Studies show that half of all pregnant women develop low back pain during their pregnancies. The reasons are fairly self-evident: a displaced center of gravity, fluid retention, weight gain, ligamentous laxity caused by a special pregnancy hormone called relaxin, sleeping on her back, not remaining active enough, and altered biomechanics. Chiropractic has been shown to be safe and effective in reducing low back pain during pregnancy. One collaborative chiropractic and medical survey revealed that 75% of pregnant women found relief through chiropractic, even though the baby was still causing pressure on their spines and nerves. The Mayo Clinic encourages pregnant women to consider chiropractic. Dr. Johnson specializes in the gentle Activator Methods technique of chiropractic adjusting. This instrument-assisted technique does not require the pregnant woman to contort her body or assume uncomfortable positions. The instrument does all the work, ensuring the comfort of the mother and the safety of the baby. Some women ask, "Do I have to lay face down on the table? Is that all right for the baby?" The Activator Methods analysis is most accurate when the patient lies face down, so that is our preference. Dr. Johnson uses a special pillow to maximize the mother's comfort and relieve any pressure from her belly. This analysis and technique are safe for the baby. Dr. Johnson is also certified in the Webster technique, which has gained recognition as a highly effective technique for pregnant women and their babies as they prepare for childbirth. Many women wonder whether they should continue an exercise regimen while pregnant, or if they ought to begin a exercise program. The answer to both questions is "YES!" Exercise, especially during the second half of the pregnancy, has been shown to significantly reduce the intensity of back pain. Also, women who do not regularly exercise are less likely to have a normal vaginal delivery. Women who already have an established exercise regimen, in most cases, should continue the same regimen. Pay close attention to warning signs such as dizziness, balance issues, shortness of breath, etc. Do not increase the intensity of the exercise regimen. Women who have not previously had an exercise regimen are encouraged to perform mild to moderate exercise sessions, three or more times per week. Contact sports, scuba diving, high-altitude activities, and intense workout sessions are not recommended.
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Sciatica is a very specific type of low back pain with radiating pain down into the leg. It refers to an irritation of either your right or left sciatic nerves, which depart the spine at the low back and send messages to and from the legs and feet.
Chiropractors have a long history of helping patients with sciatic symptoms. Many patients who have found no relief elsewhere benefit from chiropractic care. Chiropractors provide effective care with a minimum of complications. Chiropractors have been shown to aid their patients' coping abilities and provide better outcomes. Dr. Johnson will investigate the cause of your sciatica, back pain, hip pain, and leg pain. Different causes require different types of treatment. Dr. Johnson is proficient in delivering gentle Activator adjustments with no twisting or bending that might aggravate your low back. The Activator adjustment has been shown to be highly effective for low back pain. We also offer state-of-the-art spinal decompression therapy, the standard for conservative and non-invasive treatment of disc problems. We also offer other therapies designed to complement the Activator adjustment: ultrasound therapy, electric stimulation of the muscles, cold laser therapy, exercises to be performed in the comfort of your own home, soft tissue work, and rehabilitation therapies. Sciatica is a very specific type of back and leg pain. It usually originates in the low back, and then shoots like a lightning bolt down the length of the sciatic nerve (which runs down the buttocks and into the leg). Any obstruction or interference with the normal functioning of the sciatic nerve can cause this pain to arise. Some of the more common causes include:
- sacroiliac dysfunction - lumbar disc herniation - degenerative disc disease - lumbar spinal stenosis - spondylolisthesis - piriformis syndrome - muscle strain - pregnancy - old scar tissue - trauma - internal bleeding - infection - spinal tumor Not all low back pain, hip pain, or leg pain are caused by sciatica. Make sure to ask Dr. Johnson for a thorough consultation and evaluation of your condition. Answer: Yes! In fact, some types of adult torticollis can be resolved within days or even hours. Most congenital torticollis takes longer, since the condition was usually developing long before the first chiropractic intervention. Often, the muscle itself must first be relaxed before it can heal and regenerate. After a long history of torticollis success, chiropractors have a great deal of confidence with this condition.
In particular, Johnson Family Chiropractic is pleased to provide the gentle Activator Methods adjustment. No further bending or twisting of the neck is necessary, since the Activator instrument delivers just the right amount of delicate force in just the right direction without any need for additional tension in the neck. This low-force intervention allows the muscles and vertebrae of the neck to regain their proper motion and function, and is especially useful in adjusting infants with torticollis. Once the chiropractic adjustment has been delivered, there are many other ways to further address the residual soreness in your neck as your neck muscles begin the process of relaxation and reeducation. Stretching, cold packs, massage to relax the muscle and loosen adhesions and scar tissue, cold laser therapy, ultrasound, electric stimulation, and rehabilitative exercises are some of these strategies. Each of these are non-invasive and non-drug ways to restore function and eliminate pain. Torticollis is a specific type of neck pain, referring to a shortening of the sternocleidomastoid muscle at the front of your neck. This muscle usually turns your head to the side, but in some cases will refuse to release or lengthen. This results in a semi-permanent state of head tilt.
When this condition occurs in adults, it is often extremely painful. The good news is that it usually resolves within days after chiropractic care begins. If this condition occurs in infants, it is considered painless, but can cause a number of other health issues if it is not addressed. Torticollis can be caused by: - vertebral misalignment causing nerve dysfunction - prolonged abnormal posture - birth injury, inadequate blood flow to a baby in her mother's uterus, abnormal positioning in the uterus (all of these are called congenital torticollis) - unknown causes (called idiopathic torticollis, the most common form in adults) - neck sprain - vigorous neck movements - certain drugs - trauma - bony abnormalities - infection - tumor Always consult with a doctor if you suspect that you or your child has torticollis. Please do not attempt to stretch your own muscles "back into place", as you could easily cause yourself further injury. |
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DisclaimerUnless otherwise attributed, all content is written by Kyle Johnson, DC, of Johnson Family Chiropractic of Peoria.
All images used are under Creative Commons license. Although every effort has been made to provide an accurate description of our chiropractic care and its benefits, the information given on this website and blog is not intended to be, nor should it be interpreted as, medical advice for any condition. If you have any questions regarding your condition, you should seek the help of Dr. Johnson in person, so that he may properly assess your condition. This blog is provided by Johnson Family Chiropractic of Peoria, S.C., proudly located in Peoria, IL. |