Suwanee - Lawrenceville Ga Chiropractor Discusses Natural Relief For Headache Sufferers!!

Lawrenceville GA Gwinnett County Chiropractor Discusses Natural Relief For Headache Sufferers!!

In everyday life, headaches occur so commonly that rarely do we take a second and think about what could be causing them. In regards to headaches, it can be something as simple as not eating, or something worse such as a brain tumor.

If you have frequent headaches, it’s important that you get the proper evaluation and diagnosis. Keep in mind, head pain is a symptom, not the actual problem.

Headaches are so common that rarely do we question what is the cause of them. In the case of headache, it can be something as simple as jet lag to something truly ominous, such as a brain tumor.

If you suffer form headaches, it is important that you get the diagnosis right. Remember that head pain is the symptom-it is not the actual problem. It is a way that your body gives a signal that you have a problem. So it does require some investigation. Despite what the commercials say on TV, just diagnosing headache as a problem and driving to the drug store for a bottle of pills is not the solution. Yet many of us suffer from daily headaches for years and years and never think...is my headache being caused by a lack of these pills in my diet?

In chiropractic, we look at this problem differently from what you see in a drug ad. First, you need to have a diagnosis and determine the cause for your head pain. Once the cause is determined, then truly corrective action can take place. We pay special attention to how your spine moves and its posture, especially the neck region. Many different research studies have shown that spinal sprains and injuries can produce head pain. And randomized clinical trials have shown that when these spinal problems are addressed with adjustments, the headaches largely disappear...and without the side effects commonly seen with prescription medications.

But every case is different. It's impossible to know without an examination, if you have a spinal problem, and whether this is the cause for your headache. Our clinic always offers complimentary in-clinic and phone consultations with a Doctor of Chiropractic.

If you are not getting your headaches under control and seemingly endless consumption of pills is not doing the trick, then why not take a different and more natural approach to your health. There is no headache bone in your spine, or a button the chiropractor can push to make the headache go away. We generally find, that once the spinal posture and motion is improved, the headaches go away on their own. It can take one visit or several, but we generally see improvements in a short period time.

Lawrenceville - Suwanee Chiropractor Help Chronic Wrist Pain!

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome And Its Many Causes!!!

Your Lawrenceville, GA Chiropractor talks about chronic wrist pain and how to find relief.

Did you know that carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is affected by many conditions, not just over-use activities? There can also be a combination of causes such as a highly repetitive job plus other causes, such as the use of birth control pills (BCPs), low thyroid function, arthritis, and others. For example, a worker in a factory can be injured by the fast, repetitive work required by his or her job. The initial symptoms may begin as very mild tingling noticed when first waking in the morning but goes away after a short time frame, once up and moving. Weakness in pinch or grip strength can result in dropping objects, poor handwriting, difficulty in buttoning a shirt, or when threading a sewing needle. By this time, most people will seek health care services due to the activity interference and gradual increases in symptoms associated with CTS.

In addition to what is stated above, additional activities that can be affected by the presence of CTS include holding a book or newspaper, holding a telephone, opening jars, doing household chores, carrying grocery bags, as well as sleeping at night. Common symptoms include numbness or tingling of the fingers (2nd, 3rd, and 4th), waking up at night with symptoms, frequent need to shake or flick the fingers, weakness of pinch and grip activities, and aching or pain in the wrist and/or hand.

Other conditions that may exaggerate or may even be the primary cause of CTS include the use of BCPs, pregnancy, hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. These conditions superimposed on a patient who works on a job where fast, repetitive work, awkward positioning of the wrist, forceful grip or pinching, and the lack of rest often results in the onset or worsening of CTS.

When seeking chiropractic services for CTS, the examination process usually includes obtaining a complete health history. This can lead to a discovery that the patient has other complaints or conditions that may cause or contribute to the presence of CTS previously mentioned. The examination usually includes various tests to determine whether CTS is present or not. Other diagnostic tests such as an EMG (“nerve test”) can help determine the degree or extent of the condition.

The chiropractic treatment approach may include (but is not limited to) wrist joint manipulation, muscle-stretching exercises of the forearms, the use of a wrist brace (especially at night), the use of Vitamin B6, and/or job modifications. The chiropractor may also discuss with the primary care physician the patient’s condition, which can lead to other management strategies such as changes or modifications of the patient’s medication(s), which can result in a decrease or eliminate significant negative side effects.

Does The Use Of A Low Back Support Or Brace Really Make A Difference?

Your Lawrenceville, GA Chiropractor - Suwanee Ga Chiropractor
Discusses the use of Low Back Braces & Supports!!

“Do you think a back brace will help my condition?”
This is a question that is frequently asked of many health care providers who treat low back pain. The answers typically vary, as there is support for and against the use of a brace when low back pain is present. In a Feb. 2009 study, the use of an elastic lumbar belt was studied in a group of subacute low back pain patients for its effect on functional capacity (lift and carry types of activities), pain intensity, and the effects on health care service costs. This study was unique in that it was carried out in several different locations and, the patients were randomized and received either a lumbar belt or nothing (“control group”). 197 patients were included in the study, which is a good sample size for research purposes. The results of the study, at the end of 90 days, revealed a higher score for the back brace treated group than the non-braced control group. The pain scale improved greater in the brace treated group as an improvement of 42 points vs. 32 points was reported. Similarly, 61% in the brace treated group used no medication compared to 40% in the non-braced group. It was concluded that patients with subacute low back pain improved significantly in functional status, pain reduction and medication utilization.

The use of back braces has been considered a “standard” in the treatment of patients with LBP for many years. One argument against using back braces centers around becoming “dependant” either physically or mentally on its use and this has long been a concern amongst health care providers. For most patients, this is not a concern as most do not “enjoy” the use of a brace and they look forward to discontinuing their use of it. Braces are particularly helpful when the patient cannot stop performing needed activities, such as work. This is especially true for farmers who have to tend to the animals and crops during planting, cultivating and harvest times of the year. In addition, single moms or dads who have to go to work in order to provide for their children are driven to stay on the job. In these cases, the use of a back brace can be of utmost importance.

There are many types of back braces. Some are narrow and are particularly favored when frequent bending and/or twisting movements are required by a job, sport, or other daily activity. Other braces are taller in the back and taper in the front, which give better support but still allow some bending / twisting movements. Some braces are more rigid and can actually stop movement in certain directions. These types include a hard, rigid surface that is placed in the area of the back where movement is not desired. These are used at times when there are fractures of the spine, after spinal surgery and in scoliosis bracing. Some braces are to be worn low on the pelvis to support that area, while most are placed in the center of the low back region. There are also rib belts sometimes used when ribs fracture, soft and rigid neck braces sometimes used after car accidents, and braces for the arms or legs. The decision to use a brace rests on the degree of injury and the patient’s ability to avoid certain activities or positions. When the injury is significant and/or the patient cannot control his/her activities (such as work), then the use of a brace may be one of the most important treatment approaches for that patient. It’s similar to having stitches when a deep or wide cut occurs. Ask us about the use of supports, braces, or belts if you or your family or friends are suffering with low back pain.

Until Next Time,

Dr. James Roman
Your Lawrenceville, GA Chiropractor

Neck & Arm Pain - The Herniated Disk?

Gwinnett, GA Chiropractic Care - Lawrenceville, Chiropractor Talks About Chronic Neck Pain!

Patients that present with neck pain along with arm numbness, pain, and/or weakness, often ask, “…what’s causing this pain down my arm?” The condition is often caused from a bulging or herniated disk pinching a nerve in the neck. The cause of this complaint can include both trauma as well as non-traumatic events. In fact, sometimes, the patient has no idea what started their condition, as they cannot tie any specific event to the onset.

The classic presentation includes neck pain that radiates into the arm in a specific area as each nerve affects different parts of the arm and hand. Describing the exact location of the arm complaint such as, “I have numbness in the arm and hand that makes my 4th and pinky fingers feel half asleep,” tells us that you have a pinched C8 nerve. This nerve can also be pinched at the elbow and make the same two fingers numb. The difference between the two different conditions is when the nerve is pinched in the neck, the pain is located from the neck down the entire arm and into digits 4 & 5 of the hand. When the nerve is pinched at the elbow, the pain/numbness is located from the elbow down to the 4th & 5th digits, but no neck or upper arm pain exists.

Examination findings usually include limitations in certain cervical (neck) ranges of motion (ROMs) – usually in the direction that increases the pinch on the nerve. Another common finding is the arm is often held over the head because there is more stretching on the nerve when the arm is hanging down and pain in the neck and arm increases. Hence, raising the arm over the head reduces the neck/arm pain. To determine where the nerve is pinched, there are a number of different compression tests that can recreate or increase the symptoms. Some compression tests include placing downward pressure on the head with the head pointing straight ahead, bent or rotated to each side. Other compression tests are performed by pressing in areas where the nerve travels such as in the lower front aspect of the neck, in the front of the shoulder where the arm connects to the chest/trunk, at the elbow and at the wrist. If there is a pinched nerve, numbness, tingling and/or pain will be reproduced when pressure is applied to these regions. Other tests include testing reflexes and muscle strength in the arm. When a nerve is pinched, the reflexes will be sluggish or absent and certain movements in the arm are weak when compared to the opposite side. Another very practical test is called the cervical (neck) distraction test where a traction force is applied to the neck. When neck and/or arm pain is reduced, this means there is a pinched nerve. This test is particularly useful because when pain is reduced, the test supports the need for a treatment approach called cervical traction. It has been reported that the use of cervical traction when applied 3x/day for 15 minutes each, at 8-12 pounds, 78% of 81 patients reported a significant improvement in symptoms, which is very effective. Other forms of care that can be highly effective include spinal manipulation, spinal mobilization, certain exercises, physical therapy modalities, and certain medications.

If you, a friend, or a loved one are struggling with a herniated disk in the neck with associated arm complaints, we will properly assess your condition, run the appropriate tests, and administer the appropriate care that is needed. We also coordinate services with other health care providers when necessary. This recommendation may represent one of most significant acts of kindness you can give to those that you care about.

If you suffer with chronic neck pain, call our office at 770-817-0833 for a FREE Consultation. Call Today!!

Yours in health,

Dr. James Roman
Your Chiropractor In Lawrenceville, GA