. It is characterized by dull, aching, mild to moderate pain all over the head. Tension headaches tend to come and go with no other symptoms. These are more likely to be triggered by physical or mental stress.

2. Cluster Headaches

Clusters usually feel the most severe. Many patients complain of constant burning or piercing pain behind or around the eye. The pain can even wake you up out of your sleep. While these headaches only last for about 15 minutes to 3 hours, they can strike in groups with as many as three a day and recur for an extended period (2 weeks up to 3 months). Men are more likely to experience cluster headaches than women.

3. Migraine

Migraine is considered a condition with no exact cause and no permanent cure. This headache feels like pounding or throbbing, typically concentrated to one side of the face. Each episode can last for 4 hours but will generally stick around for days. People with migraine headaches may experience 1 to 4 attacks per month. These episodes are accompanied by additional symptoms like pain, sensitivity to light, noise, and smells, nausea or vomiting, loss of appetite, and stomach pain.

4. Sinus Headache

As the name suggests, sinus headaches affect the sinuses with deep, constant pain in the cheekbones, forehead, and nose area. The inflamed sinuses can also cause other symptoms like runny nose, full ears, and swelling. Generally, you will experience these episodes if you have allergies or a sinus infection marked by yellow or green discharge.

What causes headaches?

At its core, a headache is caused by a mixture of pain signals between the brain, blood vessels, and surrounding nerves. However, different situations may affect this line of communication and result in a headache, like:

• Illness — Infections, colds, and fevers)
• Neck and back strain from poor posture
• Stress and how we react to it (i.e., skipping meals, changes in sleep, alcohol use, etc.)
• Environmental factors — smoke, scents, chemicals, allergens, noise, lights, weather can all be triggers.
• Exercise
• Hormones
• Rebound headaches from reliance on prescriptions and over-the-counter medications.
• Head injuries
• Hemicrania continua
• Genetics — Migraine condition tends to run in the family. If both parents get them, the child is 70% more likely to experience them. If only one parent suffers from this condition, there is a 25% to 50% chance the child will inherit them.

How does massage therapy help with headaches?

Massage therapy can be an excellent treatment option, especially if your headaches occur from muscle tension and stress.

In fact, a 2002 study followed patients who had experienced chronic headaches at least two to three times per week for six months. The researchers found that massage reduced the number of headaches from 7 per week to just two. The duration of the headaches also decreased by half the time.

How did massage therapy help? The techniques used by your massage therapist target the cause of your pain and offer relief by:

• Boosting relaxation to reduce stress-induced migraines and headaches
• Reducing muscle spasms
• Easing muscle tension in the neck and shoulders
• Releasing shortened muscles
• Relieving pressure on the nerves and blood vessels
• Increasing blood circulation
• Decreasing sleep disturbances and distress

Headache Relief Pressure Points

Certain areas of the body may provide relief to seemingly unrelated sites. Your massage therapist can easily identify these headache relief pressure points during your appointment to provide more immediate relief. By stimulating these pressure points for headaches at home, you can prolong the results of your massage therapy appointment.

1. Union Valley Pressure Point — Large Intestine 4 (LI4)

The Union Valley pressure point is located in the web or fleshy depression between the thumb and the index finger.

This tension headache relief pressure point releases pressure in the neck and head. It is also great for pain in the face, head, and neck, especially when it comes to sinuses, jaw pain, and earaches. The LI4 point can also help with detoxification and menstrual cramps.

How to stimulate the union valley pressure point:

Using the thumb and index finger of the opposite hand, apply gentle yet firm pressure on the fleshy depression for 3 minutes. Take deep breaths during this time. You can also massage the area in small circles.

You should not stimulate this point if you are pregnant, as it can induce labor in some instances. 

2. Drilling Bamboo Pressure Point — Bright Light Point (B2)

The drilling bamboo point rests on either side of the place where the bridge of the nose meets the ridge of the eyebrows.

The B2 point is best for relieving allergies, sinus pressure, and the resulting pain. It’s also particularly useful for eyestrain caused by electronic devices. Adding this pressure point stimulation to your nightly routine can help you unwind after a long day of desk work.

How to stimulate the drilling bamboo pressure point for headaches:

Use your index finger to apply firm pressure for 10 seconds, release, and repeat.

3. The Gates of Consciousness Pressure Point — Gallbladder 20

The gates of consciousness pressure point for headaches is located at the base of either side of your skull in the hollow areas between the two vertical parallel neck muscles.

The gallbladder 20 point is one of the best migraine pressure points, as it also addresses blurred vision, low energy, and fatigue. It is also beneficial for easing anxiety and stress. If you deal with insomnia or frequent sleep disturbances, you may also find relief in using this point. Most notably, it can help soothe tension and pain in the neck.

How to stimulate the gates of consciousness pressure point:

Place the fingers on the points, using your index and middle finger (or clasping your hands behind the neck with thumbs facing downward). Press firmly upward for 10 seconds and repeat.

4. The Third Eye Pressure Point — Hall of Impression

One of the most well-known pressure points, the third eye, sits right between your eyebrows, where the bridge of your nose meets your forehead.

This tension headache relief pressure point has many alternative uses for emotional well-being and alignment. It also connects with the pineal gland, which promotes deep relaxation and produces melatonin to relieve migraines. The third eye pressure point can also calm anxiety, reduce dizziness, and soothe sinus pressure.

How to stimulate the third eye pressure point for headaches:

Locate the third eye and use your index finger to apply gentle pressure for one minute.

5. The Shoulder Well Pressure Point — Gallbladder 21

You’ll find the shoulder well pressure point at the highest part of the shoulder halfway between the shoulder point and the base of the neck.

Stimulating this area can relieve stiffness and pain in the neck and shoulders and the resulting headaches. It can also remove the weight off the shoulders that accumulates from poor posture. Finally, it releases stress and tension in the upper body.

How to stimulate the shoulder well pressure point for headaches:

Take your thumb and apply firm pressure in a circular motion for one minute. Switch and repeat on the opposite side.

Because the shoulder well pressure point encourages energy flow downward, it is not recommended for pregnant women.

Massage Therapy at Total Body Chiropractic

If you deal with regular headaches, it’s time to give massage therapy a try! This non-invasive treatment option has proven to ease the effects of headaches to help you feel more comfortable. Massage therapy also delivers a number of other beneficial benefits for your mind and body, including increased flexibility, reduced joint pain, better sleep quality, lymphatic drainage, and so much more. At Total Body Chiropractic, Massage & Acupuncture, we create an individualized treatment plan to target multiple problem areas at once and help you feel your best. Schedule your appointment with us today!

Top Benefits of Acupuncture for Insomnia

Do you have trouble getting to and staying asleep each night? You’re not alone. Nearly 70 million Americans deal with a sleep disorder, most commonly insomnia. Short-term insomnia affects about 30% of the population, while long-lasting insomnia impacts about 10% of people. If you’re one of these people, it’s vital to find a solution for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Thanks to its increased popularity, many people wonder, “can acupuncture help insomnia?” Fortunately, natural solutions like acupuncture for insomnia offer a drug-free solution.

Continue reading to learn how this holistic therapy can improve your rest.

What is Acupuncture for Insomnia?

Acupuncture for insomnia is a drug-free solution for a better night’s rest. Unlike traditional prescriptions that cause daytime drowsiness, cognitive impairment, and dependence, acupuncture has very minimal side effects and is more readily available for your use.

Acupuncture for better sleep has been around for thousands of years as a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is believed that your energy, qi (pronounced ‘chee’), runs along pathways throughout the body, known as meridians. When there are energy blockages in these pathways, you become susceptible to illness, pain, and other problems, like insomnia.

In western medicine, acupuncture for sleep is used as a neuromodulator that tones down the brain’s perception of certain sensory signals, like in instances of pain. By inserting hair-thin, sterilized needles into specified points, your acupuncturist also helps restore balance and promote proper functioning of the entire body. This process can stimulate the release of necessary hormones, decrease inflammation, and relax muscles, which helps you feel better all around.

A review of 46 trials that included 3811 patients even showed that acupuncture for sleep disorders increased both sleep quality and duration more than traditional techniques, like medicine and herbal remedies.

How Does Acupuncture for Insomnia Work?

At Total Body, we believe in treating your condition by addressing the root cause of your problem, whether that’s pain, stress, or another underlying factor. That’s why your appointment will begin with a discussion outlining your full medical history, daily lifestyle habits, diet, and sleep schedule. This information will help us determine what could be contributing to your insomnia.

From there, a skilled acupuncturist will insert about 5 to 20 needles in common acupuncture points for sleep, like the arms, legs, and feet. Once the needles are placed, you will lie still for about 30 minutes. This first session can last up to 90 minutes, while subsequent appointments will take anywhere from 45 to 60 minutes.

Generally, you will start with 2 to 3 sessions a week for about ten sessions if you experience temporary insomnia. If you deal with chronic insomnia, you may need ongoing treatment to ensure lasting success.

After a full round of acupuncture for sleep, we will reassess your condition to determine if you’re ready for a maintenance plan. An individualized treatment plan can involve your acupuncture sessions, along with additional therapies like chiropractic care and massage and daily activities that help you sleep better.

Five Acupuncture Points for Sleep

Specific acupuncture points correspond with various parts of the body — and some of the placements can feel seemingly unrelated to the area of treatment. However, there are five main acupuncture points for insomnia found in the arms, legs, and head that can help you sleep better:

1. HT7 (or Spirit Gate)

This acupuncture point for sleep is located at the crease on the inside of the wrist below the pinkie. Applying acupuncture to this area quiets the mind, which can help you get to sleep faster and reduce stress-related disturbances to provide greater quality rest.

2. SP6 (or Three Yin Intersection)

The SP6 is located on the inner leg above the ankle. To find it, locate the highest point of your ankle and then measure four finger-widths up. This acupuncture point for insomnia promotes relaxation to help improve your sleep. It can also help with menstrual cramps and other pelvic disorders.

Pregnant women should not access this pressure point, as it can induce labor.

3. LV3 (or Tai Chong)

The LV3 acupuncture point for sleep sits where the skin of the big toe and second toe connects. Stimulating this area helps ease insomnia, especially when related to stress, anxiety, or  an unknown cause.

4. An Mian

This acupuncture point literally translates to “peaceful sleep.” It is located behind the ears on either side of the neck, just beyond the bony protrusion. Using “an mian” not only encourages full-body relaxation but can also ease anxiety and headaches that often stop you from getting a good night’s sleep.

5. Yin Tang

This acupuncture point for sleep is one of the most well-known, and for a good reason. The “yin tang” reduces instances of insomnia, as well as restlessness and agitation, which can both hinder your sleep. Not to mention, this acupuncture point can also ease tension in the neck, shoulders, and face. This spot sits just at the center of the eyebrows above your nose.

The acupuncturists in Bend may also stimulate additional acupuncture points in the soles and heels of your feet to make you more grounded and induce sleep after your session. You can also practice acupressure at home to boost your results. Simply locate these acupuncture points for sleep and apply light pressure or massage in circular motions before going to bed.

Benefits of Acupuncture for Insomnia

At night, your body heals and repairs itself from the stressors of the day. So, quality sleep is necessary to feel your best mentally and physically. Whether you’re dealing with a temporary bout of insomnia or have always experienced this condition, acupuncture for sleep can increase the quality and duration of your slumber in these ways:

1. Lowers Stress and Anxiety

High levels of the stress hormone cortisol can impact your ability to get to sleep. It can also impact the quality of sleep, leaving you unrefreshed in the morning. Acupuncture resets your cortisol hormone levels to decrease stress. As mentioned earlier, certain points also help quiet the mind so that you can doze off without racing thoughts.

Plus, acupuncture also encourages your brain to release feel-good hormones, like serotonin, further reducing the stress that may keep you awake.

2. Stimulates and Balances Hormones

Acupuncture for insomnia stimulates the release of the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin. Melatonin signals to your body that it’s time to wind down and head to bed. People with insomnia often experience imbalances where they don’t create enough of this hormone or don’t begin producing it early enough to get to bed on time. By increasing your levels with the help of acupuncture, you may benefit from a more regular sleep schedule.

3. Decreases Pain

Chronic pain is often linked to insomnia, as the discomfort makes it difficult to rest. Fortunately, pain relief is a common use for acupuncture. This treatment works to ease inflammation in affected joints and muscles to make you more comfortable as early as your first session.

4. Promotes Relaxation

Full-body relaxation is a surefire way to get to sleep. Acupuncture boosts this effect by reducing activity in your sympathetic nervous system — the area responsible for your flight-or-fight response. As this system shuts off, your heart rate begins to slow, blood pressure drops, and your body begins to relax.

Pairing your acupuncture session with a massage appointment can further amplify your results. Massage therapy carries many of the same benefits of acupuncture, including relaxation, stress relief, and pain relief. Some people even fall asleep on the table during their appointment.

5. Increases Blood Circulation

Acupuncture for better sleep improves blood circulation throughout the body, namely in sleep-inducing areas. With increased oxygen, your body is more likely to get to a relaxed state.

Additional Benefits of Acupuncture for Overall Health

Although we deliver targeted treatment through acupuncture for better sleep, you will also reap several other benefits that can improve your health overall.

Pain Relief

As mentioned earlier, pain relief is a common result of acupuncture. Whether you experience joint pain, muscle tension or soreness, or spasms, acupuncture offers a drug-free solution. It triggers the release of endorphins—natural pain-relieving chemicals produced by the body.

Anxiety Improvement

Because acupuncture for insomnia and anxiety works as a neuromodulator, it can influence your brain function. This helpful tool can stimulate the part of the mind that controls emotions like anxiety to help you feel more at ease. The increased serotonin and decreased cortisol after each session also help reduce anxious feelings.

Other Sleep Conditions

Insomnia might not be the only thing keeping you up at night. Sleep apnea is another common sleep disorder, affecting about 26% of people — and acupuncture can help! Acupuncture for sleep apnea prevents the upper respiratory muscles from collapsing to reduce the frequency and severity of the condition. It also reduces the chances of the tongue slipping back and blocking the airway during sleep.

Schedule Your Acupuncture Appointment Today

Are you ready to finally experience a deep, restful slumber? Acupuncture for better sleep may be the answer. The skilled acupuncturists at Total Body Chiropractic, Massage, & Acupuncture work with you to deliver the best results. Schedule your appointment today and start sleeping better tonight!

How Acupuncture Helps Reduce Arthritis Pain

Arthritis is one of the most common causes of physical disability, with over 27 million Americans dealing with some form of this condition. Finding a non-invasive, drug-free solution becomes extremely important for managing this ongoing condition without adverse side effects. Acupuncture for arthritis may answer the problem that so many people face. Continue reading to learn how this holistic service can help you get your life back.

What is Acupuncture for Arthritis?

Acupuncture has been around for thousands of years as an integral part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is believed that your energy, or qi (pronounced ‘chee’), runs along certain pathways, known as meridians, throughout the body. By inserting hair-thin needles in specific points, your acupuncturist in Bend removes any blockages that may be causing pain or illness.

When using acupuncture for pain, the acupuncture points may sit near the affected area or in a corresponding part of the body. Treatment is generally not painful, and many patients report feeling relief as early as their first appointment.

The 2019 American College of Rheumatology and Arthritis Foundation guidelines even list acupuncture as a recommended treatment option for osteoarthritis (OA), making it a prominent option in your ongoing quest for comfort.

Benefits of Acupuncture for Arthritis

Evidence shows that acupuncture for arthritis can significantly ease the discomfort associated with both OA and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). According to a study by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, patients experienced a 40% decrease in pain and increased joint mobility after 3.5 months of treatment.

A review of 43 RA studies showed that 1 to 3 sessions for four weeks could improve symptoms and even decrease the physical markers of the condition.

It’s important to know that acupuncture will not cure or reverse your arthritis. However, it can make your pain and symptoms more manageable daily. You should work with your primary care physician to find an appropriate balance in care.

Thanks to the anti-inflammatory effects of acupuncture for pain, you may experience these benefits:

• Reduced inflammation in the joints
• Decreased pain as the nerve fibers help block out pain signals
• Better circulation and blood flow
• Increased joint mobility
• Relaxed muscles
• Lower reliance on common prescriptions and opioids

You may also reap several other benefits that improve your quality of life, including:

• Stress relief thanks to the stimulation of endorphins and oxytocin, your body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals.
• Better sleep due to melatonin regulation.
• Greater sense of well-being because of a release of serotonin

How Many Acupuncture Sessions Do I Need for Arthritis?

During your first session, the acupuncturists in Bend will complete a full assessment, including your medical history, current treatment plan, and a full record of your symptoms and lifestyle goals. They will then build an individualized treatment plan based on your needs. Studies have varied from 4 weeks to 14 weeks, with results present in all scenarios. For best results, you should follow the plan your acupuncturist gives you.

Generally, for mild to moderate cases, only a limited amount of work is needed to see results. If you have a more advanced case of arthritis (bone-on-bone), you may need ongoing acupuncture treatments for continued comfort.

At Total Body, we believe in a holistic approach to chiropractic care. So, we will offer additional recommendations to help prolong your results, like exercising regularly, wearing supportive shoes, and reducing the strain on your affected joints throughout the day with tweaks. You may also benefit from combining acupuncture with other services, like massage therapy and chiropractic adjustments. These therapies support the function of your entire body and may further bolster your results.

Are you ready to feel more comfortable throughout your day? Schedule an appointment to try acupuncture with Total Body Chiropractic, Massage & Acupuncture.

5 Tips for Reducing Holiday Stress

From dealing with extended family members to the pressure of making everything go perfectly, it’s not easy to remain relaxed this time of year. Holiday stress not only impacts you mentally and emotionally, but it can cause you physical pain. Not to mention, high stress levels make you more susceptible to illness during the cold and flu season. That’s why managing your stress is as important as ever to keep the holiday cheer going.

Continue reading to learn how to identify stress and five ways to reduce its impact year-round.

How to Know if You’re Dealing with Holiday Stress

It’s easy to power through the signs of stress without even recognizing it. Fortunately, if you take a minute to rest and reflect, the symptoms are easy to pinpoint:

• Tension headaches
• Anxiety
• Low mood
• Body aches, especially in the neck, shoulders, and back
• Trouble sleeping
• Increased irritability
• Poor diet choices and cravings

If you’ve noticed the signs creeping up on you or getting worse, then it’s time to take some steps toward relaxation.

5 Ways to Stay Relaxed This Season

1. Plan Ahead

Your to-do list is probably a mile long right now, but you can’t do it all yourself. Designating time for shopping, cooking, and decorating can make your to-do list feel more focused and manageable. If you still can’t fit everything in, choose the most important (and most joyful) items on your list and delegate or decline the rest.

2. Set a Budget

Expensive wish lists and extensive gift lists can put a strain on your bank account, so much so that money is the main holiday stressor for many people. Before you start shopping, set your holiday budget for gifts, décor, and the menu. You can keep an eye on your spending by pulling out cash or using a preloaded card.

3. Maintain Your Healthy Habits

It’s no secret that this is the most indulgent time of year. So, it’s easy to completely trade in your usual balanced diet and exercise routine for a season-long celebration. However, your body and mind will benefit more by practicing moderation.

When you’re not actively celebrating, try to stick to your regular regimen. Fill your plate with healthy fats, vegetables, and fruits that reduce stress. Exercise is also a natural stress reliever, and you don’t have to do much to reap the benefits—just take a 30-minute walk or complete a brief yoga practice. If you can, take your exercise outdoors! Sunlight and nature have been shown to improve your mood and ease the effects of stress on your nervous system.

4. Get Enough Sleep

Have you ever noticed that you’re crankier and more irritable after a late night? That’s because sleep is your body’s time to reset and stabilize your mood and hormone levels. When you wake up, you’re refreshed and better equipped to handle the minor stressors throughout the day. Aim for 7 to 8 hours each night.

If you find it hard to fall asleep, try reducing the temperature, putting your phone away an hour before bed, and keeping your room dark.

5. Keep Up with Your Chiropractic Care Appointments

Chiropractic care, massage therapy, and acupuncture for pain are tools that can instantly relieve stress in the body. The benefits of massage therapy in Bend helps with stress in a few ways:

• reduces the stress hormone cortisol in the body
• increases feel-good hormones, like serotonin and dopamine
• provides time to unwind and relax

Plus, massage therapy for pain reduces the irritability and increased anxiety that occurs when you’re experiencing discomfort.

As we mentioned earlier, stress can greatly impact your body, causing inflammation, pain, and muscle tension. Not only do chiropractic adjustments relieve pressure on all your body’s systems, but they also release muscle tension to put your body in a more relaxed state. The best chiropractor in Bend will give you daily stresses that help keep tension at bay even after your appointment.

Your acupuncturist in Bend can provide a full-body reset, including your stress and pain levels. Together, these treatment options keep you relaxed and ready for whatever the season throws at you.

Gifting chiropractic and massage services with the best massage therapists in Bend is an affordable, simple, and meaningful way to take the stress out of the holidays for yourself and your loved ones. The longer you spend away from your chiropractic care regimen, the more your stress grows. So, if you’re already on a holistic care plan, now is not the time to stop. Schedule your appointment with Total Body today and get into the holiday spirit.

Give the Gift of Health & Wellness This Holiday Season

What if you could give one gift to everyone on your list, and it was still meaningful, impactful, and unique to each person? You can! Wellness services, like chiropractic care, acupuncture, and massage therapy, deliver several mental and physical benefits in just one session. And the best part—it makes shopping a breeze for you.

Here are three ways to give the gift of health and wellness this year:

1. Chiropractic Adjustments

A chiropractic appointment is a perfect way to show someone you care about their overall wellbeing. Each adjustment works to restore balance within the nervous system and optimize body function. While one session will not completely resolve everything, many patients report feeling immediate relief. Not to mention, the best chiropractor in Bend will provide lifestyle, diet, and exercise tips to make sure the problem does not occur in the future. It’s the gift that keeps on giving!

Consider gifting a chiropractic appointment for those that could benefit from:

• Joint and nerve pain relief
• Improved posture
• An immune boost
• Faster recovery from sports, auto, or other injuries
• Reduced inflammation

2. Massage Therapy

Everyone deserves time to relax and unwind. Why not be the person who gives this precious and often overlooked gift to your loved ones? The long gentle strokes and targeted pressure during massage therapy in Bend help undo knots and tension within the soft tissues. Plus, it releases “feel good” hormones, so the recipient leaves their session feeling happier and more relaxed.

The physical and mental benefits of massage extend well past the confines of each session:

• Reduced stress levels
• Decreased muscle tension
• Pain relief
• Increased flexibility (perfect for the athletes in your life)
• Better sleep (a great gift for new parents)
• Enhanced blood circulation
• Mood boost

Whether your recipient needs to relax with a Swedish massage or prefers massage therapy for pain relief with a deep tissue, you can completely customize this gift to cater to anyone on your list. Massage therapy is a particularly good gift for expecting mothers. The best massage therapists in Bend use gentle, safe techniques to relieve lower back pain, nausea, and other symptoms that make pregnancy uncomfortable.

3. Acupuncture Sessions

Acupuncture for pain and other ailments gives the body a full reset. Your acupuncturist in Bend inserts tiny needles into specific points in the body to restore positive energy flow, or Qi, along pathways known as meridians. When energy is flowing properly, patients can experience:

• Reduced pain
• Fewer and less severe headaches
• Mental clarity
• Better digestion
• Increased energy
• Allergy relief
• Help with fertility
• Relief from menopausal symptoms, like hot flashes

Who can benefit from chiropractic care, massage therapy, and acupuncture?

Everyone in your life can benefit from wellness services. Because of the range of benefits, each person on your list will experience exactly what they need during their session. Bend Total Body services are the perfect gift for:

• Athletes
• Expecting mothers
• New parents
• Business executives
• People who sit at a desk all day
• Avid gymgoers
• Manual laborers
• Those with chronic pain
• And anyone else on your list!

This time of year is extremely stressful, and we want to make it easier for you. As you’re checking names off the list, don’t forget your own! You deserve a wellness boost to send you into the new year feeling your best.

How to give wellness services as a gift

We make it simpler than ever to give the gift of wellness year-round with gift certificates. That means no scheduling or coordinating on your part! Simply present your loved one with the certificate, and we will handle the rest. If you need help determining what service may work best for your friends and family, feel free to ask for our recommendation during your next session.

Friends don’t let friends live in pain. Wrap up comfort and put it under the tree this year with a gift certificate to Total Body Chiropractic, Massage & Acupuncture.

How Often Should I Go to the Chiropractor?

If you’ve been considering starting or resuming chiropractic care, you may be wondering, “how often should I go to the chiropractor?” Is one adjustment enough to reap all the benefits of this holistic therapy? Do you have to go to the chiropractor monthly, weekly, or even more frequently to get results? Your treatment plan varies greatly depending on how you feel, your condition, and your wellness goals.

Continue reading to determine how often you should go to the chiropractor:

Why Should You Go to the Chiropractor?

Chiropractic care offers a non-invasive treatment option to soothe, correct, and heal the spine, nerves, and joints. Our chiropractors in Bend use hands-on manipulation to restore balance and proper functioning of your body systems. The chiropractor will also provide stretches and exercises for longer-lasting results.

This form of therapy can provide several full-body benefits:

• Relieve neck, back, and joint pain
• Reduce stress
• Boost the immune system
• Ease inflammation
• Encourage faster and more complete healing of injuries
• Promote overall wellbeing
• Increase flexibility and mobility
• Prevent injuries

Common Chiropractic Schedules

Chiropractic care is a highly individualized practice. There is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to this treatment method. However, most individuals will need between 4 to 12 initial sessions to thoroughly correct misalignments and reap maximum benefits. You can experience immediate results with a single session, but these effects are generally temporary, and symptoms may return within weeks or even days.

After your initial session, you should schedule a follow-up to determine how your body responded to your first adjustment. From there, the chiropractors in Bend will formulate the best treatment schedule for you in one of these categories.

Weekly

You will likely need to visit the chiropractor several times a week (or even daily in certain instances) if you have disc issues, severe injuries, or chronic joint pain. Even mild problems, like sprains, strains, and muscle spasms, can require weekly visits to the office.

It is also not uncommon to visit multiple times a week when you’re first starting treatment, regardless of your current state, as your body needs to be trained to break its bad habits.

Bi-Weekly

As you begin to move and feel better, you can scale back to every two weeks. You should consider keeping this schedule if you sit for long periods each day, regularly lift heavy loads, or bend frequently. These actions can put a strain on your back and lead to misalignments in the spine.

Monthly (Maintenance Stage)

Your chiropractor will recommend a monthly or quarterly maintenance schedule once you begin to hold onto your adjustments for longer. It is important to stick to this schedule even without symptoms or pain to prevent the discomfort from returning.

It is a common myth that once you start chiropractic care, you’ll need to go forever. In fact, many people find they only need to go quarterly or every six months for a tune-up, especially if they are incorporating additional wellness services, like massage therapy in Bend.

You may notice that you need to visit more frequently if you neglect the stretches, exercises, and other tips from your chiropractor. It is all about listening to your body and working with your chiropractor in Bend to build the most beneficial regimen for you.

Signs You Should Book an Additional Chiropractic Session

It’s always best to visit the chiropractor before the pain begins. If you wait until you are already in pain, your joints and spine are likely significantly out of alignment, and you will need more visits to reach your baseline. As you become familiar with how your body moves and feels after your adjustments, you’ll be able to increase or decrease your frequency as needed. You may also choose to substitute services with a massage therapist or acupuncturist in Bend.

Certain signs may call for a visit earlier than your next scheduled appointment:

• Loss of flexibility
• Recurrent headaches
• Joint and muscle pain
• Tingling in the arms and feet, which could indicate a pinched nerve
• Recent accidents or injuries
• Uneven wear on shoes

If you are not noticing positive changes after consistent treatment, tell the best chiropractor in Bend. They will schedule x-rays or refer you to a specialist for appropriate treatment. While you may experience slight discomfort after certain adjustments, you should not be in more pain than when you began. If this is the case, contact your chiropractor immediately.

Chiropractic care is like any healthy lifestyle change—when you remain consistent, you will see positive, long-term changes. At Total Body Chiropractic, Massage, & Acupuncture, we help you build a beneficial plan that works for your body and budget. Schedule your appointment today to start your journey and receive your customized care plan.