Chronic Stress

All of us suffer from occasional stress. However, even seemingly run-of-the-mill stresses can become chronic (long lasting). Chronic stress causes the body to respond and adapt in ways that are often unhealthy.

The source of chronic stress can be emotional, from the death of a loved one, or the loss of a job. Stress can also have a physical source, such as from an accident, overexertion, or illness. Chronic stress produces some common reactions. Emotionally, stress can lead to depression, anxiety, and anger. Physically, stress has been implicated in conditions ranging from backaches to headaches, high blood pressure, heart disease, poor immune system response, asthma, colds, infections, and digestive disorders.  

Headaches & Migraines

Headaches can be triggered by physical or emotional stress, toxic fumes, certain foods, preservatives, alcohol, bright light, trauma, hormonal changes, too much or too little sleep, allergies, or blood pressure to name a few causes. Another frequently overlooked cause of headaches is misaligned vertebrae in the neck and upper back. When vertebrae lose their normal position and motion, delicate nerves and blood vessels to the head can be affected.

Disc Problems

While the intervertebral disc is a common culprit in spine-related health problems, its function is widely misunderstood. The disc is a small cartilage pad that is situated between vertebrae. The soft jelly-like center is contained by layers of fibrous tissues. Each disc serves as a connector, spacer, and shock absorber for the spine. When healthy, discs allow normal turning and bending. Discs can bulge, herniate or rupture, resulting in other problems. Diagnostic imaging can reveal degenerative changes to the disc and surrounding tissues.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

According to the U. S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, carpal tunnel syndrome is now the most commonly reported medical problem in the work place. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is thought to be the result of excessive pressure on the median nerve as it passes into the wrist through an opening called the carpal tunnel. Eventually this pressure impairs normal nerve function and is followed by pain and numbness in the hand.

Bursitis

Bursitis is an inflammation of a bursa (singular) or bursae (plural). These are small fluid-filled sacs that cushion bones in the joints and minimize friction between them. There are more than 150 bursae in the human body. Bursitis most often affects the bursa at joints in the shoulders, elbows, or hips, but can occur elsewhere including the knee, heel and the base of a big toe.

Bursitis causes pain, usually characterized as a dull ache or stiffness around the affected area. The pain may get worse as a result of movement or pressure. Sometimes bursitis indicates the presence of an infection that will require antibiotic treatment. If the area feels swollen and is warm to the touch and you notice redness in the skin over the joint you should seek medical advice.

Tendonitis

Tendonitis is an injury or irritation of the fibrous, thick tendons that connect muscles to bones. Tendonitis is also called tendinosis because little inflammation is present when the tendon is biopsied. During the first stage of tendonitis, patients experience a dull ache after an activity that involves using the tendon. The ache decreases with rest. In stage 2, the patients experience pain during minor movements of the affected area. During the final stage, patients are in constant pain.

Neck Pain

Injuries and imbalances can cause cervical vertebrae to move out of their correct position. Soft tissues (such as tendons, ligaments, and muscles) can become inflamed or worn out. The discs separating and cushioning the cervical vertebrae can herniate (bulge), or even rupture (burst). Nerves can be damaged or irritated from misaligned cervical vertebrae or bulging or ruptured discs. Once you neck has lost its normal curve, your neck and shoulder muscles attempt to hold your head in the proper position. Unless you decide to let your head drop into your lap, your neck muscles will have to continue holding up your head long after becoming fatigued. That's precisely when muscle spasms occur, and tightness begins in your neck and shoulders.

Leg Pain

The sciatic nerve is the largest (and longest) nerve of the body, reaching about the size of your thumb in diameter and running down the back of each leg. It is formed by four or five nerves branching off each side of the spinal cord. Each nerve then divides into many smaller nerves that travel to the thigh, knee, calf, ankle, foot and toes. When these nerves are irritated or affected by the inflammation of nearby soft tissues, doctors refer to this as sciatica.

Arthritis & Osteoarthritis

Arthritis is a condition that is caused by the wearing down of the cartilage between joints. Some of the major joints that are affected are the knees, hips, back, neck, and hand/wrist. Arthritis can be painful and can cause the affected areas to not function properly. Arthritis in one area can cause arthritis or other problems in a different joint. For instance, if you have arthritis in your left knee, you may compensate for this by putting more pressure on your right side, leading to right hip problems.

Arthritis is the most common cause of disability in the US. More than 20 million individuals with arthritis have severe limitations in function on a daily basis. Absenteeism and frequent visits to the physician are common in individuals who have arthritis. Arthritis makes it very difficult for individuals to be physically active and some become home bound.

Positional Vertigo

Vertigo is a type of dizziness in which a person has the sensation of spinning movement when stationary. There are many different causes for dizziness including, for example, low blood pressure, low blood sugar, anemia, anxiety, multiple sclerosis and various inner ear problems. Vertigo can be very upsetting and uncomfortable. It is important to determine the cause of dizziness such that an appropriate solution is found. There are two types of vertigo that chiropractic care can correct. Chiropractors are trained to differentiate between these types of vertigo using orthopedic tests and to rule out other potential causes of dizziness.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is characterized as a musculoskeletal condition. It is also called a Rheumatic condition, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.

Fibromyalgia, according to the National Fibromyalgia Association, is a chronic pain illness which is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal aches, pain and stiffness, soft tissue tenderness, general fatigue and sleep disturbances.