COMMON SYMPTOMS
Following is a list and explanation of common symptoms of conditions which may be addressed with chiropractic care.
The Spinal Chart shows various conditions and the associated spinal level.
CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME (CTS)
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome has become a chronic and debilitating problem in the workplace, affecting those who perform repetitive tasks with improper rest or breaks. Common causes include computer entry, manufacturing line workers, cashiers and pulling weeds in the garden for several hours. With increased computer use, the problem is affecting a greater percentage of the population. Symptoms of CTS include tingling, numbness, weakness and pain in the wrist and hands. The cause is pressure on the median nerve as it passes under the wrist. The pain can interfere with sleep, work and daily routine. The goal of treatment is to rehabilitate the wrist and keep you working at your job. Treatment involves specific joint manipulation, physiotherapy, exercises and possible braces. It is possible to feel better quickly without drugs or surgery.
DISC PAIN
Discs are the stabilizers, connectors and shock absorbers for the spine. They are constructed of soft, fibrous tissue with a jelly-like center. Disc problems can range from a mild bulge or tear of the disc material to a severe rupture that requires surgery. The onset of pain can be sudden and severe, or you may just notice increased pain with prolonged sitting. Most commonly disc problems occur in the lower back or lumbar spine. They can also found in the neck area. Bad cases are accompanied by arm or leg pain. We have tremendous experience with disc problems at our office. Unfortunately, these cases do not respond as quickly as other common back problems. The reason is because discs have a poor blood supply and heal slowly. Research has shown that the combination of physiotherapeutic modalities, exercise and restored mobility through light spinal manipulation can enhance fluid transfer to the injured disc, allowing them to heal. Disc problems are often complex and require lifestyle management through conservative care to prevent surgery. Here in our office we have the most progressive technology and innovative approach to helping those who suffer from disc problems.
FIBROMYALGIA
Fibromyalgia affects from 3-6 million Americans, mostly 25-50 year old women. Although in-depth research has yielded few answers, it is thought that those who suffer from it have reduced circulation to their muscle cells, which damages the cells' energy producing mechanism. Their bodies also break down muscle protein at an unusually high rate, which may be one of the primary reasons for the typical pain, aching and fatigue. Diagnosis of fibromyalgia is based on 18 trigger points throughout the body that are nearly all painful or tender. Most traditional pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs have proven to be ineffective in treating fibromyalgia, although proper diet and nutritional supplementation has been promising. Because of its association with reduced circulation to muscle cells, Dr. Eriksen focuses on improving circulation, restoring proper skeletal alignment and nervous system function. Severe cases respond to a combination of chiropractic, massage, acupuncture and a change in lifestyle to re-establish sleep patterns.
HIP BURSITIS
Hip bursitis is an annoying pain on the side of the thigh. It is caused by an inflamed fluid filled cushion (bursae) which lies underneath the hip muscle. Characteristically, symptoms include pain when lying on your side. The pain is most prominent at the hip and may radiate down the side of the leg. Bursitis is caused by altered pelvic and hip biomechanics with tight muscles. Once irritated, the bursae will become inflamed and cause quite a bit of hip pain. Specific adjusting along with physical therapy will heal the area quickly without long-term consequence. This responds extremely well to chiropractic care.
LOW BACK PAIN
80% of Americans have episodes of back pain in their life. The old treatment was to take medicine and rest for 2 weeks. Today's standard of care involves immediate treatment with manipulation, physical therapy and exercises. Dr. Eriksen's treatment and prognosis are based on the type of tissue involved and the mechanism of pain. Most cases including disc, muscle spasm, or simple joint fixation respond to care well. A conservative approach is the key to healing and preventing on-going back pain.
NECK PAIN AND HEADACHES
Everybody has been afflicted with neck pain and headaches at one time or another. Pain is a distress signal. Something is wrong. Many times headaches are caused when spinal bones in your neck are not moving properly causing the muscles to tighten. This will affect the nerves, ligaments and blood supply to the head and shoulder region. Dr. Eriksen's focus on treating the underlying source of neck pain and headaches. Re-aligning the vertebrae in the neck and shoulder area help restore proper functioning of the vertebra, removing muscle spasm. Exercises and change in lifestyle can help prevent re-occurrence of the problem.
PATELLOFEMORAL SYNDROME (GRINDING KNEECAPS)
Patellofemoral Syndrome afflicts many people, especially women. The condition is characterized by knee pain around the knee cap, and "creaking" of the knees. Many times it is caused by improper tracking of the knee cap and the knee itself. As the tracking slips off course, the cartilage behind the knee degenerates and knee pain occurs. There are specific exercises that can help this condition. Dr. Eriksen utilizes specific physical therapy and exercises along with manipulation to provide relief of pain.
PEDIATRICS
The birth process, even under natural and controlled conditions, is potentially traumatic. The pulling, pushing and twisting on the newborn's neck and spine during birth will commonly cause the small moldable vertebra to be pushed out of alignment. Nerves exiting these vertebra send information to all parts of the body and when irritated can wreak havoc on a newborn or child's body. In a newborn the misaligned spine may be the underlying cause of symptoms as varied as colic, earaches, unexplained crying or pain, poor appetite, breathing problems and allergic reactions. Dr. Eriksen puts special emphasis on evaluation of your child's development that can help enhance your child's overall health and wellness. Adjustment techniques are modified for the child's size and weight. It's a wonderful gift to be able to give your child the gift of health through preventive and corrective care before problems occur later in life. Remember that good spinal hygiene/posture is an important component in your child's good health.
PLANTAR FASCITIS
Plantar fascitis is a condition in which the thin layer of tissue on the bottom of the foot (fascia) becomes inflamed or irritated. Symptoms include heel pain on walking, especially the first steps out of bed in the morning. Swelling and numbness occasionally accompany the condition. Causes include muscle tightness, occasionally a spur may irritate, and most commonly poor biomechanics is the culprit. Dr. Eriksen understands how to correct this pain through restoration of proper biomechanics and soft tissue therapy. Difficult cases usually respond to custom orthotics fitted at our office. Give your feet a break and find the cause of the ache.
REHABILITATION
Rehabilitation is the benchmark of sustained spinal health. Since most patients come to our office for treatment of "pain", our primary goal is to have you feeling better. Also, the spine and contiguous structures, muscles, tendons and ligaments must be taught to support the corrections in spinal alignment and prevent a relapse of your original problem. This is often done through individualized specific exercises that isolate and strengthen specific muscles or muscle groups. The doctors will prescribe specific, simple exercises that you can do easily at home. Stretching, resistance training and improvement of muscle tone along with spinal manipulation are critical to your complete course of care. Dr. Eriksen is dedicated to not only correcting the problem, but, preventing future occurrences.
SCIATICA
Sciatica is an intense pain shooting down one or both of your legs. The sciatic nerve is the largest and longest nerve in the body. It begins in the lower back and courses through the buttocks, down the thigh and leg to the foot. Pressure on the nerve from any source creates pain down the nerve known as sciatica. The pain may be intense and burning into the entire leg. Some cases are less intense with achiness into the buttocks. Common causes of sciatica include, joint inflammation, disc bulge, muscle spasm and arthritis. Fortunately, most cases of sciatica respond favorably to natural chiropractic care. The more severe and extended sciatica, the more time it usually takes to treat.
SCOLIOSIS
Scoliosis is condition of spinal deformity. The spine grows sideways, bent and twisted instead of straight. The condition can predispose to back pain, premature arthritis, and possibly respiratory and other internal problems. Spinal curvature most commonly affects girls between the ages of 8 and 18. In some cases children are born with scoliosis. All children should be checked for scoliosis, especially if a parent has this spinal problem. Dr. Eriksen's goal is early detection and treatment with corrective spinal manipulation, therapy and structural strengthening exercises. Severe cases with rapidly advancing curvature may have to be referred for surgery. Obviously we treat MANY adults with scoliosis. In many cases they are shocked when their X-rays show curvature. Care improves function and gives relief to their back pain, but cannot correct the curvature. Chiropractic offers hope for a healthy pain free life for those affected by scoliosis.
SHOULDER INJURIES
Shoulder injuries are characterized by pain and tenderness in the shoulder, arm, back or neck region. Causes vary from trauma to overuse injuries of the muscle, ligaments, and tendons that surround the shoulder and neck regions. Dr. Eriksen is very effective in identifying and treating these types of injuries through manipulation, physical therapy, and exercise rehabilitation.
TENNIS ELBOW
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) is an overuse injury to the extensor muscles and tendons of the forearm. Causes are usually from an injury or a repetitive motion activity. Activities such as lifting a coffee cup can elicit mild to intense pain at the elbow. There may be associated muscle weakness and inability to perform tasks. Through specific adjusting, physical therapy, and mechanical correction, you will be able to return to full activity quickly.
WHIPLASH
Whiplash is defined as a neck injury caused by over-extending or flexing the neck. This can happen during a car accident, sports injury, roller coasters, or a fall. Symptoms usually include neck pain, headache, dizziness, fatigue, irritability, shoulder and low back pain. More serious manifestations are difficulty swallowing, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, nausea and weakness. Although most persons begin to notice symptoms immediately following a trauma, they can be slow to develop and begin several weeks after the injury. If left untreated, whiplash can result in chronic and recurring problems, such as arthritis, headache, and stiffness. At our office Dr. Eriksen is very effective at treating whiplash so that your recovery time is minimized. The goal is to return you to your active lifestyle as soon as possible.
According to the Insurance Research Council, nearly one-third of all claimants injured in motor vehicle accidents (MVA's) seek treatment from doctors of chiropractic. This is an impressive number given that the National Safety Council (NSC) has determined there to be more than 12 million MVA's annually involving more than 20 million vehicles. The reason individuals like yourself choose chiropractic care for treatment of injuries sustained in MVA's is simple - chiropractic care is exceptional in the treatment of soft tissue injuries, especially of the spine. Since the most common injuries associated with MVA's are sprains and strains of the spinal muscles and ligaments, it's only natural that chiropractic be the treatment of choice.
Many studies have also found individuals injured in MVA's prefer chiropractic care for the treatment of their injuries. One such study evaluated 190 whiplash injury victims and found those who received chiropractic care reported treatment satisfaction of 100%.
Balla JI, Iansek R. Headaches arising from disorders of the cervical spine. In: Hopkins A, ed. Headache: Problems in Diagnosis and Management. London: WB Saunders; 1988.