Americans spend more money dealing with back and neck pain than any other medical issue – approximately $134 billion in the 20-year period between 1996 and 2016.

Back and neck pain can result from a wide range of injuries and reach varying levels of severity depending on the injury. If you’ve been dealing with chronic pain, you’ll probably wonder what you should do about it.

Whether you’ve been in an accident or your posture has led you to this point, it’s important to get a proper diagnosis. From there, you can get chiropractic adjustments to heal your injuries and eliminate the pain.

If you’ve never been to the chiropractor before, you might be wondering what kind of adjustments you can expect. In this post, we’re going to go over the most common chiropractic adjustments for pain relief.

Going to the chiropractor can be intimidating. Just remember, however, that these are trained professionals with your long-term health in mind. Keep reading and dispel some of the mysteries around chiropractic care.

Direct Thrust

One of the oldest and most versatile techniques that chiropractors use is the direct thrust or diversified technique. Your chiropractor may also refer to this as the “high velocity, low amplitude” or “mobilization with impulse” technique, but they’re all basically the same.

To do this, they’ll use their hands to perform a rapid “thrust”, moving the joints around your spine to one side to promote realignment. Other benefits of the direct thrust technique are back cracking, alleviating pain, improving your range of motion, and reducing inflammation.

Spinal Mobilization

When your spine experiences trauma from a car accident or sporting injury, the muscles surrounding your vertebrae can become tight. Spinal mobilization is designed to loosen these muscles and alleviate tension in the back and neck.

The chiropractor will gently stretch these muscles to encourage healing. As the space opens up between your vertebrae, you’ll experience temporary pain relief.

Gonstead System

The Gonstead System is best for promoting muscle mobility and restoring disc alignment. It’s another hands-on technique where the chiropractor will carefully follow a particular set of steps to analyze your spine.

They’ll start by examining your posture when you walk in the door. From there, they may use an instrument to examine any nerve irritation. The actual exam involves feeling the spine with and without motion.

While it’s still, they can feel for any abnormalities and tenderness. While in motion, they can get a clearer picture of your range of motion. Depending on their findings, they may send you for X-ray testing.

Drop-Table

The Thompson Drop-Table technique uses a specialty table containing “drop” mechanisms. Your chiropractor will engage these mechanisms as they apply a small amount of force. The goal is to promote joint movement, which helps to alleviate chronic back pain.

There’s no need to fear the Drop-Table technique. The table only drops a fraction of an inch and most patients find the motion comfortable.

Myofascial Release

Myofascial release involves a set of manual techniques that your chiropractor will use to help alleviate fascia pain and stiffness. This connective tissue holds your nerves, muscles, and organs in place. It can become tight when put under prolonged stress.

Your chiropractor will use their hands to feel around for tight areas. Then, applying sustained pressure to those areas, they’ll work the tightness out by massaging and stretching it. They’ll repeat the process as many times as necessary until you’re pain-free.

Not only is myofascial release good for back and neck pain, but it also promotes muscle relaxation, tissue recovery, and joint motion.

Articulatory Technique

If you have any dysfunctional joints, your chiropractor may employ the articulatory technique. Using moderate amplitude and low-velocity movements, they’ll attempt to restore the joint by extending its range of motion.

To ensure joint functionality, the chiropractor will take your joint to its limit – the restrictive barrier – repeatedly. This is a therapeutic technique that is meant to alleviate recurring joint pain and stiffness.

Flexion Distraction

The aim of flexion distraction is to alleviate in the back, legs, arms, and neck. Many chiropractic techniques use force around the spine to iron out whatever kinks are there. Flexion distraction is a bit different. 

To perform this method, your chiropractor will again utilize a segmented table that moves. They’ll manipulate the spine with slow and gentle movements. When combined with the table’s movements, your spine will stretch and decompress. 

Activator

On occasion, you might go through some of the chiropractic adjustments we’ve discussed so far, only to feel pain and discomfort. Muscles have a way of tensing up and resisting adjustment, which can make treatments unpleasant. If that’s the case, your chiropractor may utilize an activator device to help.

This is a handheld spring-loaded device that can be used to pulse parts of the spine. It works faster than a chiropractor’s hands can, so the body doesn’t have time to tense up. It’s great for pinpointing certain areas and helping you get on with your treatments.

Functional Technique

The functional technique is only used when absolutely required. It involves joint cracking, which can be dangerous if performed by anyone other than your chiropractor. 

It will start with the chiropractor moving the joint to find out where the restrictive barrier is. From there, they’ll use slight force to keep the joint in this position until the barrier is released. 

This technique helps to restore joint function and promote inflammation and pain relief.

Get Chiropractic Adjustments From the Best

These are some of the most common chiropractic adjustments. Which ones you’ll have administered to you will depend on your condition. The key is to find a great chiropractor to implement the techniques.

If you’re in Salt Lake City, choosing the #1 Google-rated chiropractor is your best bet. Dr. Calvin’s Clinic can help alleviate your neck, back, and joint pain with the most effective techniques available. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.

Up to 70% of individuals will experience neck pain that interferes with daily activities at some point in their lifetime.

Neck pain doesn’t occur without reason. Whether you’ve been in a car accident or you hurt your neck playing sports, it’s important to get proper medical attention. Even if your neck injury is relatively minor, you should be visiting a chiropractor to help deal with the pain and discomfort. 

These types of injuries aren’t just painful, they can be incredibly frightening as well. Neck injuries can lead to a number of other medical issues that can be detrimental to your overall quality of life. If you’ve been putting off your visit to the chiropractor, this post is for you.

Today, we’re going to tell you 9 reasons to visit a chiropractor for your neck injury. With proper care, you’ll be able to put this injury behind you, so keep reading and start thinking about booking your chiropractor’s appointment ASAP.

1. Get a Proper Diagnosis

With online resources like WebMD and Healthline, we live in the age of self-diagnosis. Although these sources are incredibly helpful for giving the general public crucial medical information, nothing beats a real diagnosis from a qualified professional.

In a few minutes, your chiropractor will have a general idea of what’s going on with your neck. They may order tests and scans to get a clearer picture, but after your initial consultation, your chiropractor will begin formulating a plan to fix it.

2. Neck Adjustments

Whether you’ve suffered your neck injury as a result of whiplash from a car accident or a tough hit in a football game, the first step to helping you deal with the pain is probably a neck adjustment. 

Cervical manipulation, as it’s known, involves placing strategic pressure on the injured joints in your neck. After several appointments, you’ll notice plenty of pain relief and a greater range of motion in your neck.

There are a few different types of neck adjustments a qualified chiropractor will perform. A cervical drop involves the head of the table that you’re laying on dropping as the chiropractor gently thrusts on your neck.

Cervical manual traction is when you’re laying face-up and the chiropractor stretches your neck upward. Lastly, cervical mobilization will have your chiropractor adjust your neck to realign the neck vertebrae.

3. Eliminating Daily Pain

The goal of the above treatments is to attempt to eliminate the daily pain that you’re feeling from your neck injury. When we suffer a car accident or sport-related neck injuries, even if they’re not serious, we’re almost constantly irritated by daily activities.

Benign activities like working at a computer or even laying in bed at night can make the pain worse. By seeing the best chiropractor, you’re proactively dealing with the pain so that your neck can properly heal.

4. Avoid Related Injuries

As we mentioned at the top, neck injuries can have implications on other areas of your body. The most notable of these are your back, your limbs, and your head. Many people with neck injuries experience back pain, tingly limbs, and headaches – these are examples of “referred pain”.

The longer you leave your neck injury untreated, the more likely you’ll start experiencing these kinds of symptoms. Chiropractors understand this, so their treatments are aimed at not just reducing neck pain, but avoiding other types of pain as well.

5. Reduce Inflammation

Chiropractors specialize in the relief of pressure on nerves and realigning the spine and vertebrae. When you’ve got an injury of this nature, the resulting inflammation is what ends up causing the most discomfort.

In addition to your chiropractic treatments, your chiropractor will instruct you on exercises you can do at home to help relieve inflammation also. The combination of in-person and self-administered treatment is proven to improve the pain and discomfort associated with inflammation.

6. Better Posture

Over 31 million Americans suffer from poor posture. When you’re young, this might not cause many issues. It’s as you start aging or experience a neck injury that your posture can really start to affect you.

Back and neck pain can cause poor posture, but it can also result from poor posture. One of the first things your chiropractor will do is examine your posture and work with you to improve it. You can’t properly recover from an injury when you’re actively aggravating it with your poor posture.

7. No More Headaches

Another condition that results from a neck injury is chronic headaches, which are known as cervicogenic headaches. This is another example of referred pain because it’s actually a pain in your neck that you feel in your head. 

The pain will likely start on one side of your head at the base of the skull, slowly traveling up the side of the head. Eventually, the pain can be debilitating, so it’s important to see a chiropractor when you start experiencing these symptoms.

8. You’ve Been In an Accident

If you’ve been in an auto accident, getting medical attention is essential whether you think you need it or not. Whiplash can occur at low speeds, putting a lot of strain on the neck muscles and cervical spine. The symptoms of these injuries can manifest in days or even weeks after an accident.

Going to a chiropractor in the immediate aftermath of the accident will ensure that you get professional diagnostic care. Not only will you discover injuries and get them treated, but you’ll be prepared for your insurance claim with all of the pertinent medical information.

Don’t Suffer Through Your Neck Injury

No matter how you’ve suffered your neck injury, there’s no need to suffer through it alone. If any of the things we’ve discussed here apply to you, you’ve got good reason to see a chiropractor. Those located in Salt Lake City should visit Dr. Calvin’s Clinic for a free consultation.

As the #1 Google-rated chiropractor in West Valley, our aim is always to find the source of your injury so we can give you the right treatment. Contact us today to discuss your injury and how we can help.

It is estimated that an astonishing 20 million Americans have peripheral neuropathy in some form. Neuropathy, or nerve damage, is a condition that can cause severe symptoms. The pain can range from mild burning to debilitating and chronic pain.

If you’ve been wondering what is foot neuropathy and you’re experiencing these types of symptoms, it’s time to seek professional medical help. Here are five things you should know about foot neuropathy.

1. What Is Foot Neuropathy?

Neuropathy or nerve damage in the feet is caused by diabetes or other illnesses. It results in decreased sensation and coordination of muscles in the affected area. Symptoms include:

• Tingling
• Numbness
• Burning
• Stabbing sensations
• Weakness

In extreme cases, foot neuropathy can cause balance issues which can lead to falls and injuries.

2. What Causes Foot Neuropathy?

There are a variety of risk factors that can increase the chances of developing foot neuropathy. High blood sugar in diabetes patients can damage the nerves, particularly in the feet.

Peripheral artery disease is a circulation disorder that can lead to narrowed or blocked blood vessels, which can cut off the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the nerves.

B vitamins, particularly vitamin B12, are essential for proper nerve function. Lacking this vitamin can lead to foot neuropathy.

Chronic alcohol abuse can damage the nerves over time. Some medications, such as chemotherapy drugs, can cause nerve damage.

Certain inherited disorders, such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, can increase the risk of neuropathy. The risk of neuropathy increases with age. Extra weight can put pressure on the nerves.

Nicotine constricts blood vessels, which can limit blood flow to the nerves. Regular exercise can help improve circulation, which is essential for proper nerve function. Lack of physical activity can lead to neuropathy.

While having one or more of these risk factors does not guarantee that you will develop neuropathy, it is important to maintain an awareness of them. You must take steps to reduce them if possible.

3. What Is Neuropathy Pain?

Neuropathic pain is a burning sensation caused by nerve damage. They signal an abnormality in the nervous system. This is true even if no further physical signs or symptoms are associated with it.

This means that even if no underlying tissue damage has occurred yet your body may still be receiving pain signals from damaged nerves within your body. This can be due to certain external factors such as:

• Poor nutrition that leads to diabetic neuropathy
• Long-term overexposure to cold temperatures

4. Prevention of Neuropathy

Several steps can be taken to prevent neuropathy in the feet.

Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is important if you have diabetes. Not smoking or using tobacco products helps.

Exercise often improves circulation and reduces the risk of nerve damage. Eat a healthy diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals.

Manage high blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Wear shoes that fit well and socks to prevent injury to the feet.

Protect the feet from extreme temperatures and injuries. Treat any foot injuries or infections to prevent further damage.

Avoid alcohol or limit the amount of alcohol consumed. Consult with a doctor or neurologist if you have any symptoms of neuropathy or are at high risk for the condition.

It’s also important to check your feet often for any cuts, sores, or other signs of injury, and to seek medical attention if you notice any changes in sensation or color in your feet.

5. Neuropathy Treatment Options

Treatment options for foot neuropathy vary depending on the cause of the condition. Here are some of your options.

Medication

Medication may be used to manage pain and other symptoms of neuropathy. There are many such medications. Like:

• Pain medications
• Anti-inflammatory drugs
• Antidepressants
• Topical creams and patches can also be effective for localized pain

Physical Therapy

Exercise, massage, and other physical therapy techniques can help to improve circulation. This can help reduce pain and increase muscle strength and flexibility in the affected foot.

Lifestyle Changes

It’s important to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Quitting smoking, and eating a healthy diet can help to prevent further nerve damage and improve symptoms.

Surgery

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair or remove damaged nerves. Surgery can also correct underlying conditions that are causing neuropathy.

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)

TENS is a non-invasive procedure that uses low-voltage electrical current to stimulate nerve fibers. This can help to reduce pain and improve nerve function.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice. It involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the nerves and reduce pain.

Supportive Devices

To prevent further nerve damage, people with foot neuropathy may be advised to use special shoes or inserts. They may also need to use crutches or a cane to take pressure off the affected foot.

It’s important to note that treatment may not always be able to reverse the damage caused by neuropathy. It can help to reduce symptoms and prevent further damage. It’s also important to work closely with a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan for your condition.

Let’s Help with Neuropathy Treatment

What is foot neuropathy? A condition you don’t want to face alone. It is a serious disorder that can cause debilitating pain and loss of feeling.

Treatment options are varied and we can help. For those looking for an alternative form of treatment, Dr. Calvin Beaugez, D.C Clinic in Utah offers acupuncture services.

We can help whether you are struggling with neuropathy from diabetes, chemotherapy, or any other condition. Schedule online with us now to get started.

Massages have been around for thousands of years, and people are again beginning to realize they are not an indulgence but a therapy. More than 214 million massages are performed annually in the US, and that number continues to grow as more research comes out on the benefits of massage therapy.

There are various types of massage therapies, including sports massage, trigger point massage, deep tissue massage, and Swedish massage. Although these treatments can range in pressure, they all offer invaluable benefits for the body, mind, and spirit. Read on for the top six benefits of massage therapy. 

1. Treating Muscle Pain 

Many people have massages as part of muscle pain treatment. Nothing is worse than sore muscles or pain impacting your daily life, slowing down your return to activities that you love most. Sore muscles can also lead to stiffness and reduces flexibility, which increases the chance of injuries. 

The good news is that massage therapy is excellent for treating muscle pain. Studies have found it can improve circulation and help relax painful muscles, tendons, or joints. Plus, it stimulates nerve fibers, which can help reduce pain levels. 

Once muscles are relaxed, there is less chance of painful spasms and contractions. Back pain is a common reason people seek massage therapy, as the massage therapist can also determine the source of pain, which helps you address the root cause. The massage can also help reduce inflammation in the affected areas, leading to lasting relief. 

2. Improves Sleep Quality

Sleep is essential for the optimum physical and mental condition; however, one in three adults does not get enough sleep regularly. There are various reasons for this, but essentially, to induce sleep, the body needs serotonin to produce melatonin.

Massage therapy can help stimulate and increase the body’s release of melatonin and serotonin. These hormones help the body attune to its circadian rhythm and also help you relax. Other benefits of massage therapies, such as treating muscle pain and helping you relax, can also make it easier to sleep.

Combining massage therapy with other sleep hygiene habits can significantly improve your sleep. You can begin to set a regular sleep time ritual, knowing how to prepare your body and mind for sleep. 

3. Enhances Mental Well-being

Your body and mind are intricately connected, meaning massage therapy can also support your mental well-being. There are several ways that it is thought your mental well-being improves with massage therapy:

• The safe and quiet therapeutic space
• Decrease in stress hormones such as cortisol 
• Reduces blood pressure 
• Additional elements such as aromatherapy and soothing music 
• Pain reduction

Body pain can significantly impact your mood, and when you are stressed, it is natural to tense your body, leading to muscle pain. As massage therapy helps reduce pain levels, it can also lead to improved mood, as people can go back to enjoying the activities they enjoy the most. 

Massage therapy also reduces stress by triggering a relaxation response, encouraging the body to slow down. Your heart rate can then decrease as the parasympathetic nervous system is stimulated and relaxation hormones such as serotonin are released. Massages help you step out of the flight or fight response, which keeps your body tense and blood pressure high.  

The simple act of taking time to stop and relax also supports mental well-being. Feeling safe and secure with a professional massage therapist also allows you to benefit from human touch. 

4. Headache Relief 

Massage therapy can target areas of the body that may be causing your headaches. This includes tension in the neck, shoulders, jaw, and head. The therapist can focus on relaxing and stretching these muscles, along with common trigger points of headaches. 

Relaxing the neck and other muscles also helps improve circulation, relieving headaches. And once you become aware of how you tense your body, you will be able to notice early warning signs and can take steps to alleviate tightness regularly. Your massage therapist may also suggest how to manage your headaches between sessions. 

5. Shorter Injury Recovery Times

Massage therapy can be used as an integrative approach to many health issues and injuries. Following an injury rehabilitation plan with massage can promote healing and shorten recovery time.

Massage therapies can improve blood circulation, allowing more oxygen and nutrients to reach the injury, such as an injury obtained in a car accident. Plus, it can reduce waste products in the body by activating the lymphatic system, allowing faster recovery.

Scar tissue can lengthen injury recovery times if it is not addressed. This is because it can limit your range of movement and flexibility.

Massage therapy helps break down the tissue and help align the muscle fibers. Realigning the fibers in the affected site helps promote healing as movement is restored.

6. Immune System Support

Massage therapies support your immune system in various ways, which helps reduce the risk of issues that impact your physical and mental well-being, such as allergies. For example, studies have found massages can increase your level of lymphocytes. Lymphocytes help your body fight off harmful substances.

Stress is an immunosuppressor, so reducing stress through massage also helps your immune system. Including massage therapy as part of your self-care routine allows for optimum mental well-being, which increases the chance of optimum physical well-being. 

Treating muscle pain and headaches can also help boost your immune system, as your system can focus on fighting illnesses. You will also feel able to carry out activities that support your physical and mental well-being, such as stretching, exercise, and time in nature. 

Massage therapy can treat many problems that impact the immune system and cause pain. This includes reducing water retention, treating burns, and improving pulmonary function. 

Reap the Benefits of Massage Therapy

There are many benefits of massage therapy, whether you want to have it as preventative treatment and relaxation or to treat an existing issue. Be pain-free, speed up your recovery, and live your optimum life.

It is essential to find a reputable provider of massage therapy to reap the benefits. If you are based in Utah, Dr. Calvin’s Chiropractic Clinic is here to help. Contact us today to learn about our range of treatments, including massage therapy.