neck – The Spine Center

Decompression Therapy

Soren LaRue — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 20:26:16 +0000

TGM_PAGESPEED_LAZY_ITEMS_INGORED_BLOCK_1_2

Spinal Decompression Therapy can be a great option to reduce back and neck pain associated with many different conditions affecting the spine. Here are some simple facts about this treatment method which may help you to determine if this is the right option for you.

Spinal Decompression is a non-surgical treatment which stretches the spine and works just a bit differently to traditional traction methods. Traction methods work by stretching the spine. When this occurs, the muscles can spasm or respond by tightening, closing the spaces between the vertebra. The decompression method works by stretching the spine in ways that trick the paraspinal muscles (muscles within the spine) so they do not tighten or spasm during the process. The computerized decompression table does this by recording the body’s response to the stretching process and adapting the stretching process before muscle tightening occurs. The stretching process increases the spaces between the vertebra, allowing herniated discs to return to their original position. This releases pressure from the spinal nerves that are responsible for pain. It also allows the blood supply to return to the discs as well as nutrients and encourages the body’s natural healing process.

The long-term benefits that can be achieved with non-surgical decompression methods make it a more viable option than medications alone and are safer and more cost effective than surgical options.

Although this treatment is often used to treat back and neck pain caused by conditions such as herniated or bulging discs, it can also be used to treat a wide range of back, neck, and even body pain. For example, it can be used to treat conditions such as spinal arthritis and stenosis, sciatica, degenerative disc disease and leg pain amongst many others.

The process itself is not typically painful. In fact, some people describe feeling immediate relief after the first session. Repeated sessions are required for long-term effects to be seen, typically between 18-20 sessions. The treatment may be used in conjunction with home exercises, adjustments, and other interventional therapies such as cold or heat therapies. These all help reduce pain and strengthening will help to prevent future damage.

Spinal decompression may reduce the need for more invasive therapies such as spinal surgery as well as prescription medications. Surgery is not only a costly option but also has many side effects. Similarly prescription medications may only mask the pain and are associated with a laundry list of side effects. Although there may be some tenderness to the area after the session, many people report relief in comparison to the pain they were experiencing prior to treatment. In terms of cost, non-surgical decompression often proves to be much less costly than surgical options.

Text Neck Syndrome

thespinecenter.net — Sun, 10 Sep 2023 18:24:10 +0000

photo courtesy of www.AcupunctureProducts.com

UNDERSTANDING TEXT NECK SYNDROME

Text Neck Syndrome, also known as "Tech Neck," is a term used to describe a set of symptoms and musculoskeletal problems that can occur due to the overuse of smartphones, tablets, and other handheld devices. It is characterized by neck pain, stiffness, and discomfort, often caused by prolonged and frequent tilting of the head downward to look at a screen. This posture places excessive strain on the neck and upper back muscles and can lead to various health issues, including:

Neck pain: The most common symptom is pain and discomfort in the neck region.
Shoulder pain: The posture associated with using handheld devices can also lead to shoulder pain and tension.
Upper back pain: Text Neck Syndrome can cause pain and tightness in the upper back and between the shoulder blades.
Headaches: Poor posture can contribute to tension headaches.
Forward head posture: Prolonged use of devices without proper ergonomics can result in a forward head posture, where the head juts forward from the shoulders.
Reduced mobility: Over time, the neck and upper back can become less flexible.

Preventing Text Neck Syndrome involves maintaining good posture while using handheld devices. This includes holding devices at eye level, taking regular breaks, and performing neck and shoulder stretches to relieve tension. Additionally, strengthening exercises for the neck and upper back can help mitigate the effects of prolonged device use.

It's important to be mindful of your posture when using devices to reduce the risk of developing Text Neck Syndrome and to seek medical attention if you experience persistent pain or discomfort.

Texting can be done safely, helping prevent long-term syndrome symptoms simply by reading your phone at eye-level with proper head position

Blog Menu

Understanding Your Spine

thespinecenter.net — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 20:26:07 +0000

Your Spine in 3D Understanding Subluxations Understanding Herniations Understanding You Pain

3D videos that reveal the effects of the spine over time

Subluxations because of Whiplash

During a collision your body goes through violent forces that can injure the tissues of your neck:

1. Normal position
2. 50 ms – spine straightens
3. 75 ms – necks forms an S-shape and ligaments are stretched and torn
4. 100 ms – head finally bends backward injuring ligaments
5. 175 ms – head whips forward forcefully

Stages of disc degeneration

Dysfunction Stage (Stage 1)
Dehydration Stage (Stage 2)
Stabilization Stage (Stage 3)
Collapsing Stage (Stage 4)

Nerves affect the entire body

Pinched nerves affect the body in ways you might not know are possible. Its important to understand which body parts are affected if you have a subluxation in a particular area.

Blog Menu

Radial Pulse Wave Therapy

thespinecenter.net — Sat, 22 Jul 2023 20:58:00 +0000

TGM_PAGESPEED_LAZY_ITEMS_INGORED_BLOCK_2_3

RPW laser therapy, also known as Radial Pulse Wave (RPW) therapy or Radial Shockwave Therapy, is a non-invasive medical treatment that uses high-energy acoustic waves to stimulate healing in various musculoskeletal and soft tissue conditions. It is primarily used in physiotherapy, orthopedics, and sports medicine.

Here’s how RPW laser therapy works:

Generation of Radial Pulse Waves: A device generates high-energy radial pulse waves, which are acoustic waves that travel through the body tissues.
Application to the Affected Area: These waves are focused and applied to the area of the body that requires treatment. The waves travel deep into the tissues without causing damage to the skin or surrounding structures.
Stimulation of Healing: RPW laser therapy stimulates the body’s natural healing processes by increasing blood circulation, promoting tissue regeneration, and reducing pain and inflammation. It can also break down calcifications and scar tissue in some cases.
Various Applications: RPW laser therapy is commonly used to treat conditions such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, tennis elbow, rotator cuff injuries, and other musculoskeletal issues. It is often used when other conservative treatments have failed to provide relief.
Non-Invasive and Outpatient: One of the advantages of RPW laser therapy is that it is a non-invasive procedure and typically does not require anesthesia. Patients can usually receive treatment on an outpatient basis and may experience minimal downtime.

It’s important to note that RPW laser therapy should be administered by trained healthcare professionals who can properly assess the patient’s condition and determine if this treatment is appropriate. The number of sessions required can vary depending on the specific condition and the patient’s response to therapy.

Blog Menu