Throbbing…sharp or shooting pains…intense “gripping” pain…or even a dull, constant aching…all describe a painful headache. Although there are many kinds of headaches and reasons for them, one thing is clear: headaches can be troublesome, and at times, debilitating. What has not been fully appreciated are the results that could be obtained through skillful chiropractic care in the treatment of headaches.
A small percentage of headaches are dangerous – which is why medical specialists should evaluate headaches. Most, however, are simply painful and distracting. Causes can include genetic, psychological, neurological vascular and environmental factors – not to mention “somatic” causes or those arising from the musculoskeletal system. In fact, the importance of considering restricted motion in the muscles, joints, back or neck as a potent source of headaches (including migraines) is only now being recognized by the traditional medical community. As a result, a simple and treatable musculoskeletal cause easily cared for by a chiropractor may be overlooked or even wrongly diagnosed by other types of medical practitioners.
Dr.Madahar is skilled in providing expert care for your neck and back – which are often associated with certain types of headaches. This is most often accomplished through a chiropractic “adjustment”. An adjustment is designed to achieve several objectives: to decrease muscle spasm (which causes pain) and to help restore normal mobility to the affected area. The increases mobility is believed to promote circulation. This in turn aids in the proper nutrition of the joints and spine, thereby decreasing irritation, inflammation and pain.
If you suffer from numbness and tingling in your hands it may be the result of a condition known as Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. There are several causes of thoracic outlet syndrome however most are due to poor posture, muscle imbalance, improper training methods or occupation stress. There are certain professions that are prone to thoracic outlet syndrome. These include cash register operators, typists, packers and assembly line workers, due to the awkward work postures and amount of continuous muscle tension. Other signs of thoracic outlet syndrome include coldness, progressive weakness, early fatigue, and lack of coordination in the hands. There may be additional symptoms such as swelling, heaviness, fatigue and muscle cramping.
So what exactly causes thoracic outlet syndrome? Imagine a bundle of nerves and blood vessels that travels down from your neck to supply your arms. When this bundle is narrowed or compressed the most common result is numbness and tingling in your fourth and fifth fingers or your entire hand. An easy to understand analogy is the common garden hose. If the hose is free from bends or kinks then the water flows freely, however, if there is a kink or bend in the hose then the flow becomes impeded, the same is true of the nervous system. Proper treatment of thoracic outlet requires an accurate understanding of the postural factors involved. Most recent treatment programs consider evaluation of joint mobility and muscular imbalance essential.
Once diagnosis of thoracic outlet syndrome is made by a Doctor of Chiropractic, a specific treatment program is designed for the patient. More specifically chiropractic management will focus on joint mobility in the cervical (neck) and thoracic (upper back) regions of the spine. Frequently, patients with thoracic outlet will have fixations and restrictions in these areas that are treated with spinal manipulative therapy, stretching and rehabilitation in the office. Keep in mind, however, there are other conditions that may cause similar symptoms. In either case, if you are currently suffering from similar symptoms, be sure to consult a heath care practitioner.
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