West Palm Beach Acupuncture: Relief From Menopause and Perimenopause

Acupuncture West Palm Beach: Relief For Menopause and Perimenopause is about how to minimize or eliminate the unpleasant side effects of menopause.

Did you know acupuncture treatments can significantly reduce menopause and perimenopause symptoms?  Your quality of life will improve.  In one study, they found the benefits after a course of acupuncture treatments lasted for at least 6 months and beyond. 

 

What is Menopause?

Menopause is the point at which a woman stops ovulating and menstruation ceases, indicating the end of fertility. It is a natural progression in life. Many women experience few if any symptoms during this time.  However, others may suffer.  The following are some symptoms: anxiety, dry skin, fatigue, feelings of bloating, headaches, heart palpitations, hot flashes, insomnia, irritability, decreased interest in sex, loss of concentration, mood swings, night sweats, reduced stamina, urinary incontinence, vaginal dryness and itching, weight gain, cold hands and feet, joint pain, hair loss, and skin changes.

Menopause is actually a natural progression in life.  Above all, it is also the time women become increasingly vulnerable to other, potentially serious health problems. Over the long term, the diminished supply of estrogen increases the likelihood of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and vaginal atrophy. Remarkably, all the above can be avoided through a proper diet, nutritional supplements, exercise and acupuncture treatments.

Menopause Symptoms

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 5° 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. And as many as 20% of women have symptoms for more than 5 years.

 

The Hormones involved in Menopause and Acupuncture

Firstly, many years before a woman stops ovulating, her ovaries slow their production of the hormones estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Estrogen and progesterone are commonly thought of as sex or reproductive hormones. While estrogen is indeed essential for reproduction, it also acts on many nonreproductive organs and systems in the body. Cells in the vagina, bladder, breasts, skin, bones, arteries, heart, liver, and brain all contain estrogen receptors. And they require this hormone to stimulate these receptors for normal cell function.

Secondly, vasomotor symptoms (VMS), which include hot flashes and night sweats, are the most common and troubling symptoms associated with menopause. Although some women report experiencing the menopause without any VMS, for other women, these symptoms can be frequent and severe.  Furthermore, it interrupts their daily activities and quality of life. And this can continue for almost 10 years. It appears, VMS are the main menopause-related problems for which US women seek treatment.

Thirdly, Estrogen therapy, alone or in combination with progesterone, is currently the most effective treatment of VMS. However, Hormone therapy (HT), is associated with a number of risks.  For example, they are thromboembolic (blood clot) events and breast cancer.  Additionally, breast tenderness and irregular bleeding have been reported. Indeed, women seek alternatives such as, herbal, dietary remedies, or behavioral therapies. Unfortunately, it may not be enough.

Fourthly, Acupuncture treatments can have a positive benefit on reducing hot flashes and improving sleep and other menopausal/perimenopausal symptoms. Many times, the clinical benefits are observed after just a few acupuncture treatments and can have lasting effects.

 

Dr. Natalie Meiri
Dr. Natalie Meiri
Menopause, Perimenopause and Joint Pain

A common symptom often associated with hormonal changes is pain. More than half of women experience arthralgia (pain in a joint) around the time of menopause. The causes of joint pain in postmenopausal women can be difficult to determine.  This is because the period of menopause coincides with a rising incidence of chronic rheumatic conditions such as osteoarthritis. Nevertheless, the prevalence of arthralgia does appear to increase in women going through the menopausal transition.  Studies have shown this results from a reduction in estrogen levels. Moreover, this may have to do with various interactions. And these interactions are between sex hormones and pain processing pathways. And immune cells and chondrocytes (cartilage cells) are part of these interactions.

Given a growing concern regarding estrogen replacement therapy, a search for alternatives in the management of menopause is prevalent. Many studies have found that the use of alternative therapies for menopause symptoms is common.  And women who use them generally find them to be beneficial. Also, Acupuncture along with Chiropractic can be a great intervention in the treatment of postmenopausal climacteric symptoms especially in the area of joint pain.

 

Acupuncture West Palm Beach: Relief For Menopause and Perimenopause

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 to bring balance back.  Mainly, the  goal is to activate the body’s natural healing abilities. It’s often used as part of a broader approach to healthcare.

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

If you are suffering from menopause or perimenopause contact Meiri Chiropractic.  Your chiropractic physician certified in acupuncture in West Palm Beach will get you better.  Call 561-253-8984 to make an appointment or to learn more about West Palm Beach Acupuncture: Relief From Menopause and Perimenopause.

 

References:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4874921/

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

 

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Acupuncture During Pregnancy

 

Did you know Acupuncture provides natural care during and after pregnancy?  Many people ask, “is acupuncture safe during pregnancy?”  The answer is, “it is absolutely safe during pregnancy.” Acupuncture offers its unique ability to help women during pregnancy when less intervention is generally worth more. And Acupuncture has centuries of evidence of its safety and effectiveness.

Acupuncture is Natural and Has Been Utilized During Pregnancy

for Many Years!

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 to bring balance back.  Mainly, the  goal is to activate the body’s natural healing abilities and bring balance back to your body. It’s often used as part of a broader approach to healthcare.

Acupuncture during pregnancy can provide benefits for:

-a healthier pregnancy

-controlling nausea and morning sickness

-relieving headaches and body pain

-digestive problems

-sleep issues and fatigue

-stress and anxiety

-headaches and body pain

-digestive problems

Pregnancy Related Changes and Problems

Firstly, there are several physiological and endocrinological changes that occur in preparation for creating the environment for the developing baby. During pregnancy, a woman may experience discomfort. In fact, individual differences are so significant that the discomfort felt during one pregnancy may not occur during the other. Research has shown that discomfort during pregnancy is related to hormonal changes.

Secondly, during pregnancy, taking drugs is a great challenge. This is because of the potential risk of in utero drug exposure to the baby.   Indeed, drugs may impede your baby’s growth and development leading to malformations.

Thirdly, research studies suggest acupuncture can be a safe and potentially effective treatment for various pregnancy-related concerns.

 

Acupuncture During and After Pregnancy

Acupuncture can be helpful for various post-pregnancy issues, including postpartum depression (PPD), pain management, and lactation challenges. Moreover, the use of acupuncture for treating PPD was found effective in studies. For instance, acupuncture is both safe and helpful for breastfeeding women who are experiencing emotional discomfort.  Finally, it can alleviate a variety of symptoms in your body from becoming a new mom and post-delivery issues.

 

Dr. Natalie Meiri
Dr. Natalie Meiri

 

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Acupuncture During Pregnancy  

Meiri Chiropractic offers acupuncture during and after pregnancy. Dr. Natalie Meiri is board certified in acupuncture and has been a chiropractic physician for over 20 years.

Contact us today for an acupuncture treatment in West Palm Beach at 561-253-8984.

 

 

West Palm Beach Chiropractor: Acupuncture for Fatigue and Performance for Athletes

 

Did you know acupuncture is used to increase energy and to enhance performance by many athletes?  Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neil and NBA star Kobe Bryant both received acupuncture treatment to improve in their sport.  Read below on West Palm Beach Chiropractor: Acupuncture for Fatigue and Performance for Athletes.

How Does Acupuncture Help Fatigue and Performance in Athletes?

Acupuncture isn’t just for pain management.  Indeed, acupuncture helps you with more endurance and recover faster. It gives you the extra ability to achieve more.

Firstly, acupuncture improves peak oxygen levels, maximum heart rate, delayed-onset muscle soreness, pain, swelling, explosive force production, and joint mobility. Furthermore, acupuncture appears to be similar in effect regardless of age and sex.

Secondly, a Japanese study (1) investigated the effect of acupuncture regarding exhaustion in elite female soccer players during a competition period. Only the athletes treated with acupuncture experienced a better rating in the study.

Thirdly, the cardiovascular benefits of acupuncture for athletes has been documented. Studies revealed that athletes who receive acupuncture exhibited improved regulation of blood pressure and heart rate compared to those who didn’t receive acupuncture.  The same athletes receiving acupuncture in the study  showed improvements in maximal physical performance.

Fourthly, the great effects of acupuncture can sometimes be the psychological benefits. Competition anxiety and cognitive anxiety (having negative thoughts), have been observed to be reduced among athletes who receive acupuncture.

West Palm Beach Chiropractor: Acupuncture for Fatigue and Performance for Athletes:

Acupuncture Has a Holistic Approach

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 to bring balance back.  Mainly, the  goal is to activate the body’s natural healing abilities and bring balance back to your body. It’s often used as part of a broader approach to healthcare.

Every athlete is different and so treatments are different for everyone.   For example, an athlete with digestion issues will not get the same treatments as someone with hormonal issues or allergies.

Athletes may also use acupuncture immediately before or after a major event. And then as part of the recovery phase afterward.

 

Dr. Natalie Meiri
Dr. Natalie Meiri

 

West Palm Beach Chiropractor: Acupuncture for Fatigue and Performance for Athletes

If you’re recovering from an injury, acupuncture can be especially helpful when used in conjunction with chiropractic. Dr. Natalie Meiri is an experienced chiropractic physician who is board certified in acupuncture, why go anywhere else? Call 561-253-8984 today to schedule a chiropractic evaluation or an acupuncture session.

 

References: Akimoto et al, Med Sci Sports Exerc 2003

 

 

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Acupuncture Does Help Asthma

 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 13 people have asthma. More than 25 million Americans have asthma.  This is 7.7 percent of adults and 8.4 percent of children.  Asthma is a leading chronic disease in children.  Asthma may be rising due to rising levels of environmental pollution, food additives, genetics, toxins and allergens.

There is no cure for asthma, but it can be managed with proper prevention of asthma attacks and treatment.  Indeed, acupuncture is effective in ameliorating the symptoms of asthma.  Additionally, acupuncture can be a complementary treatment for asthma.  So while Acupuncture does not treat asthma directly, many asthmatic patients receiving regular acupuncture treatments have found it beneficial. Read below about chiropractor West Palm Beach: acupuncture does help asthma.

What is Asthma?

The presentation of asthma is variable depending on the type. In a child with an allergic form of asthma, there will be recurrent episodes of wheezing, coughing, difficulty or labored breathing, and a feeling of chest tightness. These attacks may be related to exposure to an environmental allergen or may be aggravated by stress or exercise. The attacks may be occurring in the early morning. In an adult, it is common to have similar symptoms. However, the adult asthmatic will not be aware of allergies. There is often a history of a prolonged respiratory infection, exposure to occupational toxins, and/or a history of smoking.

What Causes Asthma?

Asthma is a multi-factorial dysfunction of the respiratory system. Nutritional, environmental, genetic, and emotional factors all play an important part in the etiology (cause) of this condition. Asthma is a lung disease that causes obstruction of the airways.  During an asthma attack, spasms in the muscles surrounding the bronchi (small airways in the lungs) constrict, impeding the outward passage of air. Additionally, bronchoconstriction, mucus (phlegm) production, mucosal edema (swelling), and underlying inflammation join together to cause wheezing with associated dyspnea (difficult or labored breathing).

These spasms are a result of inflammation and hypersensitivity of the airways to certain stimuli such as:

  •     Environmental allergen/pollution

              (mold, fumes, tobacco smoke, dust mites, animal dander)

  •     Food additives, chemicals, drugs
  •     Extreme cold/dry/humid air
  •     Emotional stress
  •     Exercise
  •     Respiratory infection such as bronchitis

Research on Acupuncture Treatment and Asthma

The mechanisms underlying the effects of acupuncture in asthma are not fully understood. Nevertheless, acupuncture is beneficial in the prevention and treatment of asthma. Existing evidence has shown that acupuncture might facilitate the prevention and treatment of asthma via its anti-inflammatory effects. Acupuncture has been shown to be effective for preventing and treating several kinds of diseases, including allergic disorders, infections, autoimmune diseases, and immunodeficiency syndromes. Furthermore, Acupuncture has been traditionally used to treat allergic asthma and chronic bronchitis in China for more than a thousand years.

In one study (1), 192 patients with bronchial asthma were treated with acupuncture. And 98.9% of the patients experienced an immediate improvement. Moreover, the rate of remission plus marked improvement was 76.5%. However, the best therapeutic results were achieved for allergic asthma.  

In another Chinese prospective study (2), the effect of acupuncture in the treatment of children with bronchial asthma was compared to a control group treated with conventional drugs. The clinical effectiveness of acupuncture was significantly higher than treatment with drugs (89% vs 64%). In addition, in the acupuncture group the level of eosinophils and IgE was highly significant and significantly lower respectively than in the control group (base group not receiving treatment). And Eosinophils are white blood cells involved in the body’s response to parasites and allergens, while IgE is a type of antibody that plays a crucial role in allergic reactions.

 

Dr. Natalie Meiri
Dr. Natalie Meiri
Co-management of Medically Treated Asthma

Conventional medical treatment of asthma includes avoidance of known allergens or other triggering substances, desensitization shots, and drugs.  Asthma can be life threatening sometimes, in which case, drugs are simply necessary. Nevertheless, patients are turning to acupuncture, chiropractic and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies since all conventional drugs carry the risk of side effects.  Also, for long term management of asthma, many patients found a combination of conventional and acupuncture more effective. Drugs were for symptom relief and only masked the problem.

 

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Acupuncture Does Help Asthma

Meiri Chiropractic offers acupuncture for Asthma and many other ailments. All asthmatics have gone through periods when symptoms were minimal, even though no obvious environmental changes had occurred. These treatments may make the periods of freedom from asthma more frequent and longer lasting.  

Asthma is generally a deep-seated chronic illness, but that doesn’t mean the symptoms have to dominate your life.  Even though you can expect to need standard drugs at times, with regular acupuncture treatments overall improvement is possible.

Call Meiri Chiropractic today for your acupuncture treatment for Asthma at 561-253-8984.

 

References:

  • Zang, J Tradit Chin Med 1990 
  • Gao et Zhu, Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi 2005

 

 

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Acupuncture Can Help Mental Health

Did you know Acupuncture can help your mental health?  Acupuncture can be a safe and effective treatment option for anxiety.  It can help reduce symptoms such as worry, tension, and irritability. Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Acupuncture Can Help Mental Health is about this.

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Acupuncture Can Help Mental Health

Firstly, Acupuncture  has been used for over 4000 years to treat pain and other health problems. Acupuncture treatment stimulates the imbalanced pathways along the meridians to bring balance back.  The goal is to activate the body’s natural healing abilities. It’s often used as part of a broader approach to healthcare including mental health care.

Secondly, Researchers have found that in the treatment of chronic pain with depression, acupuncture could get great results. Additionally, it’s not addictive or has any side effects. In one study, it stated,”acupuncture stimulates the nervous system of the human body by inserting and rotating needles at specific acupoints and exerts analgesic, muscle relaxation, anti-inflammatory and antidepressant effects.

Thirdly, Studies have also found that acupuncture could be useful alongside medication and other therapies for mental health treatment.

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Acupuncture Can Help Mental Health

How Does Acupuncture Help Depression and Mental Health?

Acupuncture has been shown to affect the nervous system and provide advantages for treating depression. Similar to antidepressant medications, acupuncture can affect serotonin and noradrenaline neurotransmitter levels in your body.  Acupuncture can ultimately effect your central nervous system and brain through natural chemicals in your body. In other words, by stimulating specific acupuncture points in the body, acupuncture can help regulate the nervous system. And it promotes relaxation and calmness. Ultimately, by increasing the production of serotonin and other neurotransmitters in the brain, acupuncture alleviates symptoms of depression and anxiety.

 

Dr. Natalie Meiri
Dr. Natalie Meiri

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Acupuncture Can Help Mental Health

At Meiri Chiropractic, we use small, thin little needles to influence the body to promote natural healing and normalize function. 

Integrating acupuncture with other treatments and care demonstrates promise in enhancing mental health.  It alleviates chronic, general pain, and improves overall quality of life.

Dr. Natalie Meiri is an experienced chiropractic physician with a certification in acupuncture, why go anywhere else to get acupuncture? Call 561-253-8984 today to schedule a chiropractic evaluation or an acupuncture session.

 

References: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10838506/

 

 

 

 

Chiropractic West Palm Beach: Acupuncture Can Help Sports Injuries

 

Did you know Acupuncture can greatly increase your recovery process for sports injuries?  Staying fit by eating right and exercising is very beneficial for your health and overall well-being. Therefore, you certainly don’t want an injury to set you back! Moreover, a sports injury can set you back for extended recovery periods.  Chiropractic West Palm Beach: Acupuncture Can Help Sports Injuries is about how acupuncture can speed your recovery, enhance performance and even prevent injuries.

 

Chiropractic West Palm Beach: Acupuncture Can Help Sports Injuries: What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a treatment that has been used for over 4000 years to treat pain and other health problems. Acupuncture treatment stimulates the imbalanced pathways along the meridians to bring balance back.  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.

At Meiri Chiropractic, we use small, thin little needles as well as at times some electrical stimulation (electroacupuncture).  And Acupuncture is utilized to influence the body to promote natural healing and normalize function.  It is a great add on to the athlete’s recovery process.

Chiropractic West Palm Beach: Acupuncture Can Help Sports Injuries

What sports injuries can benefit from Acunpuncture?

Firstly, acupuncture treatments can be useful to athletes for managing pain, promoting healing, and enhancing performance. For example, by improving circulation, reducing inflammation, and increasing range of motion, acupuncture can help the healing process. Indeed, athletes from cycling, tennis, basketball and football have utilized acupuncture. Injuries helped include: sprain, strain, back and neck pain, various forms of tendinitis, and even post-concussion syndrome.

Secondly, Acupuncture has proven its benefits for athletes in various sports. A study conducted at the Korean National Sports University revealed that out of the nearly 15% of elite college athletes who opted for Korean medicine alternatives, over 44% selected acupuncture as their primary treatment modality. These athletes participated in several sports of varying intensities, including kayaking, golf, wrestling, and taekwondo. Additionally, Studies have shown Acupuncture improves peak oxygen levels, maximum heart rate, delayed-onset muscle soreness, pain, swelling, explosive force production, and joint mobility. 

Thirdly, even a severely cut right hand injury can benefit from acupuncture. Tom Brady is one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play who had this injury. Of course, he needs to grip the ball! And he had an AFC championship coming up.  Therefore, Tom Brady used acupuncture along with his other treatments to heal his wound/cut.  Acupuncture encouraged his body’s immune system to speed his recovery.  So he played in his championship with very little pain.

 

Dr. Natalie Meiri

Chiropractic West Palm Beach: Acupuncture Can Help Sports Injuries

Athletes participating in sports have shown positive outcomes from acupuncture interventions.  Dr. Natalie Meiri is an experienced chiropractic physician with certification in acupuncture, why go anywhere else to try out acupuncture? Call 561-253-8984 today to schedule a chiropractic evaluation or an acupuncture session.

Chiropractic and Acupuncture West Palm Beach: 4 Reasons To Try Acupuncture

 

There are so many benefits to trying acupuncture. Chiropractic and Acupuncture West Palm Beach: 4 Reasons To Try Acupuncture is about 4 top reasons to try acupuncture.  By seeing a chiropractor who is also certified in acupuncture, you can treat a wide range of health issues without the side effects of prescription medication.  Read below to find out more.

 

Chiropractic and Acupuncture West Palm Beach: 4 Reasons To Try Acupuncture-

1. Pain relief

Acupuncture can be used alone or in conjunction with chiropractic care to manage pain.  It is an ideal adjunct to chiropractic care.  Acupuncture is a centuries-old healing procedure which focuses on the integrity of bodily systems and not specific conditions.  It is a form of holistic healing. And it can be used to treat arthritis, tendinitis, GI disorders, anxiety, musculoskeletal conditions, and acute/ chronic pain among others.

 

2. Reduce inflammation

Acupuncture can help reduce inflammation in the body. It can help with a wide range of inflammatory conditions.  This includes acute inflammation from sports injuries or falls, to autoimmune disorders, and chronic inflammatory conditions. Scientists are researching how acupuncture reduces inflammation in the body. Simply put, acupuncture releases muscle tightness, improves circulation, and activates your natural opioids that help reduce pain. Acupuncture is said to alter physiological processes in the body via the brain and nervous system.

 

Chiropractic and Acupuncture West Palm Beach: 4 Reasons To Try Acupuncture

 

Chiropractic and Acupuncture West Palm Beach: 4 Reasons To Try Acupuncture-

3. Reduce Stress and Anxiety

Firstly, acupuncture has been shown to help reduce stress and anxiety. Even one treatment has been shown to be of benefit. Additionally, with a full course of care, the benefits have been shown to last many months to a year.

Secondly, Acupuncture helps to reduce stress by balancing the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. So Chronic stress can create havoc in your body. It can disrupt hormonal balance, which can influence everything else in your body. It can cause mood swings, thyroid issues, immune problems, and even fertility issues. Therefore, acupuncture can be part of a complete and holistic treatment plan to manage any disorder.

Lastly, not only can Acupuncture help you reduce stress, it can help improve your mood. 

 

4. Increase Energy

Acupuncture re-energizes you. It restores your body by balancing your meridian pathways. Also, acupuncture has successfully helped insomnia patients.  Of course, getting enough sleep is important for your energy level.  Similarly, if you are not in pain or fighting an ailment you will be able to exercise more regularly.  Regular exercise is important for your health and overall wellness. In conclusion, acupuncture will not only increase your energy, but helps your ability to perform physical activity.

Therefore, many athletes utilize acupuncture services to perform better and reduce exercise soreness and prevent injuries. Indeed, Acupuncture is being utilized by more and more professional and amateur athletes. Athletes have used acupuncture to help with injury recovery and pain management.

 

Dr. Natalie Meiri

Meiri Chiropractic in West Palm Beach offers Acupuncture for the whole body. Schedule an appointment for chiropractic, acupuncture or both.  It all depends on your health goals, ailments and healing response. Schedule a holistic treatment for you or your loved ones for the whole body or specific condition by calling 561-253-8984 today.

 

 

acute locked low back syndrome

 

This post is about Chiropractic West Palm Beach: Acute Locked Low Back Syndrome.  Symptoms include lateral (moving sideways) antalgia (leaning away from the side of pain).  In other words, you won’t be able to straighten out while standing, sitting or lying.  Moreover, it may have come on without any warning to you.  Typically, you will experience severe pain especially when trying to stand up after sitting.  So movement will be extremely difficult. If you have Acute Locked Low Back Syndrome, Chiropractic can provide relief! We’ve got some great information to share below.

 

Chiropractic West Palm Beach: Causes of Acute Locked Low Back Syndrome

Acute locked back syndrome can have many causes.  These can include multiple underlying biomechanical and musculoskeletal causes.

 

Muscle Spasm

A muscle spasm of the low back muscles may be the culprit. For example, the quadratus lumborum muscle can be a cause. It is the deepest muscle of the lumbar spine (low back). And It runs from the pelvis to the last rib. It contracts while sitting, walking and standing.  Mishaps leading to acute muscle contraction are numerous.  They include trauma, structural inadequacies, visceral (organ) disease, emotional distress, and even exposure to cold.

 

Facet Joint Irritation 

A unilateral (one sided) facet joint irritation may be implicated. The facet joints become inflamed and may cause pain, soreness, stiffness and sometimes locking or imbrication (overlapping).  Your facet joints are on either side of the back of each vertebra of your spine. The vertebral bodies make up the bony building blocks of the spinal column. There are two facet joints at each level of the vertebral column (spinal column). Facet joints provide stability to the spinal column while allowing movement. Encased with capsules, the synovial fluid within protects and lubricates the facet joints.

 

Interarticular Block

What’s called an Interarticular (existing or acting between the adjacent surfaces of a joint) Block may occur. So a source of derangement of the posterior (back) joints is speculated to result from entrapment of joint meniscoids or synovial folds. The intra-articular meniscoids are leaflike fibroadipose (fatty fibrous tissue) folds of synovium (tissue lining the inner surface of joint capsules). These meniscoids are present in all of the joints of the spine. Entrapment of these meniscoids can cause acute locked low back syndrome. Specifically, the meniscoid can be pulled out of its resting position during flexion (forward bending). Indeed, it may even be a minor movement that causes the entrapment with associated muscle spasm.

 

Discal Entrapment

There may be discal entrapment. And the term ‘disc’ is short for ‘intervertebral disc’. The disc is essentially divided into two parts: (1) a central, softer jelly like inner nucleus pulposus and (2) an outer tougher, dense connective tissue (fibrocartilaginous) annulus fibrosus surrounding it. The discs separate the bones of the spine (vertebrae). An acute locked low back syndrome may be due to displacement of nuclear disc material (gelatinous core) into radial fissures of a deteriorating disc.  This can happen with bending on flexion.  Next, when you are trying to straighten out in extension, it’s impossible.  So attempting to return to an upright position illicits a painful response.

 

Chiropractic West Palm Beach: Acute Locked Low Back Syndrome and Proper Diagnosis

This is where a thorough exam is necessary as the separate scenarios above involve different treatment approaches!  Therefore, uncovering the underlying c differences between conditions is crucial.  It will lead to distinctions in therapy that might be necessary.  Lastly, a thorough exam is important to rule out other disease states or traumatic events that would contraindicate (make certain therapy inadvisable) certain chiropractic adjustive therapy.

 

Chiropractic West Palm Beach: Acute Locked Low Back Syndrome

Chiropractic West Palm Beach: Acute Locked Low Back Syndrome

Dr. Natalie Meiri, your chiropractor in West Palm Beach will examine you and come up with a treatment plan to get you better. You can get pain relief and function better with chiropractic care naturally.  Moreover, you can improve your health through regular chiropractic care.

If you have back pain due to Acute Locked Low Back Syndrome, call us today at 561-253-8984!  Ask to make an appointment or find out more about: Chiropractic West Palm Beach: Acute Locked Low Back Syndrome.

 

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Intensive Care Versus Corrective CareChiropractor West Palm Beach: Intensive Care Versus Corrective Care

 

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Intensive Care Versus Corrective Care is a blog about the different types of care programs typically available in a Chiropractor’s Office. 

 

Intensive Care is To START your healing and STOP your pain!

Intensive Care is for severe acute cases or chronic cases that have flared up.  For example, you may have been in a recent car accident, fallen or have sciatica that came on insidiously (came on gradually).  Furthermore, the case of sciatica could have started out as an ache in your back. Of course, you ignored it until it started radiating down your leg.  In summary, a history of recent trauma and acute condition or flare up requires intensive care which can be more frequent visits.

 

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Intensive Care Versus Corrective Care-

How Did the Pain Start?

 

Firstly, over time your spine might have slowly lost its ability to move properly.  Moreover, this might have occurred without you even realizing it’s happening. Your muscles tightened, and you might have lost flexibility and mobility.

Secondly, you could get postural changes, muscle strength changes and a marked loss of movement. Evidently, most people won’t even notice these gradual changes. Then one day you turn the wrong way. And suddenly, you can’t bend or even walk. Nevertheless, the truth is, the symptoms you currently have now can be traced back to having started years ago.

Thirdly, you wait to be in pain and then seek pain relief. Unfortunately, a lot of people wait to be in pain before visiting the chiropractor.  And When a patient has acute pain, the goal is to reduce the pain and get them symptom free.

 

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Intensive Care Versus Corrective Care

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Intensive Care Versus Corrective Care-

Corrective Care

 

After intensive care, you may need corrective care.  So Now that your pain is gone, you can complete healing and protect against reinjury.  Not every case or condition needs corrective care.  However, many, many do.  It depends on many factors (e.g. overall health, activity level, previous history, degeneration in joints etc). And only your chiropractor will address this after a thorough exam.  

Ultimately, corrective care aims to get you symptom free by removing poor joint function and any underlying neuromusculoskeletal (nervous, muscular and/or skeletal system) problems.  If you choose corrective care, you will be healthier and not relapse. Also, you will enjoy a more active lifestyle now and in the future after corrective care.  In fact, many patients come in for corrective care when they are not in pain currently.  At their initial visit, they relay that they have a condition which flares up once or twice a year.  After Corrective care, they report no more episodes of flare ups or exacerbations.

Corrective care requires an investment of your time and money into your health care.  Additionally, you need to fit your chiropractic care and other lifestyle changes into your schedule.  Indeed, it takes effort! However, many have avoided drugs, surgery and lead pain-free lives and function better afterwards.

 

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Intensive Care Versus Corrective Care
Dr. Natalie Meiri adjusts a patient
Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Intensive Care Versus Corrective Care

Even one visit to a chiropractor can offer tremendous benefits. You do not have to keep visiting a chiropractor for life to maintain the benefits. However, many people do find that long-term treatment helps them to feel and function at their best. Moreover, if they are fighting chronic pain or another severe health condition, corrective care maybe necessary. Each patient is different. Some patients may require multiple treatments to resolve or stabilize their condition. Others may not. In conclusion, the chiropractor will recommend a treatment plan. The plan will outline the type and frequency of treatment recommended. 

 

Get started with chiropractic care! Call us to schedule an appointment for you at 561-253-8984 today.

 

 

Chiropractic West Palm Beach: Heat or Cold Therapy for Pain?

 

When you are in pain, you may reach for 2 very effective natural modalities, cold or heat therapy.  But which one should you use when, and what’s the correct way?  That’s what this blog post, “Chiropractic West Palm Beach: Heat or Cold for Pain?” is about.

 

Cold/Ice therapy

Firstly, use cold therapy for acute injuries or conditions, where there is inflammation, swelling, or recent trauma. Moreover, acute injuries include sprains, strains, tendonitis and bruises.

Secondly, care for inflammation might include (P.R.I.C.E.) protection, rest, ice, and, if appropriate, compression and elevation. So applying cold to the area helps constrict blood vessels and reduces blood flow. Next, it decreases inflammation and prevents further swelling.  In summary, this will help alleviate pain.  Ice may even numb the sore area, acting as a local anesthetic.

Thirdly, you can use cold/ice packs and ice cubes in a plastic bag.  Indeed, even frozen peas in a bag can serve the same purpose. Finally, ice should not be applied directly to the skin. Always use a cloth or towel as a barrier to prevent frostbite.

 

How Long to Apply Ice and the Hunting Response

Applying ice for a longer period of time than 15-20 minutes will initiate the hunting response. Furthermore, the hunting response is a process of alternating vasoconstriction and vasodilation in extremitites exposed to cold. For example, when your body is exposed to cold, vasoconstriction minimizes heat loss. However, if the cold exposure isn’t stopped, your body does the Hunting Response. And your body will expand your blood vessels again. Of course, this will circulate warm blood to the colder areas of the body (e.g. fingers, toes, nose and ears). In conclusion, this happens to stop hypothermia and cold-related injuries from occurring.  Therefore, applying ice for longer than 15-20 minutes will actually cause swelling again. 

Chiropractic West Palm Beach: Heat or Cold Therapy for Pain?

 

Heat Therapy

Firstly, heat is great for chronic muscle pain, stiffness and sore joints from osteoarthritis (wear and tear arthritis). Applying heat to an inflamed area will dilate the blood vessels and promote blood flow bringing more fluid into the area.  Therefore, it is not recommended during the acute (short, initial, severe) phase of injury. 

Secondly, heat is also psychologically soothing, which can enhance its analgesic properties. Heat relaxes muscles, which can relieve pain and improve flexibility.

Thirdly, heat can be applied using warm towels, heating pads, or warm baths. 

Fourthly, always use protection (such as a cloth or towel) between the heat source and your skin to prevent burns.

Finally, if you have circulatory, sensory issues or nerve damage, consult your doctor prior to using  heat or cold therapy. Alternatively, sometimes you may use heat and cold therapy together.  Again, speak to your doctor about what’s the best therapy.

 

Dr. Natalie Meiri

 

Chiropractic West Palm Beach: Heat or Cold Therapy for Pain?

Are you looking to get out of pain fast, perform better and reduce injuries? Dr. Natalie Meiri, a chiropractor in West Palm Beach can definitely help you! Call 561-253-8984 today to make an appointment or to find out more about Chiropractic West Palm Beach: Heat or Cold Therapy for Pain?