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Close up of a man rubbing and holding his heel from plantar fasciitis pain.

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

A female runner sitting and rubbing her heel from plantar fasciitis pain.

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

A chiropractor using shockwave therapy on a man's heel for 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

Runners Feet - Foot Pain - Chiropractic Treatment

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.

 

 

 

A senior man sitting on a sofa holding is lower back in pain.

Can a Chiropractor Help with Degenerative Disc Disease?

Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a common condition that affects the intervertebral discs in the spine. It can cause chronic pain and discomfort, reduced mobility, and a decreased quality of life. While there is no cure for degenerative disc disease, there are several treatments available to manage its symptoms. One such treatment is chiropractic care. In this article, we will explore the effectiveness of chiropractic care in managing degenerative disc disease.

What is Degenerative Disc Disease?

An African-Amerian woman sitting on a sofa holding her lower back in pain and grimacing.

Before we delve into how chiropractic care can help with DDD, it’s essential to understand the condition. Degenerative disc disease refers to the natural wear and tear of the intervertebral discs in the spine. These discs are located between the vertebrae and act as cushions, providing shock absorption and allowing for movement in the spine. Over time, these discs can become damaged, leading to a range of symptoms such as pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease

The symptoms of degenerative disc disease can vary depending on the severity and location of the condition. Some common symptoms of DDD include:

  • Chronic pain in the neck or back
  • Pain that radiates to the arms or legs
  • Stiffness or limited mobility in the spine
  • Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
  • Muscle weakness

Causes of Degenerative Disc Disease

There are several factors that can contribute to the development of degenerative disc disease. These include:

  • Aging: As we age, the discs in our spine naturally lose water content, making them less flexible and more prone to damage.
  • Trauma: Injuries to the spine, such as those sustained in a car accident or fall, can damage the intervertebral discs and lead to DDD.
  • Repetitive motion: Activities that involve repetitive bending, twisting, or lifting can put stress on the discs in the spine, leading to degeneration over time.
  • Genetics: Some people may be predisposed to developing degenerative disc disease due to genetic factors.

How Can Chiropractic Care Help with Degenerative Disc Disease?

Chiropractic care is a non-invasive and drug-free approach to treating DDD. Chiropractors are trained to identify and treat problems with the musculoskeletal system, including the spine. They use a range of techniques to restore mobility, alleviate pain, and improve the overall function of the spine.

Spinal Manipulation

Spinal manipulation, also known as chiropractic adjustment, is one of the most common techniques used by chiropractors to treat degenerative disc disease. During this procedure, the chiropractor applies gentle force to the affected area of the spine, using their hands or a small instrument. This force is intended to realign the vertebrae, relieve pressure on the nerves, and improve joint mobility.

Spinal Traction or Spinal Decompression Therapy

Spinal traction or spinal decompression therapy is another technique used by chiropractors to treat DDD. During this procedure, the chiropractor applies a gentle, steady pull to the spine using a traction device. This traction is intended to stretch the spine, relieve pressure on the discs, and improve circulation to the affected area.

Soft Tissue Therapy

Soft tissue therapy is a technique used by chiropractors to treat the soft tissues surrounding the spine, including the muscles, ligaments, and tendons. This therapy may involve massage, trigger point therapy, and stretching exercises. Soft tissue therapy is intended to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and promote healing.

Exercise and Rehabilitation

Chiropractors may also recommend specific exercises and rehabilitation programs to help manage the symptoms of degenerative disc disease. These exercises may include stretching, strength training, and postural exercises. By improving strength and flexibility in the muscles supporting the spine, patients may experience less pain and improved mobility.

Does Chiropractic Care Work for Degenerative Disc Disease?

While the effectiveness of chiropractic care in managing degenerative disc disease may vary from person to person, there is evidence to suggest that it can be beneficial. In a 2018 study, researchers found that patients with degenerative disc disease who received chiropractic care reported significant improvements in pain, disability, and quality of life.

Another study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that spinal manipulation was an effective treatment for reducing pain and disability in patients with chronic lower back pain, including those with degenerative disc disease.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Degenerative Disc Disease

A chiropractor sitting working on the neck of a patient.

Chiropractic care can provide several benefits for individuals with degenerative disc disease. These include:

1. Pain Relief

Chiropractic care can provide effective pain relief for individuals with DDD. Spinal manipulation and soft tissue therapy can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pressure on the nerves, reducing pain.

2. Improved Mobility

Chiropractic care can help improve mobility by restoring proper alignment and function to the spine. Traction can also help alleviate pressure on the intervertebral discs, improving mobility.

3. Reduced Need for Medication

Chiropractic care can help reduce the need for medication to manage pain associated with DDD. This is especially important for individuals who may be at risk of developing side effects from long-term medication use.

4. Non-Invasive Treatment

Chiropractic care is a non-invasive treatment option for DDD, meaning it does not involve surgery or medication. This can be an attractive option for individuals who want to avoid these more invasive treatments.

5. Customized Treatment Plans

Chiropractors can develop customized treatment plans that are tailored to the individual needs of each patient. This can help ensure that each patient receives the most appropriate treatment for their specific symptoms and condition.

Prevention of Degenerative Disc Disease

While it may not be possible to prevent degenerative disc disease entirely, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing the condition. These may include:

  • Maintaining a healthy weight: Excess weight can put stress on the discs in the spine, leading to degeneration over time.
  • Practicing good posture: Poor posture can put stress on the discs in the spine, leading to degeneration over time. Practicing good posture can help reduce this stress.
  • Staying active: Regular exercise can help strengthen the muscles supporting the spine, reducing the risk of disc degeneration.
  • Avoiding repetitive motion: Activities that involve repetitive bending, twisting, or lifting can put stress on the discs in the spine, leading to degeneration over time. Avoiding these activities or taking breaks to rest and stretch can help reduce this stress.

Schedule Your Appointment Today!

Degenerative disc disease can be a debilitating condition that affects the quality of life of those who suffer from it. Chiropractic care is a non-invasive, drug-free treatment option that can provide effective pain relief and improved mobility for individuals with degenerative disc disease. Schedule your appointment today with Total Body Chiropractic for the relief that you’ve been looking for!

 

A chiropractor using shockwave therapy on the upper back of a patient for back pain.

What Does Shockwave Therapy Treat?

Almost 20% of Americans, or more than 50 million people, have chronic pain that can significantly impact their quality of life. Painkillers are often used to treat soreness and severe joint aches, but there are better alternatives. Thankfully, a cutting-edge, non-invasive treatment called shock wave therapy can offer relief without adverse health implications.

Have you ever wondered what shockwave therapy is? It is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-energy acoustic pulses to relieve pain and sore joints. Over 90% of patients report being satisfied with this form of therapy, making it a successful treatment option. Learn more about what shockwave therapy is, how it wors, and the types of pain shockwave therapy can treat below.

What is Shockwave Therapy?

If you’ve ever battled a sports injury or suffered from acute pain, you may have sought a speedy recovery process and alternatives to pain medications. One such treatment is shockwave therapy, which increases the body’s capacity to produce new tissue. By activating the injured nerves, it lessens your discomfort and reduces the intensity of your pain.

Athletes and sportspeople often opt for shockwave therapy when had a severe physical injury. However, physiotherapists often recommend it to patients suffering from pain in their soft tissues, such as plantar fasciitis, which affects the heels of the feet.

How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?

Therapists use a special device that emits electromagnetic signals through the water to produce shockwaves. A lens concentrates these signals to concentrate them on a single focal point. During the treatment, the device is kept near the damaged tissue to relieve pain.

Bone, ligaments, tendons, and other bodily parts may absorb kinetic energy when a shockwave hits your tissue, possibly breaking up and repeating the process. Shockwave therapy sessions use two levels of transmission: low energy and high energy.

Low-intensity shockwave therapy reduces pain and inflammation, which promotes tissue regeneration. Compared to high-energy shockwave therapy, which promotes rapid healing, it is more prevalent and affordable.

What Does Shockwave Therapy Treat?

Shockwave therapy has a long history of usage in the treatment of orthopedic injuries and kidney stone disintegration. Clinicians began researching shockwave therapy’s capacity to cure problems, due to its ability to regenerate tissues. Below we discuss a few types of pain and conditions that shockwave therapy treats.

Overuse and Sports Injury Recovery

Shockwave therapy is also frequently used in orthopedics and physical rehabilitation, where it can speed up the healing process for sports-related injuries. It recovers musculoskeletal problems that affect muscles, ligaments, tendons, and bones by boosting the body’s healing abilities and releasing growth factors.

Shockwave therapy can also help you recover from several common injuries, including stress fractures, broken bones, Achilles tendinopathy, tennis elbow, strained hamstrings or calves, tendonitis, and plantar fasciitis.

Osteoarthritis

Through altering cartilage and subchondral bone, shockwave therapy has possibilities for people with arthritis pain. It offers hope to lessen everyday discomfort and enhance functional mobility, as 58.5 million people in the US have arthritis.

The final result is that shockwave therapy can benefit a range of illnesses by boosting cellular metabolism, relieving pain, revascularization, and improving circulation.

Tendonitis

Research indicates that shockwave therapy can enhance pain perception, overall function, and tendon healing in tendonitis disorders in addition to joint pain and tennis elbow. In one of the numerous trials, 20 out of 23 individuals demonstrated improvement in their Achilles tendinopathy symptoms.

Benefits of Shockwave Therapy

Since the discovery of shockwave therapy, there have been an increasing number of applications, and scientists are constantly finding new low-energy shockwaves to aid in tissue regeneration. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy can help people with musculoskeletal conditions in the following ways:

Stimulates Blood Flow

Poor blood flow is one of the significant causes of pain. Auditory waves used in shockwave therapy cause microscopic tears in tissues that aid in the growth of new blood vessels.

As a result, the damaged area receives more blood flow, improving your body’s natural ability to heal and provide quick pain relief.

Non-Surgical

Instead of planning time for a drawn-out surgical recovery, you can carry on with your life while receiving shockwave therapy for tennis elbow, bursitis, or plantar fasciitis. Patients typically begin treatment with a two to three-session trial run by practitioners. They will assist you in evaluating if this is the best course of action for your condition if there is no change.

Injured persons can return to work or their favorite sport more quickly by combining shockwave and physical therapy. Athletes who do not require surgery for persistent pain or injuries can benefit significantly from it.

Dissolves Calcium Build-Up

Calcium buildup can frequently result from stress to your tendons. Your body’s accumulation of calcium may restrict your motion and flexibility. Moreover, the calcification of soft tissues might result in health issues, including coronary artery disease.

Shockwave therapy helps in breaking up any soft tissue calcification that is already present to assist your body in resuming its normal function. Moreover, it can increase the treated tissue’s flexibility.

Interrupts Pain Neurotransmitter

A neurotransmitter called Substance P is often how your body communicates pain signals to the brain while you’re in pain. Shockwave therapy can block the transmission of pain signals by preventing this primary pain neurotransmitter from communicating with nerve receptors in your brain. It provides more pain relief.

Relaxes Trigger Points

Your body’s trigger points are frequently areas where tension has built up, which makes the muscles around your spine stiff. Your shoulders, neck, and back may experience severe discomfort due to these trigger points. Shockwave therapy relieves pain by relieving stress in the trigger points, like a focused massage.

Promotes Collagen Production

Shockwave therapy encourages the development of new collagen, resulting in more vital tissues and quicker healing timeframes. The main protein involved in connective tissue repair is collagen. It is in charge of giving wounded tissues the requisite vigor and assistance while they recover. Collagen is produced more abundantly to replace and repair damaged tissue after an injury. This procedure aids in optimal healing and serves to limit further harm.

Book Your Appointment Today!

For patients with sports injuries, osteoarthritis, tendonitis, and more, Bend Total Body Chiropractic is pleased to provide shockwave therapy. Our qualified providers are dedicated to giving top-notch care. Book an appointment to learn more about shockwave treatment and experience the pain relief you’ve been looking for.

Closeup of man from behind holding his lower back due to pain

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

Female jogger in a park holding her lower back due to pain

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.

Top Ways to Reduce Pain in the Spine

 

Back pain is a frequent health problem. According to this study, eight out of ten Americans experience back pain at a certain point in life, typically in the lower back. You might have strained it while doing yard chores or housework. Or your back pain might be due to sports injury or a persistent illness like ankylosing spondylitis or arthritis.

You must consult a doctor or physical therapist if back pain develops or worsens. The same is true of persistent discomfort. There is no one size fits all treatment for back pain. Pain can strike anywhere in the spine or nearby muscles, and its frequency and intensity might vary considerably.

Back pain might signify physical stress that needs immediate attention because the spine is the protective covering that encases the most vital nervous system components. Back pain, if left unchecked, might result in irreversible spine or nerve damage.

Types of Pain in and Around the Spine

Woman holding her lower back with back pain.

Acute or chronic back pain can occur in any form. Acute pain typically causes symptoms that are immediate and transient. However, chronic pain keeps returning over time and might be unpredictable, making daily tasks challenging.

The more typical types of back pain are listed below:

Acute Pain

Acute pain, sometimes referred to as short-term discomfort, can persist for a day or as long as four weeks. People link acute pain to a specific incident or injury, like moving a big box, tripping, or bending improperly while doing yard chores.

Often, acute pain will disappear when the muscles recover or the swelling decreases. However, you must consult a doctor if the pain is severe or if it interferes with your daily activities.

Subacute Pain

Subacute pain might linger for four to twelve weeks. You must consult a doctor to determine if the issue will resolve on its own or if it will likely result in persistent discomfort.

Chronic Pain

Chronic pain continues for more than 12 weeks. This pain can range from a sharp stabbing sensation in some situations to a chronic dull aching or a string of flare-ups. Chronic pain has a damaging effect on the psyche and can be crippling if not addressed.

Unfortunately, it can be challenging to identify the root cause of chronic pain. Chronic pain may last long after your body has healed from visible damage in some cases. Pain management becomes the main objective when you fail to identify the cause of the pain.

Top Treatment Types

Chiropractor working on the upper back of a patient.

Chronic back pain can be excruciating. Therefore, to treat severe pain, we will discuss some of the most effective treatments to reduce inflammation, muscle tension, and back pain.

Spinal Decompression Therapy

Spinal decompression therapy uses a traction table or other motorized equipment to stretch the spine and to relieve leg or back pain. Nonsurgical decompression therapy is the name of this procedure.

It is also a practical therapeutic choice for people who suffer from the following:

The fundamental spinal traction technique used by chiropractors, osteopathic physicians, and other qualified healthcare practitioners for many years is the same one that spinal decompression devices employ.

Decompression therapy and traction treat bulging, deteriorating, or herniated discs to reduce pain and foster the best healing environment.

Spinal decompression is a form of traction therapy used on the spine to produce theoretical advantages, such as:

  • Creating a negative intradiscal pressure to encourage disc material that has herniated or bulged to retract or realign.
  • Lowering the disc’s pressure to allow the infusion of nutrients and other elements to help the disc repair.

There are only minor side effects, such as a dull ache during the first few weeks while the spine adjusts to decompression and stretching. This therapy is generally safe and comfortable, putting the patient’s experience first.

Chiropractic Care for Bulging or Herniated Discs

A disc’s soft inner filling can occasionally swell and press on the painfully sensitive outer part of the spinal disc, causing it to bulge. Additionally, it has the potential to herniate from the shell and press against an adjacent nerve. In a herniated disc, the nucleus pushes through the annulus fibrosus.

Herniated and bulging discs can have various causes, signs, and treatments. Without proper care, unpleasant symptoms can develop when your nucleus is out of its natural place.

A chiropractor will determine its severity before starting chiropractic care for spinal issues. In addition to examining your spine’s overall health, they may also do several tests to assess your reflexes, sensation in your extremities, muscular strength or weakness, and range of motion.

A chiropractic adjustment might be able to treat your bulging disc if you’re generally healthy and don’t have any significant symptoms, underlying spinal diseases, or advanced spinal conditions. A session with a chiropractor can also help those suffering from fatigue, tension headaches, chronic shoulder pain, and muscle aches.

Chiropractic Care for Degenerative Disc Disease

The majority of those with degenerative disc disease are the elderly. It impacts their quality of life and capacity to engage in specific activities. The normal wear and tear of the spinal discs are the common causes of degenerative disc disease.

Chiropractic care is a popular choice among people with degenerative disc disease even though there are many alternative treatment options for this ailment since it can reduce release tension and spinal pain and increase spine flexibility.

These are some of the symptoms:

  • Pain that intensifies while sitting, twisting, lifting, or bending;
  • Chronic pain with periods of intense pain that could last days, weeks, or months
  • Pain that spreads to the buttocks, thighs, and backs of the legs or the arm, shoulder, and hand.
  • Back pain
  • Muscle Tension
  • Painful muscle spasms

Some people experience crippling pain from degenerative discs, which can vary in severity. Patients can choose various treatments to manage their pain and stop the spinal discs from suffering additional harm. Chiropractic care is among the best non-invasive methods for treating and assisting patients in regaining spinal function.

Chiropractic care for degenerative disc disease helps ease muscle tension, lessen spinal tissue inflammation, and increase the spine’s range of motion. Chiropractic care can also help to promote healing by reducing pressure on the spine’s discs.

Chiropractic Care for Sciatica

Sciatic nerve compression is the primary cause of sciatica. Spinal tumors, pregnancy and childbirth, herniated or bulging discs, lumbar spine subluxations, and non-spinal conditions like constipation and diabetes are among the spinal disorders known to cause sciatic nerve pain.

According to a study, more than 40% of adults get sciatica, causing muscle weakness and chronic pain. Mild1`1 sciatica pain goes on its own, but might require instant care in acute cases.

The following are some medical treatment options:

  • Pain medications
  • Physical therapy
  • Lifestyle adjustments
  • Surgery, in severe cases

The fact that you may visit a chiropractor for spinal pain surprises many people, but doing so is the most practical and quick course of action.

Chiropractors have received specialized training in the musculoskeletal system, which includes the bones, muscles, cartilage, joints, and tendons. Because of their specific training, chiropractors are the perfect choice to treat sciatica.

Furthermore, you do not need a recommendation to see a chiropractor, and insurance frequently pays for services. A chiropractor can locate the root cause of sciatica and cure it without using painkillers. The condition can have various reasons, each requiring a unique course of therapy.

Are Chiropractic Services and Spinal Decompression Therapy Effective?

Chiropractor working on the neck of a patient.

It can be challenging to believe that a non-invasive, safe, pain-free treatment exists to properly assist you in treating your chronic problems when steroid injection shots and pain medicines fail to lessen chronic back pain.

You can treat back pain effectively by using spinal decompression therapy. Unlike several chronic pain treatments, spinal decompression therapy and chiropractic services do not hurt. They are effective methods to treat pain and discomfort. Instead, the session will cause you to sense pressure and pull.

Sensors on the computerized table can identify which muscles are starting to stiffen up or resist stretching. These make it simple for the chiropractor to change the pressure applied to achieve the desired results. Most offices create a peaceful environment for their clients to make the procedure comfortable.

It takes about 30 minutes to complete one spinal decompression procedure. Most of the time, it takes more than a single session to benefit from this therapy fully.

Several studies and publications conducted over the years have proven the safety, effectiveness, and cost-efficiency of spinal decompression therapy and chiropractic services as therapies for reducing back pain and enhancing motion range.

Chiropractic care and spinal decompression therapy have demonstrated their ability to temporarily relieve pain and keep you pain-free in the long run.

Book an Appointment Today at Total Body Chiropractic

At Total Body Chiropractic, we provide a wide range of chiropractic procedures that can aid in managing chronic back pain in our patients. We use different treatments to reduce back pain, inflammation in muscles, swelling of tissues, and more.

Our treatments help reduce discomfort and make it easier for our patients to move. We have professionals who have received proper training in treating patients with chronic pain. Moreover, we ensure a comfortable and pain-free session that promises visible results. Book an appointment to treat your chronic pain today with our expert chiropractors!

Close up view of a massage therapist's hands working the lower back of a massage patient.

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?

Illustration of herniated disc.

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

Man sitting on bed with lower back pain.

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?

deep-tissue-massage-lower-back

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!

Close up view of a woman lying in bed, holding her jaw and grimacing from TMJ disorder pain.

Can a Chiropractor Help with TMJ?

Most people suffering from TMJ do not know that a chiropractor can help with it. In the last few years, chiropractors have successfully treated TMJ dysfunction. The temporomandibular joint, otherwise known as TMJ, is the joint that lies between the temporal bone of the skull and the mandible of the jaw. This is the joint that moves whenever your jaw opens and closes.

This joint is constantly moving, whether you’re chewing, laughing, or talking. Over time, there is a possibility for this joint to encounter irritation and dysfunction, which makes TMJ a prevalent condition. This condition is the second most common musculoskeletal condition, which impacts different people uniquely.

What is TMJ?

asian-man-with-jaw-pain-from-tmj

TMJ is a hinge joint on both sides of your lower joint. This joint connects to the rest of your mouth, and unlike most hinge joints in your body, the TMJ is double-hinged. This means that it moves in all types of directions and not just up and down or side to side.

You must use your TMJ to move your jaw in every direction when chewing food. TMJ pain is joint, and once your TMJ starts to become troublesome, it can mean that you have a TMJ disorder. You can also call TMJ disorders TMD or temporomandibular disorders. TMD and jaw pain can emerge at any time.

On the other hand, it can also occur in the form of chronic pain in your jaws. Many people who suffer from TMJ disorder struggle with opening their mouths widely. It can impact your diet and lifestyle, and if you do not treat it within a specific time, it will worsen.

The signs and common symptoms of TMD include:

  • Painful clicking or grinding in your jaw
  • Locking jaw on either open and closed mouth conditions
  • Pain while talking, opening your mouth, or chewing
  • Painful clenching of the jaw
  • Headaches
  • Neck pain
  • Ringing in your ears

While most TMD symptoms resolve in a few weeks or months, certain behaviors and harmful habits can aggravate painful conditions. These habits tend to strain neck muscles and jaw muscles.

Causes of TMJ

illustration-of-tmj-disorder

Several factors can cause TMJ or TMD, and some of the most common ones include misalignment of the bite. When your bite does not align properly, your TMJ has to work irregularly to chew food properly.

All of the irregular jaw movement will gradually lead to problems in the joint. Another leading cause of TMJ disorder is bruxism, another word for grinding and clenching your teeth. Chronic teeth clenching and grinding will cause excess pressure and lead to an overuse of your TMJ on either side of your mouth.

Ultimately, all the pressures and tensions from biting food too hard will strain the ligament and muscles that allow your TMJ to move. The third common cause of TMJ disorder is arthritis, which is the deterioration of your body’s bone cartilage.

This deterioration does not only affect joints, but also causes TMJ pain. Physical trauma or injury is another common cause of TMJ jaw pain. Automobile accidents or athletic injuries can be very hazardous and permanently damage internal ligaments and discs inside the TMJ.

Being able to tell that you have TMJ disorder is manageable. Headaches and ear pain are the first things you can look for to determine if someone suffers from TMJ. Popping and clicking sounds when your mouth moves can be a surefire sign that you have TMD as well. Since the TMJ is located immediately next to your ears, the muscles that attach to it spread elsewhere in your face, teeth, and neck.

Therefore, it is common to feel TMJ pain in areas of your body other than the joint itself. This is also why you can treat TMJ pain with a therapy session from the chiropractor.

Can a Chiropractor Treat TMJ?

Some joint stiffness and joint soreness can spring up due to TMJ disorders. This stiffness and soreness are not very intense in the beginning. Due to this, many people tend to ignore this type of pain or stiffness, which becomes highly problematic as time goes on. You have to pay attention to whether your symptoms are more noticeable at certain times of the day.

For instance, if you feel the pain right after you wake up, it could be because you were continuously clenching and grinding in your sleep due to TMD. A chiropractor is a trained professional who can stimulate sensitive nerve points and treat muscular stiffness with increased proficiency. It is safe to say that a chiropractor can alleviate the muscle pain and stiffness that TMJ disorders cause.

When your joints are stiff, they do not move as well. This also applies to your TMJ or the joint in your jaw. People suffering from TMD cannot open their mouths with a full range of motion. This makes eating a difficult task for the person suffering. A chiropractic session successfully opens up the joints and regains the long-lost range of motion.

Therefore, a chiropractor is a professional way to treat TMJ. In some rare situations, joint locking can occur, where you cannot move your mouth. This can be very scary and require immediate medical attention. There are a few ways in which a chiropractor can treat TMJ disorder. Chiropractic treatments include:

  • Spinal Decompression – To extend your spine, your chiropractor will utilize a pressure table or motorized equipment. A vacuum effect is created in the spinal column to retract enlarged or herniated discs that damage the sciatic nerve.
  • Electrical Muscle Stimulation – By using electrical pulses, muscle contractions are initiated to relieve muscle spasms and to maintain balance and control of nerves and muscles around the head and neck. It is often used for rehabilitation and can be utilized to alleviate pain from TMJ.
  • Spinal Adjustment – Chiropractic adjustments aid in the restoration of normal alignment in the afflicted location as well as the entire spine. This therapy relieves any nerve constriction and promotes proper nervous system function.
  • Myofascial Release – This physical treatment entails applying persistent pressure to the trigger points that strain your nerves. This action relaxes constricted muscles, providing immediate pain relief. Muscle tension will improve significantly.

Your chiropractor will perform a physical examination and review your medical history during your first sessions to select the best treatment approach. They will also create a personalized treatment plan to alleviate your TMD symptoms across numerous sessions and improve jaw function.

While you may notice pain alleviation in the jaw area after the first session, it may take up to four chiropractic visits to thoroughly treat your symptoms. To avoid recurring symptoms, your treatment regimen may include at-home workouts, cold-hot compressions, massages, and lifestyle changes.

General Self-Care for TMJ/TMD

african-american-woman-eating-cereal

If you have experienced signs of TMD, a healthcare practitioner would recommend avoiding extreme jaw movements. This means that you should refrain from opening your mouth wide or forcefully. Yawning, singing, or yelling often requires you to open your mouth rapidly. Ensure you avoid foods that cause too much stress on the jaws.

Eat soft foods and keep away from crunchy or more complex foods. You will also benefit if you stop taking large bites and foods that require prolonged chewing before swallowing. Take notice of unhealthy habits that can exacerbate TMJ symptoms, such as chewing nails and lips and resting your jaw on your hand.

Also, be vigilant of clenching or keeping your teeth together. Be conscious of grinding your teeth and also tensing your jaw muscles. You can also trigger TMD symptoms by pushing your tongue against your teeth.

Maintain the resting position of your jaw, and place your tongue lightly on the roof of your mouth. Once you have done that, begin to say “NO” slowly. Keep your teeth apart, and relax your jaws and lips together. Another excellent self-help tip would be to keep your posture straight.

If you are sitting at a computer or desk workstation for a prolonged time, take frequent postural breaks. When driving, you can adjust your seat to the upright position, and even in leisure settings, you can sit upright and use pillows behind your back for stable support.

If you’re sitting and standing posture resembles a slump or a curve, correct it to an upright position. You have to raise your chest bone and sternum and place your shoulders back by gently pressing on the shoulder blades. When sleeping, ensure that you have good pillows that support your neck, and sleep on your back instead of on your stomach.

Book an Appointment!

Total Body Chiropractic in Bend can fully treat your TMJ. We will collaborate to create a personalized treatment plan that alleviates your pain and improves your overall well-being and health. After all, the secret to feeling healthiest is to adjust your spine. Schedule an appointment today and leverage our expert consultation and quality chiropractic care.

A close up view of an African American female runner in a gray hoodie holding her lower back due to back pain.

Can a Chiropractor Help with Sciatica?

Did you know that pain in your leg or even your foot can be linked directly to your back? Many times, this discomfort is classified as sciatica. More than 40% of people will experience this common condition. While it can resolve independently, non-invasive treatment options like chiropractic care ensure complete resolution and help prevent recurrence.

Keep reading to learn the symptoms, causes, and how chiropractic care can ease your sciatic nerve pain quickly and effectively.

What is Sciatica?

infographic-of-what-is-sciatica

Sciatica describes the pain you experience from a pinched sciatic nerve. It represents a symptom of an underlying problem, not a condition. The sciatic is the thickest and longest nerve in the body, starting in the lower back, traveling through the hips and buttocks, and finally spanning down the back of each leg. It is responsible for sitting, standing, and other sensations.

While the sciatic nerve ends just below the knee, it branches into smaller nerves affecting the legs, feet, and toes. This connection is responsible for the radiating or shooting pain you feel in seemingly unrelated areas.

Sciatica Symptoms

Sciatica pain can occur anywhere along the body’s largest nerve pathway. Most often, it only impacts one side of the body. The sciatica symptoms can vary by case. For example, some sciatica patients may feel constant pain, while others deal with intermittent episodes. The discomfort can come on suddenly or grow gradually.

If you are dealing with sciatica, you may feel mild to severe symptoms, including:

  • Numbness
  • Muscle weakness in the legs
  • Burning
  • Deep aching
  • Tingling or pins-and-needles sensation
  • Shooting pain, like an electric shock
  • Lower back pain

These symptoms may worsen after coughing, sneezing, or sitting for long periods, as it compresses the spine and can irritate the sciatic nerve. If your symptoms become severe or chronic, it is necessary to seek treatment. Left untreated, you may experience permanent nerve damage, which can cause a loss of feeling or an inability to control your bowels or bladder.

What Causes Sciatica?

sciatica-back-pain

Sciatica can be tied directly to irritation, inflammation, pinching, or nerve compression.

More than 90% of cases of sciatic nerve pain stem from herniated disc. Spinal discs are comprised of cartilage that cushions the vertebrae. Certain situations can cause these discs to spill or bulge out of place, where they put pressure on the nerve.

Herniated disks may also signal degenerative disc disease. As you age, the discs can lose fluid and thin out, bringing the vertebrae closer together and compressing the surrounding nerve.

You are more likely to experience sciatic pain if you are:

  • Older– Natural wear and tear on the spinal column increases the chance of bulging or herniated discs.
  • Overweight– The extra weight can put stress on your discs.
  • An active laborer– Lifting heavy objects and excessive twisting can cause nerve compression.
  • Sedentary worker– Sitting for prolonged periods can irritate the nerve roots, as with office workers and long-distance drivers.
  • Osteoarthritis– This common condition can cause bone spurs. Like herniated discs, the overgrowth of vertebral bones can press on the sciatic nerve and cause pain.
  • Diabetic– Poor glucose regulation can cause nerve damage.
  • Injured– Injuries along the spine may lead to inflammation or irritation that impacts the sciatic nerve.

Other situations, like stress, poor posture, and activity levels, can cause muscle fibers and their surrounding structures to contract. Over time, a trigger point or “knot” can form, which may pinch the sciatic nerve.

Piriformis syndrome can also irritate the sciatic nerve and cause similar pain, such as numbness and tingling from the lower back down through the feet. However, this condition results from muscle spasms in the small piriformis muscle located in the buttocks, so it is not technically a cause of sciatica.

Chiropractic Treatment of Sciatica

Chiropractic care is considered a safe and effective treatment option for sciatica. It can actually provide adequate relief for multiple forms of back pain. Your chiropractor works to fix misalignments in the spine, also known as subluxations. This process removes pressure from the spinal cord and increases your mobility, allowing you to return to the activities you enjoy pain free.

Your chiropractor can treat sciatica in a few ways:

  • Spinal adjustment– Chiropractic adjustments help restore proper alignment in the affected area and the whole spine. This therapy physically releases any nerve compression and encourages optimal nervous system function.
  • Spinal Decompression– Your chiropractor will use a traction table or another motorized device to stretch your spine. This process creates a vacuum effect in the spinal column to retract bulging or herniated discs that affect the sciatic nerve.
  • Myofascial release– This physical therapy involves sustained pressure on the trigger points pinching your nerves. This action helps relax contracted muscles for instant pain relief.
  • Electrical muscle stimulation– This treatment option sends gentle, non-painful shocks to the affected area, which helps in two ways: releasing feel-good endorphins and blocking painful nerve signals.

During your initial appointment, your sciatica chiropractor will conduct a physical examination and discuss your medical history to determine the best treatment option.

They will also build a custom schedule to treat your sciatica symptoms over multiple visits. While you may feel pain relief after the first appointment, it can take about four chiropractic appointments to resolve your sciatica symptoms completely.

Your treatment plan may also include at-home exercises, cold-hot compress, massage therapy, and lifestyle adjustments to prevent recurrent symptoms.

6 Benefits of Chiropractic Adjustments

Your chiropractor uses spinal manipulation and other techniques to care for the whole body, not just the affected area, so you’ll experience several additional benefits:

1. Reduced Inflammation

Chiropractic techniques can help significantly reduce swelling and inflammation in problem areas. Evidence suggests that it helps lower the production of the neuropeptides and cytokines that regulate the immune response. These elements can exacerbate the immune response, causing ongoing swelling and irritation.

Spinal adjustments can encourage blood flow to the affected site to promote healing.

2. Pain Relief

Back pain is the third most common reason for doctor visits each year. Regular chiropractic care can treat this pain and even prevent its occurrence in the first place. It helps ease tensions and misalignments within soft and hard tissues that can cause discomfort.

Additional therapies, like the Graston technique and shockwave therapy, can even restart the healing process on old injuries and uncomfortable pockets of scar tissue. It can successfully address neck pain, chronic pain, and other problems with near-immediate results. Many patients report feeling better as soon as the first visit.

3. Easier Pregnancies

About 50-80% of pregnant women deal with low back pain and sciatica symptoms. These problems often result from the added weight in the midsection. Pregnancy hormones also cause ligaments to loosen and stretch.

Chiropractic adjustments balance the pelvis, which may make labor shorter and easier. Improving posture can also offer instant relief for expectant mothers. Continuing your routine after delivery can even assist with recovery, ease pain from strange positioning during breastfeeding, and rebalance hormones.

4. Improved Posture

Spinal misalignments, especially when caused by sitting, can worsen sciatica symptoms. Even if you visit a chiropractor once to improve your posture, your body will likely return to its initial state of misalignments and discomfort.

Regular visits can train your spine to remain in its optimal position and help you hold onto your spinal adjustments longer. When your spinal cord and joints are aligned, you experience greater overall health. Unobstructed, your brain can communicate adequately with the rest of your body.

5. Affordable Treatment

Chiropractic treatment is much more affordable than traditional medical visits. More insurance companies are even starting to cover these services. If your insurance does not cover your treatment, you can use your FSA and HSA to pay for any out-of-pocket expenses. The Total Body Chiropractic staff will work to maximize your treatment plan according to your budget.

Not to mention, the treatment duration is typically shorter than more conventional methods. While you may have multiple weekly visits initially, you will shift to a bi-monthly maintenance schedule after your sciatica symptoms have greatly improved.

6. Reduces Reliance on Medication

Those with chronic pain often receive prescriptions to manage their pain. These medications can become addictive and simply mask the pain. On the other hand, chiropractic care addresses the root cause of your pain and initiates the healing process.

Book Your Appointment Today!

The chiropractors at Total Body Chiropractic & Acupuncture in Bend are fully equipped to treat your sciatica—no matter the cause. We will work together to build a custom in-office and at-home treatment plan that not only resolves your lower back pain but also boosts your overall health and wellness. After all, aligning your spine is the key to feeling your best! Schedule your appointment today.

How Often Should You See a Chiropractor?

Did you know over 1 million people around the U.S. receive a chiropractic adjustment each day? It’s all thanks to the range of benefits associated with this physical therapy, from chronic pain relief to general mood and wellness boosts. Although you may experience temporary relief during your initial visit, it takes regular adjustments to feel the full range of long-lasting benefits from chiropractic care.

Continue reading to learn how a chiropractor can help your situation and how many chiropractic sessions you need to reap the benefits.

9 Reasons to See a Chiropractor

Chiropractic care has the potential to impact every system in your body. This is because the central nervous system, which controls the entire body, runs through the spine. This connection means spinal manipulation during chiropractic sessions can ease several seemingly unrelated issues. You may consider seeing a chiropractor for one of these reasons:

1. Acute or Chronic Pain

Back pain is the most common reason patients visit the chiropractor. During a study published in 2018, 750 participants underwent either 12 chiropractic treatments or standard care. After six weeks, researchers found that the chiropractic patients experienced less lower back pain, higher levels of satisfaction, and decreased reliance on medication.

More than lower back pain, chiropractic care can help ease neck pain from text neck — a condition stemming from staring at phones. Your chiropractor helps get to the root of the problem rather than mask the symptoms with temporary relief. They can pinpoint and address areas of inflammation, muscle tension, and joint pain.

Chiropractic care can also offer pain relief from car accidents and poor posture. By restoring proper alignment, you can experience continued comfort on a regular basis.

2. Headaches and Migraines

Headaches often stem from structural problems in the neck and shoulders. Chiropractic adjustments can help with the severity and frequency of attacks.

3. Improves Digestion

The central nervous system sends signals to the digestive system to facilitate the process. Misalignments in the spine can impact this communication. Likewise, subluxations in certain vertebrae can even lead to gas and other digestive discomforts.

4. Boost Athletic Performance

Even the best players in the league use chiropractic care to improve their game. In fact, 31% of NFL teams have a chiropractor on staff to deal with sports-related chronic pain, injuries, and headaches.

5. Better Sleep

Chiropractic care may improve the duration and quality of your sleep. This therapy reduces pain that keeps you up at night and rebalances dopamine and serotonin to help insomnia. Adjustments also increase blood flow, encouraging you to get to sleep faster and help you sleep longer.

6. Pregnancy

During this stage of life, pregnant women deal with several changes, including widening hips and a lower back adjustment. These changes can lead to headaches, back pain, and general discomfort. Regular chiropractic care throughout pregnancy can provide relief, balance hormones, improve sleep, and even make labor easier for pregnant women.

7. Treat Sciatica

The sciatic nerve represents the longest nerve in the body, running from the lower back through the butt and hips all the way down to the feet. When the nerve becomes compressed by surrounding vertebrae or inflammation, it can cause sharp pain and muscle spasms throughout the lower extremities. Your chiropractor can help resolve the inflammation and remove any pressure on the nerve.

8. Immune Boost

When your body functions and communicates properly, it can more quickly resolve illness. Evidence suggests that those who receive regular chiropractic care have 200% greater immunity than those who don’t.

9. Injuries

Your chiropractor can help treat new and old injuries. That’s why chiropractic patients often seek treatment for soft tissue injuries such as whiplash after car accidents. Soft tissue therapy can help break up old scar tissue, which can restart the healing process. This form of physical therapy can also send more blood and healing agents to the affected area to encourage faster and more complete resolution.

Regular chiropractic adjustments can also assist with conditions like vertigo and stress-related high blood pressure. Plus, each adjustment boosts overall health and encourages physical and mental relaxation that improves your mood, eases anxiety, and soothes muscle tension.

Initial Consultation for New Patients

Before scheduling your chiropractic consultation, you’ll want to make sure your chiropractic clinic accepts your insurance. You’ll also want to verify that your chiropractor has all the necessary credentials and experience with any of your anticipated conditions. When you arrive, you will be greeted by trained staff and given new client paperwork.

Your initial visit will take about an hour, but this time frame can vary. The rest of your chiropractic appointment will proceed in the following format:

1. Discuss Concerns and Goals

Your chiropractor will ask about the location of your pain, any other symptoms, and how long you’ve been experiencing them. They will also need to know your occupation, daily activities, and other lifestyle habits. This conversation helps your chiropractor understand what’s happening and determine the best course of action tailored to your needs.

You should come prepared with your health goals. Are you just hoping for relief, or do you want to see drastic improvements in your function?

It’s also important to have the specifics of your medical history:

  • Prescriptions
  • Diagnosis
  • Detailed family history, including illnesses and conditions
  • Other relevant medical histories that reveal acute causes, like car accidents, or chronic causes

2. Physical examination

Your chiropractor will have you complete a series of movements and tasks to test muscle strength, nerve flow, resistance, and more. You may undergo one or more of these physical examinations:

  • Walking Exam — You will walk back and forth across the room. During this process, the chiropractor will assess your gait to determine if there are any issues in your spine, legs, or pelvis.
  • Flexibility Exam — Completing different stretches, movements, and bends can test flexibility and range of motion.
  • Leg Measurements — While lying on your stomach, the chiropractor will bend your legs upwards to examine the length of your legs. If one leg is shorter than the other, it signals alignment issues in the pelvis.
  • Straight Leg Raise — As you lie down, your chiropractor will have you lift a leg straight in the air while keeping your knee straight. This action reveals any complications in the sciatic nerve or leg muscles.
  • Muscle Strength Test — Your chiropractor will have you press against them in various ways to test muscle strength or weakness.
  • Medical Exams — After these physical examinations, your chiropractor may want to see more. They may order blood work, X-rays to view bones, or an MRI for soft tissue, like discs, torn muscles, or nerve compression.

3. Diagnosis

After a thorough physical examination, your chiropractor will offer a diagnosis and determine whether your condition will respond to chiropractic care. Fractures, tumors, or infections will require a referral to a separate specialist as they do not respond to this form of treatment.

4. Building a Treatment Plan

During your first chiropractic visit, your chiropractor will build a specialized treatment plan that outlines in-office care, at-home exercises, instructions to prevent severe injury, and a guide to healthy living and eating. All these techniques will support your care and boost your results.

Keep in mind that you may or may not receive a chiropractic adjustment during your initial consultation, depending on your diagnosis.

How Chiropractic Treatment Can Help

Chiropractors use several treatment methods to help heal the body and fix dysfunction within the musculoskeletal system. Through spinal manipulation, massage therapy, spinal decompression, and acupuncture, your therapist can help treat your pain in several ways:

  • Restores Proper Alignment – Spinal adjustments ensure that your body can communicate adequately, boosting overall function.
  • Removes Pressure Off of Nerves – Misaligned vertebrae can compress spinal nerves, leading to radiating pain and dysfunction. Chiropractic care relieves this pressure.
  • Rebalances Hormones – When your brain cannot communicate with your body due to misalignments in the spine, it also impacts hormone function. Spinal manipulation can influence the release of mood-boosting hormones and reduce the stress hormone cortisol in the blood.
  • Relaxes Muscle Tension – Pinched nerves, poor posture, inflammation, and misalignments can all cause painful muscle spasms and tension throughout the body. Your chiropractor may suggest massage therapy to soothe muscles and promote relaxation.

How Often Should You See a Chiropractor?

Your chiropractor will determine the best schedule to improve your condition. If you’ve just started seeing a chiropractor, it is common to have one or two chiropractic sessions per week. The reason for these frequent appointments is that your body is used to a certain position, so it will quickly revert back to the state of discomfort due to muscle memory. Regular visits help retrain your body to stay in proper alignment.

After your symptoms resolve, you can scale back to a maintenance care schedule with monthly or bi-weekly chiropractic visits. Maintenance adjustments prevent your body from getting too far out of tune.

Generally, the ideal chiropractic appointment schedule follows this cadence:

  • For Intense Pain or New Injuries: frequent appointments; 2 or more visits per week
  • For Chronic Medical Conditions or Acute Issues: weekly maintenance care
  • For Overall Health: monthly maintenance care

You can also schedule a chiropractic session whenever you feel pain. It is about listening to your body and reacting accordingly.

The best way to determine how chiropractic care can help you is to schedule an appointment. At Bend Total Body, we offer several treatment options to provide swift relief. We will work with you to get your condition under control and maintain the results so you can live a more comfortable life.

How Do Chiropractors Know Where to Adjust?

If you’ve ever experienced joint or muscle pain, a friend may have suggested seeing a chiropractor. These healthcare professionals provide targeted treatment to the nervous and musculoskeletal systems to restore proper function and ease symptoms throughout the entire body. From headaches and hormonal imbalances to back and neck pain, an experienced chiropractor knows where to adjust your body for swift and long-lasting treatment. Continue reading to learn how these medical professionals determine the right treatment plan for you.

Why Go to the Chiropractor?

According to the American Chiropractic Association, more than 35 million people in the United States, including adults and children, receive chiropractic treatment annually. While back pain comprises a large majority of visits, you may also find a chiropractor helpful in several situations. This is because the spine supports the whole body both structurally and neurologically. It houses much of the central nervous system, which provides a communication pathway between the brain and the entire body. A misalignment in the spine can put pressure on the spinal nerves and reduce the body’s ability to function. In the same way, these subluxations or misalignments can impact your ability to twist, bend, and carry out basic movements comfortably.

Rather than simply treating the symptoms, your chiropractor will get to the root of the problem to reduce the chance of recurrence. This alternative medicine is rarely associated with side effects, making it an excellent, low-risk option for patients.

Here are three common reasons you may consider seeing a chiropractor:

Acute or Chronic Pain

More than 46% of chiropractor visits are due to lower back pain, making it the most common reason to seek treatment. Several conditions can cause chronic pain in the neck and back, including:

Lifestyle factors like sleeping in the wrong position or working at a desk can also contribute to acute discomfort. These situations can irritate the spinal nerves and inflame soft tissues, causing radiating pain. A licensed chiropractor uses spinal manipulation to restore proper alignment of the vertebrae and remove pressure on spinal nerves. This chiropractic technique provides instant pain relief that continues feeling better as the inflammation resolves. A 2019 study found that this manual manipulation stops the formation of inflammation-causing neuropeptides, which furthers your results.

Car Crashes and Other Injuries

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Chiropractic care is a clear treatment route after full-body trauma caused by car accidents. Even minor collisions can lead to hidden injuries that cause complications throughout the body. Whiplash, a severe sprain or strain in the cervical spine, is common in most patients and can result in upper back and arm pain. Keep in mind that an adrenaline rush may mask your pain, so it is always a good idea to visit a chiropractor in the days following your car crash.

Sports injuries from repetitive movements, like tennis elbow and runner’s knee, may also benefit from this form of physical therapy. Athletes who have sustained more severe injuries seek chiropractic treatment during the healing process and continue regular care afterward for improved performance.

Manual manipulation increases blood flow and healing agents to the affected area to boost healing. At Total Body Chiropractic & Acupuncture, we also offer services that break up scar tissue from old injuries and restart the healing process to ensure total and complete resolution.

General Wellness

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Chiropractic care fits seamlessly into a full-body wellness pain to keep you functioning at your best. An adjustment may provide improvements in these areas:

  • Sleep—Your body uses your downtime to repair the body. Poor sleep quality can affect your body’s ability to heal itself, impact your mood, and make you more susceptible to illness. Chiropractic care improves sleep by lowering the stress hormone cortisol, easing pain, and balancing your serotonin and dopamine, which are proven to help with insomnia.
  • Digestion—Misalignments in the spine can impact communication to the digestive system. The chiropractic manipulation techniques during your adjustment can also physically stimulate movement in the digestive organs to boost regularity.
  • Immune boost—Your nervous system and immune system work hand in hand to keep you feeling well. Chiropractic care improves communication between these systems for swift resolution and boosts the production of healing agents to help you fight off pathogens. It can also reduce stress levels, lowering your susceptibility to illness.
  • Stress—Chronic stress can affect everything from sleep to focus. Stress has been linked to several conditions, so controlling it is essential to feeling well. Fortunately, many patients report feeling more relaxed after their visits. This alternative medicine also rebalances stress hormones to improve feelings of anxiety.

Chiropractic care is a highly individualized treatment plan, so you may experience even more targeted benefits that boost your quality of life. At Total Body Chiropractic & Acupuncture, we are equipped to treat a number of conditions.

How Do Chiropractors Know Where to Adjust?

The medical professionals at Total Body use a range of chiropractic techniques to find the proper places to adjust. During your first visit, you will undergo various examinations:

Symptoms and Medical Analysis

Your chiropractor will ask for your complete medical history, including injuries, surgeries, and other complaints. Providing honest and thorough answers is crucial to receiving the best possible treatment. Knowing your symptoms can help your licensed chiropractor find connections and underlying causes of your problems.

These medical professionals may recommend x-rays and other imaging to pinpoint inflammation and other ailments before providing treatment.

Motion Palpation

When you think of chiropractic adjustments, you likely think of palpation. This action describes the use of light of deep touch to identify painful places and misalignments. Your chiropractor will test your response to varying pressure and manipulation to find these trouble spots. They typically work across three distinct planes of motion:

  1. Frontal—Front to back
  2. Traverse—Upper and lower body or top and bottom
  3. Sagittal—Left and right sides

During this assessment, they want to see how pain hinders movement in these three directions. They use two forms of palpation: static and motion. With static palpation techniques, you will remain still while they feel for dips, prominent misalignments of vertebrae, and muscle spasms. During motion palpation, you will complete basic movements while the healthcare professional feels how the vertebrae move, flex, and glide. If movement is poor or restricted, it indicates dysfunction.

Gait and Posture Evaluation

Your licensed chiropractor will also evaluate your gait (the pattern of walking and movement) and posture (your position while sitting or standing). This physical exam offers insight into your musculoskeletal system and its ability to adapt to strains and stressors. Your chiropractor may ask you to walk, sit, squat, lean, stand, and run to assess these factors.

Range of Motion

If your complaint has impacted your mobility and flexibility, your chiropractor will ask you to complete certain movements to assess your range of motion. These movements help them pinpoint the areas affected the most and see the extent of your joint function.

Next Steps: Chiropractic Treatment

After a complete evaluation, your chiropractor will begin treatment. You will undergo manual manipulation in several positions, ranging from face down, face up, and on each side. Your chiropractor may also use small tools to loosen muscles and provide more targeted results.

Although you may hear a cracking sound known as joint cavitation and feel varying pressure levels, chiropractic adjustments are not painful. Chiropractic adjustments work by stretching joints beyond their normal range of motion. This action causes gas bubbles to form within the synovial fluid, and when the pressure is reduced, it results in the pop or cracks associated with this spinal manipulation.

Your chiropractic treatment plan may also include other forms of physical therapy, including acupuncture and at-home exercises, depending on your condition.

How to Find a Chiropractor You Can Trust?

graston therapy in bend or, graston
The Graston technique can benefit athletes of all ages.

It is important to research and find a licensed chiropractor you can trust in Bend. You should look for these characteristics when making your decision:

  • Credentials—Credentials are vital when it comes to chiropractic care. Your chosen medical professional should have received their Doctor of Chiropractic degree from an accredited institution. This licensure ensures they have the training, skills, and experience to provide the best treatment. Sites like healthgrade.com can give you a snapshot of this information and any history of malpractice or disciplinary action.
  • Experience—If you are seeking treatment for a specific condition, you should try to find a chiropractor with ample experience in the particular procedure. More experience means better outcomes for you. Inquire about how many patients they’ve treated with the condition, their successes, and any complications or risks.
  • Great referrals and reviews—Ask the people you trust most for their chiropractor referrals. Your primary care physician, physical therapists, and even family and friends can provide recommendations. Website reviews offers insight into experiences with ease of scheduling, wait times, friendliness, and more.
  • Comfortability—You should always feel comfortable asking healthcare professionals questions about the process. During your first visit, come with any questions you have and take note of their willingness to respond and provide in-depth answers.
  • Insurance Compatibility—Chiropractic care is an ongoing process, so affordability should factor into your decision. Finding a chiropractor who takes your insurance can help reduce your out-of-pocket costs and make regular care more attainable for you.

At Total Body Chiropractic & Acupuncture in Bend, we take pride in our licensed and experienced chiropractors. Our chiropractors have been practicing for over 20 years and deliver excellent results. We are always happy to answer any questions and ease your worries about chiropractic care. Schedule your initial appointment with us today and get on the path to a healthy, pain-free life.