Category: Chiropractic Care

How Shockwave Therapy Can Treat Plantar Fasciitis

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that affects the plantar fascia, which is a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot from the heel to the toes. It is the most common cause of plantar heel pain and affects millions of people worldwide.

The plantar fascia acts as a shock absorber and helps to support the arch of the foot. When this tissue becomes inflamed, it can cause pain and discomfort, particularly in the heel and arch of the foot. This inflammation can occur due to a variety of factors, such as overuse, tight calf muscles, or improper footwear.

Symptoms of plantar fasciitis typically include pain and tenderness in the bottom of the foot, particularly near the heel. The pain may be worse in the morning or after periods of inactivity and may improve with rest or stretching.

Common Causes of Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is typically caused by repetitive strain and stress on the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes. Some common causes of plantar fasciitis include:

1. Overuse: Repetitive activities that involve running, jumping, or walking for extended periods of time can put excessive strain on the plantar fascia, leading to inflammation and pain.
2. Foot mechanics: Poor foot mechanics, such as flat feet, high arches, or an abnormal gait, can also place extra stress on the plantar fascia and increase the risk of developing plantar fasciitis.
3. Age: Plantar fasciitis is more common in middle-aged and older adults, as the plantar fascia can become weaker and less flexible over time.
4. Obesity: Carrying excess weight can put added pressure on the feet and increase the risk of developing plantar fasciitis.
5. Occupational factors: Jobs that require standing or walking on hard surfaces for long periods of time, such as teaching, nursing, or factory work, can increase the risk of developing plantar fasciitis.
6. Certain sports: Activities that involve running, jumping, or sudden changes in direction, such as basketball, soccer, and tennis, can also increase the risk of developing plantar fasciitis.

It is important to identify and address the underlying cause of plantar fasciitis in order to effectively manage symptoms and prevent recurrence. A chiropractor can help determine the cause and treatment of plantar fasciitis and develop a personalized treatment plan to help manage your symptoms and promote healing.

How Shockwave Therapy Works on Plantar Fasciitis

Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment in which your chiropractor uses a hand-held probe that produces high-energy sound waves to promote healing and reduce pain in the affected area. It works by creating micro trauma to the tissue, which stimulates the body’s natural healing response and promote the growth of new tissue. This increased blood flow helps to promote healing and reduce inflammation in the affected area. The pressure waves also help to break up scar tissue and calcium deposits that may be contributing to the pain and discomfort.

During the procedure, your chiropractor will apply a gel to the affected area and use a handheld device to deliver the shockwaves. The shockwaves are high-energy acoustic pulses that are focused on the area of tissue that is causing pain. The pulses penetrate the skin and create microscopic bubbles that expand and burst, creating a pressure wave that stimulates blood flow and the production of new tissue.

This increased blood flow helps to promote healing and reduce inflammation in the affected area. The pressure waves also help to break up scar tissue and calcium deposits that may be contributing to the pain and discomfort.

However, it is important to note that shockwave therapy is not a one-size-fits-all treatment and may not be effective for all patients with plantar fasciitis. The effectiveness of shockwave treatment can depend on factors such as the severity of the condition, the patient’s age and overall health, and the duration of symptoms.

Your chiropractor can determine if shockwave therapy is an appropriate treatment option for your individual case of plantar fasciitis. They can help you weigh the potential risks and benefits of this treatment and develop a comprehensive treatment plan to help manage your symptoms and promote healing.

Studies from clinical trials have shown that shockwave therapy can be an effective treatment for plantar fasciitis, particularly in cases where other treatments have not been successful. However, it is important to note that not everyone will respond to this treatment, and it is not suitable for everyone.

Multiple Sessions for Treating Plantar Fasciitis

The length of time it takes for shockwave therapy to work on plantar fasciitis can vary from patient to patient, and depends on a number of factors, including the severity of the condition and the individual’s response to treatment.

In general, most patients start to experience some relief from pain within a few days to a week after their first session of shockwave therapy. However, it may take several weeks or even months of treatment to feel a significant difference.

Most patients require multiple sessions of shockwave therapy, usually spaced one to two weeks apart, to achieve the most beneficial effect. The number of sessions required will depend on the severity of the condition and the individual’s response to treatment. Some patients may require as few as three to four sessions, while others may require up to 10 sessions or more.

It is important to note that shockwave therapy is just one component of a comprehensive treatment plan for plantar fasciitis, and patients may also be advised to make lifestyle modifications, such as wearing proper footwear, stretching exercises, and weight management. Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medications and other conservative measures may also be recommended to help manage symptoms.

Side Effects of Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis

Like any medical procedure, shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis has potential risks and side effects that should be discussed with your chiropractor before undergoing treatment.

Some of the most common side effects of shockwave therapy include:

• Pain or discomfort in the treated area: Some patients may experience mild to moderate discomfort during or after the procedure, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medications or ice packs.
• Swelling, redness, or bruising: These side effects are usually mild and will typically resolve on their own within a few days to a week.
• Numbness or tingling: Some patients may experience numbness or tingling in the treated area, which is usually temporary and will typically resolve on its own within a few hours to a few days.
• Rarely, shockwave therapy can cause more serious side effects, such as nerve damage, tendonitis, or tissue damage. However, these complications are rare and are more likely to occur if the procedure is not performed by a qualified chiropractor.

Your chiropractor can help determine if this treatment is appropriate for you and provide guidance on how to manage any side effects that may occur.

Walking After Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis

Yes, you can usually walk immediately after shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis. Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that does not require any incisions or anesthesia, so most patients are able to resume their normal activities, including walking, immediately after the procedure.

However, it is common to experience some discomfort or pain in the treated area after shockwave therapy, so your chiropractor may advise you to rest and avoid high-impact activities, such as running or jumping, for a few days to a week after the procedure.

It is important to follow your chiropractor’s instructions and recommendations for post-treatment care to help ensure the best possible outcome. This may include wearing supportive shoes with custom orthotics, physical therapy, stretching exercises, and avoiding activities that may aggravate your symptoms.

It is also important to keep in mind that shockwave therapy is just one component of a comprehensive treatment plan for plantar fasciitis, and your chiropractor may recommend additional therapies or lifestyle modifications to help manage your symptoms and promote healing. Make an appointment with Total Body Chiropractic in Bend today to start shockwave treatment for your plantar fasciitis.

Can a Chiropractor Fix a Herniated Disc?

A spinal disc issue is one of the leading causes of neck and lower back pain. Home remedies can help you manage its symptoms, but you may still need other treatments to help you recover fully from your physical ailment. You must see a chiropractor if you suffer from chronic back discomfort caused by a bulging or damaged disc.

So, how can chiropractic care help with your herniated disc? Chiropractic care is a healthy, non-invasive approach that seeks to treat the cause of your discomfort rather than its symptoms. It adjusts your spine to relieve pressure on the damaged nerves and cures disc protrusion using specific procedures. As a result, it reduces your pain and restores your mobility, allowing you to experience fewer side effects.

What is a Herniated Disc?

A herniated disc happens when the softer inner nucleus pushes through a tear in the outer annulus. If this rupture puts pressure on a nerve, symptoms may develop. Many people seek a chiropractor to treat their symptoms because this spine-related condition can be excruciatingly painful and result in varying degrees of numbness or weakening. Sometimes, a herniated disc is also called a ruptured or slipped disc.

When a disc bulges out from the spine, it results in a herniated disc. Rubbery pads or spinal discs support your spine. Dislocation or resting against a nerve can cause discomfort and other health issues.

Herniated discs can happen for various reasons, including sports injuries, inappropriate stretching or twisting, a car accident, using the wrong lifting techniques, or aging. Regardless of the underlying cause, chiropractic care relieves the excruciating pain herniated discs produce and may even help avoid surgery or other medical procedures.

Symptoms of a Herniated Disc

The position and size of the herniated disc, and the herniation itself, all influence the symptoms. You could feel no pain or a minor backache if the herniated disc isn’t pushing on a nerve. However, if pressure is placed on a nerve, the area of the body where the nerve travels may experience pain, numbness, or weakening. Usually, a lower back pain episode or a long history of intermittent low back pain precedes a herniated disc.

Lumbar Spine

Herniated lower back discs frequently cause sciatica (radiculopathy). Pain, tingling, burning, and numbness can extend from the hip to the leg and occasionally into the foot when one or more nerves that comprise the sciatic nerve are compressed. Usually, it affects only one side—the left or right.

Several people describe this discomfort as being acute and electric shock-like. Standing, moving, or staying still could make it worse. Pain frequently gets worse when you straighten the affected side leg. Low back pain can accompany leg discomfort, but with acute sciatica, the leg pain is often worse than the low back pain.

Cervical Spine

Cervical radiculopathy, or neck nerve compression, causes symptoms such as tingling or numbness in the arm or shoulder and dull or severe pain in the neck or the area between the shoulder blades. Specific neck postures or motions can worsen the pain.

Arm or Leg Pain

You may experience discomfort in your hips, thigh, and calf and lower back pain if your herniated disc is in your lower back. Your foot may also be bothering you in some areas. Your shoulder and arm will often hurt the most if you have a herniated disc in your neck. Coughing or sneezing may cause this pain to travel to your arm or leg.

Numbness or Tingling

Tingling in the body or radiating numbness from the injured nerves is a common symptom of a herniated disc.

Weakness

The nerves’ supporting muscles typically deteriorate with time. This may impair your balance or make it difficult for you to lift or hold objects.

Can Chiropractic Treatment Help Fix Herniated Discs?

Your chiropractor will develop your treatment strategy once they’ve determined that you’re healthy enough to receive spinal manipulation. Your needs and condition are the main focus of our services.

Here are a few techniques chiropractors employ on people with herniated discs:

Flexion-Distraction Technique

Flexion-distraction is a typical chiropractic treatment that can treat the symptoms of a herniated disc. With flexion-distraction, the spine is gently “distracted” or stretched using a specific table. By adopting a pumping pattern, the chiropractor can isolate the injured area while only gently “flexing” the spine.

This procedure usually doesn’t cause any pain. Instead, the nucleus pulposus can take up its central place in the disc by being gently pumped to the painful location using the flexion-distraction approach. Furthermore, flexion-distraction might increase the disc height.

This method can assist in separating the disc from the nerve, eventually less discomfort and inflammation in the leg.

To effectively treat herniated discs with flexion-distraction, you require additional treatments through ultrasound, physiotherapy, muscle stimulation, nutrition, and at-home remedies. Your treatment plan will gradually include instructions for specific activities and diet.

Pelvic Blocking Treatments

This technique makes use of cushioned wedges designed especially for chiropractic use. Pelvic blocking is the term used to describe a method in which your chiropractor places these wedges beneath both sides of your pelvis. As a result, they naturally pull your herniated disc away from the damaged nerve.

Pelvic blocking is a technique that treats herniated discs and other health issues like headaches and other physical problems.

Spinal Decompression

Spinal decompression therapyv without surgery is another efficient technique that chiropractors use. They gently stretch the spine on a traction table to relieve your leg or back discomfort.

The bulging disc will migrate due to the negative pressure created by this method, relieving tension on the injured nerves and other spinal structures. Moreover, it facilitates the movement of fluids, nutrients, and oxygen that the discs require to recover more quickly. You can benefit from this treatment if you suffer from neck pain, facet joint syndrome, degenerative disc disease, damaged sciatic nerves, and disc protrusions.

Benefits of Chiropractic Treatment for Herniated Discs

When consulting chiropractors, patients with back pain issues and herniated discs hope to feel better without undergoing invasive or expensive treatments. Severe health ailments and chronic illnesses make it impossible to use other medical therapies.

People with herniated discs often opt for chiropractic care for the following reasons:

Does Not Require Surgery

Orthopedists recommend invasive surgeries to treat a herniated disc, which could be risky because of its proximity to the spinal cord. Due to the mistake of just a few millimeters, you might become paralyzed for the short or long term, depending on the nerve damage.

Chiropractic treatment doesn’t require invasive procedures to treat herniated discs and thus is risk-free. Besides, your chiropractic doctor will not forcefully press down your disc to set it in its place. Instead, the treatment realigns discs without an excess of pressure to eradicate pain and discomfort.

Does Not Require Painkillers

Your herniated disc can cause severe pain and impair your movements, especially when standing or walking. You might consult a chiropractor for dislocated discs due to the unbearable pain and discomfort that even painkillers can’t relieve.

Over-the-counter medications have side effects that can harm your health when taken for prolonged periods. Besides, NSAIDs may reduce the intensity of the pain without treating the root cause. Chiropractic treatment for herniated discs is said to relieve pain and realign your discs, thus putting your body on the road to recovery.

Prevents Further Relapses

The primary causes of herniated discs are as follows:

• Poor posture during rigorous physical movement
• Excessive lifting
• Sport injuries

Thus, the issue might recur if you don’t change your lifestyle. Therefore, a chiropractor must first diagnose the root cause of a herniated disc.

Over the course of treatment, our chiropractors will teach you to hold proper posture while standing and walking. He or she might even recommend using warm-up exercises and stretching before strenuous physical activity.

Book Your Appointment Today!

Almost 90% of herniated disc patients can recover without surgery. If you are looking for conservative rehabilitation methods, consider chiropractic treatment. It can help reduce your discomfort and promote natural healing.

Chiropractic care is a non-invasive, drug-free treatment that seeks to cure the underlying cause of your pain rather than treat the symptoms. You can get pain alleviation not just where the disc protrusion is, but also all across your body by combining flexion-distraction and spinal adjustments.

Chiropractic care treats the whole body rather than separate systems. You can take care of pain that has bothered you for a long time by seeing a chiropractor. Schedule an appointment with our friendly, qualified professionals to experience the difference.

What is Spinal Decompression?

If you have lasting back pain that spreads to your neck or leg, you know how much it can affect your life. You might not be able to think of anything other than finding relief. Spinal decompression therapy can help you live an everyday life without pain and without depending on others to perform your daily tasks.

This therapy is a type of motorized traction that resolves back-related issues. Spinal decompression takes off the pressure from neural elements of your spine that are causing pain, cracks, and changes in the position of a disc. People with pinched nerves, sciatica, herniated disc, bulging disc, spinal stenosis, and degenerative discs can benefit from the treatment.

What Does Spinal Decompression Involve?

Spinal decompression therapy is performed on a strategically made traction table with the help of advanced technological methods. The procedure involves similar principles that chiropractors use to resolve spine issues and offer pain relief.

In this method, your expert will slowly, gently, and steadily stretch your spinal column to eliminate painful pressure on the spinal discs between your vertebrae. Health experts will use a strategic stretching action to develop negative pressure inside your discs, causing your vertebrae to retract. As a result, a reverse vacuum allows the protruding disc to return to its place.

This therapy also helps to increase blood flow to spinal discs, which allows oxygen and nutrient-rich fluids to flow inside. This treatment also promotes tissue repair, cell renewal, and long-term healing. The primary objective of this therapy is to promote an optimal healing environment and immediate pain relief for different spinal disc conditions, including but not limited to:

Herniated Disc

A herniated disc is a spinal disc that cracks and loses a small amount of its soft interior gel. It is also referred to as ruptured discs. The gel leaked from the disc can irritate nerves and creates painful, burning sensations that you can feel from your lower back to your legs. Doctors often advise spinal decompression therapy if you are experiencing this problem.

Bulging Disc

Bulging discs is when your discs move from their place and start putting pressure on the nearby nerves, causing pain in that part of your back or generating pain-like feelings in other parts of the body. If you avoid treating it, a bulging disc can lead to rupture.

Degenerative Disc

This problem occurs due to age, causes tears, and reduces fluids in the disc’s outer shell. The degenerative disc leads to painful bone spurs that affect your spinal nerves. Spinal decompression is highly effective in solving the issue.

How Long is Spinal Decompression Treatment?

To benefit from spinal decompression therapy, you must visit your doctor for around 12 to 20 sessions. Each session is spaced over the course of 4 or more weeks. Your expert will discuss how many sessions you will need to improve your condition according to the spinal decompression protocols. Each session will last for around 30 minutes.

In most cases, people get relief in the first few sessions, which allows them to return to their normal life and perform activities that they once found hard due to severe sensations and pain. However, some people might take a long time to get rid of their pain and will be at ease after completing their prescribed treatment sessions. As a result, completing your treatment is vital to ensure long term pain relief.

Benefits of Spinal Decompression Therapy

Millions of people live with chronic back pain. While some healthcare providers suggest prescription drugs or invasive surgeries, many believe that non-invasive testaments like spinal decompression are more beneficial than others. Here are some health benefits of decompression therapy:

No Recovery Time

Surgeries for a herniated disc or other spinal conditions can leave patients uncomfortable and bedridden for weeks or months. After back surgery, there is no guarantee that you will get relief from back pain. Spinal decompression doesn’t require recovery time. Once you get the treatment, you can continue performing your day to day tasks without trouble.

Safe Therapy

Since it’s a non-invasive treatment, it’s safe for every age group and gender. If you are skeptical because of your age, you can discuss it with your doctors to understand whether the therapy will work for you.

Posture Improvement

While some people try to sit straight and maintain the correct posture, many still struggle. Your back becomes tired of supporting your body with an incorrect posture, which makes you slouch.

The slight slouch on the disc of your back prevents the circulation of oxygen and fluid. As a result, you begin to experience painful sensations. Spinal decompression therapy can pull up your spine and ease the pressure of your disc, giving you a straight back with no pain.

Cost-Effective

Many patients with back pain avoid consulting doctors because they do not have enough money to pay for the expensive, standard treatments for the spine. Spinal decompression has solved this problem by offering affordable treatment.

It’s a cost-effective alternative to years of medications and surgery. Additionally, you don’t also have to worry about any side effects due to medicines.

Good Night Sleep

Another benefit of spinal decompression treatment is getting a good night’s sleep. Chronic back pain can cause people to toss and turn in bed because of not feeling comfortable in any position. Relieving the pressure and adjusting your spine will allow you to rest easily on your bed.

Non-Invasive Treatment

Spinal decompression can eliminate neck and back pain without an invasive procedure. You will not have to experience any needles, incisions, or significant manipulation of the spine when you choose this therapy. In fact, spinal decompression treatment is very comfortable and helps you relax your mind and body.

Long-Term Results

Unlike standard spinal treatments, spinal decompression therapy offers long-term results. Every pull during the therapy forces nutrients into the discs, helping them rehydrate. Continuous treatment will completely heal your spinal cord and eliminate any problem present in the disc. Since your disc will be fully treated, you will not experience pain and irritation in your back in the future.

Pain-Free Therapy

One of the most significant advantages of spinal decompression treatment is that it is a pain-free therapy. The whole idea of the procedure is to deliver pain relief and reduce the health risks that could result in future complications.

Patients who undergo this treatment lie on the table. The experts will then strap you at the neck and waist to keep you fixed in one place. They will slowly use the device on your back to trigger relaxation and you will experience no pain during the process.

Is Spinal Decompression Treatment Effective?

According to research by the National Library of Medicine, 86% of patients with a ruptured disc who undergo spinal decompression therapy show remarkable improvements. They get relief from pain and unbearable sensations in the back. While traditional physical and chiropractic treatments may deliver temporary results, spinal decompression treatment has been found to deliver long-lasting relief.

Traditional procedures create a pulling sensation that triggers your spine’s sensory receptors. However, spinal decompression therapy gently and slowly elongates your spine instead of an immediate process. This helps your spine gradually improve itself over time.

This therapy of activation and rest of the spinal cord helps in natural repositioning without pressure or tension, creating a muscle-guarding response. Hence, this is a versatile treatment model that effectively helps alleviate pain, pressure, and discomfort associated with several spinal conditions.

Book a Spinal Decompression Therapy Appointment Today!

Back pain can negatively impact your quality of life. If you are suffering from a herniated disc, degenerated disc, or bulging disc, spinal decompression therapy can provide you with the relief you have been looking for. This treatment is safe and secure for every age, both men and women. Also, there are no risks associated with the treatment.

If you are ready to get rid of your back pain, contact Bend Total Body Chiropractic. We are a team of experts specializing in chiropractic services, schockwave therapy, and spinal decompression therapy. We offer quality treatments and therapies to our patients.

Our team is fully equipped with advanced technologies to deliver the best results. Being the best in the field of chiropractic, we have treated hundreds of patients successfully, and resolved many spinal conditions. Book your appointment today to start the journey to lasting pain relief!

What is Piriformis Syndrome and How Can Chiropractic Help?

Sometimes the smallest muscles can cause the biggest pain, like the piriformis muscle. This structure is situated in the buttocks, extending from the pelvis to the top of the hip joint. It’s responsible for rotating the leg outward, meaning you use it when you’re walking, balancing and for almost every motion involving the hips and legs. When this small muscle spasms, it leads to noticeable pain in the glutes and surrounding areas, known as piriformis syndrome.

Unfortunately, after experiencing the condition once, it’s more likely to recur. That’s why consistent chiropractic care in Bend is necessary to keep you comfortable when you have a tight piriformis muscle.

Learn more about the symptoms and causes of piriformis syndrome and how Total Body Chiropractic can offer comprehensive chiropractic treatment below.

Piriformis Syndrome Symptoms

Typically, symptoms of piriformis syndrome include:

• Pain
• Tingling
• Numbness in the gluteal muscles or gluteus maximus

Additionally, the spasms or swelling in the piriformis muscle can compress the sciatic nerve, which runs alongside or through the structure. And in this case, piriformis syndrome is a painful condition where that pain can extend down through the legs to the feet.

It is worth noting that most cases of sciatica do not result from piriformis syndrome. 

What Causes Piriformis Syndrome?

This condition is typically caused by tightness in the piriformis muscle. It can also occur as a result of injury or trauma that causes swelling or inflammation in the muscle, which then irritates the sciatic nerve.

The situations that can irritate the piriformis muscle and trigger this pain include:

• Sitting for prolonged periods of time, as is the case with office workers, long-distance drivers, and even those just having a lazy Sunday
• Walking, running, cycling and rowing
• Climbing stairs

Chiropractic Care in Bend as Piriformis Syndrome Treatment Options

Chiropractic care is a clear choice for piriformis syndrome treatment. This method is an effective treatment that focuses on how other areas, like the feet, legs or pelvis, may be contributing to the problem.

Not only can your chiropractor identify your condition and give you an accurate diagnosis, but they can also treat your symptoms and determine an appropriate treatment plan. While piriformis syndrome can be hard to pinpoint, a combination of your medical history, current symptoms and a physical examination may help you receive a proper diagnosis.

After confirming your condition in the initial evaluation, your chiropractic specialist will provide holistic treatment, including chiropractic adjustments, spinal manipulation, the Graston technique, stretches for the hamstrings and piriformis muscle, and range of motion exercises or physical therapy. Your chiropractor will work to relax the muscles to prevent spasms, reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve, and allow you to return to everyday activities.

When done regularly, chiropractic may reduce the recurrence and severity of piriformis syndrome to keep you comfortable. You’ll also learn exercises that ease your symptoms when you can’t make it to the office right away. Plus, at Total Body Chiropractic, we provide full-body solutions, which means you’ll experience back, joint, and sciatic pain treatment in Bend in addition to your piriformis syndrome treatment! Book your appointment today.