Muscle spasms can be a response, which occurs as the body takes steps to protect itself after an injury.  Other neuromusculoskeletal causes could be arthritis, fibromyalgia or muscle strain.  Without treatment, chronic muscle spasms can result in permanent damage, so treatment is important. Acupuncture is an alternative treatment that is becoming more popular in sports medicine, exercise rehabilitation, and treatment of injuries and chronic conditions. This post is about Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Acupuncture Helps Muscle Spasm and Stiffness.

 

What is a Muscle Cramp?

A muscle cramp is an uncontrollable and painful spasm of a muscle. Any muscle can be affected, but the muscles of the thigh, calf and foot are particularly prone.  This involuntary contraction (“charley horse”) of a muscle occurs suddenly and then does not relax.  You will have sudden, tight, and intense pain caused by a muscle locked in spasm. 

Additionally, there’s fasciculation, or muscle twitches, which are usually not painful the way a sudden cramp may be. And cramps and fasciculation are the result of muscles contracting involuntarily.

 

Causes of Muscle Cramps

Many truly pathologic (caused by disease) causes exist, such as hypoparathyroidism, vascular insufficiency (circulation problems), and various kinds of trauma for muscle cramping.  Nevertheless, many incidents of muscle cramping have no known obvious cause. 

Cramping can be due to vascular disorders such as atherosclerosis (thickening or hardening of the arteries), intermittent claudication (narrowing or blockage in the main artery taking blood to your leg) or thrombophlebitis (a blood clot (thrombus) inside an inflamed vein). 

 

Muscle Cramps and Positioning

Perhaps there is a position you are in when the cramping occurs?  For instance, you may be doing repetitive plantar-flexion of your (extension of the ankle so that the foot points down and away from the leg) foot while sleeping or exercising which may “shorten” your muscle.  Then when there is further voluntary or involuntary contraction of the already shortened muscle, cramping occurs.   Ladies who wear high heeled shoes regularly may have this problem.

Acupuncuture Research on Muscle Soreness following Exercise

Firstly, results of one study demonstrated the beneficial effects of selected acupuncture points in reducing both pain and stiffness. This was the findings following 24 and 72 hours of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) after exercise.

Secondly, Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) is pain and stiffness experienced following exercise. It can occur after any type of exercise. DOMS can be seen in “week-end”, experienced and professional athletes.  Interestingly, it typically happens after eccentric (lengthening of muscle) loading during exercise. Furthermore, it is classified as a grade I muscle strain. There is muscle tenderness and stiffness with movement.  Additionally, there is a reduction in muscle strength, range of motion, localized swelling, and an increased level of intramuscular enzymes (proteins within muscle tissue involved in biochemical reactions). Damage to muscle fibers from injury, disease, or intense exercise causes these enzymes to leak into the bloodstream. 

Thirdly, Patients receiving acupuncture reported 79% less pain and 41% less stiffness 24 hours afterwards in one study. And after 72 hours, the patients receiving acupuncture reported 80% less pain and 62% less stiffness than the group not receiving acupuncture.  Moreover, some athletes found greater difficulty in recovering from stiffness than pain after exercise. The conclusion of the study said, “Therefore, treatment should be aimed at reducing both pain and stiffness”. (1)

 

Acupuncuture Research on Muscle Cramps due to Disease

First, Pain resulting from muscle cramps happens often with hemodialysis. Dialysis is a process of filtering the blood of a person with kidneys disease.  Dialysis, wh is life-saving, causes muscle cramps. This is due to the unnatural muscle metabolism.  Unnatural muscle metabolism, often termed Protein-Energy Wasting (PEW), is a frequent complication for dialysis patients. Acupressure improves muscle metabolism through the releasing of energy/pressure. And a study was performed with the purpose of determining the impact of acupressure on muscle cramps. So utilizing acupressure may result in decrease of muscle cramps in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

Second, Some experts believe that stimulation of points in acupressure prevents the transfer of acute stimuli and increases the level of endorphins in the blood, and thus, causes pain relief. It appears certain peptides are released as a result of acupressure and have multiple properties including anti-pain and can partly justify the mechanism of acupressure for pain control. Peptides play an important role in pain regulation.

Third, as acupressure helps dialysis patients, acupuncture helps very ill patients.  For instance, for post stroke patients and postoperative pain due to visceral surgery acupuncture is effective.  Numerous studies have shown acupuncture to be effective at reducing spasticity and enhancing muscle strength following stroke (3).

 

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Acupuncture Helps Muscle Spasm and Stiffness

Acupuncture has been used for over 4000 years to treat pain and other health problems. The acupuncture treatment stimulates the imbalanced pathways along the meridians.  Mainly, the goal is to activate the body’s natural healing abilities. It’s often used as part of a broader approach to healthcare and to help inflammatory diseases/disorders.

Acupuncture has a beneficial effect when treating many diseases and painful conditions. Therefore, is thought to be useful as a complementary, alternative and integrative therapy for muscle spasm and stiffness.

Meiri Chiropractic offers acupuncture for muscles spasm, stiffness 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 at 561-253-8984. 

 

References:

(1) https://clinmedjournals.org/articles/ijsem/international-journal-of-sports-and-exercise-medicine-ijsem-8-239.php?jid=ijsem

The Effect of Acupuncture on Reducing Pain and Stiffness of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) following Eccentric Loading Exercise

 Steve D Bailey*

(2) The effect of acupressure on muscle cramps in patients undergoing hemodialysis

Kolsoom Mohmadi ¹, Nahid Shahgholian ^2,✉, Mahboubeh Valiani ³, Hossein Mardanparvar ¹

PMCID: PMC5301059  PMID: 28194192

(3) Effects of Acupuncture on Enhancing Muscle Strength: A Systematic Review

Steve D Bailey^* Foot Knee and Back Clinic, U

 

 

Arthritis has a “geriatric” connotation, yet it may affect any age group. The term means joint disease/ disorder. Arthritis can be due to many causes such as degeneration or destruction that is age-related or trauma related, infectious, inflammatory, and/or autoimmune.  Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune related arthritis affecting the neck, back and limb joints. Acupuncture has been used as an adjunctive treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. This post is about Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Acupuncture for Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an Autoimmune Disorder

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disorder causing an inflammatory arthritis occurring mostly in 25-55 year old women. The common joints involved are hand, ankle, foot, toes, wrist, knee, elbow, shoulder (glenohumeral joint, acromioclavicular joint), neck (atlantoaxial joint, first and second cervical vertebrae of spine) and hips (femoracetabular joints).  

Rheumatoid Arthritis often starts as finger or wrist pain. The joints involved most frequently are the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) and metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints of the (base of) hands. You may feel the joints are swollen and that in the morning it takes over an hour to be able to move the fingers comfortably. Furthermore, you may feel fatigue and have possible weight loss. 

So pain, warmth and associated periarticular (around the joint) soft tissue swelling, stiffness, and range of motion restrictions are signs and symptoms. Also at some point, the body or limb will be affected bilaterally (both sides).

Cause 

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disorder causing an inflammatory arthritis. What happens is the joint forms a reactive pannus. And the pannus is a hypertrophied synovium (overgrowth of lining of joint).  This pannus invades and erodes contiguous (nearby) cartilage and bone, causing swelling and eventual erosion. Finally, later changes include flexor (finger folding soft tissue) contractures and ulnar deviation (bend abnormally toward your little finger) of the fingers.

Multiple genetic and environmental factors have been associated with an increased risk for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Associations have been seen with being female, a family history of RA, and with exposure to tobacco smoke.

Also, if you possess the class 2 human leukocyte antigen (HLA), you have a genetic predisposition to getting Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Observations in studies show that HLA genes play an important role in the etiopathogenesis (cause and development of disease) of  RA. Scientists say the genes provide a sort of ‘prearthritic’ immunological background on which the triggering factors for RA thrive.

What is autoimmune arthritis?

Firstly, inflammatory arthritis is due to an autoimmune disease. The immune system doesn’t work properly and releases inflammatory chemicals. Secondly, the resulting inflammation attacks joint tissues and can cause joint swelling, cartilage/bone damage, and muscle loss. Thirdly, the inflammatory chemicals may activate nerves around the joints and other parts of the body and lead to pain as well. Lastly, because most of the inflammatory forms of arthritis are systemic (effects entire body), symptoms related to inflammation may occur in other parts of the body, including skin rashes, eye inflammation, hair loss, dry mouth, and fever.

Inflammatory arthritis includes a group of arthritis accompanied by joint pain, swelling, warmth, tenderness in the joints, and morning stiffness that lasts for an hour. And joints affected are many joints throughout the body at the same time.  Moreover, inflammatory forms of arthritis are much less common than osteoarthritis (wear and tear arthritis), which affects most people at the later stages of life. 

 

Laboratory Findings 

Rheumatoid Factor

A positive rheumatoid factor test result indicates that a high level of rheumatoid factor was detected in your blood. A higher level of rheumatoid factor in your blood is closely associated with autoimmune disease, particularly rheumatoid arthritis. A positive rheumatoid factor (IgM antibody) is found in 75% of people with Rheumatoid Arthritis. A rheumatoid factor test is the most useful test to diagnosis rheumatoid arthritis. 

Additional findings are:

-Lab testing will reveal elevations in erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) in Rheumatoid Arthritis cases.

-The CRP test measures the level of C–reactive protein which may be higher due to inflammation. 

-Anemia develops in autoimmune disease such as Rheumatoid Arthritis and is found in the Complete Blood Count (CBC test). 

Imaging and X-Ray

 Radiographic (x-ray) findings usually confirm the diagnosis. However, these are not evident in the early stages of the disease.

 Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

Juvenile means the disease starts around ages 5-10 years old. Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis has the same findings as adult Rheumatoid Arthritis.  Common joints involved are hand, foot, wrist, knee, elbow, heel, hip, and cervical spine (neck). Lab work is similar to the adult type with the addition of urinalysis, and other laboratory tests.

Imaging and X-Ray 

Radiographic (x-ray) findings are similar to the adult type with the possible addition of growth disturbances of  bone and epiphyseal (growth plate of bone) injuries due to the autoimmune disease.

 

Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Conventionally, RA is treated with NSAIDs, csDMARDs (immunosuppressive medications), glucocorticoids (steroids), and biologics (drugs from natural substances). However, when longtime medications are given for treatment, patients get side effects. Such side effects can be malignancy, immunosuppression, liver damage, bone marrow dysfunction, life-threatening infections, hyperglycemia, interstitial lung disease, and hypertension. Therefore, patients often look for alternatives such as acupuncture.

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Acupuncture for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Firstly, “available evidence suggests that acupuncture is beneficial for relieving pain and quality of life and health in patients with RA. Thereby, it should be available as an adjunctive nonpharmacological treatment in rehabilitation programs.” (1)

Secondly, studies suggest that acupuncture may work by stimulating the natural opioid (endorphins) system in the body. Additionally, this would provide feelings of well being.  Being so ill all the time can lead RA patients into depression.

Thirdly, in another study, acupuncture positively affected the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal connection. This is the body’s primary, long-term stress response system.   Also, acupuncture provides a nonanalgesic (not a pain reliever) effect mainly by suppressing the inflammatory response, improving blood flow, and relaxing muscle tone.

Fourthly, Acupuncture works by stimulating certain points on the body known as acupoints. It works by insertion and twisting of thin needles to achieve therapeutic results. Indeed, acupuncture changes or prevents “the perception of pain”.  Furthermore, acupuncture treats certain diseases or physical dysfunction this way. 

 

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Acupuncture for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Acupuncture has been used for over 4000 years to treat pain and other health problems safely and effectively. The acupuncture treatment stimulates the 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 Rheumatoid Arthritis 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) Evid Based Complement Alternat Med

. 2022 Apr 30;2022:5264977. doi: 10.1155/2022/5264977

Clinical Efficacy of Acupuncture for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis: Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials

 

 

 

From Dr. Natalie Meiri’s clinical pearl stories:  Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Relief From Piriformis Syndrome With Acupuncture

This is my clinical pearl story about Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Relief for Piriformis Syndrome with Acupuncture.  He was a 40 year old male patient.  His chief complaints were buttock and posterior (back) leg pain.  And it came on insidiously (gradual, subtle but with harmful effects) without any trauma.

To be HIPAA compliant, I will call him Marty instead of his real name.

Marty worked as a truck driver.   One day he presented to my office reporting pain in the gluteal region. It was characterized as shooting, burning, or aching down the back of the leg. In addition, he reported numbness in the buttocks and tingling sensations. And it was along the distribution of the sciatic nerve.

He had seen his primary care physician and had his low back x-rayed.  The pain medication his primary prescribed didn’t help at all.  So that’s when he decided to come see me.

 

Marty’s Examination at Meiri Chiropractic

Upon examination, Marty tested positive for the piriformis syndrome.  His x-rays taken at the primary care doctor showed degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis). Marty’s diagnosis was Piriformis Syndrome. 

Piriformis syndrome occurs due to sciatic nerve entrapment at the level of the ischial tuberosity (“sit bone”).

 

What is Piriformis Syndrome?

Firstly, the piriformis is a flat, pear-shaped muscle located in the gluteal (buttock) region of the hip/proximal thigh.

Secondly, the sciatic nerve runs under the piriformis muscle where it may be compressed (pinched) by the piriformis muscle. As the biggest nerve in your body, it originates from several nerves in your lower back. These nerves branch outward from the spine and then come together at each buttock to form the sciatic nerve, which then travels down each leg. And sciatica is defined as irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve that causes pain in the buttock area with radiation to the lower leg. This is usually a neuritis (inflammation of a nerve) and generally caused by mechanical compression or irritation of the lumbar and sacral spinal nerve roots.  However, piriformis syndrome is another cause of irritation of the sciatic nerve.

Thirdly, predisposition to piriformis syndrome may be due to an anatomically short leg (one leg is structurally shorter than the other due to bone length differences).  Other reasons could be due to excessive pronation (inward rotation of foot) of your foot or a pelvic rotation/misalignment.

Fourthly, in approximately 15 % of the population, there are two muscle bellies (bipartite) to the piriformis muscle.  In this case, the sciatic nerve courses between the 2 muscle bellies.

 

Causes of Piriformis Syndrome

• Trauma to the hip or buttock area
• Piriformis muscle hypertrophy (often seen in athletes during periods of increased weightlifting requirements or pre-season conditioning)
• Sitting for prolonged periods (truck drivers, office workers, bicycle riders)
• Anatomic anomalies (abnormalities) and sciatic nerve coursing:
  • In >80% of the population, the sciatic nerve courses deep to and exits inferiorly (below) to the piriformis muscle belly/tendon

Marty’s Acupuncture Treatments at Meiri Chiropractic

Marty decided to try a course of acupuncture treatments (1-2 times a week for 12 weeks).  

His acupuncture treatments consisted of the insertion of very thin metal needles.   

Marty reported that he was starting to feel better after the initial visit.  After 12 visits, he was mostly pain-free.  

 

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Relief for Piriformis Syndrome with Acupuncture 

Firstly, Acupuncture is a treatment that has been used for over 4000 years to treat pain and other health problems. It is a painless technique used to affect what the ancient chinese practitioners called Meridians (energy channels) in your body under the skin.

Secondly, Acupuncture’s effectiveness has been well documented in musculoskeletal pain disorders and other ailments. A widely accepted contemporary medical treatment option for myofascial pain is trigger point needling. In traditional Chinese medicine, these myofascial pain areas are called ASHI points. ASHI points are identified by tender, painful reactions upon palpation (using hands to examine body).

Thirdly, the Acupuncture treatment stimulates the imbalanced pathways along the meridians to bring balance back.  The goal is to activate the body’s natural healing abilities. 

 

 

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Relief for Piriformis Syndrome with Acupuncture: Research

One study compared the difference in clinical efficacy on piriformis syndrome between trigger-point acupuncture and glucocorticoid injections (steroid shots).  Findings were, “The clinical effect of acupuncture is similar to that of glucocorticoid injection on piriformis syndrome in 1 month after treatment. In 2 months after treatment, TrP acupuncture is markedly effective for attenuating pain and the functional impairment of the lower limbs, improving the quality of life and reducing the use of analgesic drugs in comparison with glucocorticoid injection”.

Ultimately, Acupuncture treatments stimulate the imbalanced pathways along the meridians to bring balance back.  Moreover, the goal is to activate the body’s natural healing abilities. It’s often used to manage pain and other conditions, and can be part of a broader approach to healthcare. By combining the appropriate meridians, acupoints and the ashi points corresponding to the piriformis muscle, piriformis syndrome is effectively treated.

 

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Relief for Piriformis Syndrome with Acupuncture

Meiri Chiropractic offers acupuncture for piriformis syndrome 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. If you have pain due to piriformis syndrome  call us today at 561-253-8984!  Ask to make an appointment or find out more about: Chiropractic West Palm Beach: Relief for Piriformis Syndrome with Acupuncture.

 

References:

1. Thomas Souza, (2018) Differential Diagnosis and Management for the Chiropractor
2. Clinical study of piriformis syndrome treated with trigger-point acupuncture, Li-xue LIU, Miao-miao SHEN, Qin-ge WANG, Wen SHEN, https://www.sciopen.com/article/10.13702/j.1000-0607.20230336

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21.6% of those with drug disorders have an opioid disorder. And this includes prescription pain relievers or “painkillers” and heroin). 70.5 million or 24.9% of people 12 and over have used illegal drugs or misused prescription drugs within the last year. Tobacco use, particularly cigarette smoking, remains a leading cause of preventable disease and death in the United States. Accidental drug overdose is a leading cause of death among persons under the age of 45. Despite efforts to stop all the above, a significant portion of the population still has these problems.

Drug addiction is a chronically relapsing disorder, affecting people from all over. Fortunatelyl, studies of acupuncture effects on drug addiction show that acupuncture can be used for treating drug addiction by direct activation of brain pathways. This blog is about Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Acupuncture Helps You Overcome Addiction.

 

Substance Abuse, Addiction and Acupuncture

Firstly, substance abuse and addiction are universally recognized as diseases that disrupt and damage neurotransmitters in the brain.  Ultimately, this causes a disturbance to production levels of chemicals.   Without improvement, the feelings of anxiety, depression, and mood swings results in an uncontrollable compulsion to consume the substance of addiction. Following an acupuncture treatment, our body’s enkephalins and endorphins are released.  These are our body’s natural opioids and can dramatically relieve pain.  Additionally, once these neurotransmitters are moving about, our blood vessels vasodilates. And this gets blood into the affected areas, initiating healing.

Secondly, acupuncture can help addicts work through pain holistically and learn healthy alternatives for pain management.  Indeed, pain is especially common in those suffering from prescription drug addiction, and often leads people to abuse medications in an attempt to control discomfort.  In fact, for many individuals suffering from addiction, physical pain is one of the primary causes of substance abuse. Developing a rehabilitation plan that treats the physical and mental dependence on drugs or alcohol is important. 

Thirdly, many addicts report that, in an attempt to manage pain, they began misusing prescription pain medication.  A tolerance often builds in people who suffer from long-term pain. Therefore, they start taking more of the medication to manage discomfort. So identifying and relieving pain without the use of prescription medications is key.  Alternative therapy programs like acupuncture have shown to support and enhance the outcome of treatment for substance abuse and chemical dependence. In conclusion, Acupuncture, detox, counseling, and physical rehabilitation (e.g. chiropractic care) are all necessary elements of addiction recovery programs. 

 

Acupuncture for Detoxing

NADA stands for the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association.  NADA treatments benefit trauma, substance misuse, abuse, and mental health conditions. For example, it is an adjunct therapy for patients who are in treatment with counseling.  Indeed, NADA is a very effective auricular (ear) acupuncture treatment that has proven benefits for many addictions.

NADA treatments do the following:

• Decreases cravings for alcohol and drugs, including nicotine
• Relieves withdrawal symptoms
• Promotes calmness, better sleep, and less anxiety
• Negates stress and emotional trauma
• Allows more for filling counseling
• Encourages a more stable inner self perception

How Does Acupuncture Help Addiction Recovery?

Acupuncture may have an Analgesic effect through the release of the neurotransmitter enkephalin, which inhibits the nociceptive pathway or through the release of local endorphin.

In one study, acupuncture tended to improve more than the placebo or no-treatment group in terms of the urine test score, craving test score, efficacy rate, and blood test score studies. For example, retention was significantly higher in the group that underwent acupuncture than in the placebo group in the heroin addiction studies.

In yet another study, a review provides evidence that acupuncture may reduce relapse to drug-seeking behavior by regulating neurotransmitters involved in drug craving.  For instance, these are serotonin and dopamine, resulting in affecting the emotional state and craving. It was stated by researchers this may be the basis for the treatment of smoking cessation. (2) So our body’s enkephalins and endorphins are released.  These are our body’s natural opioids and can dramatically relieve pain.  Additionally, once these neurotransmitters are moving about, our blood vessels vasodilates. And this gets blood into the affected areas, initiating healing.

 

 

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Acupuncture Helps You Overcome Addiction

At Meiri Chiropractic we spend the time necessary to examine, diagnose and treat every neuromusculoskeletal condition and various ailments you have.  Chiropractic and acupuncture  are holistic and natural ways to not only treat existing conditions, but to keep your body in its best working condition.  We have been offering effective treatments in Palm Beach county since 2006.  Many of our patient reviews note our excellence.  Call us today at 561-253-8984 to make an appointment or to find out more about Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Acupuncture Helps You Overcome Addiction.

 

Reference: (1) https://drugabusestatistics.org/

(2) Bidirectional role of acupuncture in the treatment of drug addiction Mi Young Lee, Bong Hyo Lee ^b, Hee Young Kim ^b, Chae Ha Yang

 

 

 

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/

From Dr. Natalie Meiri’s Clinical Pearl Stories: Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Dizziness After a Car Accident

 

This was a 60 year old female patient with a chief complaint of dizziness. To be HIPAA compliant, I will call her Missy instead of her real name. Missy had a history of dizziness and vertigo on and off from various causes for many years. 

This past year, she had suffered dizziness after surgery. So dizziness after surgery is common.  Typically, it is from the anesthesia, pain medication, dehydration, or rapid positional changes. Then a few months later, she was in a car accident and had a whiplash injury.  And her dizziness was triggered again which was much more problematic.  Furthermore, because of her underlying cardiovascular condition, she went to see her primary care doctor.  The doctor ordered a battery of tests (C.T., MRI, blood vessel studies), but didn’t find any cardiovascular issues. In other words, her tests were all normal. Next, the vertigo/ dizziness was so terrible she went to see a ear-nose-throat (ENT) specialist.  This was to rule out any possible complications related to her ear-nose-throat and the dizziness. Missy thought maybe the crystals in her ear were the problem. The canalith repositioning maneuver (e.g. eply) by the ENT specialist wasn’t successful.  Moreover, Missy did the physical therapy/habituation exercises at home.  And She stated, “the exercises didn’t help at all.”

Missy’s Examination & Treatment for Dizziness

Upon examination, I found positive tests for a cervical (neck) sprain with thoracic (midback) myalgia (muscle pain) diagnoses.  Also, a test showed that her neck was causing her dizziness. Missy’s pain in her neck was nothing compared to the dizziness which was her chief complaint.

Firstly, she received chiropractic adjustments/ manipulation to her cervical (neck) and thoracic (mid back) spine.  Soft tissue work (myofascial release, pressure point and various post isometric relaxation procedures) and exercises to continue at home were also rendered as needed. 

Secondly, recommendations were made on diet/lifestyle:

-Distribute food and fluid intake evenly throughout the day.

-Avoid foods and beverages that have a high salt or sugar content.

-Drink adequate amounts of fluid daily.

-Avoid foods and beverages with caffeine.

-Limit or eliminate alcohol consumption.

-Do not use tobacco.

-Ginger may ease vertigo symptoms, like nausea and lightheadedness.

Thirdly, I recommended acupuncture after the 4^th visit to enhance her recovery by working on her peripheral vestibular (inner ear) vertigo.

Missy responded well to her chiropractic treatment for dizziness.  In fact, by the 3^rd visit her dizziness had decreased to 50%. This was a substantial, clinically meaningful improvement.  Missy started her acupuncture treatments along with her chiropractic care and by the 12^th visit her dizziness symptoms subsided!  Missy continued her treatment for her whiplash injury to her neck and mid back thereafter which took more visits to resolve than the dizziness complaint.

Symptoms of Dizziness/Vertigo

You may feel the room is spinning?  You may feel motion imbalance or a lack of coordination while walking? Moreover, you may have lightheadedness or presyncope (sensation of almost fainting)? Symptoms of vertigo are all dependent on each individual. However, some common vertigo symptoms may include:

• Swaying
• Unbalanced
• Headache
• Sweating
• Ringing in ears
• Loss of hearing
• Nausea
• Spinning

Anatomy and Physiology

Your balance and spatial orientation are maintained by an integrated neuronal (relating to nerve cells) feedback loop. Feedback loops are circuits that return output as input to a given system. 

The components of the related systems for balance and spatial orientation: 

(1) The vestibular system includes the parts of the inner ear and brain. It processes the sensory information involved with controlling balance and eye movements.

(2) The visual system constructs a mental representation of the world around us. It includes both the eyes and the brain.

(3) The proprioceptive system is guided by receptors in the body (skin, muscles, joints) that connect with the brain through the nervous system. Proprioception is your body’s ability to sense movement, action, and location.

So a slow adaptation by your nervous system can be made to compensate when input from any of the above components (systems) is dysfunctional.

 

 

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: How Does Chiropractic Help Dizziness and Vertigo?

It is unclear how many cases are due to neck proprioceptors versus the vestibular apparatus or vascular supply to the head and neck. Nevertheless, proprioceptive information from the upper cervical musculature and joints do play a major role in your perception of balance. The high density of receptors in the spine may have effects on these reflexes for balance. Also, if there is damage to the vestibular apparatus, these spinal reflexes may help compensate. 

Firstly, cervicogenic vertigo is a result of cervical joint dysfunction, muscle strain, or injury from trauma such as a whiplash-like accident. Over-stimulation from joint dysfunction, muscle spasm or damage to the upper cervical proprioceptors can result in an imbalance of proprioceptive information. Secondly, the basic science support for this comes from numerous studies that have shown ataxia (lack of voluntary coordination of muscle movements), nystagmus (fast, uncontrollable movements of the eyes), and/or dysequilibrium (sensation of being off-balance) with strained muscles or upper cervical nerve roots. Thirdly, vibration of muscle tendons or the head can create a “postural illusion” leading to nystagmus and motion sickness. 

Lastly, there is an overlap between cervicogenic (spinal) vertigo and other peripheral (not central nervous system) vestibular vertigos such as Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BBPV) and Meniere’s disease. In conclusion, the theory is joint dysfunction may produce reflex muscle spasm or alter input to the vestibular nuclei (nerve complex) in the hindbrain. The vestibular nuclei function in the maintenance of equilibrium and posture, the perception of head position and acceleration, as well as general muscle tone. Second, the chiropractic approach is to reduce muscle spasm and free restricted movement through manipulation/adjustments. Research supports a positive effect with cervical adjusting alone or in combination with vertigo exercises to correct this. 

 

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: How Does Acupuncture Help Dizziness and Vertigo?

Firstly, Acupuncture has been used for relief of acute illness, such as pain, dizziness and vertigo in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. One case report demonstrated that acupuncture therapy was very helpful for a patient with peripheral vestibular (inner ear) vertigo. Moreover, it appears Acupuncture may be an option for patients who are intolerant to drug therapy.

Secondly, Acupuncture can reduce balance disorders caused by disorders of the inner ear. Furthermore, acupuncture targets the emotional disturbances or stress.  These are factors that can exacerbate or start an incident of dizziness and vertigo.

Thirdly, Acupuncture improves blood flow and calms the nervous system.  Researchers believe when an acupuncture needle is inserted, the sensory and proprioceptive nerves are stimulated. This sends a message to our brain and nervous system. In vertigo caused by abnormalities of the vestibular system, acupuncture can play a role in reducing dizziness through increasing microcirculation in the inner ear.

 

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Dizziness After a Car Accident

Meiri Chiropractic serving West Palm Beach and the surrounding areas offers excellent chiropractic and acupuncture treatments for dizziness and vertigo. Call us in West Palm Beach at 561-253-8984 to schedule an appointment or to find out more about Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Dizziness After a Car Accident.