There are lots of causal agents for the problems of Vertigo. An inner ear affliction, known as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, will oftentimes occur as the impact of a sustained head injury or severe cold. Sometimes this particular vertigo may be the result of the aging process. The basis, however, usually is unknown. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo is a wordy diagnosis, but it characterizes perfectly this non- progressive condition that is a result of, as its name implies, a abrupt change in head posture. The symptoms are as a rule unforeseen and variable.

It can be helpful to look at the operation of the inner ear in an effort fathom what stimulates this ofttimes crippling symptoms of this kind of vertigo. The brain takes in motion and sustains balance employing the fluid contained in the inner ear. Also in the inner ear are tiny calcium carbonate crystals, called otoconia. The crystals are likely to float in the inner ear fluid if dislodged. As the crystals strike against the responsive nerve endings in the inner ear, they bring on the disorder of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo or BPPV.

The good news is that chiropractic treatment can remove the discomforts of BPPV very quickly and effectively using a technique called the Epley maneuver. Through the use of this approach, a chiropractor turns the head of a BPPV victim into a number of different positions, letting gravity carry the calcium carbonate crystals into an area of the inner ear that is away from the nerve endings where they will generate no further vertigo.

Your chiropractor has aided numerous people for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo applying the Epley Maneuver technique. Typically, with just one treatment the majority of patients no longer suffer from vertigo.  Call your Dallas chiropractor today!

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Knee X-ray

Individuals over 65 years of age with knee osteoarthritis (OA), that practice Tai Chi, improve their physical capability and encounter decreased pain, according to a new Tufts University School of Medicine study. Osteoarthritis is a common form of arthritis that brings about a breakdown of joint cartilage. Chiropractors treat many individuals who suffer with OA in a number of regions of the body, including the knee joints. Second only to spinal problems, knee pain and disability is one of the most widespread afflictions of the musculoskeletal system. In fact, an astounding 4.3 million individuals in the U.S. over age 60 have been diagnosed with knee OA, according to the CDC, and it anticipates that by age 85, half of the people in America may incur symptoms of OA. The consequences of knee osteoarthritis are pain, mobility limitations, functional disabilities, and a decreased quality of life.

Are you wondering why so many men and women develop OA? As with nearly all of the musculoskeletal conditions that we develop as we get older, undue stress to a joint over the years is a major element. That is why as people get older they are more susceptible to developing OA in their knees, as well as other joints. Improper mechanics of the knee, irregular gait, compensatory foot mechanics as the result of foot pain, and repetitive use of the knee joint all produce excessive stress on the knees. Eventually arthritic changes in the knee joint develop. As an adjunct to chiropractic therapies, chiropractors enthusiastically advocate natural, drug-free practices, such as Tai Chi (Chuan), that can mitigate knee pain. A traditional style of Chinese martial arts,Tai Chi features slow, rhythmic movements that create peace of mind, as well as an enhancement of balance, an increase in strength, and more flexibility.

The 40 participants in the Tufts study were, on average, 65 years of age, overweight, and with confirmed osteoarthritis of the knee. Otherwise they were healthy. Individuals were selected at random to participate in 60-minute “Yang style” Tai Chi sessions twice weekly for 12 weeks. Each session included a 10-minute self-massage and a review of Tai Chi principles, 30 minutes of Tai Chi movement, 10 minutes of breathing technique, and 10 minutes of relaxation.

Tai Chi incorporates many of the current exercise protocols for OA, such as range of motion, flexibility, muscle conditioning, and aerobic workout. Furthermore, researchers found that the “mental aspect” of Tai Chi stimulated a sense of well-being, life contentment, and perceptions of health that helped the participants to deal differently with chronic pain. Compared with the control group, the group practicing Tai Chi exhibited a substantial decrease in knee pain.

Full findings of the study are published in the November 2009 issue of Arthritis Care & Research, a journal of the American College of Rheumatology.

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Why is it a good idea to get adjusted? As is probably apparent, your body is going through quite a lot of changes, and these changes will continue as the pregnancy progresses. A subtle change is your body’s increased production of the hormone elastin. This hormone is designed to relax the tendons in the pelvis. This relaxation allows the pelvis more flexibility during the birthing process to make delivering the baby easier.

This process, despite the fact that its function is to assist the mother during labor, can create a lot of back pain in the months leading up to the birth. As the pregnancy advances, more elastin is released, which allows the pelvis to become increasingly more unstable. In combination with the increased size of the baby and uterus, and you have the formula for severe low back pain. As a chiropractor I see many pregnant women in my practice for a variety of symptoms, but as a rule it is for their low back pain.

One side benefit of having your spine and pelvis checked by a chiropractor regularly during your pregnancy is that it has been shown to actually decrease labor time. How can it do that? Simply put, if the pelvis is where it needs to be, the muscles contracting during the labor process are more efficient because they don’t have to fight past misaligned joints.

chiropractic is not only safe and beneficial in relieving the low back pain associated with pregnancy, but other symptoms like heartburn, nausea, swelling, and so on. In addition, should the need arise, a trained chiropractor can assist a mother who has a breached baby. This is done by using the Webster Technique, a low force technique to manipulate the uterus and get the baby into the proper presentation for delivery. A simple Google search on the Webster Technique can give you much more information.

In summation: Not only is chiropractic safe for pregnant women and their baby, it is also very beneficial in helping with the symptoms associated with their pregnancy. To any pregnant woman reading this, I advise you to please go to see your chiropractor. Chiropractic care can make you quite a bit more comfortable in the months of your pregnancy, and make your labor process easier.

Technorati Tags: chiropractic, chiropractor, heartburn, low back pain, nausea, pregnancy, Webster Technique

Even though hip pain and related problems commonly point to age-related degenerative conditions, particularly osteoarthritis of the hip joint, osteoarthritis isn’t always the “bad guy”. In fact, rather than being the original cause of the problem, osteoarthritis of the hip joint can be the eventual result of damage to your hips earlier.

Gait changes as the result of biomechanical issues such as an ankle sprain or knee strain, can generate hip pain. Furthermore, your gait may reposition to counterbalance new body demands such as a job change, an alteration in the way you sit, a new sport or activity, or if you start driving for long periods of time on a regular basis..

In addition, gait asymmetries can be caused by carrying a baby or small child on your hip, leg length variances, or foot pronation challenges. The point is, anything that creates an asymmetry or imbalance when you are in motion can bring about painful hip problems.

As part of the chiropractic management of your hip problem, along with adjustments, your chiropractor may suggest that you wear orthotics. Your chiropractor will also offer suitable progressive rehabilitative exercises that include muscle stretching and strengthening.

Hip pain won’t disappear on its own. Hip pain means that something needs remedying. Your chiropractor can help to get you out of pain, get back into balance, and get your life back!

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As if the acute pain and suffering from fibromyalgia weren’t enough, an amazing ninety percent of fibromyalgia sufferers also have developed chronic fatigue syndrome, perhaps you might be one of them. This “double whammy” can consequently cause you to not only suffer from pain and fatigue, but also malaise, headaches, numbness and tingling, dizziness, sleep disturbance, swollen feeling in tissues, stiffness, sensitivity to noise and stress, and cognitive impairment.

If you are experiencing the distressing symptoms of one, or both, of these two pernicious conditions, you may find it difficult to take part in even the simplest activities in life, and you may even be experiencing depression and feeling defeated. But, don’t give up hope because your chiropractor can assist you. Chiropractic techniques have been found to be highly beneficial in reversing trauma-induced injuries by reducing inflammation to the nerves in the brain stem and spinal cord that can cause pain, neuromuscular dysfunction, and fatigue.

What is the relationship between “trauma-induced injuries,” fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome? You may find the connection surprising

While the precise cause of these problems is unknown, recent research has pointed to traumatic neck injuries, like whiplash and concussion, for example, as risk factors for the onset of both fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. And, here’s the thing: even though the pain and fatigue caused by spinal injuries can begin immediately, frequently it can take months or even years to develop. By the time fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms become apparent, these injuries may not be remembered.

your chiropractor is an expert when it comes to knowledge and treatment of the spine. Chiropractic care has been proven to be extraordinarily beneficial in reversing trauma-induced spinal injury. If you’ve been experiencing the pain and discomfort produced by fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, see your chiropractor today to see if chiropractic treatment can help to reduce your suffering.

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Sciatic pain commonly travels from your low back, through the buttock(s), and down the large sciatic nerve in the back of your leg(s). Many times, the pain can even radiate into your knee. Motion and sitting, alike can be painful. On occasion lying down will reduce, or perhaps temporarily get rid of the pain. But, sciatica will not be remedied without proper treatment.

“Radiculopathy,” the medical term for the clinical diagnosis of sciatica, means simply that a disc has distended from its usual position in the vertebral column and is causing pressure on the radicular nerve (nerve root) in the lower back, which forms part of the sciatic nerve. This type of pressure is extraordinarily painful.

Additional pressure on the intervertebral discs, as well as imbalances in the muscles surrounding the spine, can happen during and after extended sitting, specifically in a poor position. For the most part, a specific event or definite injury doesn’t cause sciatica, but, on the contrary, it tends to come about over time as a by-product of general wear and tear on the structures of the lower spine. Eventually the lower spine loses its ability to function normally during everyday requirements.

Ultimately, the intervertebral disc develops small fissures, or cracks, which then lets the soft nucleus protrude the disc outward. If the disc puts pressure on sensitive tissues, it generates the pain that is frequently called a ruptured disc. If the disc puts pressure on the spinal nerve, then sciatica can develop.

With chiropractic adjustments and therapies, which frequently includes postural exercises, most disc problems, including sciatica, can be alleviated. If you are experiencing sciatic pain, it is vital for you to seek chiropractic attention.

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It isn’t only amateur golfers who get injured. It has been approximated that close to a third of pro golfers play injured at any given time. The good news is that overall good health and fitness can reduce the number of injuries that you may experience and might conceivably prevent them altogether.

It is very important for you to have proper body strength in the muscle areas most utilized during golf. But, it’s prudent to make certain your spine is in good alignment and that it has good mobility prior to setting out to build muscle strength. A injury-free golf swing relies on your spine’s capacity to effectually move in a rotational manner. Back injuries are the most common type of injuries suffered by golfers. Your chiropractor will take care that your spine is in healthy alignment and that there is efficient movement of the vertebrae. chiropractic care can make a big difference in helping you to avert back injury.

It’s time to strengthen once you’re “straightened.” Safe, injury-free action on the green is dependent upon your being prepared for your golf game. You can warm up your muscles and make straining them less likely by doing golf stretching and flexibility exercises. Whole body range of motion (ROM) exercises will augment flexibility, relatively fast, in all areas of the body. Additionally, elastic band conditioning affords targeted golf range of motion advantages and can build needed energy in the shoulders, hips and deep muscles of the core. Due to the fact that elastic band training provides the dynamic resistance that general weight lifting does not, sports professionals, like your chiropractor, are making them a part of their golf conditioning programs.

In addition to back injuries, a large number of golfers have painful “Golfer’s Elbow.” Though golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow are almost identical injuries, there is a minor difference between them. Tennis elbow impinges the outside of the upper arm whereas golfer’s elbow impinges the inner arm. Golfer’s elbow, like tennis elbow, can result from a single extreme action, such as (in golf) striking the mat at the driving range or striking a hard fairway surface. Repetitive stress from smaller shocks, however, is generally the reason. In addition, it can come upon those who all of a sudden start playing too much golf. For instance, if players that usually play golf once or twice a month decide to play in a tournament, they are conceivably at risk for incurring the injury.

Golf makes distinctive demands on our body. Fatigue can be a problem because the game usually lasts longer than the majority of other sports. When the body is fatigued, unhealthy posture and impeded coordination normally follow. This combination can create a number of injuries. Additionally, the shoulder muscles are liable to injury because of the continuous swinging of the golf clubs. Just as it is essential for you to stretch and warm up before you start your golf game, be sure to rest your body suitable between games.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is, perhaps, a surprising injury connected with golf. But, because it a problem that happens due to repetitive stress, many games of golf played over several months continuously may create this injury. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be a an extremely damaging injury causing disability and on occasion necessitating surgery. However, chiropractic treatment and, frequently the use of a brace will alleviate the problem if a health professional, such as your chiropractor, diagnoses it at an early stage.

The majority of golfers seem to assume that injuries are simply an inevitable part of a golfer’s life. But, a healthy, mobile spine, dedicated preparation, proper exercise and muscle conditioning, reaching and maintaining a an appropriate fitness level, and prudent rest and recuperation after your game is over, can assisting in making injuries a good deal less a part of your golfing experience.

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Why do such a large number of people suffer from neck afflictions? There are quite a few reasons for neck pain and accompanying symptoms. Strained muscles, sprained ligaments, and spinal joint injuries can result from trauma to the neck sustained in an accident. Postural stress can result from sitting at a computer for long periods and/or performing repetitive tasks. Such stress produces muscular tension and inflammation in the neck and upper back. Poor spinal mechanics and weak or overdeveloped muscles can further aggravate postural stress. Other causes of neck problems are “slipped,” herniated, or ruptured cervical discs, and general aging that produces degeneration of the spinal joints and discs creating irritation of soft tissues resulting in chronic pain.

Chiropractic treatment offers an organic, highly effective approach to a wide spectrum of cervical dysfunctions. Chiropractic management results in pain relief, decrease in tension, and increase in motion.

Your chiropractor is an authority when it comes to knowledge of the spine and musculoskeletal system and will be able establish the reason for your neck pain and treat it at its source. If you’re ready to get rid of your neck pain for good, chiropractic care is the answer you’ve been looking for. Make an appointment with your chiropractor today!

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Many times back pain is a mystery to most people who are afflicted by it, and chiropractors are experts at solving that mystery. They ask: Why is it that I have not had any trauma, accidents, or major injuries prior to the onset of their condition? The answer is that the cumulative effects of improper sitting posture, poor work habits, incorrect lifting, lack of routine exercise, and other unhealthy lifestyle-related influences cause most back pain.

These factors add up over time and cause stresses and imbalances on the spine producing subluxations that can lead to serious back conditions. The process is similar to the front end of your car being out of alignment. As you decide to drive, there is uneven wear and tear on your tires. If you ignored the problem, the situation would, no doubt, get worse until you “blew” a tire. The function of the spine is threatened when your spine is misaligned. It’s not only a problem waiting to happen, so to speak, it’s a problem waiting to get worse. And then, something as effortless as bending over to pick up a piece of paper can be the “final factor” that produces back injury. The surrounding back muscles go into spasm when thistakes place in order to safeguard the stressed or injured tissues of the back.

With regard to knowledge of conditions of the spine, chiropractors have more education, training, and experience than medical doctors. They provide state-of-the-art diagnosis and competent treatment for all muscular-skeletal dysfunctions. They not only offer welcomed relief if you are suffering from back pain, but they are aware of what will assist you in avoiding further back pain. Along with effectual adjustments and other productive chiropractic therapies, your chiropractor will give you an individual exercise strategy and suggest additional beneficial lifestyle changes that will keep you well-adjusted and pain-free in the future.

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The average, healthy individual takes 3,000-5,000 steps per day, not counting activities like running and aerobic exercise. However, frequently those steps are taken by people walking inadequately, with poor gait patterns and unhealthy posture.

Moreover, many people wear poorly-designed, improperly-fitting shoes. Moving the body through space incorrectly on feet that are inhibited from performing correctly cannot help but to create aches and pains not only in various places in the feet, but in other parts of the body, as well.  As a case in point, if a person over-pronates (walks like a duck) in a pair of poorly-made or unevenly-worn shoes, or in any pair of high heels, that individual is not only likely to develop foot and ankle challenges, but will probably experience challenges in the back, knees and legs.

The most commonplace foot problem is Plantar Fascitis (heel pain), which is most frequently caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a superbly-made, multi-tasking band of connective tissue that surrounds the muscles on the bottom of the foot, adheres the heel bone to the ball of the foot, supports the arch, protects the foot, and absorbs shock. As you can see, the healthy function of the plantar fascia is essential for pain-free walking and exercise.

There are many determinants that can be considered reasons for the development of Plantar Fascitis. One factor is short and tight calf muscles. Undue stress on the smaller and weaker plantar muscles and fascia occurs when calf muscles get short and tight, exerting a strong pull on the back of the heel bone. What causes calf muscles to get short and tight? Besides aerobics, volleyball, running, basketball, tennis, and similar activities that involve running and jumping, the wearing of high heels can cause the condition.

Other elements that can be instrumental in producing Plantar Fascitis include sudden strenuous activity after a period of prolonged inactivity, aberrant gait patterns (such as over-pronation), inappropriate footwear, walking on hard or uneven surfaces (especially barefooted), and obesity.

Once developed, Plantar Fascitis is generally not easy to manage and can become intensely painful and tenacious. Plantar Fascitis won’t go away without appropriate care.

If you are suffering from heel pain, your chiropractor will be able to establish the cause of your condition and what chiropractic treatment would be best suited. Treatment might include ultrasound therapy, laser, joint manipulation, Graston technique, muscle stretching and strengthening exercises, special taping and, in some cases, orthotics.

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