Chiropractic
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Life 'n Balance
Wellness Centre |
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Chiropractic is a method of care that deals with treatment of the neuro-musculo-skeletal system.
The What? Lets break it down. Neuro = of or dealing with the nerves Musculo = of or dealing with the muscles Skeletal = of or dealing with the bones Back pain is only one of many conditions a chiropractor treats. |
Chiropractors treat any condition in the body that deals with nerves, muscles, or bones and their interactions with each other. One of the main areas where these components interact is at the joints. If any one component is malfunctioning our ability to move and live pain-free is compromised. Imagine a joint like your knee. Without the proper nerve supply the muscles at the knee could not contract properly and keep you stable. Without adequate muscle tone you would face a similar problem, an unstable knee. And without strong bones you could suffer from instability or even a bone fracture. Whenever a lapse in normal function occurs pain also occurs.
Our bodies are well designed structures but occasionally there are breakdowns in that structure. Chiropractic care can help ensure that your nerves, muscles, and bones (your structure) is strong and functioning well.
Examples of Conditions Treated through Chiropractic Care
Headaches
There are 3 main types of headaches that can be treated successfully with chiropractic care. The three types are: Tension Type Headaches, Migraine Headaches, and Cervicogenic headaches. Your chiropractor will assess your symptoms and help you to identify which type of headache you are suffering from. Treatments for headaches may include gentle muscle massage, spinal manipulations (adjustments), and acupuncture. The chiropractor can also aid you in identifying any headache triggers in your life and can give you suggestions for home care to reduce your symptoms. For more information on headaches please visit: Headache Care
Our bodies are well designed structures but occasionally there are breakdowns in that structure. Chiropractic care can help ensure that your nerves, muscles, and bones (your structure) is strong and functioning well.
Examples of Conditions Treated through Chiropractic Care
Headaches
There are 3 main types of headaches that can be treated successfully with chiropractic care. The three types are: Tension Type Headaches, Migraine Headaches, and Cervicogenic headaches. Your chiropractor will assess your symptoms and help you to identify which type of headache you are suffering from. Treatments for headaches may include gentle muscle massage, spinal manipulations (adjustments), and acupuncture. The chiropractor can also aid you in identifying any headache triggers in your life and can give you suggestions for home care to reduce your symptoms. For more information on headaches please visit: Headache Care
Low Back Pain
There are many different causes of low back pain. One common cause of low back pain is a muscle spasm. When this occurs the body becomes less mobile and any movement is painful. A spasm may occur after doing an extra strenuous activity or as a result of fatigue. Another common back problem is a joint restriction (or as it is often called "a pinched nerve"). In this situation the pain may stay in the affected area or it may radiate or spread out into your arms or legs. There are several other causes of low back pain, but all can be successfully treated through spinal manipulations (adjustments), soft tissue work, and acupuncture. In addition to treatment in the clinic, your chiropractor will give you exercises to do at home that can strengthen your back and protect it from future pain episodes.
Frozen Shoulder
Adhesive Capsulitis (also know as frozen shoulder) is a very painful condition. It is a condition that medical experts have a difficult time explaining because the reasons for it occurring are not clear. Risk factors for developing a frozen shoulder include: trauma (injury to shoulder), stress (physical and mental), being female, being over age 40, a sedentary job, and depression. Inside the shoulder joint pieces of tissue grow where they should not and the joint fluid dries up. When a person develops a frozen shoulder they will notice that movement of the affected shoulder is very painful and the range that the shoulder can move is lessened. There are 3 stages of this condition:
Stage 1 = Freezing (1-9 months)
Stage 2 = Frozen (4-9 months)
Stage 3 = Thawing (6 months - 2 years)
In our experience a patient can expect a frozen shoulder to last from 6 months to 2 years total. Although treatment does not have good evidence, there is anecdotal evidence that chiropractic treatment can help. Our focus is on breaking up the adhesions in the joint through aggressive joint mobilizations. Treatment also includes heat, muscle release techniques and spinal manipulations in surrounding areas to ensure no other structures become affected.
There are many different causes of low back pain. One common cause of low back pain is a muscle spasm. When this occurs the body becomes less mobile and any movement is painful. A spasm may occur after doing an extra strenuous activity or as a result of fatigue. Another common back problem is a joint restriction (or as it is often called "a pinched nerve"). In this situation the pain may stay in the affected area or it may radiate or spread out into your arms or legs. There are several other causes of low back pain, but all can be successfully treated through spinal manipulations (adjustments), soft tissue work, and acupuncture. In addition to treatment in the clinic, your chiropractor will give you exercises to do at home that can strengthen your back and protect it from future pain episodes.
Frozen Shoulder
Adhesive Capsulitis (also know as frozen shoulder) is a very painful condition. It is a condition that medical experts have a difficult time explaining because the reasons for it occurring are not clear. Risk factors for developing a frozen shoulder include: trauma (injury to shoulder), stress (physical and mental), being female, being over age 40, a sedentary job, and depression. Inside the shoulder joint pieces of tissue grow where they should not and the joint fluid dries up. When a person develops a frozen shoulder they will notice that movement of the affected shoulder is very painful and the range that the shoulder can move is lessened. There are 3 stages of this condition:
Stage 1 = Freezing (1-9 months)
Stage 2 = Frozen (4-9 months)
Stage 3 = Thawing (6 months - 2 years)
In our experience a patient can expect a frozen shoulder to last from 6 months to 2 years total. Although treatment does not have good evidence, there is anecdotal evidence that chiropractic treatment can help. Our focus is on breaking up the adhesions in the joint through aggressive joint mobilizations. Treatment also includes heat, muscle release techniques and spinal manipulations in surrounding areas to ensure no other structures become affected.
Tennis Elbow
If you have pain at the outside of your elbow then you may have tennis elbow. This condition arises, most often, from repetitive use of the forearm. Classic occupations at risk of developing tennis elbow are construction and trades workers (electricians, plumbers, etc.) and office workers who are required to do lots of computer work.
Fundamentally tennis elbow is an inflammation of the muscles and tissues of the forearm at their connection at the elbow. Treatment includes: Ice, rest, manipulation, and soft tissue stretching. Acupuncture has also been successful in managing this condition. Once the symptoms have decreased, a series of forearm strengthening exercises will be given.
If you have pain at the outside of your elbow then you may have tennis elbow. This condition arises, most often, from repetitive use of the forearm. Classic occupations at risk of developing tennis elbow are construction and trades workers (electricians, plumbers, etc.) and office workers who are required to do lots of computer work.
Fundamentally tennis elbow is an inflammation of the muscles and tissues of the forearm at their connection at the elbow. Treatment includes: Ice, rest, manipulation, and soft tissue stretching. Acupuncture has also been successful in managing this condition. Once the symptoms have decreased, a series of forearm strengthening exercises will be given.
Osteoarthritis of the Knee
Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body. In osteoarthritis of the knee the joint surfaces have lost their natural smoothness and have become rough and irregular. This process leads to irritation and pain.
Often in cases of osteoarthritis of the knee the patient is also suffering from some degree of knee instability. This instability may have been there prior to the arthritis developing, or may be present as a result of the bony changes from the arthritis. Regardless of the mechanism, osteoarthritis and instability can be managed well through treatment and home care.
Acupuncture has been shown to be effective for treating osteoarthritis. Strengthening exercises have been shown to be effective for treating instability. Using these two different approaches, our chiropractor can help guide you through care for your osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body. In osteoarthritis of the knee the joint surfaces have lost their natural smoothness and have become rough and irregular. This process leads to irritation and pain.
Often in cases of osteoarthritis of the knee the patient is also suffering from some degree of knee instability. This instability may have been there prior to the arthritis developing, or may be present as a result of the bony changes from the arthritis. Regardless of the mechanism, osteoarthritis and instability can be managed well through treatment and home care.
Acupuncture has been shown to be effective for treating osteoarthritis. Strengthening exercises have been shown to be effective for treating instability. Using these two different approaches, our chiropractor can help guide you through care for your osteoarthritis.
Ankle Sprains
The most common type of ankle sprain is an inversion sprain. This type of sprain occurs when your ankle rolls inward and your weight is put onto the outside of your foot. Immediate symptoms are pain and instability. Within minutes to hours swelling may be noticeable and depending on severity extensive bruising may occur.
In the short term the most beneficial thing to do for an ankle sprain is to employ the acronym PRICE. This acronym stands for:
Protect - keep your ankle in a neutral position and do not allow movement or impact
Rest - get off your feet and let the ankle rest and get lots of good sleep
Ice - putting ice on in 10 minute cycles can reduce inflammation and pain significantly
Compress - wrapping your ankle lightly in a tensor bandage can decreases swelling
Elevate - laying down with your leg raised will relieve pressure and lower swelling
After the initial PRICE period treatment will be designed to help reduce pain and regain stability in your ankle to prevent future sprains.
Finally, orthotics may be beneficial as you move forward in your recovery. Dr. Meldrum is qualified to assess and prescribe orthotics for you.
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Dr. Meldrum is a member of the Canadian Chiropractic Association |
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