HEADACHES:

Headaches can result from chemical, physical and emotional stressors. There are different types such as migraines, tension, cluster, and cervicogenic. Posture, stress, accidents, trauma, and repetitive strains are contributing factors to the onset of headaches. However, according to research, the cause of many headaches may originate in the neck (cervical spine). If the spinal bones of the neck become misaligned, it can put pressure on the nerves, resulting in muscle tension and pain that travels to the head. Gentle chiropractic adjustments combined with massage therapy and appropriate exercises, correct the misalignments, and eliminate or reduce pain.

CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME:

This condition is caused by compression of a nerve (median) that runs through a tunnel which is formed by the small bones (carpals) of the wrist. The symptoms may include pain, weakness and numbness, tingling or burning sensations in the wrist, palm, or first three fingers. The nerve compression is often the result of repetitive stress or strain on the hand or wrist. Activities that contribute to this include typing, computer work, or any repetitive movement of the hand or wrist. SURGERY IS NOT THE ANSWER and can often lead to multiple surgeries. Chiropractic care is the conservative choice for relief from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Your treatment will include adjusting the bones of the wrist, shoulder, and spine, as well prescribing the appropriate exercises and evaluating any ergonomic factors that may be contributing to the syndrome.

 

 

WHIPLASH:

Whiplash is the term often used to describe the violent motion that snaps the head and neck forward, backwards and sideways, leading to injuries of the ligaments, muscles, tendons, nerves, discs and vertebra (spinal bones). This motion often happens in less than a second, but can result in months to years of pain and suffering if untreated.Most people associate whiplash with a car accident, but it can happen playing football, taking a nasty fall, or being pushed from behind. Even “minor” accidents can cause a “major” whiplash injury. You need a chiropractic exam to determine whether serious injury has occurred. Headaches, dizziness, stiff neck, and pain in the shoulders are just a few of the symptoms one may notice following a whiplash.

 

 

 

SCIATICA / LEG PAIN:

There are a number of causes for leg pain, from traumatic injuries to the limb, compression of a nerve, to sciatica. Sciatica is a term that refers to the painful inflammation of the sciatic nerve, the longest and largest nerve in the body. The sciatic nerve is formed by combining 5 separate nerve roots that originate in the low back. This can be an extremely painful condition with symptoms such as pain in the buttocks, back of thigh, calf and into the foot. Spinal and pelvic misalignments (subluxations) can affect the nerves that make up the sciatic nerve, thereby causing the associated symptoms. Prompt chiropractic care can help prevent sciatica or stop its progression.

NUMBNESS and TINGLING:

Numbness and tingling in any location of the body is a sign that a nerve is being compromised. Most episodes will be located in an arm, hand, leg or foot, but can occur anywhere on the body. The nerves that come from the spine provide the sensation and feeling to all areas of the body. For example, when the nerves in the neck are compressed, you may have numbness and or tingling in the arms or hands. Compression on the low back nerves may cause the same sensation problem in the legs or feet. If left untreated, it may lead to more severe symptoms such as weakness. Chiropractic adjustments can correct the underlying cause of your numbness and tingling. Get evaluated today!

SHOULDER / ARM / WRIST PROBLEMS:

Just as misalignments (subluxations) of the spine may occur, you can also have subluxations of an extremity joint such as the shoulder, elbow or wrist. These joints may be adjusted as well, which restores normal motion and can relieve nerve pressure. Dr. Boardman has extensive training in the assessment and treatment of extremity injuries. Some injuries are due to traumas to a limb, while others may involve compression of the nerves from the spine, which result in limb pain. Injuries to arms or legs can result in numbness, tingling or weakness. Schedule your examination right away before the symptoms progress.

ACUTE and CHRONIC CONDITIONS:

Acute conditions have a relatively recent onset, within the last few days to a week, whereas, chronic conditions may be ongoing for weeks, months or even years. Chiropractic treatment is very effective for both, whether it be a recent episode of neck pain or low back pain that has been there on and off for years. The healing process begins by assessing the spinal and nervous system function, and then making appropriate adjustments to correct any misalignments and help restore nerve function.

SCOLIOSIS:

Scoliosis is a condition in which there are one or more spinal curves that deviate to the side. Although the majority of scoliosis cases are idiopathic (no known cause), many others exist due to spinal problems that may be helped. The body will always attempt to maintain an erect posture by balancing over the spine. If the lower vertebrae become wedged to one side, this can cause the spine to compensate by bending into an abnormal curve. A similar condition can occur if a person has one leg shorter than the other or if the pelvis or hip is lower on one side. Many cases begin in childhood. Some signs to look for include: high shoulder or hip on one side, head tilt, one shoulder blade more prominent, and an “S” type posture. As the saying goes, “As the branch bends, so grows the tree.” If you or someone you know has some of these signs, get evaluated immediately.

DIZZINESS:

Dizziness or a sense of loss of balance can occur for many reasons. These include: decreased blood flow, low blood sugar, low/high blood pressure, inner ear conditions, whiplash, and vertebral misalignments of the neck. “Vertigo” is the most common diagnostic term used to describe the condition. Many people are not aware that subluxations of the neck vertebra can lead to dizziness or lightheadedness. This is a common finding with whiplash victims and those with significant neck injuries. The nerves from the neck send signals to the brain and the brain in turn, interprets where the position of the head and neck are in relation to space. If these nerve signals are interfered with, via misalignments which affect the nerves, then the brain may not be getting the full signal. Thus, the head is in one position but the brain perceives it as slightly different, leading to the feeling of dizziness, lightheadedness, or a spinning sensation. Dizziness should always be evaluated right away, and the cause should be established. Call today to set up your evaluation!

PREGNANCY & LOW BACK PAIN:

Low back and pelvic pain is the most common complication reported during pregnancy. A 2005 study reported that during pregnancy, up to 72% of women experienced low back and or pelvic pain. (Spine. 2005 Apr. 15; 30:983-991.) There are numerous causes of low back and pelvic pain during pregnancy. Two contributors include changing body mechanics and chemical changes. The first involves the change in body posture and mechanics. As the baby grows, the weight pulls forward on the low back (lumbar) and causes the pelvis to tilt forward as well. This creates additional stress and strain on the spine and pelvic joints, and can lead to them becoming misaligned, resulting in low back and pelvic pain. The second mechanism involves the release of the hormones, estrogen and relaxin. These hormones allow the ligaments to soften and stretch during pregnancy to accommodate for the growing baby. The ligaments connect the different joints of the pelvis and spine. So, if the ligaments on one side of the pelvis are more lax or stretched than the other side, they become imbalanced. This can lead to muscle tension, misalignment and pain.
Studies demonstrate that Chiropractic is a safe and effective treatment for relieving low back pain during pregnancy. (J Midwifery Women’s Health. 2006 Jan-Feb; 51: e7-10.) Expectant mothers should be aware that they have treatment options to make their pregnancies a little more comfortable. It is also important to have the pelvic bones and spine in proper alignment to help reduce the likelihood of “low back pain labor”. If you are having discomfort, mention it to your prenatal provider and discuss Chiropractic care as a treatment option. Call us today to find out how Chiropractic can help.

HIP/KNEE/ANKLE PROBLEMS:

As a Chiropractor, I not only treat the issues of the spine, but I am also trained to effectively treat injuries of the extremities. There is a “kinetic chain” that exists in the lower extremities. This means that what when one joint is affected, the joint either above and or below can also be affected. If you sprain your ankle, it will swell and be painful to walk on. This in turn will alter the way you walk and bear weight on that foot, which will not only affect the ankle, but also the calf, knee joint, hamstrings, hip and low back area. The extremity joint may need to be adjusted, similar to the spine, in order to restore proper motion and biomechanics (the “kinetic chain”). A thorough examination and assessment of the extremity injury is necessary to determine the proper type of care.

SPORTS INJURIES:

As an athlete, I can go on and on about the benefits I received, over the years, from chiropractic care. Athletes need to be in peak physical shape to perform at their highest level. Yes it is important to make sure the muscles are all well stretched and warmed up prior to competition. But, what about your spine?? Your spine is the backbone of competition. The nerves contained within and that exit the spine control every movement and function in your body. There is a principle of neurology which states that the nerve that supplies a joint (where two bones join...elbow, spine, shoulder), also supplies the nerve impulses to the muscles that move that joint. So if your spine or the bones in your shoulder or ankle are not in proper alignment, you cannot perform at your optimal level. A joint in proper alignment performs more effectively and efficiently. Athletes who get chiropractic adjustments, report increases in quickness and speed, as well as shortened recovery times (less soreness) after competition. At our office, we incorporate adjusting with the proper physiotherapy and rehabilitation you need to get you back on track. Let chiropractic help you perform at your peak!!