Seeing a chiropractor can be a necessary part of a healthy lifestyle. A chiropractic adjustment can alleviate pain and improve function which drastically improves your quality of life. Perhaps there is something you are not doing in life due to your pain? If you feel better and your body is in balance you are more likely to choose better food and activities. Moreover, chronic pain can lead to addiction to pain medications which may have many side effects, one being weight gain. And as stated above, if you are out of pain you’re more likely to exercise. Also, your stress level will decrease with an adjustment.  So with the stress down, you are less likely to binge on sugary foods. Read on about chiropractic in West Palm Beach and Weight Loss.

What causes weight gain?

Firstly, the most common cause of weight gain is an increase in caloric intake or a decrease in energy expenditure.  Secondly, changes in weight are common within a few pounds and generally reflect fluid retention and loss. Thirdly, cyclic fluctuations can occur commonly in women in relation to menstruation.

Fourthly, about 10% of obese patients have an underlying neurologic, endocrine, or genetic cause. So hypothyroidism may account for small increases in weight due to a slowed metabolic rate. Fifthly, familial obesity and low resting metabolic rates are uncommon. So the good news is, you or your loved one can do something about gaining weight.

Being obese carries some increased risk in several areas of health 

Mortality rates are higher for obese patients compared with normal-weight individuals. The risk of death was higher from all causes including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and other diseases if you are obese such as:

-3 to 10 times more likely to develop adult-onset diabetes (insulin resistance increases with weight gain).

-Higher incidence of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, dyslipidemia (imbalance of lipids), and stroke.

-More likely to have sleep apnea or hypersomnolence syndrome (medical conditions in which you repeatedly feel excessively tired during the day called excessive daytime sleepiness) or sleep longer than usual at night. It is different from feeling tired due to lack of or interrupted sleep at night. Hypersomnolence carries with it the risk of arrhythmias, hypoxemia (oxygen levels in the blood are low), or pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure effecting lungs).

-More likely to have degenerative joint disease if you are obese, especially in the hips and knees. It is also a risk factor for low back pain.

-Increased risk for cholelithiasis (reduced bile flow), thromboembolism (blood clot), and varicose veins.

Weight loss

Indeed there are many centers that specialize in weight loss. These centers do not focus on diet alone, but address issues of mental attitude, motivation, and exercise. Quick fixes with diet drinks or fad diets are not effective. Statistically, most people who diet eventually gain back weight in about a year or two.

Combining a regimen of decreased caloric intake with a couple of hours of physical activity each week will result in weight loss. You and your partner or friend can accomplish regular exercise such as brisk walking. This reduces body weight and body fat in overweight and postmenopausal women. More importantly, you will be healthier.

Studies

In a study of over 73,000 women ages 50 to 79, those who walked or were engaged in vigorous exercise 2.5 hours a week reduced the risk for cardiovascular events by about 30%. Next, researchers in the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study assessed 44,000 men over 12 years for exercise activity and levels of activity. The findings were men with the greatest activity had a 30% decreased risk over sedentary males for cardiovascular risk.

Weight Gain in Women

Weight gain in women has been associated with a decrease in physical activity and increased levels of pain. So pain may act as a deterrent to exercise.  Sadly, weight loss has been shown to decrease body pain.

Ultimately, the solution to permanent weight loss is total management of a sensible exercise routine coupled with a sensible diet.

Some Possible Weight loss Diets

The following diets are good because they are more of a “lifestyle change” instead of a “quick fix”.

South beach diet:

A MD-developed program that has three phases. The first phase is two weeks long and focuses on normal-sized helpings of lean meats (eg., chicken, turkey, fish, and shellfish) and vegetables. Carbohydrates are restricted based on their glycemic index, so that the first two weeks eliminates alcohol, fruit, bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, baked goods, sugar,and pastries. Wine, fruits,and whole grains are phased in during the later two phases. Although considered a low-carb, low-fat diet, it is more about “good carbs” versus no carbs based on their glycemic index. The south beach diet has several cook books out even for the holidays and special occasions!

Weight watchers

Weight loss is based on a point system for calorie restriction. Foods can be chosen within the point system restrictions. Prepackaged foods are available. Generally, a healthy diet approach. This diet is a very low caloric diet (800- 1200 calories) based approach. There is also an emphasis on weekly support meetings that encourage healthy lifestyle choices and make use of weekly weight loss and associated peer pressure/support.  Some patients have mentioned meeting a friend at these meetings!

Pritikin

A low-fat diet, the Pritikin diet focuses on unprocessed fruits and vegetables, lean animal foods,and non-fat dairy products. Calorie intake is based on “calorie density,”which is the amount of calories per pound, with a restriction to foods that contain 400 calories or less per pound. A generally healthy diet.

Meiri Chiropractic in West Palm Beach and Weight Loss

Overall, it’s best to think of visits to the chiropractor as one part of an overall healthy lifestyle. If you’re looking to lose weight, you’ll have to incorporate other parts of that healthy lifestyle.  For instance, a balanced diet and regular exercise is crucial. Get out of pain fast and start moving with chiropractic care.  Get healthier!  Don’t you think you deserve it? Call 561-253-8984 today to make an appointment or to find out more about Chiropractic in West Palm Beach and Weight Loss.

Approximately 80% of adults will have low back pain at some time in their lives. Furthermore, it appears that adolescents with low back pain are more likely to have problems as adults. Above all, chiropractic treatment is a valuable treatment associated with clinical improvement for acute and chronic low back pain for all ages (infants to seniors). 

Read on to learn about 3 Causes of Low Back Pain a Chiropractor Can Help With.

1.  Sacroiliac Sprain

The sacroiliac joint is located in the pelvis. You have 2 sacroiliac joints (left and right). It links the iliac bones (pelvis) to the sacrum (lowest part of the spine above the tailbone).

A sprain is an injury (micro tears) to the ligaments around a joint. Ligaments are strong, flexible fibers that hold bones together. With a sacroiliac sprain, you may have pain over the joint(s). The pain is often sharp and stabbing and may radiate down the back of the leg. You may have relief somewhat by sitting or lying.

Importantly, adjusting (chiropractic manipulative therapy) of the sacroiliac joints should be performed gently, to avoid increased stretch to the sacroiliac ligaments.

Cause

Certainly, the sacroiliac ligamentous support of the sacroiliac joint is strong.  Nevertheless, injury can occur from prolonged or sudden lifting of an object or bending.

An evaluation for seronegative arthritides (i.e., ankylosing spondylitis or psoriatic) may be done in case of an underlying complication in unremitting or recurring cases. For instance, elbow or scalp skin lesions (e.g. dry itchy rash) suggests psoriatic arthritis. X-rays may help with the diagnosis.

2. Sacroiliac Subluxation
   

So in the chiropractic office, we see many sacroiliac joint subluxations (chiropractic joint misaligments/intersegmental dysfunctions) in addition to sprains. Subsequently, sacroiliac dysfunction probably accounts for almost half the cases of low back pain. With a sacroiliac subluxation, the pain is often sharp and stabbing.

Cause

Firstly, as a sacroiliac sprain, prolonged or sudden lifting or bending may also cause a sacroiliac subluxation.  It may also be due to incorrect ergonomics/posture.

Secondly, sacroiliac joint innervation (supply with nerves) is from a broad area including both sacral levels S1-S2 (between low back and tailbone) and lumbar levels L1-L3 (low back) plexuses (network of nerves). This may explain the varied pain patterns with sacroiliac joint involvement. The varied pain patterns can be low back, buttock, lower extremity (leg) and groin pain.

Thirdly, the chiropractic subluxation presents with reduced joint motion and alignment which is corrected by the chiropractic adjustment. Spinal or extremity (arms and legs) joint dysfunction/ subluxation (chiropractic subluxation complex), can adversely affect nerve function, and the body’s ability to regulate and maintain health. Chiropractic adjustments address disturbed joint biomechanics and the associated effects on nervous system function.

Lastly, both sacroiliac sprains and sacroiliac joint dysfunction/pain affect the majority of adult patient population. However, there are some peaks of increased occurrence in younger adults following sporting injury, pregnancy and older adults from degeneration. 

3. Piriformis Syndrome

The piriformis is a flat, pear-shaped muscle located in the gluteal (buttock) region of the hip/proximal thigh. You will have buttock and posterior (back of ) leg pain without any trauma.

Cause

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.

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.

Postisometric relaxation techniques or myofascial release soft tissue techniques to the piriformis muscle is important along with the chiropractic manipulative therapy for treatment of piriformis syndrome.

At Meiri Chiropractic, we spend the time necessary to examine, diagnose and treat every neuromusculoskeletal condition and various ailments you have. Chiropractic is a holistic and natural way to not only treat low back pain, but to keep your body in its best working condition. We have been offering effective chiropractic care in Palm Beach County since 2006. Many of our patients reviews note our excellence. We are your best bet and are here for you. Call us today at 561-253-8984 to make an appointment or to find out more about 3 Causes of Low Back Pain a Chiropractor Can Help With.

References:

Thomas Souza,  (2018) Differential Diagnosis and Management for the Chiropractor

This post is about 4 Causes of Elbow Pain a Chiropractor Can Help With. As the link between the shoulder and the wrist/hand, your elbows are challenged with repetitive activities. These overuse mechanisms account for the majority of elbow pain. In particular for instance in throwing sports and in activities requiring the use of an arm extension device such as a bat, racquet, or club. So the pivot is at the elbow and your forearm acts as the lever arm. These devices increase the medial (toward the center) stress across the elbow by increasing the length of the lever arm.

Additionally, you may also have a fall.  And as with the rest of the upper extremity (arm), the elbow becomes weight bearing during the fall.  An axial (racquet) force (load is applied to the structure along the length) is applied acutely during this fall to your elbow. Furthermore, this can happen chronically with gymnastic maneuvers and even with some chiropractors due to adjusting maneuvers!

1. Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)

Lateral epicondylitis causes lateral (outer or same side as thumb) elbow pain associated with a repetitive sport or occupational activity. Repetitive movements requiring forceful wrist extension (movement of raising the back of the hand), radial deviation (bending the wrist to the thumb), and supination (rotation of the forearm) are the most common causes. Although it is associated with tennis, other sports and occupational activities are also possible causes. Butchers, plumbers, and weavers are examples of those who may be affected. With tennis, novice players with poor backhand technique account for many cases. With professional players, the forehand or serving may be the cause. Obviously, the more frequently an individual plays, the higher the risk of developing tennis elbow. Although, lateral epicondylitis is called tennis elbow, it also occurs in computer keyboardists, carpenters, and golfers.

Cause:

The currently accepted theory is that initially there is tearing of the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) muscle origin (attachment). This process may extend to the extensor digitorum communis (EDC) or the extensor carpi radialis longus (ECRL) muscles. These muscles in conjunction with the other muscles and tendons in your forearm help move your wrist and hand. The histologic (seen by microscope) description of the change in tissue is called angiofibroblastic hyperplasia. Angiofibroblastic hyperplasia or angiofibroblastic tendinosis describes the pathologic (disease cause) alterations seen in the tissue of tendonitis (inflammation of tendon).

Radiographs (xrays) may demonstrate calcification in as many as 25% of patients with lateral epicondylitis.

2. Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer’s Elbow)

Medial Epicondylitis causes medial (inner) elbow pain following a repetitive activity such as golfing, hammering or use of a screwdriver. In athletes, the inciting activity usually involves wrist flexion (moving wrist down so palm faces arm) and pronation (rotatory movement of elbow where palm faces down). Examples of these include in serving and overhead and forehand strokes in various sports. Obviously, golfing (“golfer’s elbow”) or throwing may also cause symptoms. You may also feel pain or weakness on gripping.

Cause:

Medial epicondylitis is a tendinopathy of the origin of the wrist flexors and pronator teres muscles in your forearm. In chronic cases, an elbow flexion contracture may occur, leading to restrictions of movement (eg. extension). An ulnar neuropathy (compression of ulnar nerve at elbow) may coexist with medial epicondylitis. Radiographs (xrays) may reveal calcifications in close proximity to the medial epicondyle in 20% to 30% of patients with epicondylitis.

3. Triceps Tendinitis (Posterior Tennis Elbow)

The triceps is a large muscle on the back of your upper limb. Triceps tendinitis causes pain at the tip of the elbow after a repetitive extension activity or a single event involving forceful elbow extension.

Cause:

Strain of the triceps insertion on the olecranon (bony prominence of the elbow) is usually due to common athletic endeavors performed by boxers, weight lifters, pitchers, and occasionally tennis players.

4. Posterior Impingement Syndrome

Posterior Impingement Syndrome usually occurs in an athlete and especially on quick extension of the elbow.  You will have a sharp posterior (back of) elbow pain. Similarly, popping or clicking may occur with extension.  Your elbow may occasionally lock.

Cause:

Firstly, repetitive extension leads to compression between the olecranon trochlea and olecranon fossa (1 of 3 joints of elbow). Secondly, this may simply cause a reactive synovitis. So the synovium is connective tissue that lines the inside of the joint capsule. Thirdly, synovitis  (synovial inflammation) is when the synovium of a joint becomes inflamed (swollen). Lastly, it may progress to degeneration and the production of osteophytes (bone spurs) or loose bodies.

Elbow Pain Treatment at Meiri Chiropractic in North Palm Beach

In the acute phase, ice and rest from the causative activity are essential. Myofascial release techniques are effective. Furthermore, Chiropractic adjustments, manipulation, and mobilization to the elbow and associated areas give relief.

A recently published study compared manipulation of the wrist with a second protocol of ultrasound, friction massage, and muscle stretching and strengthening for the management of lateral epicondylitis. Success was better for chiropractic manipulation of the wrist compared to the traditional physical therapy of ultrasound, massage, and muscle stretching/strengthening approach.

Getting regular chiropractic care from a West Palm Beach elbow pain chiropractor can help relieve pain naturally from an already existing injury, or even offer injury prevention. Chiropractic is a holistic and natural way to not only treat existing injuries, but to keep your body in its best working condition.

Contact Meiri Chiropractic today on the 4 causes of elbow pain a chiropractor can help with or/and other ailments.

References:

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

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Meiri Chiropractic

561-253-8984

There are some injuries female athletes tend to have more than male athletes. This is true in many sports including running, soccer, rugby, basketball, bodybuilding, bowling, swimming, volley ball and golf injuries. There are many theories as to why this increase seems out of proportion to similar injury patterns in males. Some of the most obvious have to do with gender specific training. Other factors relate to the anatomic and physiologic differences between males and females. These observations started an interest in gender specific research. There are unique biomechanical, anatomic and hormonal factors that predispose skeletally mature female athletes to certain injuries. The Female Athlete and the Sports Injury Chiropractor is about what these female athlete injuries are and how a chiropractic clinic can help.

Anatomy & Physiology

Firstly, prior to puberty, the differences between males and females are insignificant. Secondly, girls reach puberty earlier than boys.  And then there is a small time frame in which girls mature quicker, have greater coordination, and, in many cases, are taller than the boys. So prepubescent males and females are equal in body fat composition. Thirdly, the male body fat decreases 11% on average through adolescence. Females increase body fat on average 25% during this same period. Finally, post puberty, there are some recognized differences between males and females.

The fact is, the average female is two thirds as strong as the average male.  Upper body strength is only 30% to 50% and lower extremity strength 70% that of the same size male. In some studies the body mass (BMI is the measure of body fat based on height and weight) and relative strength (the amount of strength to body size) were considered. In conclusion, in relative strength, the female still has less of the male’s upper body strength, but is almost equal in lower body strength.

Statistically, there are no objectifiable differences between joint laxity (looseness of a limb or muscle) of females compared with males. Clinically, it has been observed that the knees and shoulders of females seem to be “looser.” Regarding the menstrual cycle, there appears to be no significant correlation between menstrual phase cycle and exercise performance. However, injury rates appear to increase in athletes with premenstrual symptoms. Furthermore, there has been an association between estrogen and possible laxity of the anterior cruciate ligament.

Female athlete injuries

Shoulder laxity:

Women who participate in upper body sports such as tennis, swimming, and volleyball should be instructed to focus on both strengthening the rotator cuff and trunk muscles.  This decreases the stress to the shoulders and possible injuries. Since women are generally weaker in upper body strength, focus on a generalized upper body-strengthening program will also be beneficial.

Knee laxity:

It has been observed that patella (knee cap) instability is more common in females. This may be due, in part, to more of a tendency toward underdevelopment of the back surface of the patella and lateral condyle of the femur (thigh bone).  Women tend to have decreased vastus medialis strength, tighter illiotibial band (ITB), or a high riding patella. This tendency, combined with a position of recurvatum (hyperextension) seen more commonly in females, may predispose toward either tracking problems or patella dislocation. Similarly, for female athletes, vastus medialis strengthening, ITB stretching, proper training shoes (e.g. for pronation), and proprioceptive( sense of self-movement) training is important.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL):

ACL (tissue that connects the thighbone to the shinbone, at the knee) laxity or looseness is a concern for females. Although there are many theories, the main effective strategy for decreasing injury is training. It is clear that the vast majority (80% in one study) of ACL injuries are noncontact.  And often occurring when landing from a jump. This is even more true in sports such as basketball and volleyball. One study divided these noncontact injuries into three types depending on the movement/maneuver causing it:

1. Planting and cutting– player acts as if she is going to the right but quickly and aggressively plants the right foot. Then immediately reverses her motion and accelerates to the opposite left side.
2. Straight leg landing– Landing with straight knees can lead to a higher rate of ACL tears.
3. One-step landing with the knee hyperextended– when the knee is bent backward, often as a result of landing wrong after a jump.

In one study, ACL injuries were reduced among a group of women by almost 90%.  They simply modified the plant-and-cut maneuver to a three-step stop. Female athletes should jump and land in a more flexed position, avoiding extension of the knee.

Noncontact ACL injuries may be related to both genu recurvatum and hyperpronation. Genu recurvatum is hyperextension of the knee which has several causes. Muscle weakness, especially of the muscles in the top of the thigh (quadriceps), an injury, or the shape of your bones at the knee are some. Hyperpronation occurs when the ankle bone turns inward and the rest of the foot turns outward. This puts too much body weight on the inside of the foot.

The Female Athlete and the Sports Injury Chiropractor

Whether it’s your hip, knee, shoulder, ankle or foot, a chiropractic adjustment can help.  Just as your spine/ pelvis can get out of alignment, so can your extremities.  In other words, additional joints may need chiropractic adjustments (hip joints, knee joints, ankles joints) along with the spine.  After all, Chiropractic adjustments restore joint mobility and function, resolves joint inflammation and reduces the patient’s pain.

A sports chiropractor in North Palm Beach can adjust the spine/pelvis and extremities. And the best sports chiropractor is one who has the expertise and training to work on your muscles/ soft tissue surrounding your joints using soft tissue techniques (e.g. myofascial release, Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization-IASTM).

There are sports chiropractors who use their skills in soft tissue manipulation techniques to help optimize athletic performance and prevent injury.

Spinal and extremity adjustments along with recommendations from your chiropractor regarding stretching and strengthening exercises, nutrition, and lifestyle changes can successfully prevent a number of common, chronic and acute sports related injuries. Furthermore, besides from the female athlete performing better and reducing their injuries, regular chiropractic care will help with digestion, improve sleep, and increase energy. Regular chiropractic adjustments help avoid many of the disorders that take shape as illness.

If you are looking for a West Palm Beach sports chiropractor for women, Dr. Natalie Meiri can definitely help you. Call 561-253-8984 today.

From Dr. Natalie Meiri’s Clinical Pearl Stories:

Chiropractic Care for Neck Pain and Menopause Symptoms

Author: Natalie Meiri, D.C.        Posted: 9/25/21

This was a 52 year old female patient with a chief complaint of neck pain. To be HIPAA compliant, I will call her Tina instead of her real name. Tina had just reached menopause.  This is when her neck pain came on.  She also had headaches, hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia and increased anxiety or irritability.

Examination and x-rays

Positive tests were found for her spine during the exam. The x-rays taken in my office showed moderate osteoarthritis in her cervical (neck) spine.  This is the “wear and tear” type of arthritis when the bones rub against one another causing pain, stiffness, inflammation, disc degeneration and bone spurs (also known as osteophytes) which can “pinch” surrounding nerves.

She also had positive tests for a cervicogenic headache. A cervicogenic headache is a headache that occurs because of a physical condition and structures in the neck. By addressing the cervicogenic component of the cervicogenic/tension type to migraine “continuum of headaches” her headaches would be reduced in intensity.

Treatment: Chiropractic Care for Neck Pain and Menopause Symptoms

Firstly, Tina’s treatments included chiropractic adjustment/ manipulation to her cervical (neck) spine and associated regions.  Associated regions were thoracic (mid back), and lumbar (low 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.

Of course, because she had reached menopause, the headaches were also due to hormonal changes. She added soy products, fruits (i.e. berries), seeds (i.e. flaxseeds), and nuts to her diet. These foods have phytoestrogens or plant-based estrogens called isoflavones. These are plant chemicals capable of exerting estrogen like effects. Eating these foods in moderation along with some medicinal herbs helped to alleviate menopause symptoms for Tina. 

Additionally, I did several homeopathic consultations with Tina and prescribed a number of homeopathic medicines. Obviously, Tina was against drugs when possible and wanted to deal with this naturally.

Tina started feeling better gradually for her chief complaint of neck pain. Moreover, her  headaches disappeared.  Tina’s hot flashes and night sweats decreased.  To prevent osteoporosis due the estrogen loss in menopause, she took calcium supplements.  Tina also started a exercise regimen which included weight bearing aerobic activity.  Similarly, Tina started sleeping better due to everything she was doing.  Lastly, her irritability and anxiety went away so she was happier than she had been in a long time.

How do menopause symptoms occur?

After 12 months without menstruating, a woman is in menopause. The average age of menopause onset in the Unites States is 51.

Decreased circulating levels of estrogen with menopause appear to affect the central nervous system via the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is a small but important area in the center of the brain between the pituitary gland and thalamus. It plays an important role in hormone production and helps to stimulate many important processes in the body. The hypothalamus controls body temperature, thirst, hunger, and other homeostatic systems.  It is also involved in sleep and emotional activity.

So 95% of perimenopausal and menopausal women experience “hot flashes”. These flushing and sweating episodes are sudden in onset and last several minutes.  A sensation of face and neck hotness extends to the front of the chest. The skin temperature may increase as much as 2-5° degrees more and may result in wetting of clothing through excess perspiration. Physiologic responses that also occur include an increase in heart rate perceived sometimes as palpitations.

Furthermore, there may be symptoms of headache, dizziness, and nausea during the episodes.  Many women have night sweats and also have difficulty falling asleep. And often awaken early without being able to fall back to sleep. Approximately 80% of women experience these episodes for more than 1 year with as many as 20% of women having symptoms for more than 5 years.

From Dr. Natalie Meiri’s Clinical Pearl Stories:

Neck Pain and Chiropractic Cervical Adjustments

Author: Natalie Meiri, D.C.     Posted: 9/19/21

This was a 25 year old male patient with a chief complaint of neck pain. To be HIPAA compliant, I will call him Lenny instead of his real name. Lenny had 3 car accidents by the time he was 23 years old which caused his chronic neck pain. Moreover, he experienced neck and mid back pain when he moved his shoulders and arms. 

Lenny was  a very active person and even had a business where he did manual labor. He also enjoyed various sports.  He wanted to live his life pain free without having to give up his activities. 

After the automobile accidents, Lenny got some treatment at another chiropractor before coming to see me. He stated “the benefits of chiropractic were great”, but that he didn’t feel he “was ever holding his adjustments”. Lenny felt the former chiropractor was “too aggressive and every visit was the same”.  He needed “something different, more gentle, and a chiropractor who does soft tissue techniques”. Lenny came to see me because at Meiri Chiropractic, we deliver by hand, low amplitude (displacement of the joint), low intensity (low force) adjustments along with various soft tissue manipulation techniques.

Lenny’s Examination, X-rays and Treatment

The x-rays taken in my office showed findings consistent with a sprain with myospasm (muscle contraction) in his cervical (neck) and thoracic (mid back) spine. Upon examination, I found positive tests for a cervical (neck) sprain with thoracic (midback) myalgia (muscle pain) diagnoses. 

Firstly, he received chiropractic adjustments/ manipulation to his cervical (neck) and thoracic (mid back) spine and the associated regions.  Associated regions (due to misalignments) adjusted were his shoulders and lumbar spine (low back). Secondly, various soft tissue manipulation (myofascial release, pressure point and various post isometric relaxation procedures) was rendered as necessary.  Thirdly, home exercises for stretching, strengthening, stabilization and posture correction were given.

Lenny’s Chiropractic Care Outcome

As Lenny started feeling better, recommendations were made on diet and lifestyle (i.e. ergonomic).  He started eating better which contributed to faster healing.  Lenny avoided sugar and processed or fast food. And included as much fresh food as possible.  He also joined a gym to work on strenthening with weight machines and did more cardio exercise.

Finally, I did several homeopathic consultations with Lenny and prescribed a number of homeopathic medicines.

Lenny responded well to his West Palm Beach chiropractic care!  Was he able to live completely pain-free?  No, because it’s impossible for anyone to be completely free of pain in life.  However, Lenny thought daily about improving his function and not the pain anymore. His chronic pain was gone! Similarly, Lenny looked forward to his Worth palm beach chiropractic gentle adjustments. He was able to continue his daily activities with more energy and improved performance.

Research

A review of scientific literature found evidence that patients with chronic neck pain enrolled in clinical trials reported significant improvement following chiropractic spinal manipulation. As part of the literature review, published in the March/April 2007 issue of the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, the researchers reviewed nine previously published trials and found “high-quality evidence” that patients with chronic neck pain showed significant pain-level improvements following spinal manipulation.

Meiri Chiropractic serving West Palm Beach, Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, North Palm Beach and surrounding areas offers the best chiropractic adjustments for your neck, back and extremities (arms and legs). Call us in West Palm Beach at 561-253-8984 to schedule an appointment or to find out more about Neck Pain and Chiropractic Cervical Adjustments.

Chiropractic adjustments as treatment for neck and back pain from arthritis is drug-free. It is certainly an effective way to treat your stiff and painful joints.  Moreover, most of what chiropractors do currently is gentler than “cracking backs or necks” into place. In fact, there are more than 100 techniques that chiropractors use to manually adjust the spine, joints and manipulate the muscles with varying degrees of force. Chiropractic adjustments restore joint mobility and function, resolves joint inflammation and reduces the pain.

Benefits of Chiropractic Adjustment

If you’ve had back pain or a stiff neck, whether from arthritis or an injury, you’ve likely considered seeing a chiropractor. Certainly chiropractors adjust the spine to improve pain and mobility, but the benefits may extend beyond the back and neck. Chiropractors try to improve the relationship between the spine and nervous system, which affects the function of all the organs and systems in your body.  For instance, it helps to minimize inflammation throughout the body and help to strengthen the immune system.

Chiropractic adjustments also help arthritic extremity (arms and legs) joints as well. If someone is having a problem in a knee joint that is causing them to walk awkwardly, it may lead to a secondary pain syndrome in the lower back. The real problem started in the knee which needs to be addressed by way of an adjustment.

Chiropractic Adjustments Offer an Alternative to Pain Medication

Adjustments can help keep painful joints more comfortable while also improving function and range of motion. Chiropractors use gentle manipulation to adjust your joints and manipulate muscles to return to their proper structure. With proper alignment, your body’s equilibrium is restored, which in turn helps increase the healing of your damaged joint tissues. In summary, the chiropractic adjustment works by restoring function which decreases the inflammation and the pain goes away. 

There are a lot of benefits to chiropractic adjustments. In order to see great results, though, you need to make sure you’re visiting the chiropractor on a regular basis.  Most definitely, improved posture is another benefit. Chiropractic adjustments, combined with at-home stretching and strengthening exercises, can be very helpful to those who suffer from degenerative scoliosis or other postural issues.  Degenerative scoliosis is a result of osteoarthritis (wear and tear arthritis) on the discs and joints of the spine.

Chiropractors are Portal of Entry Providers

Chiropractors are portal of entry providers in Florida and so are primary-care professionals which means you go directly to them.  During your first visit, the chiropractor should take a detailed medical history and perform a physical exam of every joint to determine what approaches are right for you. The doctor may also take an X-ray. Chiropractors also understand the importance of exercise and a healthy diet for your health. They will provide instructions on lifestyle changes and exercises that will help you maintain range of motion and reduce symptoms related to arthritis.

Research on How Chiropractic Adjustments Can Help With Arthritis

In the past, chiropractic got mixed reviews from physicians. Increasingly, studies in mainstream medical journals are demonstrating the benefits of chiropractic for back and joint pain. A 2017 review in the Journal of the American Medical Association, found that spinal manipulation reduces lower back pain. And a 2013 study published in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage found that patient education combined with 12 chiropractic treatments (twice a week for six weeks) were more effective for hip Osteoarthritis than a daily stretching program or patient education alone.

Dr. Natalie Meiri has treated patients for over 17 years with wear and tear osteoarthritis and inflammatory disease, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis.  Dr. Natalie Meiri also adjusts arthritic joints of the extremities (arms and legs).  Too many people suffer with conditions that can be treated using natural and noninvasive treatments.  Get fast pain relief and function better from the best chiropractic clinic in West Palm Beach.  Contact Dr. Natalie Meiri today at 561-253-8984 to make an appointment or to find out more about How Chiropractic Adjustments Can Help With Arthritis.

Chiropractic care has been proven to help people in all stages of life. Family chiropractic clinics like Meiri Chiropractic in West Palm Beach, Florida offer many benefits to patients of all ages, genders and backgrounds.

Some patients see a chiropractor for the health benefits or the treatment of injuries. Other people at a different stage in their life may get more positive results from being under the care of a family chiropractor.

A family chiropractor has many benefits for all ages! 

Family Chiropractor for Prenatal/ Pregnancy

Musculoskeletal concerns during pregnancy are due to mechanical changes from the growth and position of the baby and hormonal changes that result in less ligament stability. Firstly, hip and low back pain are common in pregnant women. Secondly, the pregnancy can cause myofascial problems in the neck, mid back and chest areas due to the shifting of her spine and the extra weight of the baby. Thirdly, knee and foot pain are common due to the change in weight bearing as well.

There is research to support the role of chiropractic treatment of the pregnant low back patient. Adjustments during pregnancy are safe and an excellent alternative to drugs for pain management. “Softer” approaches can also be utilized such as various soft tissue techniques and mobilization. A family chiropractor in West Palm Beach will gently adjust the pregnant woman’s spine, hips, knees and feet.

Of all the changes she will experience in this stage of life, consistent care from a family chiropractor in West Palm Beach is always a good choice. Stiffness and pain can be decreased through regular care. Than the pregnant woman can sleep better at night and feel more energized during the day. Her range of motion will increase to help with delivery of the baby as well. As eating right and exercising during pregnancy is important, so is chiropractic care. When you are pregnant, you need all the help you can get. After all, when the baby is born, mom will need to be in top physical shape to continue the next part of her joyful journey.

Family Chiropractor for Infants and kids

A Canadian study of pediatric visits to alternative care practitioners indicated that the majority of patients presented with non-musculoskeletal complaints such as respiratory and ears, nose and throat (ENT) related symptoms. Furthermore, studies from Denmark seem to indicate that chiropractic manipulation is effective at improving or resolving infantile colic. Infantile colic describes excessive crying of unknown cause in otherwise well infants. It appears Colic affects up to 20% of infants.

As your child grows, sports- related injuries are relatively common. Prevention is a major goal in working with children and adolescents. Similarly, when injured, the proper diagnosis, treatment, and rehab is the goal. Lastly, many children experience “growing pains” and posture related discomfort. And they find relief by seeing a family chiropractor in West Palm Beach.

With adolescents, back pain accounted for about 33% of visits to a family chiropractor in countries outside the United States. Neck and headache pain accounted for approximately 40% of visits.

Family Chiropractor for Younger Adults

Whether you sit at a desk all day at work, perform manual labor, chase after small children, or are an athlete, the repetitive tasks in our days can eventually lead to spinal misalignments and joint dysfunction throughout your body. Untreated, these can cause a ripple of destruction to your health. Pain, headaches, dizziness, low energy, difficulty sleeping, and weakened immune health are all possible symptoms.

Regardless of your activity level, you should check in with a family chiropractor regularly to address issues while they are small. Consistent care is better than allowing your pain to finally bring you into the family chiropractor clinic. Adults seek chiropractic clinics due to neck and back pain, arm and leg pain, disc problems, hormonal (menopause, premenstrual pains) issues, osteoarthritis, pinched nerve, headaches, sciatica, fibromyalgia, and immune disorders. Why not seek care while the problem is minor and small? Once you are in pain your body has already been struggling for awhile. Therefore, it takes longer and more adjustments to get it healthy again.

Family Chiropractor for Older Adults (Elders/Seniors)

Studies suggest that the older adult population (over 65) represents 12-17% of most chiropractic practices in the U.S.A. These patients also account for 1/3 of patients who purchase prescription medications. The majority of older adults have signs and symptoms that reflect the accumulation of life-long environmental impact combined with decreased function of most organ systems. Among these systems include the neuromusculoskeletal system in which Chiropractors are specialists in.

The ultimate goal with older adults are to prevent or delay functional decline and restore and/or maintain function to allow as much independent living as possible. It is clear the ability for the older adult to remain independent has a significant effect on his or her perceived quality of life. In conclusion, it is true and logical that normal aging does result in some decreases in function. However, all decreases in function are not age related and so require intervention. In fact, many neuromusculoskeletal conditions are treatable and preventable through chiropractic care.

At Meiri Chiropractic, we spend the time necessary to examine, diagnose and treat every neuromusculoskeletal condition and various ailments you or your loved ones have. We have been offering effective chiropractic care in Palm Beach County since 2006. Many of our patients reviews note our excellence. We are your best bet and are here for you. Call us today at 561-253-8984 to make an appointment or to find out more about the Family Chiropractor Has Many Benefits for All Ages.

References:

Thomas Souza,  (2001) Differential Diagnosis and Management for the Chiropractor

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Meiri Chiropractic

561-253-8984