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By Bend Total Body Chiropractic General Health

How Chiropractic Care Can Ease Your Stress

Whether from financial worry, grief or a heightened fear of the unknown, the coronavirus pandemic has affected us all with more stress than even a few months ago. Fortunately, a blend of chiropractic care and other relaxation techniques may help relieve the physical and mental effects of COVID-related stress on your mind and body.

Common Symptoms of Stress

As humans, we feel some form of stress everyday – it’s normal. This bodily response protects us from danger, both real and perceived. Situations like driving, school and work deadlines, and yes, a global pandemic can all cause you to feel threatened.

When your brain senses harm, it responds by signaling the endocrine system to release cortisol and adrenaline which initiates your “fight or flight” response. In turn, your muscles contract, your breath quickens and your heart rate increases. However, these hormone levels should fall once the situation resolves.

Unfortunately, ongoing situations like the pandemic make it hard for your body to stabilize, leading to chronic stress. You may not even notice that you are feeling anxious, but certain symptoms can signal that your body and mind are reacting to your circumstances:

  • Muscle tension and pain
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Decreased immunity
  • Shallow breathing
  • Increased irritability
  • Depression
  • Digestive issues
  • Weight gain
  • Heart troubles

Regardless of your specific symptoms, the effects of stress on the body can be detrimental to your health, increasing your risk for heart attack, stroke and diabetes.

Chiropractic Care for Chronic Stress

While it is inevitable to feel worried by the constant stream of news and developments, dealing with chronic stress will only worsen the situation in the long run. So, finding ways to relax is essential to your overall health.

Chiropractic care not only addresses the physical signs of anxiety like muscle tightness but may also soothe some of the mental symptoms in a few ways.

Physically relaxing the muscles

As mentioned, muscle contraction is one key part of the body’s stress response. However, in long-term cases, the muscles may not relax as they should which leads to tension and pain. This pain can make you more irritable, affect your posture, impact your sleep and more.

Your chiropractor will manipulate these areas of tension to relax your muscles and give your body a sense of relief.

Encouraging mental relaxation

When your body is in alignment, so follows your mind. By addressing your physical pain and making you more comfortable, chiropractic care may inadvertently make you happier and more at ease.

Improving your nervous system function

Subluxations, or misalignments in the spine, can negatively impact the way your brain communicates with the rest of your body. This affects the way you breathe, how quickly your body resolves the stress response and even your sleep patterns. Through spinal adjustments, your chiropractor can optimize your body’s functions, allowing you to feel more balanced and relaxed.

Additional ways to relieve stress:

Although chiropractic sessions can help you feel more relaxed in the days following your visit, you should continue to implement stress-relieving techniques. Here are a few additional activities to help you unwind:

  • Journaling
  • Yoga & meditation
  • Breathing exercises
  • Cooking
  • Reading
  • Biking
  • Hiking
  • Walking

With everything happening around the world, it is easy to feel worried right now. But without a definitive solution on the horizon, it’s necessary to find a way to keep your stress levels at bay for the sake of your health. With help from us at Total Body Chiropractic & Massage, you can start feeling more relaxed as early as your first visit. And our team will also recommend ways to maintain a calm mental state when you’re not on the table. As always, we are committed to helping the community get through this pandemic in a healthy and safe way.

By Bend Total Body Chiropractic Chiropractic Care

How Chiropractic Care Can Help Your Migraine

For anyone who has experienced them, migraines represent debilitating pain and general inconvenience. Migraine headaches can last for hours to days, typically causing nausea and high sensitivity to light, sound, and even smell. And while there is no cure-all for migraines, chiropractic care may help ease the toll these episodes take on the body.

What is a migraine?

The exact science behind migraines is not fully known yet. However, it is widely accepted that migraine attacks start from a trigger, whether it’s emotional, physical, environmental, etc.

From there, the neural pathways react adversely and cause the blood vessels to constrict or dilate, which affects the flow of oxygen to the brain. Chemical imbalances from this initial response lead to inflammation and swollen blood vessels, resulting in the pulsation associated with this condition.

Potential migraine triggers

The causes of migraines vary from person to person, but genetics may make you more susceptible to these headaches. Generally, migraines can be linked to any number of physical, chemical, and emotional triggers. For instance, hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, as well as certain foods and medications can cause an attack. Additionally, physical and psychological causes like muscle tension, poor posture, stress, and anxiety can lead to an episode.

How can chiropractic care ease migraine symptoms?

Granted that your episodes result from physical causes such as shoulder and neck tension or postural misalignments, then chiropractic care as a treatment option should come as no surprise.

Misalignments of the spine, or subluxations, cause muscle tightness, which irritates the nerves and negatively affects blood flow to the brain, which has been linked to migraine attacks. Adjustments aim to relieve pressure on nerves that may be constricting the flow and sending pain signals.

Likewise, massage therapy focuses on trigger points in the back, neck, shoulders, and head to alleviate symptoms. Massage relaxes tense muscles allowing nerve signals to travel to and from the brain quickly and efficiently. It also works to release toxins and normalize any chemical imbalances that could potentially spur a headache.

Together, chiropractic adjustments and massage therapy may ease the severity, duration and frequency of migraine by improving the body function:

  • Encouraging effective nervous system communication
  • Soothing muscle tension
  • Restoring proper blood flow
  • Promoting the body’s natural healing process
  • Decreasing the effects of stress and anxiety

Determining if chiropractic care is right for you

Chiropractic care is just one facet of a multi-stage approach to migraine treatment, as there are several likely causes to address. Come to your chiropractic session with a list of questions that can help you guide the conversation toward healing and comfort.

  1. How often should I come to the chiropractor to reduce my attacks?
  2. Should I come in while I’m experiencing a migraine or when I feel one coming on?
  3. What treatment options can I pair with chiropractic visits to maximize my results (OTCs/pain medication, exercise, etc.)?

Taking a proactive approach to your care can help you feel your best and avoid some of the pain associated with migraine headaches. The specialized staff at Total Body Chiropractic & Massage will assess your body, learn your triggers and help build a treatment plan to boost your comfort.

Personal Injury After an Accident
By Bend Total Body Chiropractic Chiropractic Care

How Chiropractic Care Can Help Your Personal Injury Claim

No one wants to go through a personal injury claim, whether it’s from a motor vehicle accident, workplace incident, or malpractice suit. Typically, these accidents occur due to someone else’s negligence. Still, the burden becomes yours to bear with the physical damage, as well as the emotional stress of dealing with insurance claims, sick days and more.

Chiropractic Care for Personal Injury Accidents

At Total Body Chiropractic & Massage, we specialize in treating the aftermath of personal injuries and help to make your claim process easier with thorough documentation and communication. Here’s why you should make the chiropractor your first stop after a personal injury accident in Bend, Oregon:

For detailed documentation for full compensation

Although most personal injury claims will cover the price of chiropractic care, your insurance company may have other ideas. Working with a licensed and professional chiropractor on your treatment plan provides the necessary documentation to prove your bills are “reasonable and medically necessary” for compensation.

Your chiropractor will get a detailed description of the incident and start with a full-body assessment to outline the extent and severity of your injuries. Not only will your chiropractor record the symptoms present during the first visit, but they will also keep a running list of new discomforts that are relevant to your accident. This form of thorough and continuous documentation ensures proper compensation for your visits.

For proper insurance billing

Working out billing with your insurance can cause even more pain than your accident, so we try to make it as easy as possible to receive the care you need. We bill your insurance company directly and log the details of every visit, charge and treatment related to your personal injury claim.

Be sure to come into your chiropractor within the first 48 hours after the incident, or you risk losing coverage through your insurance.

To Realign Your Body

The impact of a crash, fall, or other accident can literally throw your body out of alignment, causing whiplash, herniated discs, or pinched nerves. Even the jolt of your body against the seatbelt can cause shifts to your vertebrae.

Not only is your chiropractor trained to address these conditions, but they also provide a full assessment of accident-related injuries you may not notice. They will create a unique treatment plan to restore proper alignment and help you feel like yourself again.

For Pain Relief

Depending on your situation, you may experience pain after your accident, and in some cases, that pain may worsen even after treatment. The swelling, sprains and strains from the incident can make it painful to complete everyday tasks. Even if you feel “fine” after your accident, pain can develop from unaddressed injuries. Your chiropractor’s evaluation will identify areas of concern that may cause issues down the line and resolve them swiftly.

Chiropractic care combines adjustments and massage to relieve your pain, lower inflammation and relax tight muscles to boost your comfort after each session and help you regain a sense of normalcy.

Personal Injury Care in Bend, Oregon

If you’ve found yourself in a personal injury situation, make the chiropractor your first stop for comfort and care. Not only can swift treatment relieve some of the pain associated with your accident, but it can also help you receive the proper compensation for your treatment.

Don’t let the stress of insurance and personal injury claims stop you from taking care of your body. Let the Total Body Chiropractic & Massage team help with the entire process from healing to billing.

By Bend Total Body Chiropractic Chiropractic Care, Massage Therapy

4 Reasons Why to Visit Your Chiropractor This Spring

Punxsutawney Phil has made the rare prediction that spring will come early this year. As you begin to prepare for the slightly warmer weather and start crossing tasks off your spring-cleaning lists, you should take a moment to check in first with your physical health at Total Body Chiropractic & Massage.

Fortunately, chiropractic care can help you shake off the winter blues and ready your body for springtime activities in four major ways.

Rewarming the Muscles and Joints

It’s no secret that the winter months lend themselves to staying indoors and indulging on holiday goodies. The lack of exercise and bitter chill lead to stiff joints and tight muscles, which likely won’t mend themselves naturally.

Chiropractic and massage can ease the toll winter has taken on your body by improving mobility and decreasing inflammation. Massage therapy aims to stretch the muscles and increase blood circulation to reawaken your body from its hibernation. Followed by chiropractic adjustments to release tension, your body will feel looser and more comfortable.

Promoting Optimal Performance for Outdoor Activities

Spring marks peak ski season for Mt. Bachelor with the Big Wave Challenge ringing in the occasion – or perhaps you opt for the hiking, cycling or 5K events available around the city. Regardless of how you celebrate spring, equip your body for the outdoor fun with chiropractic and massage treatment. When your body is out of alignment, you’re more susceptible to injuries like pulled muscles, strains, sprains and more. Not to mention, you won’t have the full range of motion to perform your best.

Defending Against Seasonal Allergies

Although beautiful during this time of year, the juniper trees and colorful blooms can plague Bendites with seasonal allergies. This overreaction of the immune system can put a damper on spring picnics and family outings. Fortunately for you, chiropractic care can boost the immune system, allowing it to fight off pollen and other pesky allergens quickly and efficiently.

Chiropractic adjustments mend subluxations, or misalignments of the spine, to restore proper function to the central nervous system. This process strengthens the communication between the brain and the rest of the nervous system, which in turn enhances the immune response.

Read more about how chiropractic can help you fight off illness and infection in our blog.

Reducing Injuries During Spring Cleaning

Chiropractic care is most effective when used year-round. In the same way that your sessions can aid in shoveling snow or raking leaves, your appointment may also facilitate with the burden of gardening and cleaning this season. The bending, twisting and lifting associated with tidying up is apt to overextending unused muscles and causing soreness that massage therapy may alleviate.

Remember to start house- and yardwork with a light warmup and stretch to decrease your risk of injury.

At Total Body Chiropractic & Massage, we understand the value that comes with proper alignment and range of motion during every season. Not only do we strive to help you feel your best, but we also provide the tools and information you need to care for your body off of the table. Stop by our office before getting into the swing of spring for an update on your physical health.

By Bend Total Body Chiropractic General Health

Try Myofascial Release Massage To Ease Pain

Over time, we grow accustomed to the dull, aching pain in various muscles and joints, chalking it up to sleeping wrong or getting older. But in some instances, this radiating discomfort may actually stem from trigger points or “muscle knots” in the myofascial tissue. Learning the common causes of myofascial pain as well as your non-invasive treatment options can help you find effective relief.

Understanding the Myofascial Tissue

To understand myofascial release therapy, you must first become familiar with the fascia, or myofascial tissue. Fascia is the web-like connective membrane that supports and surrounds muscles, bones and other soft tissue structures throughout the body.

Ideally, the fascia should remain flexible and elastic to allow joints and muscles to move freely. However, certain areas can become stiff and fixed, forming trigger points that put stress on the underlying muscles and joints.

Imagine the fascia as shoelaces – tied too tightly, they restrict the foot, potentially causing pain and numbness.

What is Myofascial Release Therapy?

Myofascial release therapy focuses on loosening tension and tightness in trigger points, which is why it is sometimes referred to as myofascial trigger point release therapy. While myofascial therapy style varies from provider to provider, two universal methods deliver the associated benefits: soft tissue manipulation and stretching.

Your therapist begins by massaging your body to feel for tight knots and manually works out kinks. Soft tissue manipulation involves applying sustained, gentle pressure to trigger points until the area relaxes. Stretching the muscles also helps to release restrictions within the fascia and restore mobility.

Uses for Myofascial Release Therapy

Trigger points can develop due to different injuries like car accidents and falls. But more commonly, these knots form gradually as a result of posture misalignments, inflammation, and nerve compression.

Oftentimes, myofascial release is used as a treatment option for conditions such as chronic headaches, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) and carpal tunnel syndrome. In the case of migraine, the massage therapist manipulates muscles in the neck and head to alleviate pain. Likewise, this form of therapy may also ease symptoms of back, neck, shoulder and other chronic pain by relieving pinched nerves, easing inflammation and maneuvering herniated discs.

Benefits of Myofascial Release

The process of relaxing contracted muscles provides almost immediate relief to some areas of discomfort. Because trigger points can cause radiating pain, myofascial release works to address larger muscle groups as compared to more targeted treatment options.

Through combined manipulation and stretching techniques, you may experience several benefits:

  • Improved blood and lymph circulation
  • Increased flexibility
  • Better range of motion in the joints
  • Muscle relaxation
  • Decreased pain
  • Less inflammation

Implementing a regular massage routine can help maintain the results of your myofascial release session and improve your health over time.

If you feel ongoing pain in large muscle groups, you should talk with a massage therapist about myofascial release therapy as a remedy. While you may not be able to pinpoint the cause of your pain, the trained professionals at Total Body Chiropractic and Massage will assess your body and find the necessary trigger points to bring you comfort and relaxation. In addition to myofascial release massage, Total Body chiropractors Bari Liebowitz and Dan Rhodes can also perform myofascial release using the Graston tools.

 

By Bend Total Body Chiropractic Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic Can Boost Your Immune System During Cold & Flu Season

No matter how frequently you wash your hands or how much you bundle up, you’re still susceptible to the plague of cold and flu season. In fact, unexpected factors like late nights and general holiday stress also increase your chance of illness during the winter months. Fortunately, chiropractic care may help get your immune system into fighting shape this year.

The Connection Between the Spine and the Immune System 

As you may know, your nervous system, in connection with your brain, is the driving force for every cell, tissue and organ in your body. This system acts as the main catalyst for both endocrine system (hormones) and immune system which work in tandem to quickly resolve inflammation and illness.

To ensure peak function throughout the body, the nervous system carries messages to and from the brain when something has gone awry and sends signals to initiate the appropriate response. However, misalignments in the spine, or subluxations, negatively impact the ability of the nerves to communicate with the brain. In turn, you may experience trouble fighting off infection due to the decreased capability of the nervous system.

Chiropractic Adjustments for Immune Health

Through chiropractic care, we aim to boost your immune system and overall wellness by properly aligning your spine and restoring function throughout your body. When your nerves are uninhibited, your immune system can effectively communicate with your brain at the first sign of illness and send back-up in the form of lymphocytes, phagocytes, antibodies and more.

Preliminary studies show that spinal manipulation may increase bodily levels of immune system components as soon as 15 minutes after adjustment. Research also supports that chiropractic care improves blood circulation, which enhances your body’s ability to heal itself from sickness or injury.

Other Steps for Fighting Off Illness

Aside from the general precautions taken during cold and flu season, changing your everyday habits may also protect you from illness this year. Here’s how you can keep your body in top form when you’re not on the chiropractic table.

  1. Get enough sleep – Your body uses your time at rest to fight off infection that may be building in the body. More than that, lack of sleep can influence illness on its own.
  2. Lower your stress – High levels of stress suppress your immune system and make you more likely to fall ill after exposure to common germs. Finding time to reduce stress through massage therapy or meditation may benefit you more than you know this winter.
  3. Eat healthier – The vitamins and minerals in fruits and vegetables, like vitamin C for instance, support your immune system against disease and heightens your potential to fight back should you start to feel under the weather.

Taking steps to boost your immune system through chiropractic care may reduce the number of sick days your family takes this year. We want you to live a healthier life through all seasons, starting with your physical health. Before we enter the thick of cold and flu season, stop into Total Body Chiropractic & Massage for a visit and an extra immune system boost.

By Bend Total Body Chiropractic Chiropractic Care

Proper Techniques for Shoveling Snow to Prevent Injuries

In Bend, Oregon, the winter season means snow — sometimes a lot of it — and outdoor chores like shoveling walkways and driveways. Each year like clockwork, the first snowfall brings in new clients with familiar complaints of back and core pain from shoveling. However, many of these cold-weather injuries can be prevented through proper techniques and regular chiropractic care for the fluffy, white stuff to come.

Proper Snow Shoveling Techniques

Strains, sprains and spasms from shoveling snow are so common that the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) has issued best practices for snow removal. While they offer general tips on shoveling snow, we are giving you an in-depth look at proper techniques to avoid back pain.

1. Lift with Your Knees, Not Your Back

The biggest culprit of back pain is improper shoveling technique. Rather than bending at your waist and lifting with your back, make it a point to maintain the natural curve of your spine, bend your knees and lift the load with your arms.

Additionally, don’t twist and turn to throw your snow. Instead, take a few steps toward your pile to dump heavy loads.

2. Bundle Up

Even stepping out into the cold temperatures can awaken old injuries and cause stiffness. Wear plenty of warm clothes to keep your joints and muscles loose during the process. Invest in a sturdy pair of non-slip boots to avoid falls on the ice and make moving around on the snow easier.

3. Warm Up Before Starting

You probably haven’t used the necessary muscles all year, so you should prepare them for the work to be done with jumping jacks, light stretches and a few lunges.

4. Use the Proper Equipment

Gone are the times of old-school shovels with wooden handles and no “give.” New models are ergonomically designed with lightweight plastic and will slightly curve to hold heavy loads, making the job easier on your back.

5. Plan Ahead

Keep an eye on the forecast to stay abreast of coming snowfall. You want to have ample time to clear the driveway – accounting for breaks between each section of snow. Quick movements and a rushed job will sooner result in a sprain or strain than slow, purposeful actions.

If at any time you feel chest pain or shortness of breath, stop shoveling right away. You may need medical attention.

Chiropractic Care For Snow Shoveling Injuries

Despite your best efforts, you may still find yourself sore for days after shoveling. Don’t just let the pain resolve on its own, or you’ll find yourself worsening the underlying issue on each snow day to follow.

It’s possible that you have popped a bone or disc out of alignment and need professional help to restore balance. Not only can chiropractic adjustments realign your spine, but they may also soothe irritation and inflammation along the spinal track. Additionally, massage can relax areas of spasm and loosen muscles and joints to allow you to move freely while shoveling.

If you feel off after clearing the driveway, be sure to set an appointment with us at Total Body Chiropractic and Massage immediately. We would be happy to give you demonstrations of proper snow shoveling technique and stretches to make chores a breeze this year.

By Bend Total Body Chiropractic Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic Care Can Enhance Your Skiing Performance

Ski season is right around the corner, and fortunately, so is Mt. Bachelor. Get ready for a winter filled with activities like skiing, snowboarding, sledding and more by preparing your body well before you hit the slopes.

It’s no surprise that chiropractic care has the potential to heal common ski injuries, including whiplash and herniated discs. Less obvious is that this form of treatment can also prevent certain strains and sprains during your ski day.

As you schuss down the slopes, you may hit bumps, make quick turns and even take a few falls that can throw your body out of whack. Taking the time to fine tune your body and equipment beforehand reduces the severity of these types of injuries.

Chiropractic care and massage can enhance your ski season in a few ways:

Restores proper balance

Staying upright depends mainly on balance and weight distribution. If your spine is out of alignment, you may have difficulty finding your center and making the small adjustments necessary to get you down the slopes.

Additionally, hours of skiing can cause disruptions in your spinal column. Chiropractic adjustments before and after your ski day may ease back pain in the days following.

Improves Flexibility

Tight muscles and tension increase your chance for spasms while you are on the slopes. Leaning into your turns can stretch your back past its normal range, causing tears or other pain. Massage therapy stretches and loosens tight muscles that may hinder your abilities while increasing your range of motion.

Aids in speedy recovery

Due to the cold temperatures, you may not feel symptoms right away. And while you may not think that your fall affected you, over time even small injuries can cause significant problems. Regular check-ups between ski days will keep you aligned and prevent the escalation of minor issues.

Other ways to prepare for ski season:

While chiropractic care can help you be at your best for snow activities, further preparation can prevent some aches and pains along the way.

  • Start strengthening your body now – It takes a lot of core strength to dart through trees and land airtime. Start adding ab exercises to your routine as well as leg workouts to support you on your equipment.
  • Warm-up before you ski – It’s essential to warm up before any physical activity, especially in cold temperatures. Start with a few small ski exercises, jumping jacks or squats and lunges to get your blood flowing. Once your body is warmed, do a few dynamic stretches to prepare.
  • Get the proper equipment – Make sure all of your gear fits correctly and is in good condition to avoid any unnecessary mishaps.

Make the most of your winter season by participating in all that Mt. Bachelor has to offer. Before you hit the slopes, see a professional about any existing injuries to reduce your risk of further complications. At Bend Total Body Chiropractic & Massage, we want you to live life to the fullest year-round, and that includes moving comfortably and freely down green and black diamond runs alike.

 

By Bend Total Body Chiropractic Massage Therapy

What You Should Know About Pregnancy Massage

While nine months can seem like forever at the time, pregnancy is a brief, beautiful time in a mother’s life. Treating yourself to a pregnancy massage soothes some of the pain and tension associated with pending motherhood while also encouraging serenity during the last weeks of your pregnancy.

It’s normal to have a few concerns about the massage process while you are expecting – here’s what you should know about prenatal services before you book.

Is prenatal massage safe?

Safety always comes first, especially with so much at stake. Our licensed therapists are trained in prenatal techniques to provide the best care for you and your baby. To avoid blood flow complications, all pregnancy massages are performed side-lying with comfortable support.

What’s the difference between pregnancy massage and a regular massage?

Reasonably, there are several necessary adjustments to our traditional massage techniques. For example, some pressure points in the ankles and abdomen can trigger contractions or early labor so these areas are avoided.

Similarly, we only use gentle strokes rather than deep tissue pressure to avoid releasing stored toxins into the blood, which could potentially affect the developing baby.

When should I schedule a pregnancy massage?

We recommend starting pregnancy massages at about six to eight weeks. In some cases, your massage therapist may allow you to start prenatal massages in the later stages of your second trimester.

Due to the risk of miscarriage in the early stages of pregnancy, it is not recommended to receive a massage in the first trimester.

What are the benefits of prenatal massage?

Pregnancy massage delivers several therapeutic benefits both mentally and physically. Generally, labor is made harder due to the tension and stress that builds up in your muscles. Relaxing these muscles and decreasing overall stress may make delivery easier and a bit faster.

Aside from relaxation, you may experience any number of perks from a prenatal massage:

Less Swelling

Swollen ankles, hands and feet are hallmarks of pregnancy. Massage improves blood and fluid circulation, which transports more nutrients and oxygen to your baby while releasing some of the fluid build-up in your extremities.

Hormonal Balance

High levels of cortisol – the stress hormone – have been linked to early childbirth. The soothing touch of massage decreases the cortisol levels and increases “feel good” hormones like serotonin, dopamine and oxytocin to improve your mood.

Reduced Muscle & Joint Pain

The uneven weight shift that happens during pregnancy impacts your posture and puts pressure on various nerves. Prenatal massage aims to relax tight muscles that may be compressing nerves and relieve lower back pain.

Better Sleep

Of course, the increased relaxation from your massage session may promote better sleep, but the reduced pressure on areas of your back can also make it more comfortable to rest.

With all the stress to prepare your mind and home for a new baby, taking an hour for self-care keeps you healthy and well-rested during what can be considered one of the most demanding times of your life. At Total Body Chiropractic & Massage, our experienced massage therapists will work with you to ensure that each pregnancy massage session is as pleasant and soothing as possible.

By Bend Total Body Chiropractic Chiropractic Care, Massage Therapy

In a Pinch? Treat Pinched Nerves with Chiropractic and Massage

A pinched nerve – you’ll know it when you feel it. While some medical complications lead to this condition, even everyday work requirements can increase your likelihood of experiencing the symptoms. Fortunately, non-invasive techniques like chiropractic and massage can heal this issue, without hassle, quickly and effectively.

What is a pinched nerve?

A pinched nerve results from the compression of a nerve root along the spinal column or in any joint throughout the body (as is the case with carpal tunnel). Issues with the surrounding tissue, including bone, cartilage, muscle and tendon directly cause this condition. The resulting inflammation worsens the problem by adding more tension on the nerves.

Causes of a pinched nerve

Health conditions, aging, genetics and lifestyle habits can all lead to nerve compression.

As you age, the spinal discs – or cushions between each vertebra – begin to wear down or can rupture and protrude. Such is the case with degenerative disc disease and herniated discs, respectively. With these conditions, the bones and discs put pressure directly on the nerves, which can cause issues in any part of the body.

While those conditions commonly cause pinched nerves, symptoms can result from several circumstances:

  • Poor posture
  • Injury
  • Stress, which causes you to hold tension in your muscles
  • Obesity
  • Repetitive movements in the wrists and shoulders
  • Pregnancy
  • Sports
  • Arthritis

Symptoms of a pinched nerve

Due to the widespread connection of nerve endings, you may feel pain radiating to any part of your body, depending on the location of the affected nerve root. However, pain is not the only tell-tale signs of a pinched nerve, look out for these symptoms:

  • Pain
  • Tingling
  • Numbness
  • Weakness
  • Headaches and migraines
  • Neck pain
  • Low back pain

Chiropractic treatment for a pinched nerve

While you may feel that the nerve pain is bearable, it is vital to address it with a professional. Once adjusted, your nerves can resume normal function and blood circulation. When left untreated for long periods, nerve compression can lead to chronic pain and permanent nerve damage.

Chiropractic care and massage therapy provide a natural treatment for pinched nerves by relaxing muscles and properly aligning the spine. Your chiropractor will locate the affected area and discuss your medical and social history to identify the potential cause.

Through adjustments, they will properly align your vertebrae, so they are no longer hindering your nerve function. Your chiropractor will also guide you in light stretches to do at home, which may prevent recurrence and keep you limber.

In some cases, the pinched nerve occurs due to contracted muscles and the associated inflammation. Gentle massage techniques decrease tightness and stretch out muscles to encourage blood flow and mobility.

You don’t have to live with the pain from a pinched nerve. Keep your back and body in line to prevent nerve compression and other preventable conditions. The physical, non-invasive treatments offered by Bend Total Body Chiropractic and Massage work to provide relief as soon as the first visit.