Why is My Lower Back So Stiff in the Morning?
August 16, 2010
Forget waking up on the wrong side of the bed – when you wake up with a stiff lower back in the morning, it can feel like you’ve woken up after a night of heavy lifting.
For some, having an occasionally stiff lower back after a night’s sleep can come as a result of too much exercise the day before, rigorous activity or a combination of the two. However, for those who are dealing with chronic lower back pain, there are many reasons why your mornings may not be so bright. Take a look at the list below and see if any of these solutions help to alleviate that troublesome lower back pain:
- Before pointing the finger at your back, it might be time to let your mattress take some of the blame. Recent studies have reported that mattresses lose up to 70% of their support after just ten years – and if you’ve got a mattress that’s older than your kids, then you might want to consider trading it in for a new model. For additional support, consider getting a memory foam mattress, which molds to the contours of your body and relieves pressure from sensitive spots like your spine and joints.
- If your mattress isn’t the culprit, then it’s time to look at a medical reason for why you’re waking up with a stiff lower back. If you suffer from arthritis, then it’s possible that you’re dealing with ankylosing spondylitis, which is a form of arthritis that affects the spine. However, other kinds of arthritis can affect the spine as well. If it’s an infrequent arthritis attack, try applying heat to the lower back and take an anti-inflammatory. If the pain is more frequent (i.e. more than once a week), then see your doctor and physical therapist for gentle exercises that can alleviate your arthritis.
- If you feel the pain in your leg as well as your lower spine, then it’s possible that you might have a herniated disc. A herniated disc occurs when the disc presses on the nerves and bones in your lower spine, otherwise known as the lumbar region. A doctor can diagnosis you with a herniated disc and give you medicine; however, the most relief is often attained by visits to a chiropractor, who can use gentle exercises to stretch the spine and relieve the pressure.
If you are suffering from a stiff lower back when you wake up in the morning, we encourage you to visit our Spinal Care clinics in Bayonne and Scotch Plains NJ. Both clinics come highly recommended by numerous physicians in Hudson and Union Counties. Feel free to contact us for a Free, In-Office Evaluation. If you are looking for faster service, give us a call at one of our two New Jersey locations. For our Bayonne, NJ location, call 201-339-889, and for our Scotch Plains, NJ location, call us at 908-490-1800. Just tell them that you read this article and you will receive our complimentary in-office evaluation (a $145 value).
How Physical Therapy Helps Arthritis Pain
July 23, 2010
Growing older often means that you have time for the activities that you enjoy. From gardening and painting to playing your favorite sport, you don’t want anything to get in the way of the things that you enjoy the most.
However, if you suffer from arthritis, then that usually isn’t an option.
For arthritis sufferers, living with this all-too-common ailment typically means reducing the amount of time spent on enjoyable activities. Additionally, because arthritis – which means the inflammation of the joints – causes a great deal of aches, pain, swelling and even limited motion, many sufferers often have trouble carrying out even the simplest tasks, like typing on a keyboard, cooking and even reading a book.
Fortunately, there is a way for arthritis sufferers to fight back against their pain: physical therapy.
After being diagnosed by a medical expert, arthritis sufferers can choose to seek physical therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment, which may also include prescribed medication. Physical therapists and chiropractors who specialize in treating injured joints can teach clients simple yet effective exercises that will gently strengthen the joints, thus reducing the pain and inflammation commonly associated with arthritis. Physical therapists and chiropractors can also provide sufferers with splints that will immobilize the hand or wrist, which can work wonders for patients who experience sharp pain whenever they use their hands.
Physical therapy for arthritis pain can also provide you with vital information on how to combat your arthritis at home. For example:
- You’ll learn about the types of food that can strengthen your joints and muscles by providing much-needed vitamins and minerals.
- For sufferers with severe knee pain, your physical therapist or chiropractor will show you the kind of footwear which will alleviate pain and reduce the amount of pressure you place on your joints.
- You’ll discover the kind of at-home exercises that will alleviate any sudden pains that you may experience while enjoying your favorite activities. Additionally, your physical therapist or chiropractor will show you activity modifications that you can do should your arthritis pain become too severe.
Don’t let arthritis stop you from enjoying your life – discover how physical therapy can help your arthritis pain today!
When considering treatment for arthritis pain and inflammation, our physical therapy clinics in Bayonne and Scotch Plains NJ come highly recommended by numerous physicians in Hudson and Union Counties. Feel free to contact us for a Free, In-Office Evaluation. If you are looking for faster service, give us a call at one of our two New Jersey locations. For our Bayonne, NJ location, call 201-339-889, and for our Scotch Plains, NJ location, call us at 908-490-1800. Just tell them that you read this article and you will receive our complimentary in-office evaluation (a $145 value).
Whiplash – Can This Affect My Memory?
July 14, 2010
“Doctor, is it normal for people after a whiplash injury to notice problems with memory. I can’t seem to remember things I just recently did since my car accident?”
This is a common complaint occurring as a result of a whiplash injury, but it’s not commonly known, leaving those who are suffering wondering, “…what’s wrong with me?” Whiplash is an injury that classically occurs as a result of a car crash at any speed, even at low speed! This is because at low speed, there is little to no damage to the car, and the forces from the crash are not absorbed by the crushing metal. As a result, those forces are transferred to the contents inside the car – that is, the passengers. This sometimes results in a significantly greater injury compared to crashes that occur at twice the speed because the latter results in crushing metal. The actual injury that occurs in whiplash is caused by the sudden, rapid movement of the head resulting in varying degrees of injury to the neck, as well as to the contents inside the skull – that is, the brain. The brain literally “bangs” into the inside walls of the skull when the head is rapidly accelerated during a car crash. The resulting injury is a concussion. What’s interesting is that most patients injured in a car crash often don’t mention a concussion nor is it usually asked about at the doctor’s office as other, more obvious injuries are dwelt with. The condition is usually referred to by one of two names: post-concussive syndrome or mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI).
“Doctor, when I’m reading a book or magazine, sometimes I have to re-read the passage several times before it sinks in. It’s as though I lose my concentration and I can’t focus on what I just read. The other day, I was talking to a group of co-workers and I lost my place in the middle of the discussion and had to ask, ‘…now where was I?’ I notice this is happening a lot since the car accident.”
This can be very embarrassing, frustrating, and scary for patients suffering with MTBI. Other symptoms associated with this include difficulty in focusing (blurred vision), headaches, having difficulty in pronouncing certain words (”tongue twisted”), having difficulty in understanding what was said, difficulty remembering numbers or groups of numbers like phone numbers, addresses, birthdates, and so on. These symptoms can range from mild to severe and can be very disruptive, making work and everyday tasks challenging.
How long does it last? MTBI can completely clear up in 2 to 6 months without problems or, it can hang on for 2 years or longer, and may even become a permanent residual from the car crash. In one study, continued problems after a 2 year time frame were reported in close to 20% of those injured 2 years earlier. This study suggests that about 1 out of 5 may continue to suffer with MTBI and the associated brain-related problems for at least 2 years following a car crash. However, another study reported the long term “higher cognitive function” (such as the ability to communicate through written or spoken language) is usually not affected by whiplash injuries. However, they preface that with by reporting that a more commonly injured group with more mild brain problems was found.
As chiropractors, we are trained to do a thorough history, orthopedic and neurological examination, and ask specific questions about mild traumatic brain injury. It is important to discuss this information with those suffering from whiplash injuries as frequently, MTBI patients think something is “…seriously wrong” and harbor unnecessary anxiety.
We realize that you have a choice in where you choose for your healthcare services. If you, a friend or family member requires care for whiplash, chiropractic care is a logical first choice and we would be honored to offer our services to you
This information is solely advisory, and should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. Any and all health care concerns, decisions, and actions must be done through the advice and counsel of a health care professional who is familiar with your updated medical history.
Dr. Chludzinski has been treating neuropathic conditions for the past 5 years. He is the founder of Hudson Center for Spinal Care located in Bayonne and Scotch Plains, New Jersey. In preparation for his career, Dr. Chludzinski attended St. Peter’s College in Jersey City, NJ, graduating in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science in Natural Science. He continued his studies at Life University School of Chiropractic in Marietta, Georgia, graduating in the class of 2002 as a Doctor of Chiropractic. Dr. Chludzinski services all of Union and Hudson counties, including Bayonne, Jersey City, Hoboken, Harrison, Kearny, Newark, Elizabeth, Westfield, Clark, Fanwood, Plainfield, Watchung, Mountainside, Berkeley Heights and South Plainfield.
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Whiplash – The Importance of Seatbelts!
May 12, 2010
Whiplash is a very common problem afflicting millions of people each year. In fact, there are more than 6 million car accidents each year in the United States alone. Death associated with car accidents occurs every 12 minutes and each year, motor vehicle collisions (MVC) kill 40,000 people. For people aged between 2 and 34 years old, MVCs are the leading cause of death. Another sobering statistic is somebody is injured in a car crash every 14 seconds and about 2 million people receive permanent injuries in car crashes each year. Over a five-year period, over 25% of ALL drivers were involved in a motor vehicle collision. The cost of car accidents averages $1000 for each American per year resulting in a $164.2 billion total cost each year in the United States. Approximately 250,000 children are injured and car crashes, meaning approximately 700 kids are injured daily. Car crashes are the leading cause of acquired disability. Hopefully, these rather startling statistics have gotten your attention. Last month, we discussed various effective ways of reducing the likelihood of even being in a motor vehicle collision (MVC). As an appropriate follow-up, this discussion will cover seatbelts and their role in injury prevention and life-saving capabilities.
In general, the available evidence available is clear – seatbelts save lives! Regarding backseat passengers, wearing a seatbelt is 44% more effective at preventing death than riding unrestrained. Similarly, for those positioned in the rear of a van or sport utility vehicle, the use of rear seatbelts is 73% better at preventing a fatal outcome during a car crash. In more than one half of all fatal car accidents, the victims are not properly restrained. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in 2008 reported the use of seatbelts increased 1% over 2007 with 83% of drivers wearing their seatbelts. The use of seatbelts increased to 90% on highways versus 80% on surface streets (in town). In states where rear seatbelts are required, 85% of adult backseat passengers complied versus states not mandating rear seat seatbelt use where only 66% of the passengers complied. The NHTSA has launched a campaign, “Click It or Ticket” and has provided a guide to seatbelt safety promoting the proper use of the seatbelt and have provided the following safety seatbelts tips:
- Make sure your seat belt fits snugly. Seat belts worn too loosely can cause broken ribs or injuries to your abdomen.
- Place the lap belt low on your hipbones and below your belly. Never put the lap belt across your belly.
- Place the shoulder belt across the center of the chest between the breasts.
- Never slip the upper part of the belt off your shoulder. Seat belts that are worn too high can cause broken ribs or injuries to your belly.
- The most effective safety protection available today for passenger vehicle occupants is lap/shoulder seat belts combined with air bags.
There is a common myth that seatbelts cause injuries at low speeds and therefore, it is better to not wear the seatbelt when simply traveling in town. There is overwhelming evidence in almost all circumstances, seatbelts save lives, even at low speed collisions. Because the forces that occur in low-speed crashes are transferred to the contents due to the lack of crushing metal and less vehicle damage, the occupants of a car struck at a low speed can be thrown about significantly… striking the windshield, side window and other contents inside the car. We realize that you have a choice in where you choose for your healthcare services. If you, a friend or family member requires care for whiplash, chiropractic care is a logical first choice and we would be honored to offer our services to you
This information is solely advisory, and should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. Any and all health care concerns, decisions, and actions must be done through the advice and counsel of a health care professional who is familiar with your updated medical history.
Dr. Chludzinski has been treating neuropathic conditions for the past 5 years. He is the founder of Hudson Center for Spinal Care located in Bayonne and Scotch Plains, New Jersey. In preparation for his career, Dr. Chludzinski attended St. Peter’s College in Jersey City, NJ, graduating in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science in Natural Science. He continued his studies at Life University School of Chiropractic in Marietta, Georgia, graduating in the class of 2002 as a Doctor of Chiropractic. Dr. Chludzinski services all of Union and Hudson counties, including Bayonne, Jersey City, Hoboken, Harrison, Kearny, Newark, Elizabeth, Westfield, Clark, Fanwood, Plainfield, Watchung, Mountainside, Berkeley Heights and South Plainfield.
Peripheral Neuropathy and the Nervous System
March 1, 2010
Peripheral neuropathy is the term used to describe damaged nerves of the peripheral nervous system. The most common form, called (symmetrical) peripheral polyneuropathy, mostly affects the feet and the legs.
People suffering from neuropathy frequently describe weakness, loss of muscle and fine muscle twitching as symptoms. However, other more specific symptoms may vary. These symptoms vary because they depend on the types of nerves that have been damaged and where the damage has taken place in the body. For example, common symptoms of a damaged motor nerve are muscle weakness, cramps and spasms. While symptoms associated with damage to the sensory nerve are tingling, numbness and pain. The sensory nerve produces pain that can be described as burning, freezing, electric or extremely sensitive to touch. Damage to the autonomic nerve can result in abnormal blood pressure and heart rate, incontinence and sexual dysfunction.
Neuropathy is a progressive disorder meaning the damage it causes to the nerves progressively gets worse over time.
The majority, about 70%, of the patients treated for neuropathy at Hudson Center for Spinal Care (HCSC) have developed it as a result of nerve damage due to having diabetes. The other 30% varies in the origination of their neuropathy. Some have spinal injuries such as herniated discs or spinal stenosis. Others developed it after radiation treatments for cancer or from chemotherapy.
Though situations vary, most of the patients explore other available treatments prior to walking through the doors of HCSC. Many have tried various pain medications to help alleviate their pains symptoms. Others have tried prescription drugs, such as Neurotin, which help calm down the hypo/hyper sensitivety of the nerves in hopes to relieve the numbness and pain they experience. Physical therapy is also a common path taken. Unfortunately, many neuropathy patients have limited or temporary success with these treatments.
It is usually after these failed attempts to find comfort and rid themselves of their neuropathy symptoms that they come to HCSC. The treatments here are different from the others because they are painless and non-invasive. Depending on the particular case, patients receive low-light laser therapy, vibration therapy and specified chiropractic and physical therapies. In most cases, patients experience relief with just one treatment.
The severity of each case is different. To find out if you are a candidate for treatment at HCSC, a comprehensive examination and consultation would be necessary. Call one of our two New Jersey locations and set up an appointment. For our Bayonne location call 201-339-8889 or for our Scotch Plains location call 908-490-1800. Just tell them you read this article and you will receive our complimentary in-office evaluation (a $245 value). During this time the examination and consultation will be offered all of your questions will be answered.
Article by Dr. Eric Chludzinski, DC
Dr. Chludzinski has been treating neuropathic conditions for the past 5 years. He is the founder of Hudson Center for Spinal Care located in Bayonne and Scotch Plains, New Jersey. In preparation for his career, Dr. Chludzinski attended St. Peter’s College in Jersey City, NJ, graduating in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science in Natural Science. He continued his studies at Life University School of Chiropractic in Marietta, Georgia, graduating in the class of 2002 as a Doctor of Chiropractic. Dr. Chludzinski services all of Union and Hudson counties, including Bayonne, Jersey City, Hoboken, Harrison, Kearny, Newark, Elizabeth, Westfield, Clark, Fanwood, Plainfield, Watchung, Mountainside, Berkeley Heights and South Plainfield.
Neck and Arm Pain – The Herniated Disk?
September 14, 2009
Scotch Plains and Bayonne Chiropractor Comments: Patients that present with neck pain along with arm numbness, pain, and/or weakness, often ask, “…what’s causing this pain down my arm?” The condition is often caused from a bulging or herniated disk pinching a nerve in the neck. The cause of this complaint can include both trauma as well as non-traumatic events. In fact, sometimes, the patient has no idea what started their condition, as they cannot tie any specific event to the onset.
The classic presentation includes neck pain that radiates into the arm in a specific area as each nerve affects different parts of the arm and hand. Describing the exact location of the arm complaint such as, “I have numbness in the arm and hand that makes my 4th and pinky fingers feel half asleep,” tells us that you have a pinched C8 nerve. This nerve can also be pinched at the elbow and make the same two fingers numb. The difference between the two different conditions is when the nerve is pinched in the neck, the pain is located from the neck down the entire arm and into digits 4 & 5 of the hand. When the nerve is pinched at the elbow, the pain/numbness is located from the elbow down to the 4th & 5th digits, but no neck or upper arm pain exists.
Examination findings usually include limitations in certain cervical (neck) ranges of motion (ROMs) – usually in the direction that increases the pinch on the nerve. Another common finding is the arm is often held over the head because there is more stretching on the nerve when the arm is hanging down and pain in the neck and arm increases. Hence, raising the arm over the head reduces the neck/arm pain. To determine where the nerve is pinched, there are a number of different compression tests that can recreate or increase the symptoms. Some compression tests include placing downward pressure on the head with the head pointing straight ahead, bent or rotated to each side. Other compression tests are performed by pressing in areas where the nerve travels such as in the lower front aspect of the neck, in the front of the shoulder where the arm connects to the chest/trunk, at the elbow and at the wrist. If there is a pinched nerve, numbness, tingling and/or pain will be reproduced when pressure is applied to these regions. Other tests include testing reflexes and muscle strength in the arm. When a nerve is pinched, the reflexes will be sluggish or absent and certain movements in the arm are weak when compared to the opposite side. Another very practical test is called the cervical (neck) distraction test where a traction force is applied to the neck. When neck and/or arm pain is reduced, this means there is a pinched nerve. This test is particularly useful because when pain is reduced, the test supports the need for a treatment approach called cervical traction. It has been reported that the use of cervical traction when applied 3x/day for 15 minutes each, at 8-12 pounds, 78% of 81 patients reported a significant improvement in symptoms, which is very effective. Other forms of care that can be highly effective include spinal manipulation, spinal mobilization, certain exercises, physical therapy modalities, and certain medications.
To learn more about Neck and Back Pain Relief, sign up for a free report, or click here to register for a Free, In- Office Evaluation. If you are looking for faster service, feel free to give us a call at one of our two New Jersey locations. For our Bayonne, NJ location, call 201-339-8889, and for our Scotch Plains, NJ location call us at 908-490-1800. Just tell them that you read this article and you will receive our complimentary in-office evaluation (a $245 Value).
Article by Dr. Eric Chludzinski, DC. Dr. Chludzinski is the founder of Hudson Center for Spinal Care located in Bayonne and Scotch Plains, New Jersey. In preparation for his career, Dr. Chludzinski attended St. Peter’s College in Jersey City, NJ graduating in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science in Natural Science. He continued his studies at Life University School of Chiropractic in Marietta, GA graduating in the class of 2002 as a Doctor of Chiropractic. Dr. Chludzinski services both Hudson County and Union County in New Jersey
What Is Fibromyalgia and Can Doctors Agree On the Diagnosis?
September 8, 2009
Bayonne and Scotch Plains Chiropractor Comments: Fibromyalgia (FM) has long been considered a condition involving the soft tissues of the body, that is, the muscles, ligaments, tendons and fascia. It is defined as “a chronic, generalized pain condition associated with symptoms of fatigue, stiffness, and sleep disturbance and is characterized by the physical findings of local tenderness in many specific but widely dispersed sites. Fibromyalgia is the most common cause of widespread pain. The prevalence of this disorder in the general population is between 3% and 5%… Most patients with fibromyalgia remain symptomatic for several years, and no cure has been identified.” Disturbances in the central nervous system (CNS) has also been linked to this condition.
In one study, 168 FM patients had the CNS evaluated by hearing tests, eye movement tests, and a test that evaluates balance/dizziness. Abnormal findings were common in the FM patient group compared to non-FM subjects. Another study utilized an electrical current treatment approach through the skull to stimulate part of the brain to see if that would help a group of patients with FM. Two different parts of the brain were stimulated as well as a sham or fake treatment approach. One of two parts of the brain that was stimulated resulted in reductions of pain that lasted for three weeks and mild improvements in quality of life were reported.
Comparing 287 general practitioners (GPs), 160 orthopedists, 160 physiatrists, and 160 rheumatologists, evaluating a patient injured in a motor vehicle crash, those most likely to diagnose FM were rheumatologists (83%) with physiatrists and GPs in the middle at 60% and 71%, respectively. Orthopedists were least likely at 29%. There were five factors found to be important in the respondent’s agreement or disagreement with the FM diagnosis:
1. The number of FM cases diagnosed weekly by the respondent (strong predictor).
2. The patient’s gender (females > males was a strong predictor).
3. The force of the initial impact (least important).
4. The patient’s psychiatric history before the trauma (more important).
5. The initial injury severity (least important).
This information is important as the shift from considering FM to be strictly a condition of the muscles and other soft tissues to being a condition of the central nervous system will affect our future treatment strategies. Obtaining multiple opinions from various types of practitioners will most likely result in a variety of opinions. Previous reports of treatment benefit utilizing chiropractic approaches, exercise, and strategies to facilitate sleep restoration remain strong in the management process of FM.
To learn more about Fibromyalgia, register for a Free, In- Office Evaluation. If you are looking for faster service, feel free to give us a call at one of our two New Jersey locations. For our Bayonne, NJ location, call 201-339-8889, and for our Scotch Plains, NJ location call us at 908-490-1800. Just tell them that you read this article and you will receive our complimentary in-office evaluation (a $245 Value).
Article by Dr. Eric Chludzinski, DC. Dr. Chludzinski is the founder of Hudson Center for Spinal Care located in Bayonne and Scotch Plains, New Jersey. In preparation for his career, Dr. Chludzinski attended St. Peter’s College in Jersey City, NJ graduating in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science in Natural Science. He continued his studies at Life University School of Chiropractic in Marietta, GA graduating in the class of 2002 as a Doctor of Chiropractic. Dr. Eric Chludzinski services both Hudson County as well as Union County, both in New Jersey.
Whiplash and Muscle Weakness
September 7, 2009
Scotch Plains and Bayonne Chiropractor Comments: Whiplash involves the stretching of nerves, muscles, and ligaments. The forces are so great during even low speed collisions, that the muscles cannot resist the forces. The injury of whiplash produces inflammation to repair the damaged tissues. During this time, fast movements of your head and neck will result in pain, so most patients become overly cautious and move their neck very little. Unfortunately over time, because of the lack of muscle use, you become weak. This sets up the difficult combination of both damaged ligaments and weak muscles. Now there is little strength and support for the neck. This may make you very vulnerable to a future injury. Even slight movements can produces flare-ups when the muscles are too weak. The patient may feel their head to be heavy. Sometimes patients’ injuries can be so severe that dizziness develops due to the asymmetrical muscle and nerve activity. This is called cervicogenic vertigo. If you get dizzy when you move your head, then you may have this condition.
While it may seem intuitively obvious that addressing weak neck muscles are important to a full recovery, few patients will do them unless prompted and explained by their doctor. Specific muscles need to be strengthened in a way that does not cause further damage to the ligaments. If the muscles are tight in certain areas, then stretching or deep tissue massage, or trigger point therapy, can help to loosen areas and decrease pain.
But the most important thing you can do on a daily basis is to keep exercising. Studies have shown this to be effective in whiplash treatment when there is a mechanical neck disorder. A specific exercise program can be prescribed by a doctor of chiropractic Special attention should be made to your posture and x-rays, and how specifically you were injured. Only in this way, will the treatment be effective and not risk further trauma.
Exercises such as rolling the head around the shoulders should be avoided since the neck is not a ball and socket joint like the shoulder. In some directions, the joints will have excessive laxity and the muscle exercises should be done in the neutral position versus at the end range or limit.
Because the ligaments are so badly damaged in whiplash, it’s important to maintain the supporting muscles (both strong and flexible), to keep the spine stable and pain free.
To learn more about Whiplash and Back Pain Relief, sign up for a free report, or click here to register for a Free, In- Office Evaluation. If you are looking for faster service, feel free to give us a call at one of our two New Jersey locations. For our Bayonne, NJ location, call 201-339-8889, and for our Scotch Plains, NJ location call us at 908-490-1800. Just tell them that you read this article and you will receive our complimentary in-office evaluation (a $245 Value).
Article by Dr. Eric Chludzinski, DC. Dr. Chludzinski is the founder of Hudson Center for Spinal Care located in Bayonne and Scotch Plains, New Jersey. In preparation for his career, Dr. Chludzinski attended St. Peter’s College in Jersey City, NJ graduating in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science in Natural Science. He continued his studies at Life University School of Chiropractic in Marietta, GA graduating in the class of 2002 as a Doctor of Chiropractic. Dr. Eric Chludzinski services both Hudson County as well as Union County, both in New Jersey.
A Comprehensive Approach to Fibromyalgia
August 20, 2009
Bayonne and Scotch Plains Chiropractor Comments: Fibromyalgia affects millions of Americans each year. The back and neck pain, sleep problems, headaches and so on add up to a syndrome that has a lot of disease over-lap. Patients with headaches are more likely to suffer from fibromyalgia. Irritable bowel syndrome is also more common. It’s important not think of all of these different symptoms as different diseases. In fibromyalgia, the nervous system is feeding pain signals more quickly to your brain. Even if your injuries are relatively minor, this heightened sensitivity makes them more painful.
Irritated spinal nerves can cause back pain but also refer pains into the arms and chest, or the knee and leg. These are not all separate problems. In many patients with fibromyalgia, they have several areas of their spine that show signs of injury. Multiple spinal injuries can give a “widespread pain” picture, which is fibromyalgia. Many patients do not realize that spinal problems can also refer pain to the stomach, and neck injuries can cause headaches. These all seem like separate problems needing different solutions. The spine is the common factor in many fibromyalgia cases.
Since widespread muscle pain is characteristic of fibromyalgia, some patients choose rest to ease their pain. This can be disastrous. Rest feels good temporarily, but weakened muscles only make joint problems worse. Rest for greater than two days can actually worsen back pain. Many fibromyalgia patients choose to decrease activities and not exercise. This can create even greater pain. Several studies have shown that graduated exercise programs can help ease muscle pain in patients with fibromyalgia. This is also the best way to help the joints of the spine and other areas, which might also be causing pain. Preserving movement is key to keeping your quality of life at a high level.
When you combine exercise with good nutrition, including anti-oxidants, you’ll have the best chance to treat your fibromyalgia symptoms more naturally. Eating a diet that does not promote inflammation is as important as maintaining an optimal weight. You cannot heal on soda pop and hamburgers.
Medications and surgery are not the first line of treatments for fibromyalgia. In fibromyalgia you need to treat your symptoms with a comprehensive and natural approach that addresses problems in a global manner.
By using chiropractic adjustments to make sure the spine is flexible and pain-free, you can engage in more rigorous activities or exercises. As exercise becomes less painful, strength can be improved. Diet and proper rest round out the holistic approach.
To learn more about Fibromyalgia, register for a Free, In- Office Evaluation. If you are looking for faster service, feel free to give us a call at one of our two New Jersey locations. For our Bayonne, NJ location, call 201-339-8889, and for our Scotch Plains, NJ location call us at 908-490-1800. Just tell them that you read this article and you will receive our complimentary in-office evaluation (a $245 Value).
Article by Dr. Eric Chludzinski, DC. Dr. Chludzinski is the founder of Hudson Center for Spinal Care located in Bayonne and Scotch Plains, New Jersey. In preparation for his career, Dr. Chludzinski attended St. Peter’s College in Jersey City, NJ graduating in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science in Natural Science. He continued his studies at Life University School of Chiropractic in Marietta, GA graduating in the class of 2002 as a Doctor of Chiropractic.
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