Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – Chiropractic vs Medical Treatment
Clear Lake City Chiropractor Comments: In the two decades that I have been practicing chiropractic in the Bay Area part of Houston, TX, I have noted that there are many patients who suffer from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). In fact, CTS is one of the most common work related injuries. In spite of multiple studies that show the benefits of chiropractic treatment with patients suffering from CTS, many medical doctors are unaware of the studies and still tell their patients that chiropractic treatment is either ineffective, or may actually harm them. This unsupported ill advice can easily result in the patient not even considering chiropractic care as a potential effective form of treatment. This can be especially damaging to a patient who cannot tolerate anti-inflammatory medications such as Ibuprofen, Aleve, or aspirin. In fact, side effects secondary to stomach pain (gastritis and/or ulcer) can be quite common, especially at the recommended dose of 2400 mg / day. Moreover, if poor tolerance to these medications exists and an unsatisfying response to conservative medical treatment occurs, the “next step” offered to the patient may be surgery. Surgery that may have been avoidable had chiropractic treatment been considered as a viable alternative.
There are several studies available that will enlighten those who simply are not aware of the effectiveness of chiropractic care in the treatment of CTS.
The type of treatment that one may receive when being treated in our office includes manipulation of the bony joints of the neck and upper extremity. The objective of this is to improve the mobility of the joints and loosen the muscles through which the nerves pass, particularly, the median nerve that runs through the carpal tunnel and innervates the 2nd to 4th fingers. There are several exercises of both stretching and strengthening types that strive for similar goals. Physical therapy modalities such as low-level laser therapy have reported beneficial results. Modalities such as ultrasound, interferential current (IFC), ice massage over the tunnel, and other therapies may also be utilize. There may be other treatment approaches that may suggested on an individual case basis.
Dr. Ward Beecher practices at Beecher Chiropractic Clinic at 1001 Pineloch, Ste 700 Houston, TX 77062. You can schedule an appointment at BeecherChiropractic.com or by calling (281) 286-1300. If you have any questions regarding this blog, please comment below!
Chiropractic Reported Best for Back Pain Relief
Clear Lake City, TX Chiropractor Comments: As a practicing chiropractor in the Houston area since 1990, I was not surprised to see the recent positive press about chiropractic care. According to the May 2009 Consumer Reports chiropractic was voted the best in pain relief for people suffering from back pain. The actual results were:
Chiropractor- 59%
Physical therapist- 55%
Acupuncturist- 53%
Physician, specialist- 44%
Physician, primary care- 34%
This is similar to the results that I see in my office in Clear Lake City, TX. While this survey showed the patients who were “highly satisfied”, almost all of our patients are either satisfied or highly satisfied with their care. Patients are glad to find out that their headaches, back and neck pain and other complaints can be alleviated without drugs or surgery. They are also happy to find out exercises and stretches that can be done at home to prevent the problems from reoccurring. Their satisfaction makes my job all the more enjoyable. Let me know if I can make you a satisfied patient also!
Dr. Ward Beecher practices at Beecher Chiropractic Clinic at 1001 Pineloch, Ste 700 Houston, TX 77062. You can schedule an appointment at BeecherChiropractic.com or by calling (281) 286-1300. If you have any questions regarding this blog, please comment below!
What is Orthopedics?
Clear Lake City, TX Chiropractor’s Comments: Orthopedics is the branch of chiropractic medicine that deals with the prevention and correction of disorders of the joints, skeleton, muscles and other supporting structures. Orthopedics comes from the Greek word “Ortho” meaning straight and “pedics” meaning children. Medical orthopedics utilizes surgery to correct these musculoskeletal complaints. Chiropractic orthopedics, a recognized council of the American Chiropractic Association requiring extensive post-graduate education and testing, utilizes manual therapy and rehabilitation to correct the musculoskeletal problems instead. As a doctor who is board certified chiropractic orthopedics in Houston, TX, I am frequently asked to do consultations or second opinions for patients to determine the underlying cause of their complaint(s). I take an extensive history and perform an appropriate examination to arrive at the accurate diagnosis. The correct diagnosis is important to determine whether the patient will respond to chiropractic care or does he/she need to be referred to another doctor. If I feel that the patient would benefit from chiropractic orthopedic medicine, then I design a specific treatment plan with the appropriate chiropractic care, exercises and stretches to allow the maximum improvement possible.
Dr. Ward Beecher practices at Beecher Chiropractic Clinic at 1001 Pineloch, Ste 700 Houston, TX 77062. You can schedule an appointment at BeecherChiropractic.com or by calling (281) 286-1300. If you have any questions regarding this blog, please comment below!
The Neck and Headache Connection
Houston Chiropractor’s Comments: In the 20 years that I have been a chiropractor, I have noticed that patients with headaches commonly complain of neck pain. The term “cervicogenic headaches” has become an accepted term due the close connection between the head and neck for many years. There are many anatomical reasons why neck problems result in headaches. One of these reasons is that the top 3 nerves exiting the spine penetrate the muscles that connect the head to the neck, any excess pressure on these nerves by the muscles or spinal joints will result in irritation and subsequent pain. Another reason is that some of the cranial nerves affect sensation and motor function around the head, neck and face.
When patients come to our office seeking treatment for their headaches, a thorough examination of the neck, upper back and cranial nerves is routinely performed. It is common to find a decrease in the neck’s range of motion and bone alignment. Muscle tenderness is also common and contributes to the headaches and neck pain.
It is best to have your cervical spine examined by a chiropractic spine specialist to determine the cause of your pain. Specific treatment, stretches or exercises may be recommended to prevent the pain from becoming a chronic problem.
Dr. Ward Beecher practices at Beecher Chiropractic Clinic at 1001 Pineloch, Ste 700 Houston, TX 77062. You can schedule an appointment at BeecherChiropractic.com or by calling (281) 286-1300. If you have any questions regarding this blog, please comment below!
What is the best pillow for neck pain?
I have been practicing chiropractic in the Clear Lake City / Bay Area part of Houston, TX since 1990, and one of the most common questions I am asked is “What is the best pillow for neck pain relief?”
For most people, the answer is a water based pillow. At my office, we recommend the Chiroflow pillow. This neck pillow can be adjusted for customized density and support. A study in the “Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation” February 1997 showed that they worked well to relieve neck pain.
In addition to the cervical pillow, make sure of what is causing your neck pain. It is best to have your cervical spine examined by a chiropractic spine specialist to determine the cause of your pain. Specific stretches or exercises may be recommended to prevent the pain from becoming a chronic problem.
Dr. Ward Beecher practices at Beecher Chiropractic Clinic at 1001 Pineloch, Ste 700 Houston, TX 77062. You can schedule an appointment at BeecherChiropractic.com or by calling (281) 286-1300. If you have any questions regarding this blog, please comment below!
