Give us a Call
910-763-4440
Schedule a Free Consultation!
Send Us a Message
info@goodbackcare.net

Tag: neck pain chiropractor

chiropractor wilmington nc
By admin_seuser December 17, 2020 auto accident injury, Back Pain, Chiropractic Care, neck pain , , , ,

Chiropractor Wilmington NC: Can Joint Injuries Really Cause or Accelerate Arthritis?

A U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study performed from 2007-2009 showed that at least 22.2% of adult Americans suffered from arthritis. The actual number could be higher than the CDC estimate, though, because these were self-reported and doctor-diagnosed cases. Naturally, no one knows how many unreported cases there are. Still, it’s reasonable to believe that this percentage will only become higher as the population ages. Our chiropractor Wilmington NC explains more.

The short answer to the question asked in the title of this article is “Yes”.  Joint injuries really can cause or accelerate arthritis. The reason is simple. Arthritis is all about inflammation of the joint. Inflammation is a natural reaction of the body to injury, pathogens or irritants. Trauma or injury is a major cause of arthritic conditions. Various forms of arthritis, like osteoarthritis (the most common form), are degenerative—they get worse over time and with wear and tear. Once an arthritic condition is established, it will get worse unless the root cause is found and dealt with, or the symptoms are managed by drugs.

Dr. Joseph Borrelli Jr., chairman and professor of orthopedic surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, performed a study to see how post-traumatic arthritis (PTA) developed after an acute joint injury. Using an animal model, Borrelli found that trauma to the joint can lead to a range of acute lesions, including fractures to bones, ligament or meniscus tears and damage to the articular cartilage. These types of injury are often associated with bleeding in the area of the joint and cause post-traumatic joint inflammation. Despite the resolution of the acute symptoms, and the fact that some lesions could be surgically repaired, joint injury causes a chronic remodeling of the cartilage and other joint tissues that in a majority of cases eventually manifests as osteoarthritis.

The key seems to be in the chondrocytes. These are the cells present in healthy cartilage that help to produce and maintain it. When an acute injury occurs, these chondrocytes become inactive within a month, slowly reducing the structural integrity of the cartilage. Borelli said “In our PTA model, the cells became inactive almost immediately after injury and stopped producing these compounds [that maintain the cartilage]. He continued, “This may explain why PTA sometimes develops very quickly in patients after an injury, regardless of how successful we were in fixing the fracture. PTA can develop in just 6 months—unlike osteoarthritis, which may take up to 60 years to develop.”

PTA aside, serious joint injuries that are not addressed promptly can cause a range of problems down the road.  By healing incorrectly or incompletely, joints can become susceptible to instability and re-injury.  Weakened or unstable joints may also lead to other related injuries as the body changes its mechanics to compensate.

Chiropractor Wilmington NC

If you or someone you care about has recently suffered a back, neck or other joint injury, we can help!  Proper treatment can make a big difference! If you’re looking for a chiropractor Wilmington NC, call us today for your free consultation.

chiropractor Wilmington NC
By admin_seuser August 26, 2019 0 Comments Back Pain, Chiropractic Care , , , , , ,

Can Poor Posture Really Cause Back and Neck Pain?

In a word, yes!

Unless your back or neck pain has been caused by some type of over-exertion or acute trauma, it’s actually very likely that poor posture is at least a contributing factor. The alignment of the spine—from the neck through the lower back and hips—is critical to the body’s ability to support its own weight and move efficiently, so posture problems (which are often chronic) can gradually lead to pain and reduced mobility.

When it comes to pain in your back or neck, the relationship between poor posture and injury can also be a complicated one. On the one hand, having poor posture makes it more likely that you will suffer an injury. On the other hand, suffering an injury can also affect your posture. Mary Ann Wilmarth, DPT, spokeswoman for the American Physical Therapy Association explains, “Little things add up. You can increase the pressure on your back by 50% simply by leaning over the sink incorrectly to brush your teeth. Keeping the right amount of curvature in the back takes pressure off the nerves and will reduce back pain.”

How posture problems contribute to neck pain

One of the most common posture problems is a “forward head and shoulder posture”. This occurs when someone “hunches over” and places their head in front of their neck. The weight of the head towards the front stresses the lower neck vertebrae, and leads to overworking of the upper back muscles to compensate for the pull of gravity on the head. Many people with this posture problem also have a rounded upper back and rounded shoulders, which can lead to further stress and shoulder pain. Often, poor desk and chair ergonomics contribute to these problems, but even slouching on the couch or at a table with your mobile phone can lead to hunching over.

How posture problems contribute to back pain

The “forward head” posture described above causes stress on the lower cervical vertebrae, which may end up sliding forward relative to each other as a result of gravity. This is a particular problem for people who have jobs requiring them to look forward or downwards all day. Eventually, the prolonged pressure on the cervical vertebrae will irritate the ligaments and soft tissues, radiating downwards to the upper back. This process can lead to disc degeneration, cervical osteoarthritis and herniated discs.

Tips for improving poor posture and relieving back and neck pain

Poor posture is typically the result of habits that have been developed over long periods of time performing the same activities over and over again. Here are just a few of the most common culprits:

  • Staring at computer monitors or mobile devices that are badly positioned.
  • Sitting in poorly designed office chairs.
  • Sleeping on mattresses that don’t provide the necessary support.
  • Carrying heavy backpacks or purses.

But how do you know which activities are contributing to your poor posture and causing you pain? The clues are usually fairly easy to spot once you know what you’re looking for. For instance, the pain in your neck or back may be worse at some times during the day than at others, or it may come and go with changes in your body position. If you experience fatigue or pain when you first wake up in the morning or after you’ve been sitting at your desk for a couple of hours, it might be time for a new mattress or new office furniture.

The good news is that once you become aware of the activities that are contributing to your posture problems and pain, most can be fixed relatively easily, with no need for either medication or surgery. Learn to recognize when you’re hunching over your computer, slouching in your chair or craning your neck to look at your mobile phone. Then sit up straight, aligning your hips, shoulders and ears in one vertical line.

Sometimes, however, the solution is not so simple—especially when poor posture has caused structural changes in the spine and neck. In these cases, a chiropractor can help by designing posture correction and spinal rehabilitation programs to restore the spine’s normal curvature. These programs will usually involve a combination of mechanical techniques that actively remodel the spine (including the use of braces and molding blocks), exercises and stretches that strengthen postural muscles and restore range of motion, and lifestyle changes to address the root causes.

As experts in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions, chiropractic physicians are specially trained to recognize and correct postural problems. If you’re suffering from neck or back pain and suspect that your posture may be at least partially to blame, call Southeastern Healthcare today at 910-790-3666 to schedule an appointment with one of our chiropractors. We are here for you. With six locations throughout the Wilmington area, we have an office conveniently close to you.

chiropractor wilmington nc
By goodbackcare July 25, 2019 0 Comments Back Pain, Chiropractic Care , , , , , ,

20 Surprising Facts About the Spine

The spine rarely gets much thought or consideration, but it is one of the most important features in the human body. Without it, we wouldn’t be able to move, let alone stand upright. It’s so important that it even has its own day – World Spine Day. If that surprises you, then here are 20 more spine facts from Southeastern Healthcare’s chiropractor Wilmington NC.

  1. There are about 22 ligaments in the spine
  2. The spinal cord has more than 13.5 million neurons
  3. The average spinal cord weighs about 35 grams
  4. The spine is so flexible that when bent it can form 2/3 of a circle
  5. The spinal column has more than 100 joints
  6. Humans and giraffes share the same number of cervical vertebrae (seven)
  7. The first cervical vertebrae is called “atlas” after the character in Greek mythology because it “carries the weight of the head”
  8. There are more than 120 muscles in the spinal column
  9. One-fourth of the spine’s length is made up of cartilage
  10. More than 80% of Americans will suffer from back pain at some time in their lifetimes with most injuries resulting from auto accidents
  11. After the age of 40, humans “shrink” at a rate of a quarter- to a third-of-an-inch per decade as a result of gravity’s effect on the spine
  12. Astronauts return to earth approximately 3% taller than when they left because of microgravity’s expanding effect on the spine’s cartilage
  13. Spines have 33 individual vertebrae, but some fuse over time to become the coccyx and the sacrum
  14. The spine has four primary motions – forward, backward, side bending, and rotating
  15. Sitting in a hunched position puts 200-lbs of pressure on the lumbar spine
  16. October 16th is the official World Spine Day
  17. Lying flat on your back with legs elevated puts 25-lbs of pressure on the lumbar spine
  18. The spine is capable of withstanding several hundred pounds of pressure
  19. The spine has a memory. This is why it is so important to make sure it is always properly aligned
  20. People with back pain who don’t undergo chiropractic treatment or rehabilitation are 22 times more likely to experience a relapse

Get Relief from Back Pain – Visit a Southeastern Healthcare Chiropractor Wilmington NC Today

There are dozens of causes of back pain, but a great many of which can be improved simply by being treated by an experienced chiropractor Wilmington NC. Isn’t it time you stopped living in constant pain? Get the relief you’re looking for, safely and holistically, at Southeastern Healthcare.

Call Southeastern Healthcare today at 910-790-3666 to schedule an appointment with one of our chiropractors. We are here for you. With six locations throughout the Wilmington area, we have an office conveniently close to you.

By goodbackcare June 27, 2019 0 Comments Back Pain, Chiropractic Care , , , , , , , ,

Top 4 Myths About Neck and Back Pain

 

neck pain wilmington nc

In Wilmington NC, back pain and neck pain affects thousands of people. Neck and back pain are among the leading causes of disabilities, lost work hours, and healthcare expenses in the entire country. But what many back and neck pain sufferers fail to understand is that relief is attainable.Part of the problem so many people continue to suffer from back and neck pain is due to the fact that they have serious misconceptions on how these painful problems can be treated. To help give you a better understanding, here are the top four myths about neck and back pain and their truths from our chiropractor Wilmington NC.

Myth #1: The Pain is In My Head

Not every cause of pain in the neck or the back is easily identified. This can often leave patients feeling as if their pain is not real, but rather a figment of their imagination. The truth is, certain conditions like depression and sleeplessness can definitely produce non-anatomically-caused pain in the neck or back. But, if the pain persists for weeks or months, then there will almost always be an anatomical cause. Just because your doctor can’t find the cause of your pain does not mean you’re not experiencing it.

Myth #2: The Pain Will Go Away With Rest

Rest will either help or worsen neck or back pain. While certain minor conditions might be alleviated with a day or two of rest, others will be aggravated by inactivity. This is because inactivity causes the muscles to weaken and this puts more pressure on the injured area. There’s a reason why physical therapy is a key treatment strategy for neck and back pain; it’s to help maintain and strengthen the supporting muscles in the affected area.

Myth #3: A Chiropractor Can Injure My Spine Because It is Fragile

Some sufferers of neck and back pain refuse to seek the help of chiropractors because they believe that the spine is fragile and the chiropractor might injure it during manipulation. The reality is, the spine is an extremely complex anatomical structure that’s supported by an incredible network of muscles, tendons, and ligaments and it is difficult to damage. Plus, chiropractors, like other healthcare professionals, undergo extensive training before they’re allowed to practice. They know exactly what they’re doing when it comes to manipulation and improving a patient’s posture and body mechanics.

#4: The Pain is So Bad, The Spine Just Has to Be Damagedwilmington nc back pain

When it comes to chronic pain in the neck or the back, the intensity of the pain is not always indicative of the amount of damage, in fact, it rarely is. For instance, a person with mild disc degeneration may experience significant pain while a person with more severe degeneration might not feel any pain at all. Every case is different and not every cause of long-term chronic pain is due to considerable damage to the spine or require surgical intervention. For a good many chronic pain sufferers, regular spinal manipulation may be all that’s needed to relieve the pressure on the pain producing point.

For Wilmington NC Back Pain Relief, Trust the Chiropractor Wilmington NC at Southeastern Healthcare

When you’re suffering from neck or back pain, it might feel as if there’s nothing you can do to help alleviate the pain. After all, you’ve probably tried all of the usual tactics, like heating pads, cold compresses, rest, and more. But, the problem is you’re only treating the symptom and not the cause and that’s why your pain just won’t go away.

Stop living with debilitating pain – call Southeastern Healthcare today at 910-790-3666 to schedule an appointment with one of our chiropractors. We are here for you. With six locations throughout the Wilmington area, we have an office conveniently close to you.  Back pain relief is attainable and our chiropractor Wilmington NC can help.

 

By goodbackcare June 25, 2019 0 Comments Back Pain, Chiropractic Care , , , , , ,

The Importance of Good Workplace Ergonomics

back pain chiropractorFor millions of office workers, freelancers, call center agents, and other professionals that spend the majority of their workday sitting in a chair, neck and back pain can be a part of everyday life. In fact, work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) are among the most common causes of occupational injuries and disability. Every year in the United States alone, WRMSDs account for more than a third of all work-related injuries, causing workers to miss more than 647,000 days of work. Also, they account for as much as $60 billion in workman’s compensation claims. But, a lot of these injuries and illnesses can be avoided simply by implementing good workplace ergonomics and by seeing a reputable chiropractor for back pain Wilmington NC regularly. Here, we discuss more about workplace ergonomics and its importance.

What Can Bad Ergonomics Cause?

When an individual is subjected to bad ergonomics for several hours on a daily basis, it has a compounding effect on their entire body. This means that the more they are subjected to it, the more damage it does. Almost immediately, the individual will start developing a bad posture that can instantly lead to lower back pain and stiffness in the neck. They can also start experiencing joint discomfort, muscle tightening and swelling, and feelings of numbness or “pins and needles.”

If not remedied, the individual will be higher at risk of suffering from chronic back and neck pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, sprains, and even hernias.

Bad Posture = More Musculoskeletal Problems

In a recent report published in the Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, researchers analyzed the postures of laboratory workers to determine whether or not ergonomics had any relation to the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders, the workers’ postures, and other work characteristics. Data was gathered using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ, a standardized scale for measuring musculoskeletal disorders and occupational health), the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS, a type of self-reporting measurement), and RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment, a self-reported scale by which workers assess the postures that most accurately reflect their working positions). The researchers were able to conclude that poor workplace ergonomics caused musculoskeletal problems in 73.3% of the workers, and there was a direct correlation between the severity of one’s posture and the number of musculoskeletal problems they had.

What Can Be Done About Poor Workplace Ergonomics for Back Pain Wilmington NC?

If you work in an environment with bad workplace ergonomics, then you should bring it up to your employer immediately. The more employees you can get to rally with you, the faster your employer will take the action necessary to fix the problems. In the meantime, however, there are some things you can do to help improve matters. These include:

  • Raising or lowering your chair to a more comfortable position
  • Setting your monitor on books to raise it to eye level
  • Using an ergonomic mouse pad with proper wrist support

For even more tips, the United States Department of Labor’s OSHA website has a workplace ergonomics checklist you can review.

Another thing you can do to help improve your posture, relieve back and neck pain, and improve your overall health and wellness is to schedule an appointment with Southeastern Healthcare’s chiropractor for back pain Wilmington NC. Getting and keeping your body in alignment is one of the most important things you can do to help improve your comfort through the workday.

Make an appointment with one of our back pain chiropractors today by calling 910-790-3666. With six locations throughout the Wilmington area, we have an office conveniently close to you.

auto accident chiropractor wilmington nc
By goodbackcare July 18, 2018 0 Comments Chiropractic Care , , , , , , ,

Why You Should Go to a Chiropractor After an Auto Accident

Thousands of auto accidents occur every day. In fact, so many take place on America’s highways and byways that the odds of you being involved in at least one accident within your lifetime is so much higher than living an accident-free life. Adding insult to injury is the fact that so many accident-related injuries fail to present themselves until a days after the event. And, since most auto-related injuries involve the neck and back, they can be extremely painful and frustrating and affect everything from your ability to work to your overall quality of life. Regardless of whether or not your auto accident was substantial, you should be seen by a medical professional immediately afterward and then, once it has been determined that you haven’t suffered any broken bones, internal bleeding, or head trauma, a visit to an auto accident  chiropractor WIlmington NC is recommended and here’s why.

Broken Bones Aren’t the Only Type of Injuries Caused in Auto Accidents

More times than not, auto accidents don’t involve traumatic injuries like broken bones. While these (and worse) types of injuries certainly can and do occur, by and large, soft tissue injuries tend to be the most common types of injuries associated with accidents. In fact, more than half of all whiplash cases occur in simple fender benders.

When to See a Chiropractor After an Accident

As stated earlier, if you’re involved in an auto accident, then it is always wise to seek medical treatment right away at the scene if an ambulance is called or at your local emergency room so you can be cleared of (or treated for) any major, life-threatening injuries. This is important even if you don’t feel pain because your adrenaline will be pumping after the accident and adrenaline is the body’s natural way of protecting itself against pain and trauma. Keep in mind that it can take as long as a few days after the accident before the adrenaline “rush” starts to wear down. During this time, you may gradually start feeling pain in your back, neck, or other body part.

But, you don’t have to feel pain to visit the chiropractor. In fact, even if you’re not yet feeling pain, you should still visit an auto accident chiropractor in Wilmington NC within two weeks after the accident if anything to get a second opinion and an alignment.

How Can Chiropractic Care Help Auto Accident Victims?

Unlike traditional medical doctors, chiropractors are trained to detect hidden injuries like herniated discs, strained tissues, and subluxations. And, they have the expertise and tests necessary for finding them, including orthopedic and neurological tests. These test help identify things like soft tissue damage, structural damage, loss of muscle strength, loss of range of motion, and joint and nerve function problems.

If your chiropractor discovers any such injuries, he or she will create a custom treatment plan designed to help you recover from your injuries. This treatment plan can include a variety of treatment modalities including:

  • Chiropractic adjustments
  • Deep tissue massages
  • Trigger point therapy
  • Kinesio therapy

With the combination of the above treatment methods, your auto accident chiropractor in Wilmington NC can provide you with the targeted care you need to make a return to full mobility and a pain-free life.

Schedule an Appointment with Southeastern’s Auto Accident Chiropractor Wilmington NC

If you were recently involved in an auto accident and you have already been assessed by medical professionals, take the time to see Southeastern Healthcare’s auto accident chiropractor  Wilmington NC. We’ll provide you with a complete physical assessment and create a customized plan of care that will have you feeling better and healthier in no time.

Call Southeastern Healthcare today at 910-202-4341 to schedule an appointment with one of our chiropractors. We are here for you. With six locations throughout the Wilmington area, we have an office conveniently close to you.

neck pain chiropractor
By goodbackcare September 16, 2016 0 Comments Chiropractic Care, Uncategorized , , , , ,

7 Common Causes of Neck Pain

In a recent survey conducted by National Institute of Health Statistics, researchers asked respondents about the four most common types of pain and neck pain came in second only to low back pain. But, while low back pain often gets all of the press in terms of spine-related injuries and disability cases, neck pain can be just as burdensome and it can have as great a negative effect on one’s quality of life as any other type of chronic pain.

One of the biggest problems with neck pain is that the root cause of it isn’t always clear. From how you work to your choice in pillow, there are a variety of everyday factors that can accentuate one’s pain and this makes determining the cause even more difficult.

If you have neck pain, a neck pain chiropractor can help you sort out the issue and reduce your pain in many cases after just a few sessions. And, they can help you uncover the real reason behind your pain. To help you get started, here are seven of the most common causes of neck pain.

Correctable Causes of Neck Pain

  • Bad Posture: Many people underestimate just how important a good posture is to maintaining one’s health. If you don’t pay attention to your posture and you tend to slouch a lot throughout the day, you are putting stress on the muscles in your neck and shoulders. The resulting strain causes intense pain that worsens throughout the day.
  • Poorly Positioned Computer Monitor: We use them at work and we use them at home. Computers are definitely part of our everyday lives. But, if your computer’s monitor isn’t positioned properly, you will start to develop chronic neck pain. Ideally, your computer monitor should be positioned at eye level to reduce strain on your neck muscles.
  • Unsupportive Pillow: If your pillow is old and the padding inside has lost its supportive nature, then sleeping on that flat pillow will cause your neck to extend at odd angles, resulting in a stiff neck upon waking. But, just as bad is a pillow that’s overstuffed because it causes the exact same effect. The best pillow is one that gently cradles the head while keeping the cervical spine as straight as possible.

Medical Causes of Neck Pain

  • Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is the deterioration of cartilage in the joints and this can occur anywhere in the body, even the cervical region of the spine. When someone has osteoarthritis in the cervical spine, they will usually have pain in the neck in the morning, at night, on cold days, and often, right before a rainstorm.
  • Degenerative Disc Disease: Degenerative disc disease is an age-related condition that involves the wearing down of the discs in the spine. When this occurs in the cervical region, it can result in pain in the neck that comes and goes.
  • Herniated Cervical Disc: A herniated disc in the cervical region of the neck can put pressure on nerves, thus causing intense pain.
  • Spinal Stenosis: Spinal stenosis is a breakdown of the discs and the joint facets in the spine. As the spine compresses, it places a lot of pressure on the nerves to the point that it causes intense pain and in some cases of cervical spinal stenosis, even numbness, shooting pains, or electrical-like shocks in one or both arms.

Southeastern’s Neck Pain Chiropractor in Wilmington NC Can Help

At Southeastern Healthcare, our chiropractors help patients suffering from neck pain find the relief that has eluded them for so long. Most causes of neck pain are treatable and we can help. Schedule an appointment with a neck pain chiropractor today and we’ll provide you with a complete physical assessment and a customized plan of care that will have you feeling better and healthier.

Call Southeastern Healthcare today at 910-202-4341 to schedule an appointment with a neck pain chiropractor. We are here for you. With six locations throughout the Wilmington area, we have an office conveniently close to you.