Did you recently have back surgery? If so, then you are in good company. It’s estimated that 500,000 Americans underwent surgery last year to treat back pain. Your doctor may have recommended going to the chiropractor to help you with your recovery. Learn more here on the benefits of chiropractic after back surgery. They might help speed up your recovery time and help you return to good health.

What Does “Chiropractic” Mean?

“Chiropractic” is short for chiropractic care. Chiropractic addresses disorders in the patient’s nervous and musculoskeletal systems. Some common conditions that chiropractic address include headaches, neck pain, and joint pains in the arms or legs. They’ll also treat back pain unless spinal surgery is warranted.

Chiropractors receive training in medical schools accredited through the US Department of Education. Chiropractors treat each patient with an approach that’s called holistic treatment.

A holistic treatment approach aligns treatment plans with the patient’s desires, needs and preferences. This approach also centers around the patient’s general sense of wellbeing. The chiropractor won’t only focus on fix the immediate problem that hurts the patient now.

Chiropractic For Post Back Surgery Treatment

Even though many patients see a reduction in pain when their surgery is over, some may still experience ongoing pain. When this happens, chiropractic can help relieve pain with effective chiropractic adjustments. These chiropractic adjustments include what’s called spinal manipulation.

What’s Spinal Manipulation?

When chiropractors apply direct pressure to different areas of their patient’s back, they’re using spinal manipulation. Spinal manipulation is a modality that pushes the spine back into the right position.

This kind of applied pressure is effective for post-surgical spinal treatment. It not only provides relief to back pain but also improves back posture and strength as well.

A chiropractic care session usually lasts between 10-30 minutes. When a chiropractic session starts, the patient can stop the treatment if they’re experiencing pain. Minor adjustments can usually solve these temporary flashes of pain.

Benefits of Chiropractic

You’ll find many noticeable benefits to undergoing post-back surgery chiropractic. These benefits include:

No Medications

Many post-surgery treatments need a patient to consume many medications to control lingering pain during recovery. Chiropractic involves manipulating your body’s natural anatomical alignment to fight off pain. You won’t have to depend on medication to remove the pain.

Quicker Results

Chiropractic sessions may result in an immediate release of pain and pressure to your post-surgical areas. Overall recovery time happens slowly over time but will increase when your spine and back are adjusted.

Safe

Chiropractic services have a low risk. Chiropractic services are not invasive procedures to a patient. These professionals know how to read the patient’s natural anatomy and tackle that pain in the recovering areas.

What’s Next For Your Recovery?

If you’re recovering from back surgery, talk to your doctor about a post-surgical treatment strategy. If you’re looking for a medication-free plan, chiropractic may be the best choice.

When you do meet with a chiropractor for the first time, share your current health needs and concerns. The chiropractor will need this information to develop a holistic treatment plan that works for you.

You can also learn more about different chiropractic modalities on our website. We can help you get back on the road to recovery in no time! Give us a call if you have questions.

Every day, people sit down at a desk, ready to work. The coffee is hot, there’s some early morning sunshine, and everything seems to be going great — right?

Well, wrist pain can throw a wrench in those plans. When people start to experience wrist pain, it can be hard to know how to alleviate it.

Unlike other parts of our body, it’s not so easy to just let your wrists rest. But there’s still a lot you can do to help, like stretches for wrist pain. Keep reading for some simple sources of daily relief.

1. Stretches for Wrist Pain

Whether someone works from home or at an office, a desk is a classic component of the work environment—and it just might come in handy when they’re trying out new exercises for wrist pain.

One thing they can do is press up against their desk or table for several seconds. Their palms should be flat against the surface. After a few tries, they might experience some much-needed pain relief.

Another stretch they can try is to pull the fingers of one hand with their other hand. They can put their palm out flat and let their fingers dangle downward before doing so. After, they can switch to their other hand and repeat as needed.

2. Use Some Warmth

If people have a heating pad handy, this might do the trick.

Heating pads can do wonders for quick comfort and muscle relief. People can apply the heat directly to their wrists or to hands, arms, and any problem areas.

3. Work Ergonomics for Wrist Pain

Could a person’s sitting position be contributing to your wrist pain? Whether they’re typing on a keyboard, writing notes, or clicking through websites, the way they’re positioned while working can make a big difference for pain.

The desk and chair should be positioned so that the person’s wrists are in a neutral position. If the chair is too high or low, they might have to strain or move in an uncomfortable way in order to reach the desk.

4. Massage

What could be better than a gentle, calming massage? Yep, massage isn’t just for your shoulders or back. People suffering from wrist pain can get some immediate relief with a targeted wrist massage.

5. Braces for Wrist Pain

A person doesn’t have to be suffering a sprain, fracture, or other types of injury in order to benefit from a wrist brace. These tools can help keep their wrist in a position that avoids strain and discomfort.

In order to avoid inconveniences during the day, some people wear a wrist brace at night. This way, they can avoid bending their wrist in a way that could cause pain later.

Get the Relief You Need!

For people with wrist pain, this experience could affect an incredible amount of daily tasks and activities. From working to cooking to enjoying hobbies and so much more, wrist pain can really get in the way. The good news is that relief is out there.   So go ahead and try those stretches for wrist pain! Get a brace if needed. And to get recommendations for your particular situation, you can send us a message right on our website.   

Back Pain vs Sciatica: Understanding the Difference

Approximately 65 million Americans report experiencing recent episodes of back pain. However, many individuals might not realize that their back pain could actually be a sign of a different condition: sciatica.

So, what is the difference between back pain from sciatica? Moreover, can a back brace alleviate sciatic pain? How do the symptoms of sciatica differ from those of general back pain?

To clarify these questions, keep reading! This guide will cover everything you need to know in order to differentiate between the two conditions.

Understanding Back Pain Symptoms 

Typically, people experience lower back pain near the beltline. This pain can range from a dull ache to a sharp, stabbing sensation.

Various factors can contribute to lower back pain, including stress, improper lifting techniques, physical activity, or accidents. Consequently, symptoms of back pain might include:

• A dull or achy feeling
• A burning or stinging sensation
• Difficulty standing or walking
• Muscle spasms and tightness
• Pain that worsens after sitting or standing for prolonged periods

If these symptoms persist, it is advisable to visit a chiropractor for an adjustment.

Recognizing Sciatica Pain Symptoms

In contrast, sciatica pain symptoms typically begin in the lower back but can also affect the buttocks, legs, and hips. It’s estimated that around 40% of people will experience sciatica at some point in their lives.

Sciatica occurs when the nerve roots in the sciatic nerve become compressed or pinched. As a result, symptoms are usually experienced on one side of the body. Acute sciatic pain may last for one to two weeks and can recur throughout the year, whereas chronic sciatica may persist as a long-term condition.

Common symptoms of sciatica include:

• A pins-and-needles sensation
• Pain that intensifies with movement
• Weakness or numbness in the feet or legs
• Painful tingling in the feet or toes
• Incontinence

Sciatica can develop following an injury or due to specific conditions such as:

• Spinal stenosis
• Herniated disks
• Piriformis syndrome
• Spondylolisthesis

If you experience sudden, severe pain, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately. A healthcare professional might recommend treatments such as hot or cold therapy, stretches, Chiropractic manipulations, massages, and acupuncture. Additionally, a back brace may provide relief from sciatic pain.

Differentiating Between The Two

So, how can you differentiate between back pain and sciatica?

Back pain encompasses a broad range of symptoms, whereas sciatica is a specific type of back pain. The symptoms of sciatica are distinct, making it easier to identify. Back pain can occur anywhere along the spine, whereas sciatica specifically affects the sciatic nerve. Furthermore, sciatica may take longer to resolve compared to general back pain, which might improve on its own.

If you’re struggling to distinguish between sciatic pain and back pain, try walking across the room on your heels. If you find it challenging to lift your feet, sciatica could be the issue.

For an accurate diagnosis, consider visiting a chiropractor.

In Summary

In essence, while back pain is a broad term, sciatica is a more specific condition. Don’t endure pain unnecessarily—seek relief by visiting a chiropractor.

Ready to take the next step? We’re here to help. Request an appointment today.

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Being the victim of a traumatic traffic accident is a big deal. Depending upon the severity of the crash, the injuries suffered can range from minor to severe, or even fatal. Many victims of severe car accidents also suffer from PTSD, brain injuries, or a range of trauma-related mental and physical disorders. Some physical and mental injuries will heal, but others may be more persistent. Victims of all ages even report feeling recurring pain in their joints. This begs the question, can a car accident cause arthritis?

The answer is an emphatic yes. Typically, when people think of the cause of arthritis, they associate it with old age, but your joints can become inflamed at any age if the right conditions are met. In the case of severe automobile accidents, your chances of suffering from car accident arthritis are high no matter what.

How Can a Car Accident Cause Arthritis?

First of all, humans are soft, fleshy bags of skin, muscle, and bone. Cars are thick metal machines that travel at high speeds. When they hit things, they hit hard. And your soft body doesn’t like that one bit.

It rattles you. It ripples through your bones and jerks your body in ways it should never be jerked. Imagine your body is a computer and someone dropped you on a thick marble floor. You might still work, but your system needs repairs. You can bet a few screws came loose.

When your bones and cartilage are twisted, yanked and cranked during a car crash, post-traumatic arthritis is what you get as a result. This means post-trauma of the body and the wear and tear that occurs afterward are the likely causes of arthritis in people of all ages. 

What Is Post-Traumatic Arthritis?

The keyword here is post-traumatic. The definition of arthritis, particularly post-traumatic arthritis, is the inflammation of and around the joints over time caused by a severe injury. Hence the term, post-traumatic.

Some symptoms to look out for include:

• Swelling joints
• Stiffness around the joints
• Fluid buildup around the joints
• Difficulty moving the area around the joint.

Keep in mind that post-traumatic arthritis symptoms may not be apparent until many years after the injury. It can sometimes take up to 5 years or more to notice any signs or symptoms.

The speed and severity by which the symptoms arrive can also be affected by age and weight. Trauma victims of a young age and a healthy weight are likely to dodge some of the more debilitating symptoms.

Those who are older and/or overweight/obese may be at higher risk of suffering severe chronic pain soon after the accident.

Diagnosing and Treating Post-Traumatic Arthritis

Your doctor will begin by performing a series of tests and procedures before prescribing medicine or recommending physical therapy.

X-rays, ultrasounds, and MRIs should aid in leading to a proper diagnosis.

Can a Chiropractor Help With Arthritis?

The next step in arthritis treatment is Chiropractic. You can seek out a chiropractor nearby. Chiropractic is a natural arthritis treatment that can aid in strengthening the area around the affected joints.

Chiropractors can teach you how to exercise your affected joints to alleviate your pain and make the movement around it less painful and more functional.

Keep in mind that Chiropractic can significantly reduce the pain and swelling, but it will rarely get rid of your arthritis altogether.

Are You Worried About Suffering From Post-Traumatic Arthritis?

If you were involved in a car crash, the crucial next step you must take is in consulting with a professional about your physical health and well-being.

Can a car accident cause arthritis? It sure can. Suffering any injury from a car accident is no joke, but if you’re worried about suffering from chronic physical pain, consider booking a consultation with Amazing Life Chiropractic and Wellness.

Our team strives to provide you with excellent care and service so you may leave feeling alive, refreshed, and ultimately, like a new you. Our services include massage therapy, neuropathy, weight-loss consulting, automobile accident consulting, and more!