Thursday, August 27, 2009

Avoid Surgery for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome


Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition marked by a tingling or numbness sensation in the area of the wrist and hand. It is found in people who perform repetititive daily tasks with the fingers or hands, such as computer operators, cashiers, or assembly line workers. The problem is sparked along the median nerve which runs from the fingertips, up the arm, through the shoulder and neck, and all the way to the spinal cord. Because the spinal cord and upper back area has this connection to the hand and wrist area, a chiropractor may be able to alleviate the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.





TAKE THE PRESSURE OFF


Through the bones in the back of the lower neck, the median nerve that is responsible for causing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is connected to the spinal cord. If any of these bones change position, the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel can be felt all the way down to the wrist and fingers. A Chiropractic Physician can analyze the neck area and make slight adjustments to the bones to lessen any unwanted pressure on, or damage to the median nerve. Since the nerve travels along the arm and shoulders and through the very tiny carpal bones of the wrist, a chiropractor can also evaluated and adjust those areas as well.


Another tool for healing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, is exercise. There are a series of hand and wrist exercises that a Chiropractic Physician can teach a patient to perform daily to keep the hand muscles strechted and strengthened. A Chiropractor can also prescribe arm splints to allow the median nerve and wrist area to heal by limiting unecessary movement which can create undue stress on the joint.


THE RESEARCH PROVES IT


Only 14% of Chiropractic patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome go on to have surgery after treatment, versus 86% of Non-Chiropractic patients. Manipulation decreases chronic Carpal Tunnel Syndrome symptoms by an average of 70%. (Manual Therapy, Nov. 2000)




See our website at: http://www.boneandjointwellness.com/ or visit us in person, we love walk-in patients: 7701 E. Indian School Rd Suite H, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 480-990-BONE

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Chiropractic Heals Sciatica


Sciatica is associated with pain, numbness and muscle weakness in the hip, buttock, leg, calf and foot. The Sciatic Nerve is the longest and largest of all the body's nerves. It runs from the spinal column near the pelvis down each leg and can be as wide as you thumb. Sciatica occurs when this nerve is compressed , irritated or inflammed.


For advice on how a chiropractor can treat these condions, please click to request a Free Chiroprctic Exam.


CAUSES OF SCIATICA


DISC HERNIATION


Herniation of a disc occurs when the liquid center of the disc bulges outwards, tearing the external ring of fibers, extrudes into the spinal canal, and compresses a nerve root against the vertebra, thus causing sciatica. This extruded liquid from the center of the disc may cause inflammation and swelling of surrounding tissue which may cause further compression of the nerve root in the confined space in the spinal canal.


PIRIFORMIS SYNDROME


In 15% of the population, the sciatic nerve runs through the piriformis muscle rather than beneath it. When the muscle shortens or spasms due to trauma or overuse, it can compress or strangle the sciatic nerve beneath the muscle.



DON'T SUFFER IN PAIN


Many times people wait until the pain becomes unbearable before they contact their chiropractor. Waiting can cause long-term damage to the nerve fibers, disc or worse yet, to the spinal vertebra. It is important you contact your chiropractic at the first sign of pain.


Typically a chiropractor will find the source of nerve blockage and use a manual adjustment technique to remove the blockage that is pinching the sciatic nerve and causing the pain. Massage therapy and ice therapy may also be used to reduce muscle spasms. Pain medications merely mask the symptoms and never heal the cause, and surgery should always be the last resort.


Chiropractic care works!! Contact us today to set up a Free Chiropractic Exam


Our office is located at 7701 E. Indian School Rd. Suite H Scottsdale, AZ 85251 480-990-Bone