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Chiropractic and Chronic Pain
| Chronic pain can often mean the difference between enjoying one's day and just getting by. It can have a tremendous influence on a person's daily quality of life. Treating chronic pain can bring much needed relief, and can improve quality of life significantly. Chronic pain, like acute pain, may come on suddenly as a result of an accident or a disease process. But unlike acute pain, chronic pain persists long after its onset. Causes of Chronic Pain There are many different possible causes of chronic pain. Injuries often cause pain that lingers and does not resolve easily. Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS), herniated discs, and whiplash are all types of injuries that can lead to persistent pain. FBSS is the accepted term that describes patients for whom back surgery has not provided the relief of back pain that they hoped it would. And, a herniated disc is a disc that becomes damaged and bulges out as a result. According to Dr. David Nygaard of Atlas Family Chiropractic in Asheville, North Carolina, "Healthy discs are spongy and flexible. They help maintain flexibility in the spine. A herniated disc can be quite painful, causing limited mobility and persistent discomfort." Whiplash is a common injury occurring in automobile accidents. Whiplash causes the head and neck to suddenly jerk forward and backward, forcing them beyond the natural range of motion. This can cause painful tissue damage. Injuries can also cause musculoskeletal pain (pain affecting the muscles, ligaments, tendons and bones). Trauma, fractures, sprains, and falls can cause musculoskeletal pain. Daily activities can also contribute to this type of pain. For instance, poor body mechanics, overuse as well as repetitive movements can all lead to musculoskeletal pain. Sometimes it is not an injury but a disease process in the body that causes chronic pain. Osteoarthritis can cause pain, swelling, and reduced motion in joints. In addition to the extremities, it can also affect the spine and hips. Sciatica is another potential cause of chronic pain. The sciatic nerve is a large nerve in the back of the leg, and patients suffering from this may experience pain, numbness and possibly weakness radiating from the lower back through the back of the leg. How Chiropractic Can Help Sufferers of Chronic Pain Sometimes the causes of chronic pain are clear. Unfortunately, there are times when it is impossible to identify the exact cause of chronic pain - there is no obvious, definable injury that can explain the patient's symptoms. In either case, there is no denying that chronic pain impacts the patient's life in a negative way. "It is possible that chronic pain may cause changes to the nerves in the spinal cord," says Dr. Nygaard. "Preliminary research suggests the possibility of structural changes in the nerves in the spinal cord of patients suffering with chronic pain." Chiropractic is one approach to the treatment of chronic pain that does not involve relying on drugs and potentially experiencing side effects. People experiencing chronic pain that stems from irritation to the nervous system may benefit from chiropractic treatment. Your chiropractor can tailor the treatment to target the type of pain you are experiencing. Chiropractors work on the belief system that the bones, joints and muscles of the body are interconnected with the body's ability to heal and function healthfully. Spinal manipulation is one tool that chiropractors use to improve the body's natural balance. Other possible treatments administered by a doctor of chiropractic may include: trigger point therapy, massage or nutritional counseling. Patients who are looking for a solution for their chronic pain may find some relief through seeking chiropractic treatment. For more information please visit: http://atlasfamilychiropractic.net |
About the Author
Bryan Sullivan is the Executive Vice President of Write Away, Inc. - Editorial and content firm based in Weaverville, NC. He is the Feature Editor of Action Pursuit Games Magazine, Editor of Grilled Magazine. He also often writes for regional & national publications about local history, farming, culture and food. He graduated with a degree in communications from Alfred University in New York State and then went on to attend culinary school in NYC where he graduated in the top percent of his class. He proceeded to work in high-end restaurants in New York City, Martha's Vineyard, MA and Naples, FL. Bryan currently lives in Asheville, NC with Liisa and their Black Lab, Annie.
For more information please visit:
http://atlasfamilychiropractic.net
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