Neck Pain

Neck pain ranks 4th for global disability and 21st for global burden of pain with these figures expected to rise. 48% of the worlds population will experience some form of neck pain in their lifetime. The intensity of persisting neck pain is twice as high as that for low back pain. 

There are 3 classes of risk factors for first-time neck pain of any source: 

• Individual Lifestyle 
• Physical or Biomechanical 
• Psychosocial

Listed below are common forms of neck pain treated in this office. Please click the link for more detailed information:

1. Posture-Related Neck Pain 
2. Discogenic Neck Pain (Disc Related) 
3. Cervicogenic/Tension-Type Headaches 
4. Neck Sprain/Strain 
5. Cervical Radiculopathy/Pinched Nerves

1. Posture-Related Neck Pain  

This is first on the list because poor upper cervical posture can be a predictor OR make you more susceptible to the other forms of neck pain described on this page: 

• Disc-Related Neck Pain 
• Cervicogenic/Tension-Type Headaches 
• Neck Sprains/Strains 
• Cervical Radiculopathy

The highest prevalence of people with Posture-Related Neck Pain are seen in those who sit for long periods at a time, like long haul drivers and office workers. Another population this is becoming increasingly prevalent in and does not get as much attention is in the school-aged individuals. We all remember those days watching the teacher with our heads on the desks!

Upper Crossed Postural Syndrome is the technical term for the “slouched” postural presentation and, as such, isn’t even a syndrome! Think rounding of the shoulders with associated forward head posture OR “Tech Neck”.

• It is characterized by a PREDICTABLE pattern of tight (facilitated) and weak (inhibited) muscles. 
• Upper crossed syndrome can be painful or uncomfortable, especially when in the prolonged slouched positions usually created by their job or lifestyle. However, these individuals are also more susceptible to the other neck pain conditions listed above especially headaches and disc-related problems.

Co-Morbidities include: sedentary lifestyle, little to no physical activity that is reinforced by a poor sitting posture. Prevention is the best strategy! However, correction is achievable with proper treatment as well as lifestyle and workplace modifications 

• Treatment for this problem consists of chiropractic adjustments, muscle release techniques and corrective exercises to reduce and reverse the symptoms related to Upper Cross Syndrome. 
• Patient education is also very important to show them what they can do for themselves!

2. Discogenic Neck Pain

It has been suggested that approximately 80% of all neck pain conditions can be related to cervical disc derangement 

• One study even showed that approximately 92% of neck pain patients were classified as cervical disc derangements.

Symptoms of cervical discogenic pain can vary and sometimes may not even be felt in the neck!

• Numbness and/or tingling, or radiating pain down the arm or into the shoulder blade are common features – considered a radiculopathy – due to pressure being applied to the nerve 
• Cervicogenic/tension-type headaches can also be a result of a disc problem

Causes of Discogenic pain include: 

• Direct trauma 
• Overuse, fatigue, or repetitive microtraumas – over long periods of time 
• Postural problems – which can be intrinsic (loss of the cervical curve) or extrinsic (Upper Crossed Syndrome) 
• Sudden, unguarded movements 
• Degenerative disc disease 

Early management is necessary to avoid developing a chronic issue. Conservative treatment of this problem begins with controlling pain and inflammation. 

• Once decreased the focus is shifted to early rehabilitation protocols to prevent chronicity and disability

Initial treatments consist of: 

• Osseous adjustments 
• Soft tissue 
• Pain-free range of motion exercises

Late-stage rehabilitation is necessary to strengthen the spine and prevent reoccurrence. This will begin as the condition improves and consists of:

• Stabilization exercises 
• Postural training 
• Patient education 
  • Proper training 
  • Biomechanics 
  • Home exercise program

Failure to respond to these conservative methods may warrant an MRI and possible referral to an orthopedic specialist. 

Loss of the normal cervical curve, called a cervical lordosis, has been linked to increased susceptibility for cervical disc bulges and/or herniations as well as increased cervical spinal cord compression. It is also usually proportionate to degree of degenerative change seen in cervical X-rays. 

Loss of the curve changes creates an imbalance on the forces being applied to the top and bottom of the disc. If this imbalance is sustained over a long period, the disc will become weakened in the higher-pressure areas and a bulge will develop. This can eventually lead to a disc herniation and potentially increased symptoms. 

• Of special note is that the degree of disc herniation and height of the disc space can recover with recovery of the normal cervical lordosis.

The function and posture of the upper to mid thoracic spine can also play a role in the development of cervical disc-related problems.

• This means treatment of the thoracic spine could produce positive clinical outcomes in some patients with disc-related neck pain as well as posturalrelated neck pain

3. Cervicogenic/Tension-Type Headaches

Headaches come in different varieties and nearly everyone will experience one in their lifetime. The different types of headaches will present with a different pain pattern. We will be discussing the most common type of head: the cervicogenic or tension-type headache.

• Cervicogenic headaches tend to develop from the base of the skull and spread out around the head as if your head was being squeezed. Severe forms can wrap all the way around to the forehead. 
• Characterized by a slow, gradual onset of moderate, dull pain

Causes include: Poor Posture, Bulged/Herniated Discs, Stress, Diet/Exercise Habits, Trauma, Smoking, Hormonal Imbalances, Allergies 

• Associated with loss of strength and endurance in the deep cervical flexor musculature, in addition to further muscular imbalances in posterior neck, anterior shoulders and upper back.

Every inch of Forward Head Posture (FHP) adds “weight” to the skull and forces the muscles in the back of the neck and upper back work harder than they should be. 

Management starts with assessment of lifestyle habits, posture, and body habitus as they are the usual culprits and are the simplest to diagnose and manage. Patient involvement is necessary in developing the proper strategies for the patient. 

• Chiropractic adjustments coupled with therapeutic modalities such as corrective exercise, soft tissue modalities, postural analysis/correction are very effective ways to manage these types of headaches.

4. Neck Sprains and Strains

Sprains and strains are very common in the cervical spine due to the lack of support for that area of the spine. 

• These injuries typically originate from a specific injury or impact (like a car accident or sports-related injury) or from prolonged sustained positions (like sleeping with your neck in an awkward position).

Sprains are classified as an injury to the ligaments and/or joints and hurts with PASSIVE movement. Strains are classified as an injury to the muscles and hurts with ACTIVE movement. 

• A common theme to both sprains and strains are that pain is typically felt at the end range of the movement.

Headaches are a common feature of these problems as well, which may not be directly apparent that the source of the headaches is the sprain or strain. 

The main physical causes are: 

• Automobile accidents 
• Whiplash injuries 
• Contact sports injuries 
• Repetitive/overuse injuries 
• Prolonged poor posture

Unfortunately, automobile accidents, whiplash injuries or contact sports injuries can be difficult to avoid and there are no steps for prevention when it comes to these types of injuries. 

When the injury stems from overuse/repetition, poor posture or improper exercise there are steps that can be taken to avoid injuries from happening. Proper ergonomics in the workplace, addressing posture and instilling healthy movement tendencies are necessary for recovery and prevention of further issues.

5. Cervical Radiculopathy/Pinched Nerves

By definition, a cervical radiculopathy occurs when there is dysfunction/compression of one or more of the 8 cervical nerve roots. This results in a myriad of symptoms depending on the nature of the injury. 

• Symptoms can include various forms of pain (deep, dull and aching to severe, burning, sharp and shooting), numbness, tingling, loss of sensation and/or weakness in the neck, shoulders, arm, or hand. 
• Symptoms in the arm will depend on which nerve root of the cervical spine is involved.

Symptoms can be influenced both positively and negatively with certain arm and neck positions. 

Causes for cervical radiculopathy can vary 

• The condition may be due to an injury to the neck or be of unknown cause. There could also be a previous history of multiple episodes of neck pain that was left untreated 
• In younger patients, it is typically the result of a disc herniation or an acute injury that causes foraminal narrowing on the nerve as it exits the spinal canal. 
• For older patients, cervical radiculopathy is typically the result of foraminal narrowing due to osteophyte (bone spur) formation, decreased disc height or degenerative changes – sometimes called degenerative disc disease or spinal stenosis. 
• Traumatic cervical radiculopathies from auto accidents or contact sports injuries are the result of a forced extension, lateral bending or rotation (or combination of) from the impact. This creates a dynamic closure of the foramen and puts an enormous amount of pressure on the exiting nerve causing injury. 
• Risk factors include:
  • Heavy manual labor that requires lifting more than 25 lbs (especially in a repetitive nature) 
  • Driving or operating vibrating equipment 
  • Smoking 
  • Collison Sports 
  • Trauma 
  • Degenerative disc disease/osteoarthritis 
  • Poor posture

Treatment will initially focus on reducing the pain and inflammation around the area and prevent further neurological loss of function. Decreasing nerve root pressure will allow the symptoms to centralize (come out of the arm). 

• This is achieved by applying axial traction to the cervical spine as well as introducing pain free ranges of motion while avoiding the movements or positions that increases your symptoms. 
• EMS/TENS therapy can also be an effective tool at reducing inflammation and muscle pain /soreness 
• Once inflammation and pain are under control, the focus of care is shifted to restoring full range of motion. This is based on the patient’s tolerance and can include:
  • Spinal manipulation 
  • Muscle stretching/strengthening 
  • Corrective exercises 
  • Proprioception training  
• If there is a failure to respond to these conservative methods or in the case of a severe neurological deficit, a secondary consultation with a neurologist or neurosurgeon will be warranted.

Low Back Pain / Sciatica

One of the most common forms of musculoskeletal issues affecting not only the U.S. population but he entire world

• Global prevalence increased by 17% from 2005-2015 
• Statistically speaking regarding global population: 
  • 18% will experience back pain at any one time 
  • 30% experience back pain in any one month 
  • 38% will experience back pain in any one year 
  • 40-80% will experience back pain in their lifetime. 

Is commonly experienced as a persistent or fluctuating low to medium pain intensityACute, with more than 2/3 experiencing a recurrence within the first year after recovery

Ranked 6th globally in terms of the number years lost due to ill-health, disability, or early death10. Thus, it is one of the leading causes of working disability

Two major lifestyle factors appear to affect LBP: 

• Sitting  
  • 48% reported as a Functional Limitation 
  • 62% reported as an Aggravating factor 
  • 61% stated they had difficulty rising from a seated position 
• Frequency of Flexion 
  • 65% reported as a Functional Limitation 
  • 63% reported as an Aggravating Factor

Listed below are common forms of Low Back Pain treated in this office: 

Please click the link for more detailed information 

• Lumbar Disc Disorders 
• Sciatica 
• Facet Syndrome 
• Lumbar Sprain/Strain 
• Lumbar Stenosis

1. Lumbar Disc Disorders

The lumbar spine consists of 5 vertebral bony segments with a soft and flexible intervertebral disc situated between each segment. These disc act as shock absorbers for the spinal column 

• The intervertebral disc is made of two components: 1) the tough, outer annular fibrosis; 2) a soft, jelly-like center called the nucleus pulposus 
• The structures of the disc are held together by ligaments with further support be provided by the core musculature

Spinal degeneration occurs naturally as we age 

• This results in the disc losing fluid and drying out leading to compression on the disc 
• Continued breakdown or degeneration can lead to the inner nucleus pulposus to bulge out putting more pressure on the outer annular ring and leading to pain, i.e., a Disc Bulge

If further degeneration of the disc is allowed to continue or with abnormal stresses placed on the lumbar spine the inner jelly-like core can break through the outer ring and lead to a herniated disc 

• This can lead to abnormal pressure on the nerve roots of the lower back causing sciatica pain, weakening, numbness or changes in sensation down into one or both legs 
• Most disc herniations occur in the lower part of the lumbar spine 
• Severe trauma can lead to spontaneous rupture of a healthy disc or worsen an already herniated disc

Risk Factors/Causes 

• Age and Gender – highest incidence occurs in men ages 30-50 
• Improper lifting – using your back instead of your legs or twisting while lifting 
• Repetitive activities – especially those that include lots of bending, lifting and twisting 
• Frequent driving or sitting posture – especially without proper support 
• Sedentary Lifestyle – lack of exercise and poor core musculature strength combined with excessive sitting 
• Smoking – decreases oxygen supply to the discs leading to more rapid degeneration 
• Severe Trauma

Onset of Pain 

• Can be sudden with severe trauma or immediately following lifting and twisting activities or repetitive stress injuries 
• Is typically of slow onset as patient may not recall the exact mechanism of injury or the precise moment the pain started - It is often preceded by less severe episodes of low back pain that resolve on their own 
• Typically characterized by sharp, shooting pains as well as numbness and tingling into the legs that are influenced by movement, changing positions, coughing, sneezing, forceful bowel movements 
• Furthermore, Weakness in leg and/or foot, decreased reflexes of knee and ankle as well as change in bowel and bladder function are also possible symptoms of a lumbar disc herniation 
  • Certain positions can make it better or worse depending on the nature of the disc injury

Treatment 

• Initially, conservative care should be the first choice in care 
  • Focus will be on reducing any leg pain, controlling inflammation and preventing any further neurological deficits by removing the pressure from the nerve root 
  • Adjustments and soft tissue therapies are utilized as tolerated 
• Treatment is dependent upon clinical presentation, age, overall health, lifestyle factors and tolerance to certain therapies 
• Additionally, a home exercise program consisting positional and stabilization exercises will be recommended
  • Further education will consist of strategies to further protect your low back by safely returning to activity as well as positions and movements to avoid 
  • Home exercises further instill proper movement patterns and allows the body to slowly develop better movement tendencies as well as proper core activation and strength for long term wellness 
• A referral for surgical consultation will be recommended if there is failure to respond to conservative methods or in the event of severe neurological loss

2. Sciatica

The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the human body and is made up of 5 nerve roots from the lumbosacral spine. It passes through the buttocks, down the back of the leg, around the heel and into the sole of the foot.

• One of the most common reasons for patients to seek treatment 
• Also, one of the most self-diagnosed conditions by patients  

Basic LBP can often progress to sciatica if left untreated 

Sciatica symptoms are typically felt in the lower back, buttocks, posterior leg and foot. The symptoms are described as: 

• Pain ranging from mild and achy to sharp and burning 
• Numbness 
• Tingling 
• Weakness of the affected leg

Causes 

• Most commonly from compression of the nerve roots from a bulged/herniated discs 
• Trauma 
• Direct pressure to the nerve:
  • Piriformis syndrome 
  • Sitting on a wallet  

Treatment 

• A thorough evaluation helps to direct the nature of the treatment 
• Initially treatments are designed to reduce pain symptoms related to sciatica. This includes:
  • Chiropractic adjustments 
  • Physiotherapy treatments like Traction/Flexion-distraction, E-stim, Cryotherapy (Ice) and specific home exercises aimed at reducing pain and inflammation around the nerve root(s)
• Once pain is under control focus can be shifted to preventing recurrence by performing stabilization exercises for the low back and improving mechanics of the lower spine and lower extremities
  • Strategies to avoid or overcome triggers is necessary for long-term relief  

3. Facet Syndrome

The facet joints are the small joints located on the back of the spine. 

The orientation of these joints change in each region of the spine, thus, they are responsible for how much rotational movement occurs in each region of the spine 

Facet Syndrome is a very common condition that contributes to lower back pain 

Pain is often worst when changing positions, such as when going from a seated to standing position or when straightening up from a bent-over position 

• Often described as dull, stiff and achy with occasional sharpness on certain movements

Common Causes 

• Overuse 
• Trauma/Motor Vehicle Accidents 
• Excessive weight 
• Pre-existing arthritis 
• Prolonged sitting 
  • Desk jobs that involve sitting for most of the day is a major contributor to this condition

Treatment 

• Mobilization of the fixated segments is addressed through spinal adjustments. 
  • This is supported by core stabilization exercises to strengthen the erector spinae musculature 
• Proper education will have the most profound effect as it is usually that patient’s lifestyle habits that creates the problem in the first place 
  • Strategies to avoid and/or exacerbations to help the patient protect themselves is extremely valuable.

4. Lumbar Sprain/Strain

Sprains and strains of the lower back are very common 

• A Sprain refers to an injury to the ligaments of a particular joint – think PASSIVE movement 
• A Strain refers to an injury that occurs in the muscle – think ACTIVE movement

Can contribute to destabilization and, eventually, pain in the lower back 

Pain is common when attempting mundane activities such as sitting, standing, walking, exercise or even while sleeping 

Common Causes 

• Traumatic injuries or injuries sustained in athletic events are the most prevalent 
• However, Repetitive Movements, Poor Mechanics and Poor Posture are the most common causes especially as they relate to heavier lifting 
  • Furthermore, these types have a higher probability of becoming chronic due to the gradual onset and not being able to “pin-point” the initial cause

Treatment 

• Reduction of pain and inflammation is the most important step – especially from a traumatic injury 
• However, the primary sufferers of this condition, especially chronic cases, often are in poor physical condition with weak stabilizing muscles of the spine. 
  • Much like those with facet syndrome, desk jobs are a co-morbidity to this problem so stabilization exercises to improve the function of the core musculature and support the spinal adjustment(s) are essential 
• Proper education for resolution and prevention cannot be overstated

5. Lumbar Stenosis

Caused by narrowing of the spinal canal in the lumbar region of the spine resulting in compression of the spinal cord 

• Causes a variety of symptoms, including: localized or radicular pain, burning, numbness, tingling and muscle weakness in the back, buttocks or legs as well as loss of bowel/bladder control or loss of control of the reproductive organs 
• Neurogenic Claudication is typically associated with Lumbar Spinal Stenosis and refers to changing leg symptoms as they related to different spinal positions

Symptoms are typically felts when standing or walking for a short period of time 

• Results in a less active lifestyle 
• Often feel the need to hunch over for relief; called the “Shopping Cart Sign”

One of the most common causes of disability in older adults and can lead to the reliance on others to function 

Causes 

• Advanced Osteoarthritis (OA) is far and away the most common cause. However, it is important to remember that degene ration of the spine is inevitable with age and may reflect normal changes in an aging spine. Thus, OA doesn’t ALWAYS cause stenosis 
• Lumbar disc herniations 
• Osteoporosis 
• Tumor 
• Congenital factors such as Dwarfism or congenitally short pedicles

It is important to note that degenerative changes of the spine are common and often are the result of the normal aging process 

• Not all degeneration causes pain 
• Not all arthritis leads to stenosis 

Treatment 

• Chiropractic adjustments are necessary initially; however, the most benefit will come from specific, structured exercise 
  • We understand that certain movements will be uncomfortable thus exercise modifications will be necessary. This can completely change how it’s felt and allow you to achieve the results needed to progress forward.

Understanding that there is no “cure” for this is necessary. The best course for long term relief is management and changing some key lifestyle activities that are driving the problem 

• Steroid injections and surgery are certainly available options, but results are typically inconsistent and always more expensive

Ultimately, it is next to impossible to combat the normal aging of the spine. However, there are some habits and tips one could use to reduce low back conditions, especially as they are related to other causes.

Acute and Chronic Conditions

Acute Pain is defined by the Cleveland Clinic as pain that comes on suddenly and is sharp in quality. It is typically caused by something specific or could serve as a warning of disease or threat to the body. 

• Common Causes include: 
  • Activities of Daily Living (ADL’s) 
  • Auto Accidents 
  • Cuts or Burns 
  • Fractures 
  • Lifting/Bending 
  • Ligament sprains 
  • Muscle strains 
  • Playing with your kids 
  • Pregnancy-related pain 
  • Sleeping wrong 
  • Sports-related injuries 
  • Work-related injuries
• Oftentimes, acute pain is mild and has a short duration. However, it can sometimes be more severe and last weeks or even months
  • Most acute pain cases do not last longer than 6 months. It will disappear once the underlying cause has been treated and/or healed 
  • Unrelieved acute pain, however, can lead to more chronic conditions  
• With any case of acute pain, the initial goal is aimed at controlling and reducing the pain levels while simultaneously getting the patient to move and function more efficiently 
• Once the pain levels have been controlled, the focus of the treatment can turn to rehabilitation of the area to prevent or, at the very least, dimmish any possible future flare-ups.

Chronic Pain is defined by the Cleveland Clinic as pain that is ongoing and usually lasts longer than 6 months. This type of pain can even continue after the injury or illness that caused it has healed.

Chronic pain will typically be precipitated by an injury. However, sometimes people will suffer from chronic pain symptoms even when there is no apparent injury or body damage present.

• Common Causes include: 
  • Headache 
  • Low Back Pain 
  • Arthritis Pain 
  • Cancer 
  •  Fibromyalgia 
  • Nerve Pain
• Chronic pain as creates increased stress to the body as a whole and can lead to other physical conditions, such as:
  • Tense muscles 
  • Limited mobility
  • Lack of energy 
  • Changes in appetite
• Emotional effects can include: 
  • Depression 
  • Anger 
  • Anxiety 
  • Fear of re-injury OR Fear-avoidance behavior
• As you can see, chronic pain sufferers require more than just treating the pain. Chronic pain treatment requires a BioPsychoSocial (BPS) approach to address the patients pain symptoms while simultaneously addressing the emotional and psychological components of chronic pain. 

At National Pike Chiropractic, we utilize a combination of Chiropractic adjustments, manual muscle therapies, corrective exercises, therapeutic modalities, and lifestyle advice to help patients reach their health goals with both Acute and Chronic Pain!

Work-Related Injuries / Auto Injuries

An untimely injury, whether it is work-related or from an auto accident, can derail your life 

These are unpredictable in their cause but can have a predictable curse of disability if left untreated 

Common Injuries sustained from work-related or auto accidents are: 

• Cervical, Thoracic or Lumbar sprain/strain 
• Cervical, Thoracic or Lumbar disc herniation 
• Extremity Pain 
• Whiplash 
• Headaches

The ultimate goal is to reduce inflammation and restore normal motion as soon as possible. 

Once that is done the focus can be shifted to improving stability and ultimately a return to pre-injury status.

Shoulder Conditions

There are several different shoulder conditions and with that several different causes to those conditions. Shoulder pain can arise from the joints and muscles directly related to the area, it can be radicular as in a pinched nerve from the neck, or it can be a referral from another organ in the body. 

Simply put: shoulder pain can be complex and debilitating as we use and rely on our shoulders for most every activity we do. To fully understand shoulder pain, let’s first look at what structures are involved in making up the shoulder girdle and how they function in the human body. 

Causes of shoulder pain can be broken down into a couple different categories: 

• Mechanical
  • Shoulder Dysfunction Continuum  
    • The Shoulder Dysfunction Continuum
      • There is a progression of muscular imbalances in the shoulder girdle that, if left untreated, will progressively worsen and ultimately end up with rupture of the rotator cuff. This is non-traumatic and typically affects the desk worker as it is driven by poor posture and overuse. Let me explain:
      • The continuum goes like this: Scapular Dyskinesis to Subacromial Impingement Syndrome to Rotator Cuff Tears to Rotator Cuff Rupture
      • It is important to note that this is COMPLETELY PREDICTABLE 
        • Scapular Dyskinesis: this is simply malposition of the scapula and results from poor posture. As the poor posture is left unaddressed overuse begins to occur and leads to compensation and ultimately alteration of the normal biomechanics of the shoulder girdle. This is generally not a painful condition but more a postural observation that has a characteristic pattern of tight and weak muscles. It is also a good predictor of future problems!
        • Subacromial Impingement Syndrome (SAIS): As the muscle imbalances in the shoulder girdle continue, the muscles along the inferior tip of the shoulder blade become weaker while the muscles of the anterior shoulder become stronger which allows the shoulder blade to “roll forward”. This creates an impingement on the Supraspinatuis tendon of the rotator cuff (image(s) here). This will create pain in the anterior shoulder especially when trying to lift or internally rotate the arm.  
        • Rotator Cuff Tears: If the problem is further ignored this can lead to partial- or full-thickness tears of the rotator cuff muscles. This causes further breakdown and dysfunction of the muscle tissues and can be quite painful with even simple tasks.
        • Rotator Cuff Rupture: This is the ultimate result of ignoring the problem. The muscle fibers will continue to tear until it completely ruptures apart. This results in complete loss of function of the muscle and requires surgical repair.  
  • Sprain/Strain 
  • Repetitive/Overuse 
  • Occupational 
  • Postural
• Neurological
  • Cervical Radiculopathy 
  • Peripheral Neuropathy (Thoracic Outlet Syndrome) 
  • Injury to Spinal Accessory Nerve (Cranial Nerve 11), The Long Thoracic Nerve or Suprascapular Nerve 
• Specific Joint Pathology
  • AC Joint Separation 
  • AC Joint Instability 
  • AC Joint Arthrosis 
  • Labral Injury 
  • GH Joint Internal Derangement 
  • GH Joint Instability 
  • Fractures of the collarbone, shoulder blade or upper arm  
• Other Causes
  • AutoImmune Disease 
  • Bone Spurs 
  • Bursitis 
  • Deconditioning 
  • Dislocated Shoulder 
  • Referred Pain from Gallbladder or Heart Attack 
  • Oseteoarthritis 
  • Tendinitis 
  • Torn Cartilage or Ligaments  

Sports Injuries

Sports Injuries can lead to a wide variety of conditions and pain syndromes 

This includes but is not limited to: 

1. Spinal sprains/strains 
2. Extremity sprains/strains 
3. Disc injuries/herniations 
4. Plantar Fasciitis 
5. Whiplash/Headaches 
6. Impingement syndromes 
7. Pinched nerves 
8. Peripheral nerve entrapments
9. And more….

Chiropractic care is perfectly situated to deal with sport-related injuries and has been proven to be the most effective means for returning to play when surgery is not required!

At National Pike Chiropractic, we evaluate the biomechanics involved and develop the game plan that will get you back to competition as quickly as possible! 

• Headaches
• Sciatica
• Hip Pain
• Piriformis Syndrome
• Degenerative Arthritis / Osteoarthritis
• Impingement Syndrome
• Knee Pain
• Foot & Ankle Pain
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
• Golfers / Tennis Elbow
• Scoliosis
• Pregnancy-Related Pain
• Sacroiliitis or SI Joint Pain
• Fibromyalgia

Headaches
Many people believe that headaches are caused by loud noise, being tired, or being stressed. While these are all factors that can lead to headaches, the direct cause is tightness in the neck and shoulders. The tightness can cause misalignments in the vertebrae of your neck, resulting in pain. 80% of all headaches originate from the neck. With a typical cervicogenic (neck origin) headache, a person usually feels pain starting at the base of the skull which radiates into the temples, eyeballs, and forehead. Massage of the neck and shoulder muscles can release tension, and a chiropractic adjustment can realign the vertebrae in your neck. Chiropractic can help eliminate the cause of your headaches rather than offering a temporary relief from the symptoms.

Sciatica
Sciatica is a condition that results when the sciatic nerve becomes irritated. Bulging discs, spinal subluxations, and muscle spasms can all cause increased pressure on the sciatic nerve. When this happens it causes pain, numbness, and weakness in the lower back and leg. To properly treat sciatica the cause of the condition needs to be diagnosed and properly treated. Your chiropractor can help you do this.

Allergies
Chiropractic can help reduce the severity and the frequency of your allergies.(1) Chiropractic does not work like an anti-histamine as a direct, short term relief from allergies. Chiropractic allows your body to be better equipped to fight against allergies.

Allergies are a reaction by your immune system to an allergen (substances that normally have no effect on people) resulting in sneezing, coughing, congestion, hives, rashes, and in severe cases, seizure and anaphylactic shock. These symptoms are caused by the histamines your immune system creates in an attempt to protect your body against the allergen.

When your spine is misaligned it can impinge on the nervous system in your body. Studies have shown that the nervous system has an effect on the functionality of your immune system. When your nervous system is under stress and not functioning properly, your immune system cannot work at an optimal level. Chiropractors work with the nervous system by aligning the spine to relieve any stress on nerves. This allows the immune system to work at a higher level, making it easier to fight off infections while recognizing allergens. When your immune system recognizes allergens, it will not overreact to them, or at least not react as severely to them.

If you suffer from allergies, chiropractic can help you find relief. Schedule an appointment today.

Disc Problems
Intervertebral discs are positioned between the vertebrae in the spine. The outside of a disc is made from cartilage, and in the center is a jelly like solution. These discs serve many purposes, including allowing movement of the spine, creating space between the vertebrae, and acting as shock absorbers. The gelatinous middle allows the disc to compress and expand based on impact and movement. Trauma to the spine can cause the discs to herniated, bulge, become displaced (slipped disc), or even rupture. Trauma or direct injury to the area is not the only cause, however. As we get older, the discs can begin to weaken and dehydrate. These conditions can put pressure on the nerves around the spine and cause pain.

If you suffer from one of these injuries you should see a chiropractor. Surgery is risky, expensive, and requires recovery time. In many cases, you can experience relief from these conditions through chiropractic. By properly aligning the spine, pressure can be relieved on nerves and on the discs themselves. This will reduce and hopefully eliminate your pain and discomfort and allow you to live a normal lifestyle.

Whiplash
Whiplash is a common injury for people involved in car collisions. When a car is struck from behind or collides with another object, it causes the neck to snap back and forth violently. This causes the muscles and ligaments to overextend, leading to strains and/or tears. This is referred to as soft tissue damage, and can cause stiffness and soreness. Whiplash can also cause structural damage such as misaligned vertebrae, herniated, bulging or ruptured discs, or nerve damage due to the overextension from the violent movement.

Chiropractic can help with both types of injuries. Adjustments and alignments can be performed specifically for those who have been in car accidents and suffered from whiplash. The pressure on the discs and nerves is released when the spine is returned to its proper alignment. Chiropractic massage can be used to help relieve the pain and discomfort from soft tissue injuries. If you have been in a car accident, schedule an appointment with us before relying on pain medications and surgery.

Osteoarthritis
Arthritis is a condition that is caused by the wearing down of the cartilage between joints. Some of the major joints that are affected are the knees, hips, back, neck, and hands/wrist. Arthritis can be painful and can cause the affected areas to not function properly. Arthritis in one area can cause arthritis or other problems in a different joint. For instance, if you have arthritis in your left knee, you may compensate for this by putting more pressure on your right side, leading to right hip problems.

Pain killers can cause temporary relief from pain and discomfort, but it is not a long term solution. Chiropractic can alleviate pain by releasing pressure on the nervous system with proper alignment. It can also restore proper joint movement, helping to ensure that you use proper motion so that you do not cause injury to other parts of your body. We are not concerned strictly with the affected area, but rather the body as a whole. We aim to restore and maintain proper movement and functionality to increase your overall well being.

Joint Dysfunction
Joint dysfunction occurs when joints become stiff and full movement is restricted. It can be caused by an injury, poor posture, overuse/underuse of a joint, muscle imbalance, as well as other factors. Like arthritis, joint dysfunction can cause pain in the joint and the surrounding muscles, and can also cause problems in other parts of the body due to overcompensation.

One common form of joint dysfunction is sacroiliac joint dysfunction, which occurs where the base of the spine meets the pelvis. It causes low back pain and prohibits movement. This condition is often misdiagnosed because the symptoms are similar to sciatica or a herniated disc.

Your chiropractor can properly diagnose this condition and provide relief. Using specific adjustments for the affected joint can return proper mobility and relieve pain. If you have joint pain, visit us for relief.

Neck/Back Pain
Pain along the spinal column in your neck or back is usually caused by subluxations, or misalignments of your vertebrae. A small misalignment can cause pain by causing pressure on nerves. Left untreated, these subluxations can cause muscle spasms and increasing pain. Chiropractic adjustments properly align your spine so that pressure on joints and nerves is released. It is a direct treatment for the cause of the pain, not a temporary relief like pain relievers or massage. If you are experiencing back or neck pain visit us today.

Pinched Nerve
When a nerve is squeezed or compressed it is called a "pinched nerve". This can be caused by spinal misalignments, bulging or herniated discs, or other factors. The increased pressure on the nerve causes inflammation, pain, and sometimes muscle spasms. The pressure on the nerve must be relieved in order to alleviate the pain. An examination can reveal the cause of the pain, and an adjustment can relieve the pain by properly aligning the spine and addressing the cause of the pain.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
This condition is most commonly associated with people who are constantly using a computer. Typing is a motion that, when performed repetitively and with poor posture, can cause carpal tunnel syndrome. Symptoms include pain, numbness, weakness, or a burning sensation. The nerves in the fingertips travel through the wrist, up the arm, and into the neck. The spine is the center of the nervous system, and the pain in your hands and wrists can be relieved by your chiropractor with concentrated spinal and joint adjustments.

Maintenance Care
We have discussed many conditions that can be relieved through chiropractic. The best way to treat these conditions is to prevent them before they even start. Regular chiropractic visits can help to prevent physical problems and injuries from occurring. Other potential benefits of regular chiropractic visits are increased flexibility and mobility, higher level of energy, improved posture, more effective immune system, better circulation, and an overall better feeling of well-being.

Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a condition that we still do not know much about. There is no specific known cause, and it could be brought on by many different factors. The main symptom of fibromyalgia is chronic pain throughout the body, mainly located in joints. The pain may be achy, sharp, radiating, burning, or shooting and it may be mild or severe. Fibromyalgia has also been known to bring on other conditions like trouble sleeping, headaches, depression, and anxiety.

While there is no known cure for fibromyalgia, chiropractic treatment can help to uncover what may be causing the pain and also provide relief for the pain. The cause of fibromyalgia could be physical, mental, or emotional, so a full examination will be performed. Adjustments and chiropractic massage can be used to relieve pain from the affected areas. The added effects of chiropractic treatment such as increased energy levels, better circulation, and a stronger immune system can also help to fight the effects of fibromyalgia. If you are experiencing symptoms of fibromyalgia give us a call to schedule a consultation so we can establish a plan to start you on your road to recovery.

(1)Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15965403?dopt=A...