Category: Back Pain

Five Things to Love About Chiropractic Care

Love scrabble tilesBeing a chiropractor is an unbelievable experience, and something I don’t take for granted. Every day, I get the opportunity to work with a variety of patients, who put their health and healing in my hands. It’s truly humbling to hear why they love chiropractic care and continually encourage their friends and family to seek it out as well.

In honor of Valentine’s Day, we rounded up a list of the top five reasons why our patients love chiropractic care:

  1. Reduces pain and inflammation – One of the main purposes of a chiropractor is to alleviate pain, and it’s the primary reason patients love coming to Pott. County Sports & Family Chiropractic. Through a combination of manual therapies and advice on diet, exercise and positive lifestyle choices, we help your body heal itself and get you on the road toward better health, faster and more efficiently.
  2. Doesn’t require pills or surgery – We believe in treating you to relieve your pain and make you more mindful of your body. While certain conditions may require additional treatment, our goal is to get you back to doing the things you love by exhausting all forms of conservative care first.
  3. Improves sleep – Chiropractic care helps improve blood flow in the nervous system as well as addresses misalignments in the spine, which in turn allows patients to rest more easily.
  4. Reduces anxiety – The nervous system runs along the spinal cord, and studies show that any interruptions along the way can have negative impacts on mood and behavior. We offer a variety of treatment options to improve the nervous system and remove roadblocks that can cause stress and anxiety.
  5. Prevents injuries – As a former collegiate athlete, I understand the physical demands that are required to live a healthy and active lifestyle. That’s why I’m so passionate about helping other athletes prevent injury and get back in the game safely. In addition to chiropractic manipulation, soft tissue therapy and corrective exercise techniques, we offer discounted sports physicals and rehabilitative taping for student athletes. (A full list of our services is available on our website.)

Tell us: What do you love most about chiropractic care? Comment below to share your thoughts, or contact us to learn more about how we can help you get back to doing the things you love. To book an appointment, please use our online scheduling tool.

Class IV Laser Therapy for Pain and Inflammation

Picture of Class IV Laser Therapy treatment on patient's shoulderRecently our clinic added the industry’s leading and most powerful Class IV Laser. We are excited to bring this service to our patients as a way to help alleviate pain, reduce inflammation and accelerate recovery times. Read on to learn more about the benefits, or contact us to find out if it’s right for you.

How does Laser Therapy work?

Laser Therapy uses specific wavelengths of light (red and near-infrared) to create therapeutic effects, including:

  • Decreased pain levels
  • Reduced inflammation
  • Increased tissue proliferation and regeneration
  • Accelerated soft tissue and bone repair
  • Enhanced nerve regeneration and function
  • Increased circulation and lymphatic flow
  • Creation of new blood vessels
  • Increased tissue tensile strength
  • Optimized enzymatic responses
  • Increased collagen production

What type of conditions can be treated with Class IV Laser Therapy?

  • Auto and work-related injuries
  • Back and neck pain
  • Burns
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Chondromalacia patellae (a.k.a “runner’s knee”)
  • Diabetic foot ulcers
  • Diabetic neuropathy
  • Edema
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Knee pain
  • Lateral epicondylitis (a.k.a. “tennis elbow”)
  • Ligament sprains
  • Muscle strains
  • Myofascial trigger points
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Repetitive stress injuries
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Shoulder pain
  • Sports injuries
  • Tendinitis
  • Venous ulcers
  • Wrinkles and skin elasticity concerns

Is Laser Therapy approved by the FDA?

Laser Therapy has been widely used around the world in both human medical and veterinary settings since the 1970s. It was approved by the FDA in 2003 as a way to help patients alleviate pain, reduce inflammation and accelerate recovery times.

What does Laser Therapy feel like?

Laser Therapy is a pain-free, non-invasive treatment option. With the exception of a subtle warmth or brief feeling of sensitivity during treatment, most patients do not experience any discomfort.

How often should a patient receive Laser Therapy?

Most acute conditions should be treated daily, particularly if they are accompanied by significant or debilitating pain. Chronic conditions typically respond better when treatments are received 2-3 times a week, tapering to once a week or once every other week with improvement.

How many treatments does it take?

Treatment times vary depending on the condition. For most acute conditions, 3-6 treatments are usually sufficient. Patients with more chronic conditions may require 10 or more visits. Conditions like severe arthritis may require ongoing periodic treatments to control pain.

How quickly do patients see improvements?

Most patients note improvements after only 1-2 sessions. These sessions may be scheduled at 2-3 times per week for a number of weeks and then 1-2 times a week until the condition is under control. For more chronic conditions, 1-2 times a week is usually recommended.

Can Laser Therapy be used on patients with tattoos or scars?

We take extra caution when caring for patients with tattoos or scars, as the areas can heat up more easily. However, laser therapy can be a highly effective treatment option for healing wounds and scars.

For more information on Laser Therapy or to schedule an appointment, call 712-249-8231.

Have Back Pain? Consider Chiropractic Care over Pills

New Guidelines for Treating Back Pain

Picture of older woman with low back painIf you are experiencing back pain, you may want to think twice before reaching for ibuprofen or a muscle relaxant.

New guidelines published in the Annals of Internal Medicine suggest patients try alternative therapies like exercise, tai chi, yoga, and acupuncture or spinal manipulations (a core treatment in chiropractic care) before using anti-inflammatory medication or muscle relaxants. The survey found that almost 90 percent of the 3,562 adults surveyed who tried yoga or tai chi said the remedies were helpful, while nearly 85 percent said the same of massage therapy and chiropractic care.

The recommendations come on the heels of the U.S. opioid epidemic. For decades, many healthcare professionals have prescribed opiates for pain relief. While prescription pain medication can provide immediate relief from pain, it can also contribute to opioid addiction. As a result, many physicians across the country have started reassessing their practices for prescribing pain medication and a number of states have enacted measures to curb addiction.

Non-Invasive Treatment for Back Pain

So what should you do to relieve your back pain?

For back pain that lasts four weeks or less (acute) or up to 12 weeks (subacute), the guidelines suggests trying massage therapy, heat, acupuncture, and spinal manipulation, or chiropractic care. For chronic back pain that lasts more than 12 weeks, the guidelines report tai chi, yoga, spine stabilizing/corrective exercise techniques, stress reduction, and cognitive behavioral therapy to be effective. The key is to keep moving and avoid prolonged sitting or bed rest.

Whether you suffer from upper, middle or lower back pain, there are many treatment options offered through chiropractic care to get you up and moving, including:

Learn more about our services. For more information on the right course of treatment for your back pain, please call 712-249-8231.

Nate Wiechmann, D.C., Trained in McKenzie Method of MDT Part A: The Lumbar Spine

Picture of woman with lower back painGood news for patients with upper and lower back pain: Nathaniel Wiechmann, D.C., A.R.T., is now trained in the McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT) Part A – the first in a four-part post-graduate series that focuses on identifying and correcting mechanical instabilities that cause pain.

Part A of the McKenzie Method of MDT focuses on assessing and treating conditions related to the lumbar spine. Part B focuses on the cervical/thoracic spine, while Parts C and D focus on the spine and extremities. This exercise-based assessment process helps provide patients with the tools and resources to manage musculoskeletal pain.

The following is a step-by-step guide to MDT (provided by the McKenzie Institute):

  1. Assessment – MDT clinicians begin by evaluating each patient’s medical history and symptoms. During the initial examination, you will be asked to perform specific functions and hold certain positions, which will help the clinician “classify” your condition.
  2. Classification – Each symptom will be addressed individually using specific mechanical procedures, including repeated movements and sustained postures.
  3. Treatment – Based on the information garnered from the assessment, the clinician will prescribe specific exercises and posture adjustments. Depending on your condition, the clinician may apply hands-on techniques to aid your treatment. The goal is to provide you with the knowledge and tools to manage your condition on your own.
  4. Prevention – By learning how to self-manage your condition, you will gain the knowledge and tools to help minimize the risk of recurrence. You will also be better equipped to address future symptoms, putting you in greater control of your condition.

Dr. Wiechmann completed the 26-hour Part A course at Cleveland University-Kansas City in November. He plans to complete Part B-D to earn his official certification as an MDT clinician. Contact us to learn more or to schedule an appointment.

Herniated Discs: Sign, Symptoms and Treatment Options

Picture of male with lower back painWhen people say they have a “slipped” or “ruptured” disc in their neck or lower back, they are usually referring to a disc derangement or herniated disc, a common cause of lower back pain, neck pain, arm pain and leg pain.

In between each of the vertebra of your spinal column, you have intervertebral discs that act as ligaments to hold your spinal column together. Their main role is to take pressure off the joints in your back by absorbing shock and force. Each disc has two parts: the inner part, called the nucleus pulposus, and the outer part, called the annulus fibrosus. The nucleus pulposus is composed of a gel-like substance that is surrounded by the tough circular exterior of the annulus fibrous.

A disc bulge indicates the inner disc material has migrated into the outer substance, putting pressure on the spinal cord or a nerve in your back, which causes pain. A disc herniation indicates that the outer part of the disc is torn and the inner disc material has migrated away from the tear, putting pressure on the back. Similarly, an articular tear means a portion of the outer annulus fibrosus has torn, creating pressure on the spinal cord or a nerve in your back.

All disc derangements, including disc bulges and disc herniations, come with some form of pain. The pain can range from localized pain to a sharp, shooting pain that runs down one or both of your legs. The intensity, duration and symptoms associated with your pain can vary depending on your condition. Therefore, it is important to be evaluated by an experienced medical professional (such as a chiropractor) to properly diagnose and treat your condition. In some cases, your chiropractor may recommend diagnostic imaging or tests to further evaluate your condition. Your chiropractor may also refer you to an orthopedic specialist for additional treatment if necessary.

Depending on your condition, the following chiropractic services may provide relief from your symptoms:

  • Spinal manipulation
  • Myofascial release
  • Joint mobilization
  • Rehabilitative or corrective exercises to strengthen weakened muscles
  • End range loading to the effected disc to help remodel the tissue

If you are experiencing lower back pain, neck pain, arm pain or leg pain and suspect you may have a slipped, ruptured or herniated disc, contact us today to schedule an appointment. You can also view our services to learn more about the specific treatment options available at Pottawattamie County Sports & Family Chiropractic.

Five Ways to Prevent Lower Back Pain

Picture of woman at desk with lower back painLower back pain is the most common musculoskeletal complaint among chiropractic patients. There are many causes of lower back pain, and it can often be hard to treat. Chiropractic is a conservative treatment option that focuses on identifying the root cause of your symptoms to relieve pain and improve function. Below I discuss five simple ways to reduce your risk of lower back pain:

Diaphragmatic Breathing

A majority of people—especially those who sit at a desk all day—are chest breathers. A simple solution to correct this (and begin breathing into your stomach) is to lie on your back with your hands on your stomach. Focus on expanding and contracting the belly. It may not look sexy, but it will lead to proper lumbar spine support, reducing your risk of lower back pain.

Core Stabilization Exercises

Core stabilization helps strengthen the muscles surrounding the back and abdomen—the core or powerhouse muscles that help support the body’s daily movement. Strengthening these muscles can take pressure off the lower back, as well as decrease wear and tear on the joints of the hip and lower back. Some basic core stabilization exercises include forearm planks, side planks or other exercises that require you to hold a solid position for up to 20 seconds. The length of each exercise will vary based on your individual fitness ability.

Hip Mobility Exercises

Prolonged sitting can cause limited range of motion in the hips due to shortening of the tissues around the hip joints. This can cause the muscles in the lower back to overcompensate, resulting in lower back pain. To combat this issue, it is crucial you stretch the tissue around the hips and do hip mobilization drills to increase range of motion. The classic butterfly stretch and pigeon pose are two great examples that can help open the hips and take pressure off the overworked tissues of the lower back.

Thoracic Spine Mobility

The spine functions and moves as one unit, sharing motion across all spinal segments from head to toe. If the thoracic spine decreases its range of motion—which commonly happens with prolonged sitting—the lumbar spine will overcompensate by increasing motion, putting stress on the tissues of the low back. This can also cause rounded shoulders and make it hard to raise your arms above your head. Spine mobility drills, such as those that combine rotation with extension are great for targeting the thoracic spine and reducing lower back pain.

Ergonomic Support

Good posture, such as sitting up tall and not slouching over your desk can decrease pressure on the lower back. Also, lying with your back on a foam roller can help support the natural curve of the spine, reducing tension in the back. In addition, getting up every 20-40 minutes, doing back bends and walking for 10 minutes around your workplace can also reduce your risk of lower back pain.

Contact us for more information about lower back pain and the right course of treatment.