Neck Pain and Neck Pain Triggers You’ve Probably Never Thought Of

Neck Pain and Neck Pain Triggers You’ve Probably Never Thought Of

By Dr Greg Millar, DC CCEP; Dr Ken Randolph, DC ASBCE; Dr Justin Walbom, DC; Dr Ryan Friel, DC; Dr Jessica Davis, DC and Dr Kay Bishop, DC
Millar Chiropractic Clinics - Huntsville, Madison, Jones Valley and Decatur Alabama 

Your neck is flexible and supports the weight of your head (10-12 lbs), so it can be vulnerable to injuries and conditions that cause pain and restrict motion. Neck pain causes include:

• Muscle strains. Overuse, such as too many hours hunched over your computer or smartphone, often triggers muscle strains. Even minor things, such as reading in bed or gritting your teeth, can strain neck muscles.
• Worn joints. Just like the other joints in your body, your neck joints tend to wear down with age. Osteoarthritis causes the cushions (cartilage) between your bones (vertebrae) to deteriorate. Your body then forms bone spurs that affect joint motion and cause pain.
• Nerve compression. Bulging disc, herniated disks, or bone spurs in the vertebrae of your neck can press on the nerves or nerve roots branching out from the spinal cord.
• Injuries. Rear-end auto collisions often result in whiplash injury, which occurs when the head is jerked backward and then forward, straining the soft tissues of the neck.
• Diseases. Certain diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, meningitis or cancer, can cause neck pain.
• Occupation. While not as common as low back pain, it is estimated that as much as 20% of workers have neck pain yearly. (Studies reported 16% for men and 20% for women).   Machine operators, carpenters, and office workers have a lifetime prevalence of neck pain at 81%, 73% and 57% respectively. Other occupational neck pain jobs include sewing machinist (98%), welders (94%), teleprinter operators (79%) microscopist (66%), seamstress (60%). 
• Sports Injuries. Sports injuries can last a lifetime. Sports like football, cheerleading, hockey, wrestling, gymnastics, track and field events, baseball, soccer, and more.

You find yourself seeking neck pain relief, but pinpointing the cause can sometimes be tough.  To get to the bottom of the cause, you’ll need to take a look at your lifestyle.    What’s Causing Your Neck Pain?  Here are some things that cause neck pain that you might not have thought of: 

1.  Sleeping on Your Stomach: You know who you are.  Stomach sleepers enjoy their sleep position so much that most of them don't want to change it even though it causes neck pain.  The problem is that sleeping on your stomach causes your head to turn to the side for hours at a time.  This forces your neck into an over rotated position for most of the night.  It practically guarantees that you’ll have neck pain. The good news is that you can train your body to sleep in a new sleep position.  Start slowly.  If you wake up on your stomach, just switch to your side or back each time.   Try this: Put a banana clip or clothes pin on the front of your pajamas.  This may provide you with just enough discomfort to roll you over to your back or side.  

2.  Weight on Your Shoulder: Carrying a heave purse by the shoulder strap. Carrying bags things like dog food on you shoulder, Shoulder Rides for kids. Even though the shoulder can be nice and flat, its not designed to carry heavy weight. We have nerves exiting the neck into nerve plexus right at the top of the shoulder. Putting weight on this area is almost assured that you will have neck pain.   

3.  Your Phone: Most of us don’t hold our phones up high enough.  Instead, we hold them down, forcing our neck into a compromised position for long periods of time.  Over time, this causes a stiff neck and even neck pain as the weight of your head puts pressure on your neck. Change the way you hold your phone and never hold it up with your shoulder.   If you’re sitting at work or at home and need to go online, opt for using the computer and keep the screen high enough that viewing it doesn’t force you to look down.  

4.  Neckties: Yep.  You read that right.   Neckties that are tied too tight increase tension in your neck.  To make sure your tie is loose enough, check to see if you can fit the width of your finger between your shirt and neck.   If not, loosen the tie. Finally, an excuse to loosen your necktie a bit more!  

5.  Your Computer Monitor:  If your monitor is slightly off either too high or too low or to the left or right, you’re hurting your neck.  Too high or too low causes you to move your head up or down to compensate. To the left or right causes you to turn your head to one side for an extended period of time.   If your job requires you to sit at a desk for eight hours or more a day, neck pain is just waiting to happen. The solution?  Move your monitor so that it is directly over your keyboard and elevate (by using books or a computer stand) it so that you don’t have to look down to see your screen.  

6.  Your Pillow: Your pillow has a lot to do with neck pain. Too much pillow, your head is bent forward and you'll have neck pain. We recommend sleeping with as little pillow as possible. Also too much pillow actually makes breathing harder. 

7.  Your Lights: If the lighting above your desk is insufficient, you’ll crane your neck forward to read your computer screen.  The forward position of the head places stress on the upper vertebrae in your neck and the muscles at the base of your head.  Headache and neck pain are often the result.   

8.  Your Eyes: Get your eyes checked.  Near or far-sightedness, if left untreated, can cause craning of your head – similar to poor lighting conditions.    

9.  Late Night TV:  We all love late night TV as much as the next guy, but if you’re in the habit of lying down with just a pillow propping up your head while you watch TV at night, your in for a double whammy!  This position results in both a forward and a rotated position of the neck. Just like too much pillow this position puts stress on the back of the neck muscles.    

10. Getting in and out of a car or truck. Most of us don't think about it but in order to get in and out of most cars and trucks we have to bend and croon our necks. This puts additional strain on neck muscles. Try to get in and out of your care holding your neck in one position as you get in and out. 

Bonus: Today posture plays an important roll in neck pain. Is your head forward? Are you shoulders rounded forward? Is one shoulder higher than the other? If so you probable have or are going to have neck pain. We call this upper crossed syndrome and its produces neck pain with uncanny certainty. The good news is its treatable.  

When to See Your Doctor: Neck pain often occurs over a long period of time.  This makes it hard to uncover the cause.  If you’ve eliminated these possible culprits and still find yourself seeking neck pain relief, a visit to your Millar Chiropractor can help. Millar Chiropractors specialize in neck pain relief through chiropractic adjustments and physiotherapy.  Millar Chiropractors work to alleviate neck pain by restoring motion to joints and muscles. 
   
Our team of experienced chiropractors specializes in treating neck pain at the source.  To see if you can benefit from chiropractic care, call our office to schedule a free consultation today at 256 830-0000.

Millar Chiropractic Clinics
303 Williams Ave SW
Huntsville AL 35801
(256) 830-0000 

Copyright 2002-2016 Millar Chiropractic Associates, Inc. All rights reserved. The contents of this website including all links to other pages or websites herein including but not limited to text, graphics, images, comments, statements, or information from doctors, host or guest, and other material contained therein (Content) are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not use this Content for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of Content you have seen, read or heard. Please see our Terms of Use page that apply to this this blog.

Habits For A Healthy Back

This is a repost from Harvard Medical School publications.

Habits for a healthy back

If you find yourself dealing with back problems on a regular basis, it’s worth making sure that your everyday habits are “back-friendly.”

When done without proper form, routine activities — vacuuming the house, working at your desk, driving, gardening, or even sleeping — can take a toll on your back. Be kind to your back by following these tips:

• Choose good seating. Your office chair should provide good back support — ideally, with an adjustable backrest, lumbar support, armrests, and wheels). Arrange your workspace so you don’t have to do a lot of twisting to reach for frequently used items.
• Travel light. Don’t overload briefcases, purses, or backpacks.
• Drive with your back in mind. Sit back in your seat and, if necessary, use a rolled blanket or towels behind your lower back for lumbar support. Shift your weight occasionally. If you have cruise control, use it when you can. Also consider using a foam seat cushion to absorb some of the vibration. When driving long distances, take frequent breaks to stretch.
• Sleep in alignment. If you can, sleep on your side with your knees bent and pulled slightly toward your chest. Your pillow should keep your head level with your spine — you don’t want your head propped up too high. Choose a mattress that’s firm enough to support your spine.

Copyright 2002-2016 Millar Chiropractic Associates, Inc. All rights reserved. The contents of this website including all links to other pages or websites herein including but not limited to text, graphics, images, comments, statements, or information from doctors, host or guest, and other material contained therein (Content) are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not use this Content for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of Content you have seen, read or heard. Please see our Terms of Use page that apply to this this blog.

How Chiropractors Help People Who Suffer From Headaches

If you are among the 45 million Americans who suffer headaches regularly, you are undoubtedly familiar with the traditional methods that people use to treat them, including taking some type of over the counter medication that is supposed to eliminate the pain and reduce any associated swelling. There are many other types of treatment that you may have attempted as well, including taking pharmaceutical concoctions designed to treat pain. However, none of these solutions provide permanent relief that addresses the problem at the core.

In the past few decades, there have been an increasing number of patients throughout the country that have begun to seek alternative forms of therapy for all types of conditions, including headaches. One form of treatment that is very promising for physical as well as other types of pain is chiropractic.

This form of alternative care has been used successfully for over a hundred years and has become a regular part of the American healthcare delivery system. In fact, there are an increasing number of insurance providers that are willing to pay for chiropractic because of its effectiveness.

When a person goes to school to learn about chiropractic, they begin by studying the human anatomy in great detail, just like other medical professionals. However, in addition to looking at how all of the parts work together physically, their training primarily revolves around the diagnosis and treatment of misalignments in the spine known as subluxations.

Theses subluxations compress nerve tissue that affects organ function, soft tissue like muscle, ligaments and tendons and can eventually manifest as other health problems if not treated.

Once the nerves are disrupted pain will result. While it usually manifests itself as physical pain, this is not always the case. In some instances, the person may experience difficulties with sleep or other routine habits.

On the first visit with a chiropractor, a review of previous health issues will be completed, including x-rays (if needed) to determine what types of nerve blockage may be occurring. They will listen to the patient attentively and make an assessment, including determining what types of treatment will best suit the patient.

In the case of headaches, the patient usually has misalignment (subluxations) in the cervical spine. This may be accompanied by muscles that are unduly tight in the neck, shoulders and nearby areas. Pressure on the nerves may cause sharp stabbing pains or there may be a continual dull throb in the region.

The chiropractor will assess the area and then move forward with treatment known as a chiropractic adjustment in order to relieve the pressure and pain. The relief is usually instantaneous, with an increase in positive symptoms for the following few hours.

However, chiropractors don’t just focus on relieving symptoms but rather correcting the problem; therefore, additional treatments will follow to help correct the cause. In addition, the chiropractor will take the time to educate you on the importance of chiropractic, especially if you’ve never been to one before.

If you need further help with your headaches or are ready to see how beneficial chiropractic care can be to your overall health, please give us a call so that you can schedule an appointment with our Doctor of Chiropractic.

Millar Chiropractic has 6 offices to serve you in the Huntsville Alabama area. We think of headaches as our bread and butter in fact we say we specialize in 5 areas 1) Headaches & Migraines 2) Low Back Pain 3) Neck Pain 4) Sciatica and Disc problems and 5) Joint Pain and problems. We always offer a free consultation. It's just a meeting with the Doctor for you to size him up and for us to see if we can help you. Call the Appointment Center Today. Toll Free 1-800 Go Chiro (1-800 462-4476) or local at (256) 830-0000.  



Copyright 2002-2016 Millar Chiropractic Associates, Inc. All rights reserved. The contents of this website including all links to other pages or websites herein including but not limited to text, graphics, images, comments, statements, or information from doctors, host or guest, and other material contained therein (Content) are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not use this Content for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of Content you have seen, read or heard. Please see our Terms of Use page that apply to this this blog.

BACKTALK TV Show May 8th, 2012

Host: Dr Greg Millar, Chiropractor | Millar Chiropractic Clinic
Guest: None
Subject: Your Immune System

Millar Chiropractic Clinic operates chiropractic clinics in Madison, Downtown Huntsville, Jones Valley and Decatur, Alabama. Madison Al Chiropractor, Huntsville AL Chiropractor,Jones Valley Chiropractor, Decatur AL Chiropractor.

Join us every Tuesday at 11:40am for BackTalk.

Copyright 2012 Millar Chiropractic Associates, Inc. All rights reserved. The contents of this website including all links to other pages or websites herein including but not limited to text, graphics, images, comments, statements, or information from doctors, host or guest, and other material contained therein (Content) are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not use this Content for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of Content you have seen, read or heard.

BackTalk TV Show May 1st, 2012

Host: Dr Greg Millar, Chiropractor | Millar Chiropractic Clinic
Guest: Dr Jack Langston, Chiropractor | Millar Chiropractic - Decatur AL (256) 351-6000
Subject: General Chiropractic

Copyright 2012 Millar Chiropractic Associates, Inc. All rights reserved. The contents of this website including all links to other pages or websites herein including but not limited to text, graphics, images, comments, statements, or information from doctors, host or guest, and other material contained therein (Content) are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not use this Content for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of Content you have seen, read or heard.

BackTalk TV Show April 24th, 2012

BackTalk TV Show

April 24th, 2012

Host: Dr Greg Millar, Chiropractor

Guest: Dr Jamie Bunis, DC of Millar Chiropractic - Huntsville (Jones Valley) Ph. (256) 713-1830

Subject: General Chiropractic and back questions

Dr Greg Millar and Dr Jamie Bunis, chiropractors, discused back related topics and answered your questions live on the air on ABC WAAY TV Channel 31 Huntsville.

Copyright 2011 Millar Chiropractic Associates, Inc. All rights reserved. The contents of this website including all links to other pages or websites herein including but not limited to text, graphics, images, comments, statements, or information from doctors, host or guest, and other material contained therein (Content) are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not use this Content for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of Content you have seen, read or heard.

Sciatica - Pain Down The Leg

Sciatica

Pain that radiates from your lower (lumbar) spine to your buttock and down the back of your leg is the hallmark of sciatica. Occasionally, sciatic pain in men is caused by sitting on a wallet.

The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in your body. It starts in the low back, runs into the pelvis, through your hip area and buttocks and down each leg. The sciatic nerve branches into smaller nerves as it travels down the legs providing feeling to your thighs, legs, and feet as well as controlling many of the muscles in your lower legs. The term sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of this nerve of pain that runs down the leg. 

What causes Sciatica?

Sciatica is actually a sign that you have an underlying problem putting pressure on a nerve originating in your lower back. The most common cause of this nerve compression is a bulging or herniated lumbar disc. Piriformis syndrome is another common cause of sciatica. The piriformis is a muscle that lies directly over the sciatic nerve. If this muscle becomes tight or if you have a spasm in this muscle, it puts pressure directly on the sciatic nerve. In about 10% of the population the sciatic nerve actually courses through the piriformis muscle. In those patients sciatica is more common. Occasionally, sciatic pain in men is caused by sitting on a wallet or simply sitting too much. it can also be caused by standing too long, pelvic injury or fracture or even tumors. However the last two causes are morete rare findings in most doctors offices. 

How do I know if I have sciatica?

Pain that radiates from your lower (lumbar) spine to your buttock and down the back of your leg is the hallmark of sciatica. Sciatica may be accompanied by numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness in the affected leg. This pain can vary widely, from a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation or excruciating discomfort. Sometimes it may feel like a jolt or electric shock. Sciatic pain often starts slowly or gradually and intensifies over time. It's likely to be worse when you sit, cough or sneeze. In some cases, the pain is severe enough to make a person unable to move.

The pain most often occurs on one side. Some people have sharp pain in one part of the leg or hip and numbness in other parts. The pain or numbness may also be felt on the back of the calf or on the sole of the foot. The affected leg may feel weak.

Sciatica pain may get worse:

• After standing or sitting
• At night
• When sneezing, coughing, or laughing
• When bending backwards or walking more than a few yards, especially if caused by spinal stenosis

Signs and test

Your Millar Chiropractor will perform a thorough history and physical exam. This may show:

• Weakness of knee bending or foot movement
• Difficulty bending the foot inward or down
• Abnormal or weak reflexes
• Pain when lifting the leg straight up off the examining table

Tests determine on the suspected causes. They are often not needed unless pain is severe or long lasting. They may include:

• Blood tests
• X-rays
• MRIs or other imaging tests

Home Treatment

• Apply heat or ice to the painful area. Try ice for the first 48 - 72 hours, then use heat after that.
• Consider taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) if your stomach can tolerate them.

Bed rest is not recommended. Reduce your activity for the first couple of days. Then, slowly start your usual activities after that. Avoid heavy lifting or twisting of your back after the pain begins. If you get better, you should start exercising again after 2-3 weeks. This should include exercises to strengthen your abdomen and improve flexibility of your spine. 

If at-home treatment measures do not help after 3 days see your Millar Chiropractor.

How is Sciatica Treated?

The vast majority of the time, sciatic pain can be relieved through a combination of stretches, deep tissue massage of the piriformis muscle and chiropractic care. We often utilize cold lasers, ultra sound and deep e-stimulation. Occasionally, in cases where chronic spasm of the low back or piriformis muscles is causing the sciatic pain, it may be necessary to do a procedure called a dry needling or a steroid injection, where a medical pain specialist injects a small amount of anesthetic directly into a spasmed muscle to break the spasm cycle. However, this is typically not necessary.  When the cause is a bulging or herniated disc, decompression traction may be indicated. First we need to locate the point of nerve compression and then treat that compression. Your Millar Chiropractor has many tools in his treatment toolbox to properly diagnose and treat your sciatica. Call Millar Chiropractic today and set your appointment.

Dr Greg
March 15th, 2012

       

Copyright 2012 Millar Chiropractic Associates, Inc. All rights reserved. The contents of this website including all links to other pages or websites herein including but not limited to text, graphics, images, comments, statements, or information from doctors, host or guest, and other material contained therein (Content) are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not use this Content for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of Content you have seen, read or heard.

The Natural Order of Things

Getting Healthy and Staying Healthy with Chiropractic Care

Nutritious food and regular exercise will only go so far if your nervous system is not working properly. Spinal nerve irritation can block the free flow of information between your brain and the rest of your body, interfering with healthy functioning and leading to a wide range of diseases. Irritated nerves cause too many nerve signals or too few nerve signals to flow between the brain and the body. Information transfer is either speeded up or slowed down - either situation leads to a breakdown in communication and results in various disorders and diseases. Your chiropractor is a specialist in detecting and correcting spinal nerve irritation or nerve interference. Chiropractic adjustments help restore normal nerve transmission, helping restore optimal health and well-being.

The natural world functions very well on its own. Left to their own devices, members of the tens of millions of species on our planet thrive and prosper without relying on outside agencies.

In order to grow abundantly, plants consume carbon dioxide, water, and nutrients from the soil. Likewise, herbivorous animals consume plants whereas carnivorous animals consume other animals. Insects eat a wide variety of foods, including plants, fruit, other insects, detritus (dead leaves, stems, and twigs), and even blood. Many types of bacteria and fungi recycle decomposing matter. Whales, among the top predator in the oceans, may consume more than a ton of plankton per day in addition to fish, squid, and other crustaceans.

Every member of every species except humans (Homo sapiens sapiens) obtains everything it needs from the environment. Modern humanity is the only species for which the abundance provided by the global ecosystem is insufficient.

For instance, mountain lions, raccoons, and coyotes don't need sleeping pills. But humans spend more than $1.5 billion per year on the sleep aid Ambien. Dolphins, antelope, and bluebirds don't have problems with blood glucose levels. In stark contrast, the annual cost of diabetes medications in the United States was $12.5 billion in 2007. In the wild, oak trees, tuna, and elephants don't need nutritional supplementation. Humans, however, spend more than $23 billion annually in the United States alone. What is wrong with this picture?

As a species, humans have the unprecedented ability to manipulate and drastically alter the world in which we live, some for the good but some for the bad. Also aside from epidemic infectious disease, and unlike any other animal on the planet, there exists no natural check on the human animal. As populations expand, resources become more and more scarce. Populations flocking to urban enclaves not only leave behind the countryside but also local sources of fresh fruits, vegetables, meat and poultry. So canning, packaging, and transportation of food over long distances become necessary to supply the food needs of the cities. But only calories and not much else are obtained by these methods. Energy is provided but food quality and nutritional value is substantially reduced.

Chronic disease becomes widespread. Diabetes, cardiovascular disorders including high blood pressure, heart attacks, and stroke, and obesity are all the direct result of a severely compromised food supply.^1,2,3

Our disconnect from the natural world poses many additional challenges. Our bodies were designed to meet the demanding physical requirements of a hostile environment. But for the most part we don't do physical work anymore. If we don't find satisfactory substitutes for strenuous physical activity our musculoskeletal, metabolic, and endocrine  systems easily deteriorate. The consequences include osteoporosis, chronic aches and pains, gastrointestinal problems, and anxiety and depression. In cities, we spend our days sitting and at working computers and meetings. All along our muscles slowly deteriorate and become less and less effective. And we haven't even talked about stress and what that can do to the human body.

It takes a lot of effort to maintain good health when we're so far removed from the natural world. We need to make sure our diets are fresh and healthy and we need to get sufficient and regular strenuous exercise. The short- and long-term benefits include happiness, self-esteem, and ongoing well-being. So think DREAM - Diet, Rest, Exercise, Adjustments, and Mental State. Balance yourself and enjoy the Natural Order of Things.

¹Kesse-Guyot E, et al: Adherence to nutritional recommendations and subsequent cognitive performance: findings from the prospective Supplementation with Antioxidant Vitamins and Minerals 2. Am J Clin Nutr Nov 24 2010 (Epub ahead of print)

²Wolfe AR, et al: Dietary protein and protein-rich food in relation to severely depressed mood: A 10 year follow-up of a national cohort. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry Nov 22 2010 (Epub ahead of print)

³Pekmezi DW, Demark-Wahnefried W: Updated evidence in support of diet and exercise interventions in cancer survivors. Acta Oncol Nov 24 2010 (Epub ahead of print)

For Information or Appointments at any office call
Toll Free 1-800 Go Chiro 1-800 462-4476

We are Huntsville AL Chiropractors, Madison AL Chiropractors, Decatur AL Chiropractors, Millar Chiropractic.

 

Copyright 2011 Millar Chiropractic Associates, Inc. All rights reserved. The contents of this website including all links to other pages or websites herein including but not limited to text, graphics, images, comments, statements, or information from doctors, host or guest, and other material contained therein (Content) are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not use this Content for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of Content you have seen, read or heard.

New Beginning

Chiropractic Care and Long-Term Health

Achieving long-term health does not imply that you will never get sick. Achieving long-term health does not imply that you will never have a neck or back problem. Achieving long-term health does mean that you will get the most out of what you've got; you will be much healthier than otherwise; and you will feel better about yourself, have more energy, and get more out of life. Chiropractic care is an essential component of achieving long-term health. Making sure you eat good food, drink plenty of water, and eat several portions of fresh fruits and vegetables each day is a very good place to start. Adding a daily program of 30 minutes of regular, vigorous exercise is the next key piece in achieving good health. Chiropractic care is the important link that brings everything together, enabling your body to make the best use of your nutrition and exercise. Chiropractic care helps ensure that the various parts of your body are working in harmony to achieve your long-term goals in health and wellness.

The time is always right to begin returning to good health. Regardless of whether your issues involve weight, exercise, diet, blood pressure, diabetes, or chronic pain, now is the time to begin taking action on your own behalf creating your new beginning.

You are not alone. Literally hundreds of millions of people worldwide have various chronic complaints and illnesses.^1,2,3 Some problems are more serious than others, but everyone eventually wants to find a better way to manage their health problems. Eventually everyone wants to actually begin to be healthier and feel better.

For some it takes a life changing event, a heart attack, an illness, or worse the loss of a loved one.  For others, they just come to the self realization that they must make a change. They realize that if they do not change, then their life will be cut short and they won't have those extra  years to live with family or friends.

Of course, a healthy diet and regular vigorous exercise are the key elements in any process of returning to good health. People know this, but for the most part this knowledge alone does not do any good. The deep truth is that feeling good and actually being healthy takes a lot of effort. It's much easier to pick up dinner from a fast food restaurant than to spend precious time planning and shopping and preparing meals. It's much easier to sit on your couch and watch people on TV trying to lose weight than to actually do the work of losing weight yourself. It's much easier to spend 30 minutes watching the news for the third time that day than to put on your workout clothes and go for a brisk 30-minute walk.

We are all slaves to our habitual ways of thinking and habitual ways of living. Just as in physics, people have inertia. Newton's First Law of Motion states that a body at rest stays at rest and a body in motion stays in motion, unless it is acted upon by an external unbalanced force. We will do the same things we have always done, achieving the same results we have always achieved, unless we make an active choice to engage in new thinking and new activities.

By the way, no one is going to make any lasting changes in their lifestyle - for example, by choosing a healthy diet and daily exercise - merely because someone told them they needed to do it. If you're chronically overweight, your doctor has told you every year that you need to make changes. Every year at your annual physical she tells you to begin regular, vigorous exercise and adopt healthy eating habits. Do any of these admonitions ever make a lasting difference? They don't, not because they are bad advice, but because they were not a match for your own world view. Real change, lasting change, has to come from within, from your own personal choice.  

When a person is actually ready to choose to revamp her lifestyle with respect to achieving good health, there are many possible steps to take. Chiropractic care can be an important and critical component of an overall health improvement strategy.

¹Temple R, Murphy H: Type 2 diabetes in pregnancy - An increasing problem. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 24(4):591-603.

²Li S, et al: Genetic predisposition to obesity leads to increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Diabetologiz Jan 26, 2011 (Epub ahead of print)

³Urquhart DM, et al: Increased fat mass is associated with high levels of low back pain intensity and disability. Spine Jan 25, 2011 (Epub ahead of print)

For Information or Appointments at any office call
Toll Free 1-800 Go Chiro 1-800 462-4476

We are Millar Chiropractic Clinics, Huntsville AL Chiropractors, Madison AL Chiropractors, and Decatur AL Chiropractors, Millar Chiropractic.

Copyright 2011 Millar Chiropractic Associates, Inc. All rights reserved. The contents of this website including all links to other pages or websites herein including but not limited to text, graphics, images, comments, statements, or information from doctors, host or guest, and other material contained therein (Content) are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not use this Content for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of Content you have seen, read or heard.

Sinus Headache or Migraine

Sinus Headache or Migraine

       For anyone who has ever experienced one, a sinus headache is very painful. What is a sinus headache? According to the Mayo Clinic, “Sinus headaches are headaches that may accompany sinusitis, a condition in which the membranes lining your sinuses become swollen and inflamed.” http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sinus-headaches/DS00647  In addition, the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMM) states a sinus headache can cause a dull, deep, throbbing pain in the front of the head and face. Often one of the things that can make the pain worse is bending over or leaning over. Other things that can affect a sinus headache are cold and damp weather. http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/sinus-headache-000073.htm One area the Mayo Clinic and UMM agree upon is that sinus headaches can be confused with migraine headaches. Consult a doctor to receive the correct diagnosis.

       Some people may wonder what the differences between sinus headaches and migraine headaches are because many of the symptoms are the same. Although migraine headaches may be made worse by bending over and even have some nasal congestion, they (migraines) will sometimes be made worse by light, loud noise and is accompanied by nausea. Sinus headaches on the other hand rarely respond to light or loud noise.

       Sinus headaches can start with allergies, a sinus infection or even a cyst in the sinuses. Both sinus headaches and migraines are painful and must be properly diagnosed by a doctor. Many people will try to self-diagnose their sinus headaches. Thus, they will also try to treat the sinus headache themselves. These people may do more damage to themselves than if they had gone to the doctor and been properly diagnosed and treated.


Sinus Headaches and Chiropractic

       A person may ask, “What does chiropractic have to do with sinus headaches?” The answer comes in the form of relief. Every part of our body connects with our spine through the nervous system and brain. The web site Millar Chiropractic and Nutrition Centers has a 3-D spine simulator in which each vertebra of the spine is shown along with the nerves and body parts innervated by the nerves from that vertebra. http://www.millarchiro.com/3d_spine/nerve_chart/index.htm

       Vertebra C-1 through C-4 is directly linked to the sinuses and sinus cavities. Therefore, sinus headaches may respond to chiropractic treatment. Additionally, chiropractors are uniquely positioned to try natural remedies which may also benefit your condition.

       In conclusion, sinus headaches are very painful and difficult to diagnose by the average person. This is because migraine headaches share some of the same symptoms. The best advice to follow is this; have your headache symptoms diagnosed properly by a chiropractor. Finally, empirical evidence from thousands of satisfied patients just like me is that chiropractic adjustments are an effective treatment for sinus headaches and migraine headaches.


References:

Mayo Clinic, Sinus Headaches, definition, http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sinus-headaches/DS00647 retrieved July 17, 2010

University of Maryland Medical Center, Sinus Headache, http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/sinus-headache-000073.htm retrieved July 17, 2010

Millar Chiropractic and Nutrition Center, 3-D spine simulator, http://www.millarchiro.com/3d_spine/nerve_chart/index.htm retrieved August 7, 2010


Testimonial

     At Millar Chiropractic and Nutrition Centers – Danville Rd, Decatur, Alabama, Dr. Greg Millar DC treats a female patient who has had severe sinus headaches and migraine headaches for 40 years. The treatment has brought major relief to this patient. She no longer suffers the debilitating pain of sinus or migraine headaches. I know because that patient is me. Kathy R.

Copyright 2010 Millar Chiropractic Associates, Inc. All rights reserved. The contents of this website including all links to other pages or websites herein including but not limited to text, graphics, images, comments, statements, or information from doctors, host or guest, and other material contained therein (Content) are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not use this Content for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of Content you have seen, read or heard.

Stenosis and Degenerative Facet Disease

Problem: Today I had a 62 year old man present with severe low back and leg pain. On taking his history, he stated that his low back hurt worse first thing in the morning and again late at night. He also stated that his pain was increased with slightly bending over say the sink to wash dishes or shaving. He also stated that his low back and leg pain was decreased by sitting down. On questioning, he stated that when he shops he needs to lean over a shopping cart. And while shopping his pain can be relieved if he sits down for a few minutes. I ask him if his pain immediately goes away while sitting or does it take a few minutes to historically differentially separate vascular claudication from stenosis. He has a past history of MRI study showing 2 bulging disc and has had 2 lumbar epidural injections with little success. You know God gives you the right to have more than one thing going on at a time an I think this patient has taken him up on that idea. After taking his history, I have a theory that he had two primary problems 1) lumbar stenosis and 2) degenerative facet syndrome. I feel that his bulging disc may in fact be a red herring and not causing his problems. I did a complete and thorough examination including posture exam, orthopedic test, neurological test, palpatory exam, spinal exam, range of motion and digital muscle weakness exam. Next I completed a surface NCV and EMG of his spine and lower extremities. I ordered X-rays of his lumbar with obliques at the hospital and compared them to his recent MRI films. Discussion: On imaging he in fact does have both soft tissue and bony stenosis. The lumbar canal was narrowed to 9mm at L4 and L5. Since he did not have any pain with a straight leg raiser or well leg raiser and was able to tandom walk heel/toe with no other neurological deficits, I concluded that his bulging disc were red herrings. Spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal, which places pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots. If the stenosis is located on the lower part of the spinal cord it is called lumbar spinal stenosis. Stenosis in the upper part of the spinal cord is called cervical spinal stenosis. While spinal stenosis can be found in any part of the spine, the lumbar and cervical areas are the most commonly affected. Patients with lumbar spinal stenosis may feel pain, weakness, or numbness in the legs, calves or buttocks. In the lumbar spine, symptoms often increase when walking short distances and decrease when the patient sits, bends forward or lies down. Cervical spinal stenosis may cause similar symptoms in the shoulders and arms. In some patients the pain starts in the legs and moves upward to the buttocks; in other patients the pain begins higher in the body and moves downward. Treatment: I started him on phisotherapy including Interferrential current (IFC) for 15 minutes along with hot pads. I also started him on ultrasound over the lumbar paraspinal muscles and facets. I started him on DTS Decompression Traction; Cox Flexion/Distraction; and chiropractic manipulative therapy. If he does not improve in two weeks then I will send him for lumbar facet injections. I feel he will ultimately need the facet injections. However if he needs facet injections I want them to be done under floro guidance at the hospital or surgery center. I am also talking to him regarding his overall health and his future health goals and life expectancy. If he develops neurological deficits then I will immediately refer him back to the neurosurgeon for surgical decompression.
Dr Greg Millar

Copyright 2009 Millar Chiropractic Associates, Inc. All rights reserved. The contents of this website including all links to other pages or websites herein including but not limited to text, graphics, images, comments, statements, or information from doctors, host or guest, and other material contained therein (Content) are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not use this Content for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of Content you have seen, read or heard.

Interesting Case

Problem: This week I had a 43 year old lady present with chronic fatigue, chronic headaches and pain over all four quadrants of her body. She had yeast overgrowth but did not know it. She had been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Interstitial Cystitis, Endometrosis, Allergies, Type II Diabetes, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sinus Problems and Thyroid disorder. Examination revealed tight and tender points across the body with moderate spasms. Numerous orthopedic tests were positive. She had both sensory and motor loss to the upper and lower extremities. She has a past surgical hx of gallbladder and hysterectomy. She has been in several past major auto accidents. She has had past severe hormone problems with past long and painful menstrual periods, severe mood swings and moderate PMS. She has current hormone problems in that she has hot flashes still and every night she goes to bed cold and wakes up about 3-4am sweating and very hot. She has been to numerous physicians. Her primary care physician tells her her problem is in her head and offers nothing to help. In taking her history, I also discovered that her body temperature is always very low in fact her body temp runs around 97.5 and I suspect Wilson's Temperature syndrome as well. I understand in the endocrinology community especially in the Eastern US that Wilson Temperature Syndrome is an unthinkable and unfounded diagnosis. But I think she has it anyway. By the way, this lady ate NO fish EVER and did not drink water. Instead she drank Mountain Due and Coffee all day long. Test: Her Sed Rate was 28/20. Her EBV IgM, IgG and nuclear antibody were all positive and very high. X-Rays demonstrated a mild to moderate scolosis with a loss of cervical curve and degenerative disc disease, spondylosis and moderate loss of disc space through out the spine. Her Complete Blood Count with Differential demonstrated a mildly elevated white count with elevated eosinophils and basophils both possibly elevated to allergic reactions and possible parasites in the case of eosinophils. Discussion: I have seen many patients in the past with this same sequella of symptoms and problems. The first things we need to do is get them sleeping, get them off Mountain Due and Sugar and ON Water and Fish oil. I have consulted infectious disease just to be on the safe side. I think she may have food allergies as well as a permeable/leaky gut and disbiosis. I think she may have bulging disc and other musculoskeletal problems as well. I also took her off ALL Sugar. NO foods that contain any sugar and started her on probiotics. I want her to start stretching daily for the FMS. This is one of those onion cases. These people have many layers of problems and we'll take them one at a time. I will update you on her progress. PS... She will get worse before she gets better. But I think with God's help we can walk her out of the woods. Dr Greg Millar



Copyright 2009 Millar Chiropractic Associates, Inc. All rights reserved. The contents of this website including all links to other pages or websites herein including but not limited to text, graphics, images, comments, statements, or information from doctors, host or guest, and other material contained therein (Content) are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not use this Content for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of Content you have seen, read or heard.

Leg Pain & Groin Pain with NO Back Pain

Problem: Today I had a man present with groin pain and leg pain to the foot worse on sitting and lying down and better with standing and walking. He has had similar groin pain in the past over the years but he has had no similar leg pain. He thinks he hurt himself lifting something heavy a week ago. Today, he had no back pain to speak of. In fact on examination, the low back had very little tenderness or spasms. He had a little edema over the sacrum. His groin and leg pain however he rated at a 9. During the exam his pain was so intense he could hardly carry on a conversation. My exam revealed several things. First, I could make the pain worse by having him sit on the table and raise a leg to 90 degrees. Secondly, with him lying on the table, when I lifted his uninvolved leg up to 35 degrees, pain shot down his leg and into the groin. Third when I tested his lower extremity sensory nerves (dermatomes) he had moderate hypersensitivity (too much) in one area of the involved leg followed by moderate hyposensitivity (too little) of the along the outside of the foot (S1) dermatome. Forth, his muscle strengths were somewhat diminished with some loss of strength at the involved leg quad and hamstring muscles both rated a 4/5. He had a negative heel walk and toe walk and denied any change to bowel. Finally he had a negative braggard's ruling out simple sciatica. Treatment: He had a defibrillator so e-stimulation was out. So I went with moist heat followed by laser to the sacrum and lateral/posterior leg along the nerve route and ultrasound to the upper lumbar para spinal muscles at T12 -L3 on the side of involvement. I did some manual therapy on his low back and sent him for X-rays at the local hospital as I want a radiologist to read these films. I think he has two things going on. First I think he has stenosis (narrowing of the central spinal canal) and secondly I think he has superimposed a bulging disc at L5. He also may have one at L4. I think he has neuroforaminal encroachment (disc pressing on the nerve root) causing inflammation. I will order an MRI after I get the x-rays back. I talked to him about anti inflammatory meds but he was already on Mobic. Discussion: Diagnosis is the key. If a doctor does not know what is causing the problem he can't fix it. God gives us the right to have more than one thing going on at a time. Most people have multiple pain generators. I talk everyday to patients that tell me that the doctor did not touch them in the examination. That means the doctor is guessing and that's why we have so many failures in low back pain treatment. Greg Millar DC CCEP




Copyright 2009 Millar Chiropractic Associates, Inc. All rights reserved. The contents of this website including all links to other pages or websites herein including but not limited to text, graphics, images, comments, statements, or information from doctors, host or guest, and other material contained therein (Content) are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not use this Content for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of Content you have seen, read or heard.