Can Your Neck Cause Arm Pain?

Bottom Line:

Have you ever had a “dead arm”? It’s an uncomfortable combination of pain and numbness from sitting or sleeping in an awkward position that thankfully goes away after a few minutes. If you have cervical radiculopathy, that same feeling of pain, numbness, and weakness in your arm isn’t likely to go away on its own. Intense pain, numbness, or weakness in your arm and shoulder is commonly caused by a neck injury. If a disc, bone or ligament irritates or compresses a nerve root in your neck, it can create symptoms in your arm and shoulder. The nerves that exit the spine in your neck are responsible for the sensation and strength in your arm, and when those nerves become aggravated, it can result in pain.

Why it Matters:

Cervical radiculopathy is often misdiagnosed. It would seem as though the pain in your arm would be an “arm problem,” not a neck problem. Arthritic and degenerative changes slowly change the structure of your spine. Add in any sports injuries, poor posture, and the effects of gravity, and you quickly create a situation where your biomechanics, or how you move, is less than ideal. Over time this can result in destructive changes to the bone, disc, and ligament which in turn irritate the nearby nerves. Fortunately, exciting new research has showcased that Chiropractic care may be one of the safest and most effective conservative care options to help you recover from cervical radiculopathy.

- The nerves in your neck travel down your arm and hand to provide strength and sensation.

- Arm and hand pain or weakness can originate from the nerves coming from your neck.

- Research has shown Chiropractic care can provide more relief than many commonly prescribed medications and injections.

Next Steps:

Be sure to attend our next workshop which will help give you practical tips to avoid neck and arm pain. The care we provide is specifically designed to help you find lasting relief and regain your quality of life, and in this complimentary workshop, you will discover all the natural ways cervical radiculopathy can be prevented and treated. We look forward to seeing you there!

Science Source:

Spine Manipulation Post-Epidural Injection for Lumbar and Cervical Radiculopathy: A Retrospective Case Series. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. September 2004 Chiropractic Treatment of Cervical Radiculopathy Caused by a Herniated Cervical Disc. JMPT 1994

The Link Between Posture and Shoulder Motion

Bottom Line:

Your shoulder is one of the most complex joints in your body. It is surrounded and supported by a complex network of nerves, tendons, muscles, and ligaments. Many of these structures tie back to your spine or mid-back and neck. Your posture, or position, directly impacts the motion of your shoulder and scapula. Long hours at a desk or computer can lead to postural changes and muscle imbalances. Poor posture and a forward head position can lead to “upper cross syndrome.” Upper cross syndrome is an imbalance of the muscles in your upper back, neck, and shoulder that can lead to neck, back, and shoulder pain with restricted range of motion.

Why it Matters:

Whether it's working at a computer, long hours in a car, or using a tablet/smartphone, just about everyone is susceptible to developing upper cross syndrome. However, you don’t need to suffer or change your career to find relief. A combination of Chiropractic adjustments, stretching, and specific postural exercises can make a huge impact on your ability to stay happy and healthy. Taking short breaks every 20-30 minutes to lightly extend your arms and move your neck through a comfortable range of motion will help your body “reset” while working. Also, periodic Chiropractic adjustments will help you maintain an optimal range of motion and reduce restrictions that can occur in your spinal joints.

- The shoulder is one of the most complex joints in the human body.

- Your posture greatly impacts the ability of your shoulders to move through their full range of motion.

- It’s important to address the neck and mid-back when treating a shoulder injury.

Next Steps:

Upper cross syndrome is one of the most common conditions we see in our practice. Far too many people suffer from pain for years before discovering Chiropractic care. Millions of people end up taking medications just to get through the day. Like you, we believe there is a better way. Take a flyer for our upcoming workshop and share it with a friend at work. We are excited to share how the challenges of upper cross syndrome can be overcome without drugs or surgery!

Science Source:

Upper Crossed Syndrome and Its Relationship to Cervicogenic Headache. JMPT 2004 MedicalNewsToday.com

Tennis Elbow? I Haven’t Swung a Racket in Years!

Bottom Line:

You don’t need to be John McEnroe to feel the pain of tennis elbow. Actually, 95% of people who suffer from lateral epicondylitis, or tennis elbow, don’t even play tennis! Lateral epicondylitis is an inflammation of the tendon that attaches to the lateral epicondyle of your elbow. It can result in pain and weakness in the wrist and elbow. Repetitive motions and an awkward positioning of your wrist often contribute to tennis elbow. So how can you fix it? Keep reading…

Why it Matters:

Reducing inflammation around the tendon is an important first step. Reducing muscle spasms to improve blood flow, improve circulation and speed up recovery is also very important. After the pain has decreased, be sure to begin a combination of stretching and strengthening the muscles supporting your elbow, shoulder, and neck. Having restricted motion in your neck can predispose you to developing tennis elbow. Our team will carefully examine your neck, shoulder, elbow, and wrist to make sure the motion is natural and free of restriction.

- Tennis elbow is inflammation of the tendon that attaches to your lateral epicondyle.  

- Overuse and repetitive motion can cause tennis elbow.

- Postural changes, rehab, and Chiropractic care have been shown to be extremely effective at treating tennis elbow.

Next Steps:

Tennis elbow is unlikely to disappear on its own – but, by taking a conservative approach, you will be in the best possible position to find relief. Our team will help guide you through a complete plan of care to get your back in the game.  Once you are feeling better, you may even want to pick up tennis as a new sport!

Science Source:

Chiropractic Treatment of Lateral Epicondylitis: A Case Report Utilizing Active Release Techniques. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine 2014 Conservative Chiropractic Care of Lateral Epicondylitis. JMPT 2000

Natural Ways to Find Relief from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Bottom Line:

Carpal tunnel syndrome affects the wrist and hands. It can cause pain and numbness which makes work difficult. You probably know someone who has undergone surgery to “correct” carpal tunnel, only to see the pain return shortly after. What you probably don’t know is that up to 75% of people who have surgery for carpal tunnel will have the pain return within two years! Surgery focuses on releasing the pressure on the median nerve, but what about all of those years of repetitive motion and stress on your elbow, shoulder, and neck? The long-term stress on all of these structures needs to be addressed as well to find lasting relief from carpal tunnel syndrome.

Why it Matters:

Many people with carpal tunnel syndrome spend hours performing a repetitive motion with their arms and hands. This also places a tremendous amount of stress on the muscles and tissues of your neck. New research has shown an extremely high correlation between wrist pain and restricted range of motion in the neck. Interestingly, more significant pain in the wrist led to a more substantial restriction in the neck. By establishing an improved range of motion in your neck, you can make a huge impact on pain in your wrist and hand!

- Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs due to compression on the median nerve in the wrist.

- Surgery is not very effective at providing long term relief.

- Your neck, shoulder, and elbow all can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome.  

Next Steps:

While many doctors focus on treating the median nerve, our practice will address the entire spectrum of issues which can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. By establishing a better range of motion in your wrist, elbow, shoulder, and neck, you will be free to move through your day with less pain. Reducing the inflammation in your soft tissues and strengthening your postural muscles will also help you find long-term relief.

Science Source:

Revision Surgery for Persistent and Rcarpal Tunnel Syndrome and for Failed Carpal Tunnel Release. Plast Reconstr Sure. 2012 Chiropractic Manipulation in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. JMPT 1994

Can Chiropractic Help You Lose Weight?

Bottom Line:

If you are looking to lose a few extra pounds this month, you are not alone. Many of our patients are working towards a similar goal.

How you move, eat, and think every day will determine your success. All three are part of maintaining an active lifestyle. So where does Chiropractic fit in?

Why it Matters:

Unfortunately, no Chiropractic technique takes off 10 pounds with each adjustment; but people just like you have been able to maintain a healthy weight by adding Chiropractic care into their active lifestyle.

Research has suggested that periodic Chiropractic care can help evaluate, detect and treat emerging problems. So, by reducing injuries, you will be able to stay active and keep your exercise routine on track.

Also, many people report reduced stress after getting adjusted. This makes sense because research studies have shown reduced muscle tension in the shoulders after an adjustment.

And finally, we firmly believe that healthy food choices make a significant impact on your body’s ability to be well and stay well. Eating healthy whole foods and sometimes even using select supplements can give your body the fuel it needs to get through the day.  

·         Chiropractic has been shown to reduce the stress and tension in the muscles that support your head and neck.

·         Staying active with daily exercise will help keep your muscles toned and reduce your risk of injury.

·         Lowering your sugar intake helps to avoid those devastating blood sugar crashes in the afternoon.

Next Steps:

Thank you for making our office a part of your healthy lifestyle. Our team is here to support your ability to move, think, and eat in a way that results in achieving your healthcare goals.

We know that by moving your body, making smart dietary choices, and managing your stress, you will put yourself in the best place possible to live your best life. We are proud to be your partner in health!

Science Source:

·         The Role of Exercise and Physical Activity in Weight Loss and Maintenance. Prog Cardiovasc Dis 2015

·         Hair Cortisol and Adiposity in a Population‐Based Sample of 2,527 Men and Women Aged 54 to 87 years. Obesity 2017

·         Sugar Consumption, Metabolic Disease and Obesity: The State of the Controversy. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci. 2016

·         Glucose Metabolic Changes in the Brain and Muscles of Patients with Nonspecific Neck Pain Treated by Spinal Manipulation Therapy.Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2017

Don’t Have Enough Time to Exercise?

Bottom Line:

You're busy and you're stressed out. Well, you're not alone.

These are two of the most common reasons people give for not exercising consistently. Ironically, these are the two exact reasons you should be exercising and moving your body!

Moving your body releases endorphins which help you feel good, relaxes your mind which reduces stress, and burns calories to keep you looking great.

Why it Matters:

Your body is meant to move. Long hours commuting in your car or sitting at a desk can place a lot of stress on your musculoskeletal system.

If your spine and core muscles are weak and unstable, then you are more likely to suffer an injury which can cause a downward spiral that impacts your relationships with food, sleep, and exercise. So taking a pro-active approach to your exercise routine is crucial to live your best life. Chiropractic adjustments are an essential part of the picture because they can help you feel good mentally and keep you moving physically.

• ·         Maintaining a healthy weight can decrease the risk factors for cardiovascular and heart disease.
• ·         Even 15 minutes of light exercise can make a difference in your overall health.
• ·         Exercise can help you feel good both physically and mentally.

Next Steps:

Schedule time every day to exercise. But, don’t get discouraged if you feel like you aren’t doing enough. Rome wasn’t built in a day!

Even 15 minutes of walking during your afternoon break can provide you with the health benefits you are looking for. Burning an extra hundred calories per day (which could be accomplished with 10 minutes of walking) adds up to thousands of calories each month. Continue that trend, and you will notice inches falling off your waistline before you know it!

Science Source:

The Role of Exercise and Physical Activity in Weight Loss and Maintenance. Prog Cardiovasc Dis 2015

Stress and Weight

Bottom Line:

A recent research study found over 75% of people experience at least a moderate amount of stress every day!

Chronic stress is not fun to deal with, but did you know it can also affect your weight?

When you are stressed your body goes into survival (or “fight or flight”) mode which changes your hormonal balance. You don’t need to be running from a saber tooth tiger to enter fight or flight mode. Even everyday events like traffic and stress at work can cause you to have that physiological response.

Why it Matters:

Recent research suggests that chronic stress can result in:

·         high blood pressure,

·         changes in your brain,

·         and weight gain.

When you are stressed out, it is more likely that you will over-eat and less likely that you will get enough sleep and exercise. Stress causes your body to release cortisol, a hormone that can produce a build-up of fatty tissue and cause weight gain. Cortisol increases both your appetite and the amount of fat the body stores. By recognizing your stressors, and engaging in a few simple relaxation techniques, you can learn to reduce your body’s natural stress response.

·         The hormone Cortisol is released in response to stress and increases your blood sugar.

·         Chronic stress can lead to elevated cortisol levels.

·         An association has been found between increased cortisol levels and obesity.

Next Steps:

Relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or even simple breathing exercises can help your body counter the stress response. Also, exercise has been shown to decrease stress levels substantially.

The next time you are feeling stressed out, take a moment to breathe a few deep breaths and try to get some exercise into your schedule that day. Not only will you feel better mentally, but your body will be able to reduce the amount of Cortisol produced which will limit your body’s fat storage and help curb any thoughts of over-eating. Staying fit and trim does start in your head!

Science Source:

Hair Cortisol and Adiposity in a Population‐Based Sample of 2,527 Men and Women Aged 54 to 87 Years. Obesity 2017