This post is about Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Acupuncture for Neck Pain Relief. Symptoms may only be stiffness or restricted range of motion.  Looking over the shoulder may not be possible. And/or moving the head in any direction may be difficult.  This came on insidiously (slowly, gradually) for you.  Finally, it is painful and muscle spasm is present.

Common muscle imbalances at or affecting the cervical spine include tightness of the sternocleidomastoids (SCMs).  Also, short, deep neck extensors, upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and the pectoralis major and minor. Muscles can get inhibited (the nerve signals needed to activate and control the muscle are impaired, leading to weakness and poor function).  These include the deep neck flexors.  Also, the lower stabilizers of the scapulae, including the lower and middle trapezius and the rhomboids are involved. In the end, these imbalances often lead to a rounded shoulder-forward head position.

Fortunately, if you have neck pain and dysfunction, acupuncture can provide relief!  We’ve got some great information to share below.

 

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Cervical Spine Anatomy and Chronic Neck Pain Connection…

The cervical spine has the task of maintaining head posture while allowing for a great deal of mobility. Moreover, the cervical spine must balance the weight of the head atop a relatively thin and long lever. This makes it quite susceptible to traumatic forces. The cervical facets (paired joints in neck) allow movement in all directions. In fact, the cervical spine is therefore the most movable portion of the spine. Anatomically, it is quite vulnerable.

Relevant Cervical Spine (Neck) Anatomy

Firstly, the cervical spine can be divided into 2 sections when describing the anatomy. The first section is the upper cervical spine consisting of the occiput (bottom of skull) and CI-C2.  The second section would be the lower cervical spine (C2-C7/TI). Functionally, there is a distinction between these two sections due to the greater degree of rotation at the upper cervical spine. So the unique articulation between the C2 and C1 vertebrae allow this greater rotation.  Specifically, the dens of C2 is the pivot for rotation.  Additionally, there is more lax ligamentous structures in this area.  Therefore, the muscles are more supportive and intricate so as to provide the stability and control. Indeed, this area has more laxity in the ligamentous system than the thoracic (mid back) and lumbar (low back) spine.

Secondly, another difference in the upper cervical spine is there is no disc between and C0, C1 and C2 levels.  Discs, called intervertebral discs, are positioned between each vertebra throughout the rest of the spine.

Thirdly, neurologically, the upper cervical spinal cord has a unique connection with the central nervous system.   This is through the trigeminocervical nucleus (functional convergence zone in the upper cervical spinal cord where sensory nerve fibers from the face (via the trigeminal nerve) and the upper neck (C1-C3 spinal nerves) meet. Here there is an intermingling of the spinal nucleus of the trigeminal nerve and the dorsal horn of the upper cervical spinal nerves. This is an anatomical explanation for the cause of headaches, dizziness, and facial pain.

 

 

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Acupuncture for Neck Pain Relief- Research

Firstly, in the treatment of neck pain, the first option is a conservative approach using conventional medications (CMs) such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), muscle relaxants, opioid analgesics, and corticosteroids. However, these have provided limited pain relief.  Furthermore, these have been often accompanied by adverse effects.  These include dizziness, drowsiness, intoxication, allergic reactions, hepatic and gastrointestinal dysfunctions.

Secondly, in one study, Acupuncture was found as an adjunct therapy providing post-treatment pain relief.  Pain relief lasted at least 3 months for patients with chronic neck pain. The study did a literature search up to March 2024 in six databases. It also measured acupuncture for safety profile and found it to be good. (1)

Thirdly, in another study, twenty-six trials involving 3520 participants were included. Acupuncture treatment demonstrated significantly greater reductions in pain intensity.  Acupuncture also showed significant improvements in quality of life. (2)

Fourthly, in yet another study, Acupuncture was shown to be superior to various interventions. In this study, it stated ” BACK PAIN is among the most prevalent health complaints of mankind. It is, therefore, associated with much individual suffering and considerable socioeconomic consequences. Back pain is also the most frequent indication for using unconventional therapies. Survey data suggested that back pain is one of the most common indications for referral to acupuncturists”. Furthermore, collectively, the data suggested that acupuncture is an effective treatment for back pain or spinal pain. (3) 

Finally, Acupuncture is believed to stimulate the central nervous system. This releases chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. So these biochemical changes may stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities. Next, it promotes physical and emotional well-being. Studies have shown that acupuncture is effective alone or when used with chiropractic therapies to treat these conditions.

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Acupuncture for Neck Pain Relief

Acupuncture has been used for over 4000 years to treat pain and other health problems safely and effectively. The acupuncture treatment stimulates the imbalanced pathways called meridians. This activates the body’s natural healing abilities.  Ultimately, this brings balance back to your body. Acupuncture has a beneficial effect when treating many diseases and painful conditions.

Meiri Chiropractic offers acupuncture for neck pain and many other ailments. Dr. Natalie Meiri is a chiropractic physician, board certified in acupuncture with over 20 years of experience.  Call today for your acupuncture treatment for neck pain at 561-253-8984.

 

References:

(1) Durable Effect of Acupuncture for Chronic Neck Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11416387/

(2) Effectiveness of Acupuncture for Neck Pain: Systematic Review and Meta‑analysis with Trial Sequential Analysis

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12664314/

(3) Acupuncture for Back Pain, A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Edzard Ernst, MD, PhD, FRCP(Edin); Adrian R. White MD.

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/210231

 

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This is my clinical pearl story about West Palm Beach Chiropractor: Adjustments and High Blood Pressure. I helped this patient with more than his low back pain. To be HIPAA compliant, I will call him Fillipe instead of his real name.  He was a 68 year old male patient. His chief complaints were low back pain and numbness in his right foot.  Fillipe also stated he was experiencing alot of stress. 

 

Fillilpe’s back pain had come and gone over the years.  However, it had never been severe enough for him to seek medical help.   Fillipe stated, “My blood pressure went up because of my job.  I like my job, but I’m working a lot of hours.”   Also, Fillipe already had to take medication due to Hypertension (high blood pressure).

Recently, Fillipe lifted a sofa and hurt his lower back.  He hadn’t been sleeping well either due to stress.  And the pain made it more difficult.  Fillipe was active all his life.  Prior to hurting his back, he jogged a few miles a week and lifted weights at home.  When he came to my office, Fillipe stated, “I’m hoping to avoid surgery”.

 

Fillipe’s Examination and Imaging

 

Upon examination, Fillipe tested positive for his neuromusculoskeletal back pain condition.  His low back x-rays showed  severe degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis) in his lumbar spine. Fillipe had spinal stenosis.  Additionally, his higher than normal blood pressure was noted.  He was already seeing his primary care doctor regarding this.

 

What is Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)?

Hypertension is a systolic (pressure when your heart pushes blood out) blood pressure greater than 130 mmHg and/or a diastolic (pressure when your heart rests between beats) blood pressure greater than 80 mmHg. High blood pressure develops when blood flows through your arteries at higher-than-normal pressures. According to the Centers of Disease Control, nearly half of adults have hypertension (48.1%, 119.9 million).  Unfortunately, about 1 in 4 adults with hypertension don’t have their hypertension under control (22.5%, 27.0 million).  Moreover, some don’t even know they have it!

The above figures pertain to the 90 percent of all hypertension cases labeled as “primary,” or “idiopathic”(unknown cause).  In other words, hypertension is not secondary to the disease but is the disease. So these don’t have a cause, such as hypercalcemia, hyperaldosteronism (due to adrenal disease), renovascular (due to kidney problems) disease, drug iatrogenesis (effects of conventional drug), hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. 

 

What happens if Hypertension isn’t managed?

Chronic hypertension accelerates the development of atherosclerosis (thickening/hardening of arteries). And this is a major risk factor for stroke and myocardial infarction (heart attack). Additionally, the physiologic consequences of continued high blood pressure contribute to the development of congestive heart failure, hypertensive retinopathy (eye disease), and hypertensive kidney disease. Furthermore, hypertension combined with  diabetes, smoking or dyslipidemia (imbalance of lipids), increase your risk for cardiovascular disease tremendously. 

 

 

Spinal Adjustments and Better Blood Pressure

Chiropractic “Manual procedures and, specifically, the adjustment are applied to address local NMS (neuromusculoskeletal) disorders and to improve NMS function. A consequence of improved NMS function may be improvement in the body’s ability to self-regulate.  Next, this allows the body to seek homeostasis and improved health”.(1)

Simply put, spinal adjustments take pressure off your nervous system and help your body to function optimally. Adjustments help your body seek homeostasis. This is the state of steady internal, physical, and chemical conditions maintained for optimal survival. And good digestion is definitely important for maintaining homeostasis.

 

Research on Chiropractic Spinal Adjustments and Hypertension

Firstly, research on chiropractic spinal manipulation in the treatment of chronic hypertension was published in the May 2007 issue of the Journal of Human Hypertension by Bakris and colleagues. In this research, 50 hypertensive patients, blood pressure reductions were -17/-10 mm Hg in the treatment group receiving upper cervical (neck) chiropractic spinal manipulation versus -3/-2 mm Hg in the placebo group.

Secondly, hypertension is a multifactorial condition that is among the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Regulation of your blood pressure greatly depends upon the activity of the autonomic nervous system. So changes in the autonomic nervous system can lead to hypertension. In addition to nervous system control and individual physiologic state, even various genes can directly influence autonomic responses. The complexity of blood pressure shows the need for alternative interventions such as chiropractic.

Thirdly, chiropractic focuses on the more natural forms of healing.  And it looks for ways to encourage the body to heal itself. Your chiropractor may recommend lifestyle changes.  These can help lower high blood pressure.  They include, regular exercise, weight loss, healthy eating, and not smoking along with your adjustments.

Fourthly, many studies have been performed utilizing chiropractic treatment to lower blood pressure, some using chiropractic treatment alone, some in conjunction with blood pressure lowering medications.  And these prescription medications have many side effects.  While Chiropractors do not treat hypertension/high blood pressure, Chiropractic care helps to normalize the functioning of the nervous system. Next, this allows the nervous system to regulate all the functions of the body including blood pressure.

 

 

Fillipe’s Treatment and Outcome

Firstly, Fillipe’s treatments included chiropractic adjustments to his lumbar spine and associated regions.  Associated regions were cervical (neck) and thoracic (mid back) spine. Secondly, soft tissue therapy (myofascial release, pressure point and various post isometric relaxation procedures) was rendered as necessary. Thirdly, modalities (cold/heat therapy and electric muscle stimulation) were administered. Finally, exercises for stretching, strengthening, and better posture were recommended.

I recommended the following: maintain a healthy weight, alcohol restriction, sodium restriction, and modification of dietary fat intake.  Also, Fillipe started a stress reduction regimen of meditation and relaxation. 

Fillipe’s low back pain improved right away.  Furthermore, the numbness in his right foot disappeared completely albeit after many months of treatment.  Fillipe went back to his active lifestyle.  He started jogging and lifting weights.  Best of all, Fillipe noticed his stress level decreased with each chiropractic adjustment.  And his blood pressure normalized to 120/80 within the first few weeks of chiropractic care.  At his follow up with his primary care doctor his hypertension medication was reduced.

 

West Palm Beach Chiropractor: Adjustments and High Blood Pressure

A West Palm Beach chiropractor can adjust your spine, putting everything back in place. Realigning your spine alleviates pressure off your nerves and helps your body function at its best.

Are you looking for the best chiropractor in West Palm Beach, Florida? Dr. Natalie Meiri can definitely help you.  Find out more about West Palm Beach Chiropractor: Adjustments and High Blood Pressure. Call 561-253-8984 today for an appointment.

 

References:

Thomas Bergman, David Peterson, Chiropractic Technique Principles and Procedures, 3rd edition, 2011 (1)

 

This is my clinical pearl story about Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Post-Surgical Wrist / Hand Pain and Dysfunction Relief.  This was a 62 year old female who just had right Thumb,-CMC (carpometacarpal) surgery about 6 months ago.  I will call her Olga instead of her real name to be HIPPA compliant. Her chief complaints were her chronic back pain and post-surgical right hand/wrist pain and impairment.  Olga stated, “it was a different pain and disability in her right hand and wrist following the thumb surgery”. 

She had revisited with her surgeon who ordered a MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of her hand.  Olga was informed her surgery had a satisfactory outcome and there were no findings for her “different pain”. Next, she went through physical therapy with no improvement.  Olga was having trouble using her right hand and wrist in daily activities.  For example, she had difficulty writing.

Olga had always had chronic back pain which she saw a chiropractor for.  Her last visit was a month ago in another state.  Olga decided to try chiropractic care for her hand/wrist pain and dysfunction since she had good results for her back. Therefore, she came to see me.

 

Olga’s Examination

Upon examination, Olga tested positive for: Post-surgical Right Hand/Wrist Pain, Thoracic (midback) and Lumbar (low back) Pain. Furthermore, Olga had brought in her MRI reports.  The reports stated she had severe osteoarthritis in her right hand and wrist. Additionally, the reports noted the recent thumb surgery.

 

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Post-Surgical Wrist/ Hand Pain and Dsyfunction Relief: Anatomy

Your wrist is made up of eight small bones (carpal bones) plus two long bones in your forearm — the radius and the ulna. The 8 carpal bones are: scaphoid, lunate, triquetrum, pisiform, trapezium, trapezoid, capitate, hamate.  Your wrist functions as the link between the hand and the forearm. In your wrist, a tendon functions to move the bone. A ligament is a fibrous connective tissue that attaches bone to bone. There are no tendon attachments that function at the wrist. Tendons cross the wrist to insert into the hand, fingers, and thumb. And there are ligaments holding and stabilizing your wrist bones in place.

The carpometacarpal (CMC) joint of the thumb is formed by the trapezium bone of the wrist and the first metacarpal bone (metacarpals are long bones within the hand that are connected to the carpals, or wrist bones, and to the phalanges, or finger bones) of the thumb.

 

Thumb Carpometacarpal Arthritis

Thumb carpometacarpal arthritis is found primarily in postmenopausal females over 50 years old, due to hormonal and structural factors. However, men get it also.  Sometimes the patient’s cause was due to certain hereditary conditions (joint ligament laxity and malformed joints).  Also, injuries (sprains) and diseases that change the normal structure and function of cartilage (i.e., rheumatoid arthritis) could be a culprit. Lastly, jobs that put high stress on the thumb joint lead to wear and tear.

Indeed, severe basal arthritis, or thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) arthritis, is a debilitating, often chronic, degenerative joint disease.  It occurs at the thumb base and is common in adults over 40 (especially women) due to cartilage wear.

 

What is Thumb Carpometacarpal (CMC) Arthritis and Thumb (CMC) Surgery?

Firstly, symptoms include intense, deep pain with pinching or gripping, limited motion, stiffness, and a bony prominence (bump) near the wrist, limiting daily activities.

Secondly, the most common thumb surgery for arthritis is the trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (tissue replacement).   The trapeziectomy accounts for a vast majority of procedures. It may represent over 80% of cases. The surgery removes the arthritic trapezium bone at the base of the thumb.  Next, it uses a tendon to stabilize the joint. This is the surgery which Olga had with unsatisfactory results.

 

 

Olga’s Treatment at Meiri Chiropractic

 

Treatment consisted of:

-Chiropractic manipulation or mobilization of the thoracic spine, lumbar spine and hand/wrist joints.

-Soft tissue manipulation (myofascial release, pressure points, post-isometric relaxation) to the muscles and soft tissues (i.e., tendons, ligaments) involved.

– Home-care advice included icing, rest, wrist bracing, elevation and rehabilitation exercises. Home exercises for self stretching and strengthening muscles were prescribed.

-Nutritional support for osteoarthritis were recommended (i.e., glucosamine sulfate, boswellia, horsetail, SAM (S-adenosylmethionine), Vitamin E, Niacinamide, Vitamin C).

-Olga gradually got pain relief and improved function in her hands and wrist.  Her back also had a good outcome. 

 

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Post-Surgical Wrist / Hand Pain and Dysfunction Relief

Getting regular chiropractic care from a West Palm Beach chiropractor can give relief for many injuries and ailments. Chiropractic is holistic and natural.  Contact Meiri Chiropractic today at 561-253-8984.

 

 

This post is about Chiropractic West Palm Beach: Acupuncture for Raynaud’s Syndrome.  Raynaud’s Syndrome is a physical disorder with persistent pain and disability.  Although it is classified as a rare disease, up to 200,000 people experience this condition in the United States, alone, in any given year.

If you have Raynaud’s Syndrome, acupuncture can provide relief!  We’ve got some great information to share below.

What is Raynaud’s Syndrome?

Raynaud’s Syndrome is often the result of trauma.  For example, it could be fractures, crush injuries, myocardial infarction, strokes, peripheral nerve (nerves located outside of spinal cord and brain) injury.  And certain medication use or after surgery may be a cause. 

 

Signs and Symptoms of Raynaud’s Syndrome (Raynaud’s Phenomnea/ Shoulder-Hand Syndrome and Lower Leg Swelling/ Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy(RSD)

Firstly, you will report having persistent pain and swelling following an episode of trauma.  Moreover, it will include mainly the distal (away from center of body) extremities (limbs). The level of pain is measured as one of the most severe on some pain scales.

Secondly, usually only one extremity is involved with vasomotor instability (blood vessels are constricting and dilating abnormally). Subsequently, it may lead to Raynaud’s phenomenon.  So the blood vessels in the extremities (limbs) are to narrow, restricting blood flow. The episodes or “attacks” usually affect the fingers and toes.

Thirdly, trophic skin changes occur. Trophic is a term used to describe abnormalities.  This includes wasting away of the skin, tissues, or muscle.  Moreover, thinning of the bones, and changes in how the hair or nails grow.  Also, thickening or thinning of hair or brittle nails occur.  Lastly, when trophic changes occur to the bones, it’s called Sudeck’s Atrophy (bone demineralization).

 

Phases of Raynaud’s /reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy

Raynaud’s first phase may be pain and swelling with an increase in sweating and hair growth in the involved area.

Next, in the second phase (3-6 months later) the skin gradually changes.  It becomes a shiny appearance that is cool to the touch. In the third phase, eventually (3 to 6 months after the second phase) this may progresses to atrophic (degeneration and thinning) skin. 

Finally, there may be limited range of motion, weakness, or other motor disorders such as paralysis or dystonia (involuntary muscle contractions that cause repetitive or twisting movements). And development of flexion contractures (bent joints) of the limbs may occur due to these motor disorders. And when this occurs in the shoulder, it is referred to as shoulder-hand syndrome. 

 

Cause(s) of Raynaud’s Syndrome

There are many theories regarding Raynaud’s.  Most believe that a nervous system dysfunction is at the core of this syndrome.

Definitely, Raynaud’s syndrome is a chronic neuro-inflammatory disorder. It occurs when the nervous system and the immune system malfunction while responding to tissue damage from trauma. 

Your sympathetic nervous system connects the internal organs to the brain by spinal nerves. In this theory, it is believed your sympathetic nervous system may become hyperactive.  Additionally, it can have misconnections to sensory neurons (nerve cells) leading to Raynaud’s Syndrome. 

Another theory attributes the disorder to “nerve sprouting” after an injury.  This is when axonal sprouts (fine nerve processes) grow out.  It grows from intact axons during healing.  Next, it reinnervates the denervated muscle fibers.  Sprouting is supposed to sustain the nerve supply.  However, in Raynaud’s Syndrome, abnormal sprouting may actually be the cause.  

 

 

Chiropractic West Palm Beach: Acupuncture for Raynaud’s Syndrome: Research

Firstly, results of one study showed Acupuncture increased remission incidence and decreased daily number of attacks.  The study stated a variety of different adverse reactions from medications/drugs. These include gastrointestinal effects and drug-drug interactions for patient’s with Raynaud’s syndrome. Many Raynaud patients therefore have turned to acupuncture.  (1)

Secondly, Thirty-three patients with primary Raynaud’s syndrome were in an acupuncture study.  There were 16 “control” patients and 17 “treatment” patients. The treated patients showed a significant decrease in the frequency of attacks.  (2)

 

Chiropractic West Palm Beach: Acupuncture for Raynaud’s Syndrome

Acupuncture has been used for over 4000 years to treat pain and other health problems safely and effectively. The acupuncture treatment stimulates the imbalanced pathways called meridians. This activates the body’s natural healing abilities.  

By stimulating the nervous system and opening up blood vessels, acupuncture can help Raynaud’s attacks. The release of endorphins during acupuncture can act as natural painkillers. Acupuncture reduces the pain experienced during vasospastic incidents in the hands and feet. Acupuncture can also help lower stress levels. Stress is a common trigger for Raynaud’s flare-ups.  Regular acupuncture treatments creates an overall sense of well-being.

Meiri Chiropractic offers acupuncture for Raynaud’s Syndrome and many other ailments. Dr. Natalie Meiri is a chiropractic physician, board certified in acupuncture with over 20 years of experience.  Call today 561-253-8984 for an appointment.

 

References: (1) Effectiveness of Acupuncture for Treating Sciatica: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Zongshi Qin, Xiaoxu Liu, Jiani Wu, Yanbing Zhai, Zhishun Liu  PMCID: PMC4631886  PMID: >26576192

 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10115941/

(2) Treatment of primary Raynaud’s syndrome with traditional Chinese acupuncture

R Appiah  ¹ , S Hiller, L Caspary, K Alexander, A Creutzig PMID: 9077368 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2796.1997.91105000.x  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9077368/

 

 

 

 

 

This post is about Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Acupuncture for Spinal Stenosis.  Symptoms include neck/back and arm/leg pain. Your pain can be unilateral (one sided) or bilateral (both sided).  Moreover, you may complain of the onset of leg complaints with walking and relief after resting 15 to 20 minutes or by maintaining a flexed (bent forward) posture.

According to a study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), “older Americans with chronic low back pain who received acupuncture had greater improvement overall. There was increased physical function and reduced pain with acupuncture.   This was in comparison to patients who received usual medical care only (generally prescribed medications or physical therapy)”. The NIH concluded, “there is an urgent need for safe, effective, and non-addictive pain management approaches”. And complementary therapies, including acupuncture is one solution. (3)

If you have Spinal Canal Stenosis with or without Claudication, acupuncture can provide relief! We’ve got some great information to share below.

 

What is Spinal Canal Stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of spaces in the spine (neck and back bone), which causes pressure on the spinal cord and/or nerves. This pressure can be caused by bony or soft tissue encroachment (intrusion).

Furthermore, stenosis may be central, lateral (mid line or to the side) or at multiple levels in your spine. In other words, the signs and symptoms vary widely depending on where the pressure occurs. For example, for leg complaints to occur, it is usually true that there are multiple levels of stenosis.

The 50 year old and above with leg pain is more likely to have sciatica due to stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal). You may have more difficulty with walking or standing.  This is because of the compressive effect created by the loading of the posterior (back of) spine where most of the stenosis occurs. Leg pain from spinal stenosis is called neurogenic claudication.  This narrowing of the spinal canal is generally caused by arthritic changes in the lower spine.

 

Congenital (present from birth) Causes

The vertebrae are a series of small bones forming the spine. Your vertebrae have several projections for articulation and muscle attachment.  Additionally, it has a hole (spinal canal) through which the spinal cord passes.

Congenitally a trefoil shape (cloverleaf  appearance) spinal canal leads to central canal and lateral stenosis.

Congenital pedicogenic stenosis is due to anatomically short pedicles  (bony processes lying on either side of a vertebral body). 

 

Acquired (developed or originating after birth) Stenosis

Acquired stenosis is due to bony outgrowths from osteoarthritis (degenerative wear and tear arthritis).  Specifically, it occurs at the pedicles, the facets (small joints located between and behind adjacent vertebrae), and/or the laminae (flattened or arched part of the vertebral arch, forming the roof of the spinal canal).

Degenerative spondylolisthesis is also a cause of acquired spinal canal stenosis. Spondylolisthesis is a condition in which a vertebra (bone) in the spine moves forward out of the proper position onto the bone below it.

Lastly, a hypertrophied and/or calcified ligamentum flavum may cause acquired spinal canal stenosis.  The ligamentum flavum is a thick ligament which goes from vertebra to vertebra in the back most part of the spinal canal. It can lose strength and elasticity, causing it to thicken and buckle towards the spinal column. Next this leads to deposition of Ca⁺²  (calcium) in the ligament. Calcification of the ligament causes hypertrophy (enlargement of an organ/tissue from the increase in size of its cells). And the hypertrophy causes spinal stenosis.

 

What is Claudication?

Claudication is pain in the legs or arms that occurs while using the arms or legs due to little blood flow to those areas. For instance cramping leg pain that occurs with walking and is relieved with rest is likely a form of claudication in the lumbar (lower back) spine. There is a distinction between vascular and neurogenic claudication.

Neurogenic claudication is secondary (due) to spinal stenosis.  In other words, neurogenic claudication is usually caused by spinal stenosis in the lumbar spine (lower back). Compression of nerves and/or the blood supply to nerves causes leg symptoms that are related to exertion. You will often have associated low back pain or radiation into the legs. Imaging such as X-ray or M.R.I. (magnetic resonance image) is utilized for diagnosis of spinal canal stenosis along with your examination.

Vascular claudication involves stenosis (narrowing) of peripheral (vessels away from chest/abdomen) blood vessels compromising the blood supply to muscles. Spinal stenosis is not a cause for vascular claudication. Atherosclerotic blockage is most commonly a cause. Risk factors include smoking, diabetes, hypertension, and hypercholestorolemia. Continuous-wave Doppler test is commonly used in diagnosis. 

 

 

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Acupuncture for Spinal Stenosis

Firstly, in the conventional treatment of spinal stenosis, the first option is using medications (CMs) such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), muscle relaxants, opioid analgesics, and corticosteroids. However, these have provided limited pain relief.  Furthermore, these have been often accompanied by adverse effects.  These include dizziness, drowsiness, intoxication, allergic reactions, hepatic and gastrointestinal dysfunctions.  Finally, degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (DLSS) is a major public health problem and the primary reason why older adults seek lumbar spine surgery. 

Secondly, in a 2018 study, it was found acupuncture was a more effective treatment for spinal stenosis than physical therapy and medication. It was the first comparative study of three types of conservative management.  These treatments were medication with acetaminophen, exercise, and acupuncture in Japanese patients with lumbar (low back) spinal stenosis. (1)

Thirdly, in another study, electroacupuncture was effective.  It was a course of electroacupuncture to the spinal nerve root. And there was sustained improvement.  Furthermore, improvement continued even 3 months after treatment. The study stated, “mechanisms of these effects may involve activation of the pain inhibition system and improvement of nerve blood flow”. (2)

Fourthly, in the BackinAction study by the NIH, an investigator stated “Our clinical results suggests that acupuncture is working as well.  We found that the size of this effect, while modest, was positive and sustained.” Also, “We saw very little in the way of adverse effects during the clinical trial,” said the investigator. “Older adults often are dealing with other medical problems in addition to back pain. Acupuncture offers a less invasive option that has a better safety profile than a lot of the common treatments for back pain in older adults.”  (3)

 

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Acupuncture for Spinal Stenosis

Acupuncture has been used for over 4000 years to treat pain and other health problems safely and effectively. The acupuncture treatment stimulates the imbalanced pathways called meridians. This activates the body’s natural healing abilities.  Ultimately, this brings balance back to your body. Acupuncture has a beneficial effect when treating many diseases and painful conditions.

Meiri Chiropractic offers acupuncture for spinal stenosis and many other ailments. Dr. Natalie Meiri is a chiropractic physician, board certified in acupuncture with over 20 years of experience.  Call 561-253-8984 today.

 

References: (1)  https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12906-018-2087-y

(2) www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/acupuncture-treatment-improves-disabling-effects-chronic-low-back-pain-older-adults

(3)  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5129088/