Overview Joints Discs Other

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease, results when the cartilage protecting the end of bones breaks down over time.  This leads to pain, tenderness, stiffness, joint locking and inflammation of the joints.  Although the lost cartilage can’t be repaired, exercise and therapy designed to increase joint mobility help to reduce pain and allow greater range of motion in the affected areas of the body.

To treat osteoarthritis, manual therapies may include one, or a combination of, the following:

ART (Active Release Technique)

Trigger Point Dry Needling (depending on situation)

Chiropractic Manipulation/Mobilization

Corrective Exercise

Postural Pain

Postural Pain encompasses all types of pain in the low back and neck.  Repetitive postures, such as sitting at a desk or driving a car can lead to poor blood circulation, muscle fatigue and imbalance, and improper alignment.  Over time, these muscle imbalances and changes in alignment can cause postural pain.

The first step in our treatment plan for postural pain includes diagnosing and, to the extent possible, alleviating, the primary cause(s) of the pain. This may include suggesting changes to a patient’s workstation or environment, encouraging short breaks from a repetitive job or hobby, or meditation to reduce stress. Additionally manual therapies to treat postural pain may include one, or a combination of, the following:

ART (Active Release Technique)

Trigger Point Dry Needling to reduce joint or soft tissue restrictions that may cause pain

Chiropractic Manipulation/Mobilization

Corrective Exercise

Sciatica

Sciatica is a relatively common condition resulting from pressure on or irritation of the five spinal nerve roots (which give rise to each sciatic nerve) and/or the sciatic nerves themselves.  Sciatic pain is usually felt in the lower back, buttock, or in parts of the leg and foot. In addition to the pain, which may be severe, sciatica can also cause numbness, muscular weakness, tingling and difficulty in moving or controlling the leg.

Pressure on the sciatic nerve may be the result of a herniated disk, muscle tension (such as that seen in Piriformis syndrome) or very rarely tumors or bony growths.  The paired sciatic nerves originate from opposite sides of the lower spine and run the entire length of each leg.  Each nerve controls muscles in the back of the thigh, knee and lower leg, as well as the sole of the foot. The location of the pressure on the sciatic nerve determines where the patient feels sciatic pain.

To treat sciatica, manual therapies may include one, or a combination of, the following:

ART (Active Release Technique)

Trigger Point Dry Needling (depending on situation)

Chiropractic Manipulation/Mobilization

Corrective Exercise for muscle imbalances that may be the source of sciatic pain

Whiplash

Whiplash is a non-medical term describing a range of injuries to the neck caused by (or related to) a sudden distortion of the neck associated with extension. Symptoms often include pain and aching to the neck and back and headaches.  Patients suffering from whiplash may also experience referred pain in the shoulders, and sensory disturbances (such as pins and needles) in the arms and legs.

To treat whiplash, manual therapies may include one, or a combination of, the following:

ART (Active Release Technique)

Trigger Point Dry Needling (depending on situation)

Chiropractic Manipulation/Mobilization

Corrective Exercise