A Study About Parkinsons

A study published on May 15, 2014, in the Journal Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research documented the improvement under chiropractic care of a series of patients suffering from Parkinson’s Disease. The authors note that Parkinson’s disease, also known as paralysis agitans, is a progressive disorder that affects the central nervous system, characterized by tremor and impaired co-ordination.

The study begins by showing how common Parkinson’s disease is. “More than 1.5 million Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD), which is more than are afflicted with multiple sclerosis and muscular dystrophy combined. It is estimated that there are 100,000 new cases of PD reported annually in the United States.”

In this study, three Parkinson’s patients presented themselves for chiropractic care. A rating of the severity of the Parkinson’s was given to each patient to use as comparison with their conditions after chiropractic care was given. The rating system is known as the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS). With this system, many factors are considered and scored between 0 and 4. The numbers are then added so the lower the aggregate score, the better the patient is doing.
In this case series, the three patients were all males between the ages of 63 and 65. Each man had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s between 3 and 5 years prior to seeking chiropractic. Each patient had a chiropractic examination which included orthopedic and neurological testing, thermal scans, and spinal x-rays. Subluxations were determined to be present in each of the men and a specific course of adjusting was begun for each case based upon their individual findings.
The results showed that all three men improved in many ways from their chiropractic care. The first patient went from a UPDRS score before care of 25, down to 15 after 2 months of chiropractic adjustments. The second man improved from a UPDRS score of 27, down to 15 after 5 months. and the third patient’s UPDRS score went from 39 to 15 after 36 months of chiropractic care. These changes represent significant improvement in many areas resulting in a significant enhancement in their quality of life.

In their conclusion, the authors summed up the positive results by stating, “Upper Cervical Specific chiropractic care utilized on three patients with a diagnosis of PD, rated using the UPDRS test at 2 months, 6 months and 36 months. Results associated with PD included better overall health, improved ambulation, a reduced UPDRS score and a reduction in upper cervical subluxations were all obtained.”

What is a subluxation and what does it mean to me?

In simplest terms, a subluxation (a.k.a. Vertebral Subluxation) is when one or more of the bones of your spine (vertebrae) move out of position and create pressure on, or irritate spinal nerves. Spinal nerves are the nerves that come out from between each of the bones in your spine. This pressure or irritation on the nerves then causes those nerves to malfunction and interfere with the signals traveling over those nerves.

How does this affect you? Your nervous system controls and coordinates all the functions of your body. If you interfere with the signals traveling over nerves, parts of your body will not get the proper nerve messages and will not be able to function at 100% of their innate abilities. In other words, some part of your body will not be working properly. It is the responsibility of the Doctor of Chiropractic to locate subluxations, and reduce or correct them. This is done through a series of chiropractic adjustments specifically designed to correct the vertebral subluxations in your spine. Chiropractors are the only professionals who undergo years of training to be the experts at correcting subluxations.

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Now, the detailed explanation.

Subluxations are really a combination of changes going on at the same time. These changes occur both in your spine and throughout your body. For this reason chiropractors often refer to vertebral subluxations as the “Vertebral Subluxation Complex”, or “VSC” for short.
In the VSC, various things are happening inside your body simultaneously. These various changes, known as “components,” are all part of the vertebral subluxation complex. Chiropractors commonly recognize five categories of components present in the VSC. These five are:
The osseous (bone) component is where the vertebrae are either out of position, not moving properly, or are undergoing physical changes such as degeneration. This component is sometimes known as kinesiopathology.

The Nerve Component is the malfunctioning of the nerve. Research has shown that only a small amount of pressure on spinal nerves can have a profound impact on the function of the nerves. This component is scientifically known as neuropathology.

The Muscle Component is also involved. Since the muscles help hold the vertebrae in place, and since nerves control the muscles themselves, muscles are an integral part of any VSC. In fact, muscles both affect, and are affected by the VSC. This component is known as myopathology.
The Soft Tissue Component is when you have misaligned vertebrae and pressure on nerves resulting in changes in the surrounding soft tissues. This means the tendons, ligaments, blood supply, and other tissues undergo changes. These changes can occur at the point of the VSC or far away at some end point of the affected nerves. This component is also known as histopathology.
The Chemical Component is when all these components of the VSC are acting on your body, and therefore causing some degree of chemical changes. These chemical changes can be slight or massive depending on what parts of your body are affected by your subluxations. This component is often known as biochemicalabnormalities.

Chiropractors have known about the dangers of subluxations for over one hundred years. Today, more scientific evidence is showing the dangers of subluxations and the health benefits of correcting them. To be truly healthy, it is vital that your nervous system be functioning free of interference from subluxations. Our goal is to allow your body to return itself to the highest level of health possible by correcting VSC. Chiropractors are the ONLY health professionals trained in the detection, location, and correction of the VSC.

An Easy Explanation

 

The Safety Pin Cycle shows the flow of mental impulses through the nerve system from the brain to the body using a safety pin. Your brain is in constant communication to your entire body through your nerve system. The relationship of the vertebrae in your spine determines if your safety pin is connected, a closed safety pin, or disconnected, an open safety pin.

When vertebrae of the spine are not in proper relationship then this causes nerve interference—a subluxation—and your Safety Pin is disconnected. When vertebrae in your spine are in proper relationship—subluxation free—then they are able to protect the vital information traveling through the nerve system and your safety pin is connected.

Every chiropractic adjustment you receive restores the proper relationship of vertebrae, removing any interference in the mental impulses traveling through the nerve system neurologically connecting your brain to your body allowing your body’s innate intelligence to have optimal control for adaptation. A chiropractic adjustment reconnects your safety pin.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copy write: http://chiroway.com/what-does-living-to-your-fullest-potential-mean/

What to Expect in our Office

 

 

What to Expect in our office: A Quick Video and a Simple Explanation:

 

https://youtu.be/HYfPVSabNxA?list=PLdugGa_nXOWT2rGLZDDIayvFfuqZAL22w

 

 

http://www.uppercervicalspartanburg.com/

 

Infant with Colic and Torticollis Helped with Chiropractic - A Case Study

From the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health comes a case study published on March 28, 2013 documenting the case of an infant who was suffering from colic and torticollis, who was helped by chiropractic care.
The study authors start by noting that colic affects 29% to 39% of infants. According to the US government website MedlinePlus, "Colic is crying in a baby that lasts for longer than 3 hours a day and is not caused by a medical problem. About 1 in 5 babies cry long enough to be considered colicky." The study authors also note that the signs of colic go beyond just crying, "In addition to abdominal pain and distension, the patient will have excessive bowel gas and legs held in a position drawn up toward the body."
In this case a 3 month old baby boy was brought to the chiropractor suffering from incessant crying and torticollis. Infant torticollis is when the baby's head is tilted to one side and the chin turned toward the other, due to muscle contraction. The baby's history revealed he was born six weeks early by cesarean section and spent two weeks in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. He started experiencing gastric reflux and colic in his first month of life. At the baby's first pediatric check-up he was diagnosed with colic, torticollis and flattening of the bones on the top of his head as well as the left side of the back of his head. The boy's mother noted that he could not turn his head comfortably to either side. His medical doctor suggested a helmet for the torticollis.
The boy cried during the entire chiropractic examination. The results of the examination showed a number of postural abnormalities and restrictions in ranges of motion. His abdomen was extremely sensitive to touch with the muscles being hard. It was determined based on the chiropractic examination that the child had a subluxation of the top bone in his neck, C1, as well as misalignments in his pelvis and mid back area. Specific chiropractic adjustments were initiated to correct the baby's subluxations.
The case reports notes that on the second chiropractic visit the mother reported that her son was able to sleep with his head turned to the left, which he had not been able to do previously. His mother also reported that her son exhibited positive behavioral changes, noting that he was a happier baby and was crying less. By the third visit the baby was sleeping better and continued to cry less. By the fourth visit the patient's mother stated that her son's torticollis as well as the colic were completely resolved. The child continued to be healthy and happy from that point forward.
The authors of the study summed up the outcome by stating, "The child showed marked improvement after each chiropractic visit with complete resolution of the colic and torticollis after just four visits. This completely changed the demeanor and character of this child illustrating the positive effect of chiropractic on this child as well as his parent's lives."

This article and more can be found at: http://www.berardischiro.com/article/2438.html

An Alternative Solution to Managing Long-Term Health

Many Americans are pushing back on the over-prescription of drugs and are seeking alternative forms of medicine to manage their long-term health. Many looking for more natural ways to care for their health have turned to upper cervical care.

Upper cervical doctors firmly believe in the innate ability of the human body to heal itself. Our bodies naturally know how to function efficiently – and want to do just that – but that requires proper communication between the brain and the rest of the body.

By ensuring there are no roadblocks in the communication pathway, upper cervical care allows the body to function the way it was made to function. Ultimately, this can lead to almost-immediate relief of minor symptoms and improved long-term overall health.

Find out more exactly how upper cervical care uses natural techniques to prevent chronic health conditions promote overall health.

Leaders in Upper Cervical Study

Leaders in Upper Cervical Study

The staff of Upper Cervical Chiropractic of Spartanburg holds themselves to a high standard of excellence in order to provide the best care for our patients. Drs. Thomas, Baker, and Saffron along with the rest of the staff, train twice a week on the latest techniques in the industry. By staying on top of innovative techniques and the latest research, we are able to help our patients achieve lasting overall health.
Our doctors are not just reading the latest research; they are conducting research themselves, including:

• migraine research
• vertebral disc space improvement
• cervical curve improvement
• multiple sclerosis
• vertebral artery insufficiency
• cerebral spinal fluid flow
• high blood pressure
• and more.

Recently, Upper Cervical Health Centers of America and Italy, finished a study of 800 patients suffering from accident induced multiple sclerosis. Through upper cervical care, these patients were symptom free within 2-6 weeks, and within 6 months of care, a majority showed lesion-free MRIs.

http://www.uppercervicalspartanburg.com/our-practice

Young Girl with Epilepsy Helped with Chiropractic - A Case Study

In the February 3, 2011 issue of the Journal Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research, a case study research article documents the improvement of a 9-year-old girl with Occipital Lobe Epilepsy under chiropractic care. In this case, improvement was shown with specific chiropractic adjustments being rendered to the upper cervical (neck) spine.
The study notes that epilepsy is a condition characterized by two or more seizures, brief attacks of altered consciousness and abnormal motor activity. The worldwide population with epilepsy is estimated to be 10.5 million, 25 percent of whom are children under the age of 15.
In this case, a 9-year-old girl was brought to the chiropractor by her mother. The child was suffering with uncontrollable blinking of the left eye. She had been previously brought to a neurologist who diagnosed the girl with occipital epilepsy. The neurologist recommended an anti-convulsion medication but the girl's mother decided to seek chiropractic care rather that subject her daughter to drug therapy.
The girl started suffering from uncontrollable eye blinking approximately two weeks before the visit to the chiropractor. Additionally, she had shown other associated symptoms including seizures, tics, spasms, dizziness, and fainting. Other conditions the patient suffered from included constipation, seasonal allergies, rashes, itching, and skin lesions.
A chiropractic examination was performed that included a variety of specific procedures including x-rays designed to look for subluxations in the upper cervical spine. These tests confirmed that the girl was a candidate for upper cervical chiropractic care. Care was initiated with a specific adjustment to the top of the neck.
Within six days of the initial visit, the girl's mother reported that the left eye blinking had decreased in frequency. Shortly thereafter, it was noted that her symptoms were progressively decreasing and were only present at night. After two months of care, the eye blinking had completely stopped. The blinking only returned once after that but disappeared again following another adjustment.
In his conclusion, the author summed up this case and explained how chiropractic can help those with epilepsy by saying, "The relationship between an upper cervical subluxation and epileptic conditions in children exists but remains elusive. Evidence from this case supports the elimination of the upper cervical subluxation in the resolution of occipital lobe epilepsy signs and symptoms. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder and it is the opinion of this author that it should be treated conservatively in children before medical and surgical intervention."

This great article and more can be found here:http://www.berardischiro.com/article/2119.html

A Pub Med Case Study!

The Original Study is posted here: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2943656/

"This case study demonstrated improvement in a young woman with a seizure disorder after she received upper cervical chiropractic [adjustment]."

Abstract

Objective

The purpose of this case report is to describe the chiropractic management using upper cervical techniques of a 25-year-old woman diagnosed with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME).

Clinical Features

A 25-year-old woman had a history of JME, which was diagnosed at the age of 14 years. Her seizure episodes began shortly after trauma to her cervical spine and the onset of menarche.

Intervention and Outcome

After case history and physical examination, the patient received high-velocity, low-amplitude chiropractic spinal manipulation to her upper cervical spine using the Blair upper cervical chiropractic technique protocol. There was improvement in her seizure episodes and menstrual cycles following 12 weeks of chiropractic care.

Conclusion

This case study demonstrated improvement in a young woman with a seizure disorder after she received upper cervical chiropractic manipulation. This case suggests the need for more rigorous research to examine how upper cervical chiropractic techniques may provide therapeutic benefit to patients with seizure disorders.

The Methods to... Your Healing!

While all chiropractors focus on spine health to support overall health and wellness, upper cervical care is a unique approach that identifies misaligned vertebrae in the cervical region using high-definition x-rays (spinographs) of the head and neck combined with an extensive analysis of the cervical region.
The primary objective is to clear interference in the nervous system that delays natural healing. The main difference between upper cervical care and general chiropractic care is that upper cervical care uses a precise and gentle procedure instead of twisting or jerking the spine in any way.

Understanding the Anatomy Behind Upper Cervical Care

All of the communication to our bodies is sent via the brain stem, which extends from the base of the brain into the upper cervical region. The brain stem sends all of the messages from our brain to the rest of our body via a system of nerves to keep our body functioning properly. This includes everything from hormone secretion to muscle movement to organ function.
The atlas and axis, which make up the upper cervical spine, are freely movable and made to move in six different directions. This allows you to “roll” your head in a circular motion. However, this wide range of movement also makes these two vertebrae much more likely to become misaligned.
When the atlas and axis are misaligned, the communication between the brain stem and the rest of the body is interrupted. This can cause you to develop symptoms from improper functions within the body, which could eventually become chronic health conditions. The rest of the body must then compensate for the misalignment, causing an overall body imbalance known as a subluxation.

Precise, Gentle Care

Upper cervical care does not use the typical twisting and popping that is often associated with general chiropractic care. Instead, upper cervical specialists use a gentle and precise procedure based on X-rays and mathematical calculations to correct subluxations.
After taking spinographs of your upper cervical region, your doctor will then take precise measurements to decide exactly how the vertebrae are misaligned. Based on these calculations, your doctor will know precisely where to apply the adjustment.
A post-instrumentation reading is taken after the adjustment to ensure the subluxation was corrected. Because the goal is to have one correction hold for a long period of time, you may not need further adjustments. However, your doctor will want to see you periodically to ensure the alignment remains intact and that your body has begun healing itself as it was meant to.
At Upper Cervical Chiropractic of Spartanburg, we do everything we can to make our patients comfortable before, during, and after treatment. To schedule a consultation with one of our doctors, please request an appointment so that we can evaluate your unique needs.

CAN YOU EXPLAIN THE NERVE SYSTEM?

Brain health and healing messages leave the brain by way of the brainstem, pass through the neck, down the spinal cord and out over the entire nervous system to all parts of the body. These messages control everything that goes on in the body. These messages also direct all body healing.

 

WHAT ABOUT SURGERY AND MEDICINE?

Instead of being dependent on medications and trying to simply patch up the symptoms, we get at the root, at the cause, of the problem so that the body can communicate properly and then heal those tissues and resolve the problem. Everything else is from the outside in. That’s treating the effect rather than getting at the basic cause.

 

Benefits of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care

Feel the Benefits in your Own Life

Upper cervical chiropractic care is a form of chiropractic care that involves adjustments of the upper two vertebrae, the axis and atlas. These vertebrae form a bridge that connects the neck to the head and control the nerves that carry information from all parts of the body to the brain. Chiropractic care that focuses on these two areas specifically has several key benefits.

Decreased Pain

One of the ways the body shows a subluxation is through pain and inflammation in the affected area. When the body's nervous system is not communicating well, it triggers a pain response. Upper cervical chiropractic care helps eliminate this pain by properly aligning the top of the nervous system so messages flow more effectively through the body.

Better Sleep

When the upper cervical area is in proper alignment, the nervous system is able to communicate as it should. This results in better quality and quantity of sleep for many patients. The added benefit of less overall pain also increases the amount of quality sleep. Since over 60 percent of adults in America suffer from sleeping problems a few nights a week, improving your sleep could have a huge impact on your overall livelihood.

Better Moods

Upper cervical chiropractic care can help improve overall moods. Proper alignment of the atlas and axis helps control hormone levels, resulting in fewer negative hormones, like cortisol, and better levels of mood-boosting hormones, like dopamine, for a better overall mood. Less pain and increased sleep also help improve your mood.

Fewer Colds and Flu

When your body's nervous system is properly functioning, your immune system will be better equipped to fight off the viruses and bacteria you are exposed to. In fact, one study found that long-term chiropractic care increased an individual's immune system strength by as much as 200%. This means that you will likely have fewer bouts of colds and flu. When you do get sick, your body will be able to fight off the sickness more effectively.

Fewer Prescription Drugs

When the body is functioning at its best possible level, sicknesses that require prescription drugs are far less common. This means that people who pursue upper cervical chiropractic care often notice that they need fewer prescription drugs, hospital visits, and doctor's office trips.
You want to feel your best, have plenty of energy, and ward off colds and other sicknesses more effectively. Consider upper cervical chiropractic care to experience relief from these conditions for yourself.
Contact our friendly staff to schedule a consultation today to see how you may benefit from upper cervical chiropractic care.

WHAT IS BRAIN-TO-BODY COMMUNICATION?

The brain communicates with the body through the nervous system. If either of the the top two bones in the neck-the atlas and the axis-is misaligned, that communication is interrupted. Problems occur in places that aren't receiving these vital messages from the brain.

 

Chiropractic and Other Complementary and Alternative Care for Children Rapidly Increasing

On December 1, 2008 the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) issued a clinical report on the use of what they call "complementary and alternative medicine" (CAM) in children. This report was published in the December issue of the AAP journal, Pediatrics. Dr. Kathi J. Kemper, MD, and her colleagues from the Task Force on Complementary and Alternative Medicine and the Provisional Section on Complementary, Holistic, and Integrative Medicine, clarifies CAM by noting, "The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) defines...CAM as a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional Western medicine."
In the abstract of the published report, the AAP noted, "The American Academy of Pediatrics recognizes the increasing use of complementary and alternative medicine in children and, as a result, the need to provide information and support for pediatricians." In response to the increased usage, the AAP formed the, "Task Force on Complementary and Alternative Medicine to address issues related to the use of complementary and alternative medicine in children and to develop resources to educate physicians, patients, and families."
Although a good portion of the chiropractic profession would not use the term CAM to describe chiropractic, the AAP study did note that chiropractic was probably the most well used CAM by children. The report stated, "Chiropractic care is one of the most common professionally provided CAM practices. It focuses on the relationship between body structure (primarily that of the spine) and bodily function and how that relationship affects health. With more than 50,000 chiropractors licensed in the United States, the number of children visiting chiropractors is substantial and increasing. Recent studies have confirmed that up to 14% of all chiropractic visits were for pediatric patients and that chiropractors were the most common CAM providers visited by children and adolescents."
The author's conclusion suggests that there may be an increase in cooperation and referrals from pediatricians to chiropractors. They concluded, "Pediatricians and other clinicians who care for children have the responsibility to advise and counsel patients and families about relevant, safe, effective, and age-appropriate health services and therapies regardless of whether they are considered mainstream or CAM."
The increased usage of chiropractic and other forms of non-medical care is not much of a surprise to the chiropractic profession. "This new study shows what we in chiropractic have been seeing in our offices. People are turning toward more natural forms of healthcare such as chiropractic," stated Dr. John Maltby, President of the International Chiropractors Association. Dr. Maltby continued, "This study especially points out the increased usage of chiropractic in the care of children. And as the study points out this care is not only for the chronically ill, but also is playing a growing role in wellness care for children."

This article and more found at: http://www.berardischiro.com/article/1803.html

Neck Pain and Upper Cervical Care to alleviate it!

The neck is a complex structure that includes seven vertebrae, numerous ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves, as well as spongy discs that separate the vertebrae. All of these structures must work together to support the head and allow movement in a variety of directions. When even one of these structures becomes injured, strained or inflamed, it can result in considerable pain in and around your neck.

Neck pain affects about 10 percent of the adult population in the U.S. Although not uncommon, it can be extremely debilitating, affecting your ability to work and even sleep.

Anyone can develop neck pain, from children to adults, and both sexes are equally at risk. Because neck pain can involve so many structures, your chiropractor will need to perform a careful evaluation of your neck, spine, shoulders and upper back to help determine the cause of your pain so the proper care can be applied.

In some cases, the cause of the pain may be farther along the spine. Since all the vertebrae are connected, even a problem with your lower back can cause alignment issues that may result in neck pain. Your chiropractor will be able to determine from your evaluation when other issues or structures are at play.
Neck pain symptoms can be chronic or acute and may include symptoms that extend beyond the neck itself. Common symptoms include:

• sharp pain in and around the neck
• dull aching sensations
• tingling in the muscles leading from the neck to the shoulders
• headaches
• fatigued neck muscles
• weakened neck muscles
• pain or soreness in the upper back
• stinging or electrical shock sensation in or around the neck

Chronic neck pain symptoms are typically defined as symptoms that persist for several weeks or that recur over a prolonged period of time.

Because the neck area comprises so many structures and is strongly interrelated with other areas of the spine, back and shoulders, the causes of neck pain can vary significantly. Any strain in these areas can cause the muscles and other soft tissues to become strained and inflamed.


Both physical problems and lifestyle habits can cause neck pain to occur. Some common causes include:

• poor posture, including overuse of computers at work or home


• prolonged use of an unsupportive chair


• a worn or unsupportive mattress


• carrying a heavy bag or backpack, especially on a repeated basis


• whiplash


• trauma from a fall, car accident or other injury


• arthritis


• disc misalignment


• stress


• fibromyalgia


• tension headaches


• Pressure on the brainstem from misaligned vertebra causing body imbalance, which could cause the head to lean to one side or the other and cause the muscle to be achy, stiff, or just painful. This is especially if the nerves that have pressure on them go directly to the muscles that hurt.

In some cases, neck pain can also be caused by a job that requires you to spend long periods of time sitting or standing relatively motionless, or by certain sports. Pregnancy can also cause neck pain in some people because it places extra stress on your spine overall.


Having a complete evaluation to consider all potential factors will yield the best outcome and greatest relief from pain and other symptoms. As your upper cervical chiropractor, we will evaluate the individual cause of your neck pain and provide care as necessary to best relieve your pain.


To find out how upper cervical care can help alleviate your neck pain, please contact our office to schedule a consultation.

What is Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care?

A Quick Video Explaination - seriously check it out!

Upper Cervical Care to Relieve Symptoms and Signs of Carpal Tunnel Surgery

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which the median nerve becomes irritated or compressed, typically causing aching, burning, tingling or numbness in the fingers, hand or wrist. The median nerve runs from the neck to the hand, traveling through the shoulder, arm and wrist. It provides sensation to and facilitates movement of the thumb, index, and middle fingers.

 

The carpal tunnel is a narrow passage that contains the median nerve, bones, connective tissue and tendons that pass through the base of the hand on the palm side. Swollen, irritated tendons can compress this tunnel in addition to other swelling that places pressure on the median nerve.

Women are three times more likely than men to suffer carpal tunnel syndrome. People become more likely to develop this condition as they age.

Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms may initially be tolerated without medical care because they are mild, but the condition can worsen over time. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent permanent nerve damage. Medical care can also rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms to that of carpal tunnel syndrome.

  Common symptoms include:

• Aching pain in wrist, hand or fingers (with the exception of the little finger), and sometimes in forearm
• Burning, tingling and/or numbness in wrist, hand or fingers (and sometimes in forearm)
• Weakness in the hand
• Muscle weakness and swelling in the hand
• Loss of temperature sensation to affected areas
• Difficulty lifting and transporting small objects or turning doorknobs

A number of factors can cause or contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome. Sometimes the condition is caused by a combination of factors.


Injury to or fracture of the wrist can cause swelling that can lead to compression of the median nerve. Having a smaller than normal carpal tunnel is a risk factor for compression and entrapment.


Nerve damage can be caused by certain diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes. Obesity, thyroid disorders, and kidney failure are also risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome.


Fluid retention, a common occurrence in pregnancy and menopause, can irritate the median nerve because of increased pressure in the carpal tunnel.


Repetitive movements, working with vibrating tools, and extensive computer use may exert pressure on the median nerve or exacerbate existing damage to the nerve. However, these factors have not been scientifically determined to directly cause carpal tunnel syndrome.


Poor posture, muscle tension, disc bulges, arthritis and spinal misalignment are spinal problems than can cause carpal tunnel syndrome. The atlas and the axis, the most mobile parts of the spine, are susceptible to injury or misalignment, which can disrupt communication between the brain and the rest of the body and cause many health problems.


Upper cervical care, which focuses on the atlas and the axis, can help relieve carpal tunnel syndrome and its symptoms by realigning the part of the spine where the median nerve originates. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation to see how an upper cervical chiropractic adjustment may help you if you suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome.

http://www.uppercervicalspartanburg.com/signs-of-stress-list/carpal-tunnel-syndrome

 

Signs of Stress and How Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care can help!

Upper cervical chiropractic care can help relieve signs of stress in your body. These can be manifested in physical, mental, or behavioral symptoms, or any combination of the three.
This growing method of chiropractic care focuses on the atlas and the axis, the first two bones in the neck, known as the upper cervical spine. These two vertebrae cradle the brain stem, a vitally important part of the nervous system. The relationship between the upper cervical spine and the brain stem is crucial.
The top two vertebrae are very susceptible to injury or misalignment, as they are the most mobile parts of the spine. Misalignment can interrupt communication between the brain and the rest of the body, which can disrupt bodily functions and cause health problems.
Restoring these messages can help the body heal itself from the manifestations of stress in your body. Upper cervical care recognizes your body's role in its own healing and creates a pathway toward a healthier you.
When your brain cannot communicate to the rest of your body due to a subluxation in your spine, the body becomes stressed. Below are some common signs of stress on the body, including physical, mental, and behavioral manifestations.

Physical Signs of Stress

• Headaches
• Anxiety and depression
• Lower back pain
• Neck pain
• Muscle pain and tension
• Chest pain
• Elevated heart rate
• Fatigue
• Decreased libido
• Low energy
• Upset stomach, diarrhea, or constipation
• Sleep difficulties and nightmares
• Dry mouth or other difficulty swallowing
• Clenching the jaw or grinding teeth
• Tremors
• Lightheadedness
• Frequent colds and infections
• Rashes
• Allergy-like attacks
• Difficulty breathing
• Frequent urination
• Hair loss
• Eye twitching

Mental Signs of Stress

• Anxiety
• Worrying
• Racing thoughts
• Restlessness
• Forgetfulness
• Lack of motivation or focus
• Poor judgment
• Irritability
• Anger
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Loneliness
• Depression
• Low self-esteem
• Feelings of worthlessness

Behavioral Signs of Stress

• Overeating
• Not eating enough
• Angry outbursts
• Drug or alcohol abuse
• Procrastination
• Nervous behaviors such as biting nails, fidgeting and pacing
• Obsessive or compulsive behavior
• Excessive smoking
• Social withdrawal and isolation

Let the Body Heal Itself

These symptoms are not self-contained. Unchecked, seemingly minor signs of stress could lead to serious, chronic medical conditions or major difficulties in functioning, including:

• Depression
• High blood pressure
• Heart attacks
• Strokes
• Diabetes
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Frequent infections and colds
• Mental health problems
• Neck and lower back pain
• Skin and hair problems
• Various cancers
• Neurological disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, neuropathy, seizures, etc.

Upper cervical care can help you avoid escalation of stress-related issues. Therapeutic manipulation of a small but vital area of the body lets the body do its job of healing itself with minimal intervention.
By focusing on the upper cervical spine instead of manipulating specific problem areas, upper cervical care makes way for the power of the brain and its ability to tell the body what to do. Your brain is essentially a computer, and like a computer, it needs to be able to properly communicate to the entire body. Upper cervical chiropractic care facilitates this communication.
Dealing with signs of stress sooner rather than later can make your life better, now and in the future.