Archive for chiropractic care
Dr. David Hoewisch, your Santa Clara Chiropractor, offers a number of chiropractic treatment plans that can be adaptable when caring for your musculoskeletal system, from working with distinct injuries to dealing with general health concerns. After thoroughly examining you, Dr. Hoewisch will inform you as to which solution would probably be the most helpful for you personally. He may supply you with several treatment programs from which you can select depending on your present health disabilities as well as your future health and fitness pursuits.
It might be interesting for you to have some understanding, ahead of time, about the different chiropractic treatment plans Dr. Hoewisch will probably recommend.
Relief Care is a type of chiropractic treatment plan proposed to individuals who are experiencing any kind of pain or physical distress, regardless of the cause of the condition. The aim of this therapy is to give a sufferer fast pain relief. The length of the treatment time frame is likely to vary as it depends solely on the scope of the injury or dysfunction suffered by the individual and how fast it can be remedied.
Corrective Care is often a “more advanced” form of chiropractic treatment. It is for those who have suffered from spinal issues over an extended period of time, i.e., for individuals who have a chronic problem that has evolved into a more complex issue as a consequence of not pursuing proper care in the first place. Restorative treatment often stretches over a longer time frame. How long care is necessary is based on the extent of the progressive impairment and how rapidly the individual responds to the treatment.
Maintenance Care, as the name indicates, is intended to maintain or support any type of therapy already administered to a patient. Oftentimes, chiropractic treatment is extended only after the initial treatments have proven to be efficacious. The goal of this type of chiropractic care is to reduce the potential of the initial dysfunction coming back and to prevent degenerative changes in the future.
Wellness Care is available to those that are not challenged by severe discomfort, but are looking to strengthen their overall health. Periodic chiropractic treatment enhances the movement of blood and oxygen in the body, improves muscle flexibility, helps prevent work and play injuries, and boosts an individual’s all round sense of well-being.
Regardless if you are presently in pain or you would like to enhance your overall health, chiropractic care can help. Call Dr. Hoewisch, your Chiropractor in Santa Clara, today!
Your Santa Clara Chiropractor Explains the Many Health Benefits of Chiropractic Care
Posted by: | CommentsDid you know that chiropractic therapy has been growing in popularity for years, and that it’s continuing to increase each year as the favored healthcare choice for many people? Dr. Hoewisch, your Santa Clara chiropractor, wants you to know that individuals seeking treatment for pain are selecting chiropractic care because of the many health benefits that such care provides. No alternative medical practice is less invasive to the body and, at the same time, can promote the body’s inherent power to heal instead of masking symptoms with medications.
Let’s face it, wherever there is a musculoskeletal system, for instance within the human body, there is the possibility of musculoskeletal disorders such as low back pain and neck pain, pain in the shoulder, elbow, hip and knee joints, and ankle and foot pain. No one is immune from misalignment of the spine and joint inflammation, even though a wide range of troubles are often the result of sports injuries, accidents, and the aging process. Irrespective of the reason, though, any type of motion on a traumatized area of the body can not merely lead to more pain or suffering, but incapacity. And, obviously, certain musculoskeletal conditions, if left untreated, can result in irreversible disability.
It has been said of chiropractic treatment that its “pros exceed” just remedying a particular condition. In actual fact, a patient who comes in to see a chiropractor for low back pain, for example, not only benefits from pain relief, but also improved circulation, a lowering or elimination of lactic acid, easier travel of oxygen and nutrients within the body, more flexibility, much less everyday pain and tenderness, better recuperation time, a more stress-free experience, and the deterrence of future harm! Is it any mystery why chiropractic care has become the treatment of choice for so many people?
In combination with offering skilled musculoskeletal treatment, chiropractors also promote education and assistance when it comes to improving your overall health and wellness. Chiropractors recognize that in order for you to get healthy and stay that way, it is important for you to decide on a healthy approach to life, e.g., consuming a sensible amount of water to keep the body hydrated, following a nutritiousl diet program, and developing a daily stretching and exercise routine.
Chiropractic treatment doesn’t quite work “miracles, ” however it can come fairly close in numerous areas that may well surprise you. For example, chiropractic treatment helps women that are pregnant give birth more easily. It can improve the developmental abilities of babies, particularly improved motor skills, and can often protect against scoliosis. Chiropractic adjustments for kids may help eliminate bronchial asthma discomforts, ear infections, and bed-wetting. In addition to the health benefits just mentioned, routine chiropractic management can help adults to feel more vital and stay more active, which in turn makes them more productive. And, as a final point, for maturing baby boomers and the growing senior population, not only can chiropractic treatment help to reduce age-related troubles and keep a person more active in later years, chiropractic treatment can reduce the balance problems that all too often end up in critical injury from falls.
If you are currently seeing a chiropractor, that’s great! You’ve no doubt already experienced many of the plus points mentioned above. And, in that case, have you thought to tell a friend about chiropractic? Don’t let a person you care about fall victim to the kind of misinformation about chiropractic care that can keep them from experiencing their day more completely. Tell a friend or loved one to give Dr. Hoewisch, your chiropractor in Santa Clara, a call. He can help!
Your Santa Clara Chiropractor Can Help With Your Neck Pain and Headaches
Posted by: | CommentsYour Santa Clara Chiropractor can help relieve your neck pain and get rid of your headaches. Here’s what you can do to help:
If we wake up in the morning with a stiff and painful neck, the propensity is to blame the condition on our pillow, bed, or sleep position during that night. We also try to figure out what is taking place when sudden neck movement causes a sharp pain that feels as if “something” has slipped out of position or that a nerve is being “pinched.” It is useful to understand that most neck problems are seldom caused by a single incident, but rather by the cumulative effects of incorrect sitting posture, bad work and living habits, lack of suitable exercise and flexibility, and other lifestyle-related factors. Naturally, some neck challenges are due to traumatic events such as a whiplash accident, a fall, or a sports injury.
Anatomy
In order to understand neck pain, it is necessary to understand the anatomy of the spine. The spinal bones or vertebrae of the neck consist of posterior joints, called facets, that connect vertebrae to one another and serve to pilot the motion of the spine. The inter-vertebral discs join the bodies of the vertebrae and are comprised of a form of dense cartilage that surrounds a soft material in the center, called the nucleus. The principal function of the disc is as a shock absorber and spacer between the vertebrae. The spinal cord is positioned between the facets of the vertebrae. The spinal nerves exit the spine between the vertebrae and provide the energy to make the muscles and other organs of the body function. They also carry impulses from the body to the brain with respect to pain, touch, position, temperature, as well as other senses. The nerves that go out from the neck are responsible for the entire upper extremity including the shoulder, elbow and hand, as well as structures of the head and neck. The natural forward curve of the neck balances the weight of the head and lessens stress on neck vertebrae. For more information please feel free to visit your Santa Clara Chiropractor.
Risk Factors: Neck Pain and Computer Use
Computer use has risen dramatically over the years, at home and in the workplace. Nowadays, a substantial amount of people spend eight to ten hours a day, or more, bent over a keyboard and staring at a monitor. Sitting with the head in a forward bent position (the posture most computer users assume), puts enormous strain on neck ligaments and muscles. Furthermore, the normal forward curve of the neck may become reversed and create more stress on the surrounding tissue of the neck. All of this can lead to spinal problems including disc herniation and subluxations, which are the principal causes of spinal nerve irritation. Besides general pain, spinal nerve irritation in the neck can generate symptoms including headaches, eye problems, giddiness, arm and hand pain (and paraesthesia), as well as shoulder pain.
Headaches and chiropractic Care
Headaches or migraines are commonly associated with dysfunction of the cervical spine. Symptoms, from a dull ache to throbbing pain, are created when the cervical vertebrae lose their normal position or motion and sensitive nerves and blood vessels, connected with structures in the head are stretched or inflamed. In many instances the tight knots in the muscles of the neck, called trigger points, can also refer pain to the head. Of course there are other factors connected with headaches including toxic fumes, certain foods, additives such as MSG, alcohol, caffeine, and stress. Still one must always look at the tissues and alignment of the neck when considering the cause of headaches and migraines. Chiropractic adjustments and management have proved to be very effective in the treatment of headaches. Ask your Santa Clara Chiropractor about the benefits of Chiropractic care.
Whiplash and Chiropractic Care
Unfortunately, many people are involved in car accidents. Almost certainly the most common auto accident is when one car collides into the rear-end of another car. During such a collision, the head of the passenger in the front vehicle is forcefully jerked back, and then forward, causing damage to the structure of both the front and back of the neck. Such a strong force can cause injury to the ligaments, muscles, facet joints, discs, and spinal nerves. Whiplash injury includes neck pain and immobility, and other symptoms such as headaches, nausea, vertigo, arm and should pain, tingling in the hands and fingers, and weakness of the arms and hand. Immediate evaluation and x-rays are extremely important in order to rule out a fracture. However in almost all cases, the injuries are mainly to the soft tissues and joints. Proper care is essential in rehabilitation from the pain and symptoms of whiplash, and also to prevent future disability. Your Santa Clara Chiropractor is has years of experience in treating whiplash injury, and is more than capable of managing the case from beginning to end.
Your Santa Clara Chiropractor Offers Back Pain Relief
Posted by: | CommentsYour Santa Clara Chiropractor has treated thousands of back pain suffers. In fact, low back pain is a common health problem that often affects more than 80% of people, making it second in prevalence only to the common cold. However, unlike the common cold, back pain is often puzzling to most of its sufferers. Your Santa Clara Chiropractor is an expert at solving the puzzle.
Anatomy
Knowledge of the anatomy of the spine is very useful in understanding back pain. The spinal bones or vertebrae of the lower back consist of posterior joints called facets that connect vertebrae to one another and serve to guide the movement of the spine. The inter-vertebral discs join the bodies of the vertebrae and are made of a form of dense cartilage that encases a soft material in the center, called the nucleus. The main function of the disc is as a shock absorber and spacer between the vertebrae. Ligaments and muscles also connect the vertebrae. The wedge-shaped bone at the bottom of the spine is the sacrum and is joined to the two pelvic bones at the sacroiliac joint. In a canal located between the body and the facets of the vertebrae is the spinal cord. The spinal nerves go out from the spine between the vertebrae.
Causes of Back Pain
Most often, back pain comes about without a trauma, an accident, or a major injury prior to the onset. The cause of most back pain is the cumulative effects of improper sitting posture, poor work habits, incorrect lifting, lack of regular exercise and other poor lifestyle-related factors. These cumulative factors create stresses and imbalances on the spine and, therefore, some may injure their back merely by bending over to pick up a piece of paper. The instability of the spine makes it vulnerable to even the most simple movements, such as bending. When this comes about, the surrounding back muscles go into spasm to protect the stressed or injured tissues of the back. Chiropractors are back pain specialists. Your Santa Clara Chiropractor can help you to get out of pain quickly.
Disc Problems & Sciatica
Prolonged sitting, especially in a slouched position causes increased pressure on the intervertebral discs and imbalances in the muscles surrounding the spine. Eventually the lower spine loses its customary function and no longer can make room for the normal day-to-day stresses in ones life. In the end, the intervertebral disc develops small fissures, or cracks, permitting the soft nucleus to bulge the disc outward. If the disc pushes on sensitive tissues, it creates the pain that is often referred to as a slipped disc. If the disc presses on the spinal nerve, a person can develop sciatica, which is defined as pain, tingling, numbness, and sometimes weakness in the lower extremities. On occasion if the disc protrusion or herniation is large and the condition is not managed correctly, surgery is required to remove the herniated disc material. But, with the correct chiropractic adjustments and management, as well as postural exercises, most of these cases can healthfully heal. If you are experiencing any of the conditions defined above, it is essential for you to seek chiropractic treatment.
Spondylosis
Increased wearing away and weight-bearing stress on the spine occurs when there is repetitive assault to the discs, facet joints, and surrounding ligaments. Bone spurs are produced when the cartilage around the joints is adversely affected by stress that engenders calcium to deposit in the tissues around the vertebrae. These spurs can restrict adjacent nerves, blood vessels and soft tissue resulting in symptoms ranging from minor pain and numbness to gross sensory loss and muscular atrophy. This condition – known as Spondylosis – is a form of arthritis that is likely to affect almost everyone at some point in life, as it is a common part of the aging process of the spine as well. But|However, determinants such as previous trauma, unhealthy lifestyle, and repetitive stress injury influence the time of onset in life. Regular chiropractic treatment and overall chiropractic management is very effective in slowing the aging process of the spine, as well as helping Spondylosis sufferers in managing their condition. Your San Jose Chiropractor has helped many Spondylosis sufferers.
Sacroiliac Problems
Another common area of dysfunction or injury in the low back is in the sacroiliac joints. These weight-bearing joints attach the upper part of the body to the lower pelvic portion and are usually very strong and stable. However with disturbances such as falls, sports injuries, or lifting heavy objects, the joints can become unstable and relocate to an abnormal position. This condition is called a sacroiliac subluxation. Women may get this condition during or after their pregnancy. The imbalances in the lower extremities caused by sacroiliac subluxation can create a functional long and short leg. Pain is felt particularly with prolonged standing and walking, or during and after physical activity, and the individual may experience a lack of energy and feeling tired easily. Other symptoms such as neck and shoulder pain, as well as headaches, can move further up the spine. Chiropractic adjustments establish the proper alignment of the joints and are extremely affective in ameliorating sacroiliac problems. Ask your Santa Clara chiropractor how you can receive effective pain relief.
Spinal Subluxation
A prevalent disorder of the lower back, as well as the entire spine, is subluxated or misaligned facet joints. Subluxations can exist on their own or in conjunction with disc problems and Spondylosis. They not only produce pain, but they can also imparel the spinal nerves as they exit the foramen or spaces between the vertebrae, and produce nerve compression, known as paraethesia. Paraesthesia is a change of sensation described as a tingling, burning or “funny feeling.” Paraesthesia in the upper extremities oftenoriginates from nerve problems in the neck, while paraesthesia in the lower extremities is commonly associated with nerve dysfunctionin the lumbar region (lower back). Visceral problems such as asthma and gastric conditions can also becorrelated with, or complicated by, spinal subluxations and nerve compression. Subluxations are best eliminated by chiropractic adjustments.
Trauma
Injury such as a fall, car accident, or sports injury can cause damage to the spine and lower back. Often these traumas create over-stretching or tearing of the tissues of the spine. When this happens a person can experience considerable pain and immobility. In order to prevent long term disability or the development of any of the conditions listed above, chiropractic adjustments and treatment at the onset of symptoms is vital. If you experience a trauma, call your chiropractor as soon as possible.
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is often associated with low back pain. Chiropractic care offers exceptional pain relief.
When it comes to the spine, chiropractors have more education and training than medical doctors. I can provides state of the art diagnosis and expert treatment for any of the above-mentioned dysfunctions of the spine and lower back.
Your Santa Clara Chiropractor Can Help You to Correct Your Foot Problems
Posted by: | CommentsDr. David Hoewisch knows that your foot is complex, and that many conditions can cause foot pain. That is why is so common. Generally speaking, we, humans, take 3,000-5,000 steps everyday. In addition, many of us are involved in activities, such as running and aerobic exercise, that add many more steps, as well as stress to our poor, overworked feet. It is no wonder that many people have aches and pains in this part of the body. Determinants such as flat feet or over-pronated feet, individual walking and running style, and the type of shoe a person wears can determine if someone will get foot and ankle pain. These components not only affect feet and ankles, but also the health of the back, knees and legs. Detailed below are some of the most prevalent conditions that affect the feet and ankle.
Hallux Valgus and Bunions
Hallux Valgus is a condition that happens when the big toe or hallux deviates towards the outside of the foot, often almost overlapping or bumping into the adjacent toe. It is a slow-developing problem that generally develops a bump on the inside of the big toe, called a bunion. The pain associated with Hallux Valgus is generally apparent during weight-bearing activities such as walking or prolonged standing. Although, if someone has developed a bunion, the pain can be present at rest and is generally described as a “numbing” or “burning” sensation in the big toes.
To be exact, the actual dysfunction is not in the bone, itself, but in the joint between the big toe and the first metatarsal bone, i.e., the first metatarsal-phalangeal. The pain and deformity associated with Hallux Valgus is due to damage to this joint. The condition is usually the aftereffect of wear and tear over a long period of time from factors such as over-pronation that causes undue pressure on the big toe and first metatarsal during walking. A further cause of Hallux Valgus is inflammatory arthritis that can harm the joint and produce degenerative changes. A broken toe that does not heal properly can also predispose a person to Hallux Valgus. However, one of the more common causes of the affliction is the high-heeled and pointed shoes that women commonly wear. These shoes not only put additional stress on the joint, but also aid in pushing the big toe to the outside.
If you think you may have Hallux Valgus, your chiropractor can examine your foot to determine which factors are contributing to your condition, and then use a range of chiropractic techniques and modalities to lessen pain and improve the function of your foot.
Plantar Fascitis ( Heel Pain )
Heel pain, known as Plantar Fascitis, is a prevalent foot problem caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a band of connective tissue that encases the muscles on the bottom of the foot . It attaches the heel bone to the ball of the foot, supporting the arch, protecting the foot, and absorbing shock.
People with Plantar Fascitis many times complain of pain in the morning after first standing when they get out of bed and also when they stand up after having sat for a while. The pain starts just in front of the heel bone, but can advance over the entire bottom of the foot.
Eventually, irritation associated with the condition can lead to the development of scar tissue, calcium deposits and finally heel spurs. These spurs are a bony growth on the front part of the calcaneus of the heel bone where the plantar fascia is connected and can create a acute stabbing pain with walking
People with other foot conditions, especially Pes Planus (flat feet) and/or over-pronation, are most susceptible to Plantar Fascitis, but other factors often contribute as well. Muscle imbalances between the calf muscles and the muscles on the bottom of the foot are a crucial contributing factor. Often the calf muscles get short and tight exerting a strong pull upon the back of the calcaneus. Such a condition causes unnecessary stress on the smaller, weaker plantar muscles and its fascia that are attached to the other side of the calcaneus. In addition to running and jumping activities, wearing high heels can also cause a shortening and tightening of the calf muscles. Other factors that stress the plantar fascia include: sudden strenuous activity after a period of long-term inactivity, abnormal walking patterns, improper footwear, walking on hard or uneven surfaces especially barefooted, and obesity.
People who are continuously on their feet, such as nurses, teachers and waiters, are more inclined towards getting Plantar Fascitis, as are athletes who participate in foot-stressing activities such as aerobics, volleyball, running, basketball, and tennis.
Once an individual develops plantar fascitis, it is often not easy to manage and can become painfully persistent. A chiropractor will be able to determine the cause of your problem and what care is best suited. Care might include ultrasound therapy, laser, joint manipulation, muscle stretching and strengthening exercises, special taping and, in some cases, orthotics.
Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles Tendonitis is a painful, and often, debilitating irritation of the Achilles tendon, also called the “heel cord.” This large tendon is an extension of the two biggest calf muscles and runs down the back of the lower leg connecting to the heel bone or calcaneus. Damage to this valuable tendon can make it hard or even impossible to walk. The challenge may be caused by a sudden single incident, such as jumping, but more commonly it results from an accumulation of smaller stresses that cause small tears in the tendon over time. Usually, the appearance of symptoms is gradual. The pain may be relatively minor at first, but gradually worsens if the individual tries to “work through” the pain. Many Achilles tendonitis sufferers ascribe their initial discomfort to the aches and pains that have to do with age or fatigue. In severe cases, a total rupture of the tendon can arise, resulting in traumatic harm and intense pain that makes walking virtually impossible and may even require corrective surgery.
Athletes and performers, such as dancers, whose activities involve not only running and jumping, but sudden starts and stops, are particularly vulnerable to Achilles tendonitis. Also, women who routinely wear high-heeled shoes are also at risk, especially if they switch to sport shoes for exercise. In these cases, the Achilles tendon and muscles gradually adapt to the shortened position caused by wearing high-heels, as the heel doesn’t need to stretch all the way to the ground. When this happens, the change to exercise or flat shoes forces the Achilles tendon to stretch further than it is used to, thereby creating stress and inflammation. For these reasons, high-heels should not be worn everyday. If they are unavoidable, stretching should be done every morning and night to keep the Achilles tendon lengthened.
Achilles tendonitis often appears in middle-aged people, expressly in men who are athletes, as a result of the changes that happen in the foot as a person ages. The arch tends to flatten as we grow older causing over-pronation and increased stress on the Achilles tendon as well as the calf and foot muscles. Achilles tendon problems are also common in those who exercise infrequently, such as the “weekend warrior” and in those who are just beginning to exercise. In both cases, muscles and tendons have little flexility due to inactivity. Therefore, people who are just beginning to exercise after a long layoff should stretch properly, start slowly, and increase gradually.
Regardless of the cause of the problem, if a person is experiencing the symptoms of Achilles tendonitis, he or she should contact a qualified professional, such as a chiropractor, to treat the problem before it becomes severe. Your chiropractor has many years of experience in treating Achilles tendonitis.
Pes Planus ( Flat Feet )
It is approximated that nearly one quarter of the population has Pes Planus, more commonly known as flat feet. Newborns have flat feet, but somewhere between the ages 3-10 we develop an arch. However, some adults never develop an arch. There are a number of factors, besides genetic disposion that can cause flat feet, or predispose a person to the condition. A person’s job, level of activity, and lifestyle can produce a previously-developed arch to collapse later in life. Age and weight also are implicated in the development of the affliction. Middle-aged persons who have been working on their feet for years often experience flat feet, as do overweight individuals who are placing added stress on their feet and legs.
Some people have flat feet and never feel any distress, while others experience pain in the feet and knees, and infrequently in the hips and lower back as well. If you have flat feet and are experiencing distress, your Santa Clara chiropractor can give you a treatment plan to not only help with pain reflief, but assist in preventing more problems from developing. Chiropractic treatment includes joint adjustments to correct foot function and resolve painful symptoms. Your chiropractor may also prescribe arch-supporting insoles, called orthotics, for additional support and stability.
Metatarsalgia ( Pain in the ball of the foot )
Metatarsalgia is sometimes called “ball-of-foot pain,” as it is a pain on the sole of the foot just behind the toes where the foot bends during walking. The metatarsal bones extend from halfway up the foot to the toes. A problem in one or more of these five bones is the cause of pain.
The feeling of pain can be limited to where the metatarsal bones join the toe bones or it can extend along the entire length of the metatarsals, and possibly between them. Problems vary from stiffness upon movement to a burning or stinging sensation. The degree of discomfort depends upon whether the problem is due to a dysfunction in the joints or an inflammation to the nerves as they travel along the metatarsals.
The cause of the distress is due to either structural or functional reasons. When a structural problem occurs, such as when the metacarpal bones are either too long or too short, it creates aberrant mechanics in the feet and undue stress on the entire area. Flat feet or extreme arch can also alter the stresses on the metatarsals causing similar symptoms.
There are other factors that can affect these bones that are often in the control of the individual. These include excess body weight, tight or high-heeled shoes, and excessive or poor running or athletic training. Excess weight and the wearing high-heeled shoes both increase stress upon the metatarsal, which leads to joint pain and nerve irritation. Repetitive foot activities, like running, directly stress the metatarsals by exposing them to constant trauma.
A chiropractor is able to beneficially treat metatarsalgia, no matter what the cause may be. After determining the underlying factors, you will be offered a number of non-invasive therapies, inluding orthotics when necessary, and you will be advised on how you can avoid future pain.
See your Santa Clara chiropractor as soon as possible if you are experiencing any of the foot problems mentioned above.
How Can Your Santa Clara Chiropractor Help Sports Injuries?
Posted by: | CommentsDr. David Hoewisch frequently treats the sports injuries of many adults and children. In the past, sports injuries were mostly limited to professional athletes, young people participating in school sports programs, and men participating in weekend activities such as rugby. Today, more and more people of all ages and both sexes are doing regular sports and fitness activities. There are even women now doing traditionally men’s sports such as soccer, basketball, and rugby. The majority of people are involved in sports such as golf and tennis, and other healthy activities like running, aerobic classes, and weight training. Unfortunately, risk of injury is possible with any sports activity.
The majority of injuries fall into two categories: 1) traumatic injury, such as a slip, fall, or collision and, 2) repetitive stress or overuse injury.
Traumatic Injuries
These injuries cause the debilitating problems often associated with trauma. As a rule injuries to the ligaments (the tissue that connects bones to bones) and to muscles are the most common, though the trauma of fractures and dislocations often occurs in contact sports. A strain is any injury to either a muscle or its tendon, and a sprain is an injury to ligaments. The most common areas for these types of injuries are the ankles, knees, and shoulders, although other areas can be affected including the low back and neck. Because the spinal cord and/or spinal nerves can be involved, injury to the neck and low back can be very serious.
A traumatic injury may be mild, such as a “muscle pull” or ankle twist. But, some can be serious enough to require surgery. It all depends upon the degree of tearing of the tissues, the location, and the age of the person. Some degree of swelling occurs with most sprains and strains. However with certain injuries, especially those of the ankel and knee, there can be some internal bleeding as well. Strains and sprains require proper attention, especially during the initial stages of an injury,to insure proper healing and no future disability. Treatment from a healthcare professional, such as your Santa Clara Chiropractor, is highly advisable.
The following is an acronym for the post-injury management of sprains and strains expressly if no professional help is available: PRICE
P Protect injury from further damage
R Rest the injury
I Ice injury to reduce swelling, bleeding, muscle spasm, and pain
C Compress injury with a specialized support or elastic bandage to support injured tissues
E Elevate the injury, especially when dealing with ankles and knees
Of course it is important to get the injury properly assessed by a chiropractor or other professional to find out the extent of damage. When proper care is given during the various stages of healing, most individuals who have sustained sprain and strain injuries will recovery. If not managed carefully, some sprains and strains can result in long-lasting problems such as joint instability, painful or weak joints and muscles, and lack of mobility. Good management of your sports injury by a chiropractor highly experienced in sports injury treatment will insure that your injury heals properly. Call your Santa Clara Chiropractor if you have sustained a traumatic injury.
Repetitive Stress, or Overuse, Injuries
These injuries are becoming more and more common, especially among people pursuing sports such as golf, tennis, bowling, and any other activity that requires the same activity over and over (repetition). Something as simple and healthy as running, particularly on a treadmill, can also be a factor.
Basically, overuse or repetitive stress injuries occur when a person is involved in a repetitious activity that causes a very slight strain to tissues, especially tendons and muscles, that alone would not cause a problem, but done many times has an accumulative effect. carpal tunnel Syndrome is one of the most common types of overuse injuries. Over time the muscle or other affected tissue develops changes that no longer allow it to function properly resulting in pain, stiffness and disability. Certain factors predispose a person to these types of injury. Some are “intrinsic,” meaning the factor is found with a person’s own body. Others are “extrinsic,” which means that the factors are external and can often be changed or controlled by the individual.
Some of the most common intrinsic factors for injury
Age is the most common intrinsic factor for injury. The older a person is, the easier it is for that person to get injured. Congenital abnormalities are another factor. Some people are born with joint or muscle problems. And, previous injuries are a factor as they often keep the joints or muscles from functioning properly.
Extrinsic factors for injury
Extrinsic factors are numerous. An improper grip size of a tennis racket, worn out running shoes, an uneven treadmill surface or a too-hard surface for soccer are all examples of faulty sports equipment that can cause problems. Improper technique in any sport, such as an improper golf grip is, as they say, an injury waiting to happen All sports activities require some pre-conditioning, which is why people who are out of shape, those who continue to increase the duration of an activity without building up slowly, and those who lack flexibility, are injured most often. Warming up is essential prior to sports activities, and lack of warm-up, that is, not stretching or preparing for an activity is a common cause of injury. And, finally, but perhaps surprisingly to some, stress is a factor. Being tired or stressed can cause tense, inflexible muscles that are too tight for most activities.
There are many more factors that are extrinsic and, therefore, within a person’s control. Before beginning a new sport, or as a way to prevent injury in a current sport, it’s smart to get an assessment of your general body condition. If you’ve been injured, it is crucial to seek out a qualified professional, like a chiropractor, to assess the nature of the injury and prepare a plan of treatment. If left untreated, sports injuries can greatly affect a person’s life and limit a favorite activity. Treatment such as joint manipulation, massage, bracing, and specific exercises is often required to stabilize the condition. A chiropractor is a good source of help. Call a chiropractor if you’re either thinking of beginning a new activity, you’re feeling pain related to a current sports activity, or you’ve sustained a sports injury. Your Santa Clara Chiropractor has years of experience helping people just like you.
