This is my clinical pearl story about Rib Pain and Rib Dysfunction: Chiropractic Care is Effective.  She was a 24 year old female patient. To be HIPAA compliant, I will call her Jean instead of her real name. 

Jean reported severe pain and graded the pain level to be 10/10. It was a dull, achy, sharp, stabbing pain radiating along the periphery of one or more ribs from the back to the front of her torso. She had difficulty breathing and couldn’t bend or twist at the waist due to pain.  Jean also had difficulty even lifting her legs while sitting due to the pain in her left mid back.

Jean’s rib and back pain had come on suddenly while she was walking in the grocery store. There wasn’t any history of trauma.  She did report having a similar incident of rib and back pain in the past. Recently, Jean was under a lot of stress from her college exams and projects.  These projects had entailed a lot of leaning forward in a lab with bad posture.  At first, she tried taking an over the counter NSAID (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and then called for an appointment with me.

 

Jean’s Examination

Upon examination I did find her range of motion was extremely limited in her thoracic and lumbar spine due to the mid back pain. Also, Jean’s cervical (neck) range of motion was decreased in several directions due to the pain in her mid back. Furthermore, she had an inability to raise her thighs from a sitting position during the muscle testing due to the pain in her mid back. She also tested positive for left rib chiropractic subluxations (fixated/misaligned joint) in her mid to lower thoracic (mid back) spine. Additionally, I explained to Jean that she had a lot of spasm in the surrounding musculature due to the chiropractic rib subluxations (serratus posterior and superior muscles, longissimus thoracis, iliocostalis lumborum, quadratus lumborum, and serratus posterior and inferior muscles).

I would order an x-ray of her left rib and mid back if she wasn’t making progress within 12 visits. 

 

Jean’s Treatment and Outcome at Meiri Chiropractic in West Palm Beach

Jean received chiropractic adjustments/ manipulation to her cervical (neck), thoracic (ribs and spine in mid back) and lumbopelvic (low back) spine along with soft tissue work (myofascial release, pressure point and various post isometric relaxation procedures) and exercises to continue at home.

After her first adjustment, Jean started to feel better.  In fact, she was able to rotate and bend her torso better.  And by the second visit, she reported a pain level of 6/10 and had better range of motion overall.  However, she still couldn’t lift her thighs from a sitting position.  Finally, by her third visit she reported feeling “90%” better.  Moreover, she was able to lift her thighs from a sitting position and had regained most of her range of motion back in her neck and back. So Jean at this point chose to return in a month for a followup.

 

 

Anatomy of the Thoracic (mid back) Spine and Ribs

12 Vertebrae (spinal bones) compose the thoracic vertebral column or spine. Your spine protects the spinal cord, nerves, supports your thorax and enables movement of your body. The intervertebral discs, along with the laminae, pedicles, and articular processes of adjacent vertebrae, create a space through which spinal nerves exit. A typical vertebra also contains four articular (joint) processes, two superior and two inferior, which contact the inferior and superior articular processes of adjacent vertebrae, respectively. The point at which superior and articular facets meet is known as a facet, or zygapophyseal, joint (synovial joint).  These maintain vertebral alignment, control the range of motion, and are weight-bearing in certain positions. Also, these joints are what chiropractors mostly adjust in the thoracic spine.

Thoracic vertebrae are unique in that they have the additional role of providing attachments for the ribs.  One special feature of thoracic vertebrae is the presence of costovertebral and costotransverse joints, which form the articulations for the ribs. The costovertebral joints (demifacets) are located on either side of the vertebral body to form an articulation with the heads of the ribs. The costotransverse joints are located on the anterior (front) aspects of the transverse processes of vertebrae to articulate with the tubercles of the ribs.

Anteriorly (front), the first seven ribs connect to the sternum (breast plate) directly, and the eighth, ninth, and tenth ribs attach indirectly via the costocartilage. The eleventh and twelfth ribs are free floating, with no anterior attachment. The anterior articulations move mainly because of the elastic quality of the costocartilage. 

What is the Chiropractic Subluxation/ Joint Subluxation/Dysfunction Syndrome (JSDS)?

A Joint Subluxation/Dysfunction Syndrome (JSDS) diagnosis is defined by a combination of signs and symptoms for dysfunction of spinal, pelvic, or peripheral (limb) joints. It is a functional (biomechanical) diagnosis, not a structural (pathoanatomic) diagnosis. If you have JSDS, your spinal and peripheral motion segments and associated soft tissues are the source of your symptoms.

The chiropractic subluxation is the alteration of the normal dynamic, anatomic, or physiologic relationships of contiguous (neighboring) articular (joint) structures. It is a motion segment in which alignment, movement integrity, or physiologic function is altered.  However, the contact between the joint surfaces remains intact.  So the ORTHOPEDIC SUBLUXATION term which means a partial or incomplete dislocation, is different from the chiropractic subluxation.

And this aberrant relationship between two adjacent articular structures may have functional or pathologic sequelae (consequence of disease). The chiropractic subluxation can ultimately cause an alteration in the biomechanical or neurophysiologic changes to occur not only to your articular structures, but also your entire body systems.

Indeed, the rib synovial joints are prone to the same pathologic conditions that affect other synovial joints (also called diarthroses are freely movable joints), including the chiropractic subluxation and dysfunction complex.

Rib and Back Pain and Rib Dysfunction: Chiropractic Care is Effective

Chiropractors are specially trained to examine you for the presence of chiropractic rib subluxations, as well as involvement of any surrounding tissues. If detected, your chiropractor in West Palm Beach will use safe and effective chiropractic adjustments to restore proper rib movement.  This will correct your “subluxations”, restore normal function to the affected area and get you out of pain.

Are you suffering from rib pain and searching for an experienced chiropractor in West Palm Beach? Dr. Natalie Meiri can definitely help you.  Call 561-253-8984 today to find out more about Rib and Back Pain and Rib Dysfunction: Chiropractic Care is Effective or to make an appointment.

 

 

Commonly asked questions and answers for chiropractic care in West Palm Beach (Part II) can help educate you on the truth about chiropractic.  Chiropractic can treat acute or chronic back/extremity pain, chronic fatigue, stress, help with digestive issues, and a variety of other health problems. You need to make an informed decision about the care you need. Read below about the benefits and realities about chiropractic.

 

 

1. What is a Chiropractor?

A Chiropractor is a Physician also known as a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.). Moreover, a Chiropractor diagnoses and treats a broad range of physical conditions in patients with muscular, nervous and skeletal system problems.

Doctors of chiropractic are extensively educated in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the spinal and extremity joints and associated neurology. Furthermore, based on examination findings and indication for care, the chiropractor will recommend a course of care.  This will relieve your pain and improve your function.

 

2. What Symptoms Can Chiropractors Treat?

Chiropractors treat a wide range of symptoms that impact your physical and emotional well-being. Your chiropractor in West Palm Beach will help you effectively manage the following symptoms and more:

• Pain
• Cramping
• Tingling
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Headache
• Shortness of breath
• Inflammation
• Limited range of mobility
• Exhaustion

Many patients also notice their mental health improves after a chiropractic treatment. Reason being, living with chronic pain can trigger bouts of depression and anxiety.  In fact, many patients confess they felt hopeless about the future until they visited our office. Indeed, we help alleviate your discomfort so you can get back to living life to the fullest!

 

3. What Conditions Can Benefit From Chiropractic Care?

Patients visit us for a variety of conditions, ranging from minor ailments to severe conditions that haven’t benefited from conventional medicine. The following are some conditions your chiropractor in West Palm Beach can help you with:

• Neck, back, shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, thumb, TMJ, knee, leg, and foot pain
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Tendonitis
• Tennis elbow
• Headaches and Migraines
• Sciatica
• Asthma
• Neuralgia
• Herniated discs
• Fibromyalgia

The above is not a full list of ailments we treat.  Please contact us with any questions.

 

4. What is an Adjustment?

The chiropractic adjustment or manipulation is a manual procedure applying a gentle yet firm thrust, typically delivered in the direction of reduced joint motion to restore normal motion and alignment. Spinal or extremity joint dysfunction, termed subluxation (chiropractic subluxation complex), can adversely affect nerve function, and the body’s ability to regulate and maintain health. Lastly, Chiropractic adjustments address disturbed joint biomechanics and the associated effects on nervous system function.

 

5. Can I Perform My Own Spinal Adjustments?

The answer is No. Only Chiropractors are trained to diagnosis chiropractic joint fixations/ “subluxations” and correct them. A Joint Subluxation/Dysfunction Syndrome diagnosis is actually a clinical diagnosis.  There are certain signs and symptoms that are assumed to identity dysfunction of spinal, pelvic, or peripheral (arms, legs, TMJ) joints.

For example, in most cases when a person has a restricted joint, it will make the spinal joint or vertebrae above and below become hypermobile (increase movement).  This is due to the fixated vertebrae in the middle. So when you twist/ lean back in a chair to “adjust” yourself, you are moving the hypermobile segments instead of the fixated/“subluxated” vertebrae. Furthermore, this could worsen the degeneration or whatever present damage exists in that area. In conclusion, it’s dangerous to adjust your own neck or back if you don’t have training in chiropractic care.

 

6. Are the benefits one can receive from chiropractic care be life changing?

   Yes! Chiropractic has shown benefits for all ages and various problems. Some benefits include: better sleeping, increased energy, increased movement, ability to perform things that use to be challenging in sports and activities of daily living, better bowel movements and much more. 

 

7. Can You Receive Chiropractic Care at any age or during Pregnancy?

Firstly, chiropractors see patients that range from an infant to elderly in their 80s and up. Using gentle adjustments for infants can help them with the following: Ear infections, Colic, Tonsillitis, and Reflux to name a few. Afterall, the birthing process itself can be traumatic for an infant’s spine!

Secondly, pregnant women have so much to gain from chiropractic care. During pregnancy the pelvis can get misaligned or “subluxated” making a pregnancy more difficult than it needs to be. With a protruding abdomen and an increase in the lumbar spine curve, it is possible to see postural changes take effect on the mother.

Thirdly, while Chiropractic care is generally safe during pregnancy, it’s a good idea to double check with your OB/GYN before scheduling an appointment. Many patients find that chiropractic treatments are a great drug-free and natural way to alleviate the aches and pains associated with pregnancy.

 

8. Can I Request Chiropractic Care Without a Referral?

We treat patients who do not have referrals from their primary care physicians or other medical providers. And Chiropractors are portal of entry providers which means you can visit us before any other doctor. As chiropractic physicians, we examine, diagnose and then treat you.

 

9. How do I get started with chiropractic care in West Palm Beach?

Contact our West Palm Beach office at 561-253-8984 for further information on Commonly asked questions and answers for chiropractic care in West Palm Beach (Part II). We will be glad to schedule an appointment for you and get you on your way from injury repair to peak performance naturally.

 

References:

Chiropractic Technique- Bergmann, Peterson  

 

 

Dementia is the name for a group of symptoms associated with an ongoing decline of brain functioning.  And Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common cause of dementia in the United States.  It accounts for approximately 65% to 75% of all cases. In fact, there are more than 4 million Americans affected by Alzheimer’s. Furthermore, it appears women live longer than men with Alzheimer’s and so represent twice as many cases. The combined cost of direct management and lost productivity is at least $100 billion annually. In fact, the National Institute on aging estimates that as many as 5 million Americans over the age of 65 have some form of Alzheimer’s disease. In its latest statement, the Alzheimer’s Association states that as many as one in three older people will die from Alzheimer’s disease or dementia in the United States. And more and more patients are afraid of losing their memory. 

While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, there are things you can do to maintain your cognitive health as you get older in regard to cognitive dysfunction. This post is about Alzheimer’s and Chiropractic.

 

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

It is a progressive condition, which means the symptoms develop gradually over many years and eventually it severely affects multiple brain functions.  The first sign of Alzheimer’s disease is usually minor memory problems.  For instance, this could be forgetting about recent conversations or events, and forgetting the names of places and objects.  Next, common symptoms include memory loss, concentration problems, confusion with familiar tasks, difficulty communicating, mood changes, and anxiety.  Finally, the stages of Alzheimer’s disease leads to increased mental and physical deterioration until eventually the person needs 24-hour care.

Scientists think Alzheimer’s disease is caused by the abnormal build-up of proteins in and around brain cells. These deposits (amyloid) form plaques around brain cells. Yet another protein (Tau) deposits in tangles within brain cells.  Although it’s not known exactly what causes this process to begin, scientists now know that it begins many years before symptoms appear. Lastly, neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) are decreased so brain signals/messages are not sent.

 

 

Risks for developing Alzheimer’s Disease

Firstly, age is the single most significant factor. The likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease increases after you reach 65. However, early- or young-onset Alzheimer’s disease can affect people from around the age of 40.

Secondly, the genes you inherit from your parents can contribute to your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Nevertheless, the actual increase in risk is small unless you have a specific single gene.  Then the risk is much higher.

Thirdly, if you have Down’s Syndrome, suffered head injuries, hypertension, diabetes and/or have cardiovascular disease you are at a greater risk.

Fourthly, you can lower your risk by: not smoking/avoiding second hand smoke, eating a healthy diet and loosing weight if necessary, leading an active life mentally and physically, avoiding excess alcohol/drugs.

Fifthly, the latest research shows that factors that increase the risk also include: hypertension, hearing impairments, social isolation, untreated depression, toxins/air pollution.

 

Chiropractic and Your Nervous System/ Brain

As chiropractors, we believe in the concept of wellness for our patients and we recognize things like receiving chiropractic adjustments, exercising, eating healthy and sleep hygiene as important parts of a wellness program.  Such a wellness program will certainly lower your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Even if you don’t have a family history of Alzheimer’s, as you age, your nerve cells lose speed and flexibility. You might start forgetting more and remembering less.  You will need antioxidants (like vitamins A, C, and E) to counter the oxidative stress of aging. Eating right and supplementing with a multivitamin everyday will help. Some possible nutritional supplements for dementia include: Ginko biloba, Ginseng (Panax ginseng), Coenzyme Ql0.

Finally, this is where your chiropractic adjustment comes in. Getting regular adjustments to get your body aligned keeps your nervous system/ brain  functioning at it’s optimum.

Contact your West Palm Beach Chiropractor at 561-253-8984 today to make an appointment or to learn more about Alzheimer’s and Chiropractic.

 

*Please consult your doctor prior to trying above supplements.

 

 

 

 

Many people dealing with diabetic neuropathy feel as though they have few treatments available. They are relying on pain medications, living with pain and increased stress. For people seeking relief from the discomfort of diabetic neuropathy, a chiropractor in West Palm Beach might be the answer. Continue reading to learn more about how a chiropractor can provide care for Diabetic Neuropathy naturally.

 

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes mellitus is a disorder that results in chronic hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) due to absence of insulin, decreases in insulin, and/or decreased sensitivity of insulin receptors (areas on the outer part of a cell that allow the cell to join or bind with insulin that is in the blood). Generally, Diabetes mellitus is evident in two forms: (1) type 1, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus , and (2) type 2, non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Usually, type 1 diabetes becomes apparent in childhood or adolescence.  And type 2 diabetes shows up later in life (over the age of40).

Microvascular complications of diabetes are those long-term problematic changes to small blood vessels. Unfortunately, it can lead to various health problems such as: retinopathy (disease of retina of eye), nephropathy (kidney disease), and neuropathy (nerve damage disease).

 

What is Diabetic Neuropathy?

With Diabetic Neuropathy, you will typically have low back pain along with burning pains in the lower extremities (limbs) and poor balance. Also, it can affect your arms and hands with numbness and pain. Indeed, neuropathy is a diabetes complication that causes nerve damage throughout your body.  About half of all people with diabetes have some form of neuropathy. Furthermore, it is more common in those who have had diabetes for many years. 

 

Chiropractic Care for Diabetic Neuropathy

In one study a patient with diabetic neuropathy was treated with chiropractic manipulation to the intertarsal and mortise joints (foot and ankle joints) and chiropractic myofascial therapy to the quadratus plantae muscles (muscle at bottom of foot) 18 times over 4 months. This treatment brought about dramatic improvement in both symptoms and clinical signs of nerve function. (1)

The study found that joint dysfunction may play a role in susceptibility to diabetic neuropathy and the treatment brought about improvement. Therefore, chiropractic treatment may bring about improvement by normalizing joint and nerve function in the areas affected.

 

How a Chiropractor Can Provide Care for Diabetic Neuropathy Naturally: Nutrition, Exercise and Supplements

First, keeping your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels on target is your best line of defense against neuropathy. Moreover, a healthy diet and consistent exercise is vital to your management of diabetic neuropathy. Researchers concluded that a western dietary pattern (i.e., high in red meat, fat, refined grains, and sweets/desserts) combined with low physical activity or obesity substantially increased the risk of type 2 diabetes.  In contrast, a more healthy dietary pattern (i.e., high consumption of vegetables, fruit, fish, poultry, and whole grains) decreased the risk. Among many studies emphasizing the need for exercise in reducing the morbidity (condition of suffering from a disease or medical condition) of diabetes, some indicate minor lifestyle changes may affect mortality (relating to death).

For example, in an 8-week walking program of 10,000 steps/day for women, the benefits of improved glucose tolerance and a reduction in blood pressure was realized.

In addition to the recommendations of eating a healthy diet and keeping weight down, some specific dietary supplements and herbs have been suggested in the scientific literature:

• vitamin E
• vitamin C
• vitamin B6 (pyridoxine alpha-ketoglutarate)46
• biotin
• chromium
• Gymnema
• Asian ginseng
• aloe vera

*Please Check with your doctor prior to utilizing any of the above

 

How a chiropractor can help provide care for Diabetic Neuropathy naturally

Diabetic Neuropathy can be helped naturally at Meiri Chiropractic.  Firstly, this involves spinal adjustments or extremity (limbs) manipulation and may include mobilization.  Secondly, soft tissue techniques along with the use of modalities (i.e. heat therapy, electric muscle stimulation) and rehabilitation/home exercises. Finally, homeopathic consultations/ prescriptions along with recommendations on nutrient and vitamin/herbal supplementation will be provided as necessary.  These treatments along with regular exercise and stress reduction can give you relief. 

Are you suffering from diabetic neuropathy?  Neuropathic pain is an issue that no one wants to deal with. It can be an uncomfortable and often debilitating condition, so it’s crucial to seek treatment as soon as possible. Your chiropractor in West Palm Beach can help you manage your symptoms and improve your overall quality of life. Call 561-253-8984 today!