Portage Chiropractic

Common migraine is a disorder involving recurrent headaches, which may be accompanied by symptoms other than headache but which rarely include a preliminary warning (called an aura). Migraine headaches affect about 6 out of 100 people. They are a common type of chronic headache. They most commonly occur in women and usually begin between the ages of 10 and 46. In some cases, they appear to run in families. Migraines occur when blood vessels of the head and neck spasm or ...constrict, which decreases blood flow to the brain. Minutes to hours later, the blood vessels dilate (enlarge), resulting in a severe headache. Inflammation around the blood vessels also occurs in some cases. Common migraine may be accompanied by symptoms other than headache but only rarely includes any preceding symptoms (aura). Migraines may also appear as classic migraine (a migraine preceded by other symptoms) and other rare forms. Multiple mechanisms trigger the spasm and subsequent blood vessel dilation. Chiropractic care works on correcting the underlying causes of headaches and relieving symptoms associated with migraines. To see if chiropractic may be able to help you call (814) (736-9897) today for a complimentary consultation. Often you feel: THROBBING, PULSATING PAIN VERTIGO NAUSEA FATIGUE DIZZINESS LOSS OF APPETITE VOMITING NECK PAIN PAIN SOMETIMES MAY BE WORSE ON THE SIDES OF THE FOREHEAD; BE ON ONLY ONE SIDE OF THE FOREHEAD; BE SEVERE OR DULL; AND COMMONLY LASTS 6 TO 48 HOURS

September condition of the month is: Low Back Pain. The majority of back pain patients have not experienced any trauma, accidents or major injuries prior to the onset of their problem. The cause of most back pain is the cumulative affect of improper sitting posture, poor work habits, incorrect lifting, lack of proper exercise and other lifestyle-related factors. All of these factors cause stress and imbalances on the spine and eventually pain. This is why people often injure ...their back by just bending over to pick up a piece of paper. The spine was already compromised and just the simple act of bending was enough to set off the problem. When this occurs, the surrounding back muscles go into spasm to protect the stressed or injured tissues of the back. In the US, low back pain is one of the most common conditions and one of the leading causes of physician visits. In fact, at least four out of five adults will experience low back pain at some point in their lives. Thirty-one million Americans have low back pain at any given time. One half of all working Americans admit to having back symptoms each year. One third of all Americans over age 18 had a back problem in the past five years severe enough for them to seek professional help. And the cost of this care is estimated to be a staggering $50 Billion yearly--and that's just for the more easily identified costs! Chiropractic care works on correcting misaligned or out of place vertebrae and can remove the pressure placed on the nerve endings that line the surface of the joint and course through the space between the joints, reducing pain and improving flexibility and function. To see if chiropractic may be able to help you call (814) (736-9897) today for a complimentary consultation. Often you feel: TENDERNESS, PAIN, AND STIFFNESS IN THE LOWER BACK PAIN THAT RADIATES INTO THE BUTTOCKS OR LEGS DIFFICULTY STANDING ERECT OR STANDING IN ONE POSITION FOR A LONG TIME WEAKNESS AND LEG FATIGUE WHILE WALKING DISCOMFORT WHILE SITTING

August condition of the month is: Herinated Disc. Between the vertebrae of your spine are 23 discs which act as a spacer and shock absorber. These discs have soft, gel-like centers surrounded by layers of fibrous tissues. Sometimes, due to an injury or just aging, the material in the middle of a disc pushes to one side or even ruptures. This is called a bulging or herniated disc. Where it occurs: Bulging or herniated discs can appear in the Neck (Cervical Spine), Low Back (...Lumbar Spine) and Middle and Upper Back (Thoracic Spine). The following strategies may help you reduce your chance of having a herniated disk: Chiropractic Adjustments. Practice good posture standing and sitting straight, keeping your back straight when lifting. Maintain a healthy weight. Exercise regularly. Ask your chiropractor about exercises to strengthen your back and stomach. Don't wear high-heeled shoes. If you sit, get out of your chair every 20 to 25 minutes and walk for several minutes. Chiropractic care works on correcting misaligned or out of place vertebrae and can remove the pressure placed on the nerve endings that line the surface of the joint and course through the space between the joints, reducing pain and improving flexibility and function. To see if chiropractic may be able to help you call (814) (736-9897) today for a complimentary consultation. Often you feel: Pain the severity and location of the pain depend upon which disc is herniated and how large the herniation is. Pain may spread over the buttocks, down the back of one thigh and into the calf Pain may be in one or both legs Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs or feet Bowel or bladder changes In severe cases inability to find comfort even lying down Inability to fully straighten your neck or back Numbness, tingling, or weakness in one or both arms

July condition of the month is: Fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a common condition characterized by widespread pain in joints, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues. Some other problems commonly linked with fibromyalgia include fatigue, morning stiffness, sleep problems, headaches, numbness in hands and feet, depression, and anxiety. Fibromyalgia can develop on its own, or secondary to other musculoskeletal conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, or systemic lupus. Diag...nosis of fibromyalgia requires a history of at least three months of widespread pain, and pain and tenderness in a least 11 of 18 tender-point sites. These tender-point sites include fibrous tissue or muscles of the Neck, Shoulders, Chest, Rib Cage, Lower Back, Thighs, Knees, Arms (elbows) and Buttocks. The overwhelming characteristic of fibromyalgia is long-standing, body-wide pain with defined tender points. Tender points are distinct from trigger points seen in other pain syndromes. (Unlike tender points, trigger points can occur in isolation and represent a source of radiating pain, even in the absence of direct pressure.) Fibromyalgia pain can mimic the pain experienced by people with various types of arthritis. The soft-tissue pain of fibromyalgia is described as deep-aching, radiating, gnawing, shooting or burning, and ranges from mild to severe. Fibromyalgia sufferes tend to waken with body aches and stiffness. Chiropractic care works on relieving pain and symptoms associated with fibromyalgia. To see if chiropractic may be able to help you call (814) (736-9897) today for a complimentary consultation. Often you feel: MULTIPLE TENDER AREAS SLEEP DISTURBANCES REDUCED EXERCISE TOLERANCE FATIGUE BODY ACHES CHRONIC MUSCLE PAIN OR ACHING

June condition of the month is: Little League Elbow. Little League Elbow is a throwing injury to the elbow commonly found among pre-teen and early-teenagers that play baseball or softball competitively. Injury occurs when the repetitive throwing creates an excessively strong pull on elbow tendons and ligaments. This can tear ligament and tendon away from the bone. Sometimes small fragments of bone are pulled away as well. The elbow can also become compressed, causing bones ...to rub together. Young athletes are particularly prone to this type of injury because their bones are immature. A child should stop throwing at the first sign of elbow pain, restricted range of elbow motion or locking of the elbow joint. Young pitchers are also advised against trying to throw a curve ball. The additional twisting motion used to make a pitch "break" is very hard on the immature elbow. The age groups most affected are pre-high school players, anywhere from ages 10 to 15, with the peak incidence in the 12 to 14-year-old age group. Treatment and recovery depend on the severity of the injury. Recovery time ranges from 6 weeks to 3 months. Treatment may include: CHIROPRACTIC & PHYSICAL THERAPY REST Do not pitch or do any activities that cause elbow pain. Do not play sports, especially throwing sports, until the pain is gone. COLD Apply ice or a cold pack to the outside of the elbow for 15-20 minutes, 4 times a day, for several days. Wrap the ice or cold pack in a towel. Do not apply the ice directly to your skin. A Doctor of Chiropractic can offer guidelines on exercise, conditioning techniques, nutrition, and general fitness. Of course, when treatment is needed, the chiropractor is fully equipped to manage nonsurgical treatment of typical sports injuries. Chiropractic care also works on correcting misaligned or out of place vertebrae and can remove the pressure placed on the nerve endings that line the surface of the joint and course through the space between the joints, reducing pain and improving flexibility and function. To see if chiropractic may be able to help you call (000) (000-0000) today for a complimentary consultation. Prevention strategies include: Always warm up before pitching with light aerobic exercise, such as jogging or jumping jacks. Always stretch your muscles slowly and gently before pitching. Always follow the pitching rules of your baseball league and do not play in two leagues at the same time. Limit your pitching to: 4-10 innings per week 80-100 pitches per game 30-40 pitches per practice Learn and practice the mechanics of good pitching technique. Do not throw curve balls and sliders until high school when the growth plate in your elbow is fused with the bone.