Atlas Family Chiropractic Blog - Health and Wellness for You!
Dr. Nygaard becomes concerned when patients miss their appointments because chiropractic care is - quite literally - a hands-on endeavor that requires full patient participation. Here are 10 reasons not to miss your chiropractic appointment:
- Chiropractic is prevention oriented. Regularly scheduled chiropractic care is an integral part of the chiropractic lifestyle - a way of life that focuses on preventing illness and disease, not just masking symptoms with drugs. A healthy spine is less susceptible to injury.
- Chiropractic care plans are not arbitrary. Chiropractic is not a "cookie-cutter" approach to health care. Each patient receives a specifically designed therapeutic protocol. By missing your appointment, you are questioning the care plan your doctor has outlined for you.
- Chiropractic is a partnership. Patients should take an active role in their care by showing up for appointments, asking questions, and doing their "homework" (exercise, nutritional modification and stress reduction).
- Chiropractic care is cumulative. At each appointment, progress is made on what was obtained during the previous visit. Missing appointments breaks this trend and can result in missing out on full therapeutic benefits.
- Chiropractic may boost immune function. It can boost white blood cells, lower high blood pressure, reduce the risk of developing chronic pain, Parkinson's disease, colic, ear infections, multiple sclerosis and fibromyalgia.
- Chiropractic quells stress and fear. Patients learn to manage stress and minimize its impact on the body. Stress causes muscles to tense, sparking or worsening vertebral subluxation.
- Chiropractic boosts athletic performance. Professional athletes rely on chiropractic care to reach optimal performace capacity by strengthening the body's entire musculoskeletal system.
- Chiropractic fuels cognitive function. Mapping of brain activity before and after chiropractic adjustments of the spine reveals that chiropractic care stimulates cognitive function.
- Chiropractic enhances work performance. Regular chiropractic care may boost work performance by warding off work-related injuries, including carpal tunnel syndrome and low-back pain.
- Keeping your appointments is respectful to other patients. When you "skip" your appointment, it may cause another patient to suffer an extra day because we were originally full booked. Knowing about a cancellation in advance gives our office the opportunity to reassign and reschedule your appointment.
Contact Dr. David Nygaard and Atlas Family Chiropractic to get signed up for your initial consultation. We look forward to working with you!
Atlas Family Chiropractic Blog - Health and Wellness for You!
The facet joints are the connections between the vertebrae in the spine. Lined with cartilage and surrounded by lubrication, they function like any other joint in the body, enabling the bending or twisting movements of the spine.
Facet joint syndrome occurs when the facets become damaged or stressed, either from disc degeneration, injury to the back or neck, or simple every day wear and tear.
Observe the image on the right. On the top, we see a normal, healthy vertebra and it's facet joints. At the bottom, the cartilage that covers the facet joints has eroded. Without lubrication, the joints become stiff and swollen. The vertebra then rub against each other, causing painful bone spurs along the edges of the facet joints.
Symptoms can be found in both the cervical (upper) and lumbar (lower) regions of the spine.
In the cervical region, pain can be common in the neck, shoulders, upper or middle back. Most patients with an injury to this area experience frequent headaches, while others usually complain that they have to turn their entire body to look over to the right or left.
On the other hand, in the lumbar region, pain is reported in the lower back, buttocks and even the back of the thigh, usually not going below the knee. Inflammation of these joints can cause stiffness and difficulty standing up straight and getting up out of a chair.
Treatment options can vary for this condition. One of the most successful avenues for relief is through chiropractic adjustments. Manipulation of the bones and all adjustments must be done on the correct side, with relief in as little as a few visits.
Rest, ice, heat, anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy have also shown to be effective. Injection of steroids into the facet joints can help relieve pain for a long period of time. In the worst cases, a bone fusion may be performed.
Remember that facet joint syndrome is normal and many of us will get it as we age. Dr. David Nygaard and Atlas Family Chiropractic are ready to meet with you to discuss this condition and how you can start to feel relief. Call us for a consultation!
Atlas Family Chiropractic Blog - Health and Wellness for You!
Spondylosis is a general term for age-related wear and tear that can affect the spine at any level, resulting in pain and discomfort that can worsen over time.
In the top image of our diagram, you see a healthy disc, vertebrae and nerve root. In the middle, the process of degeneration begins with the vertebral discs weakened, drying out, losing their elasticity and eventually collapsing. Once the discs thin, stress is placed on the facet joint and ligament that hold the vertebra together.
Once the facet joints and ligaments are compromised, the vertebrae begin to shift out of alignment and rub against each other. The constant shifting causes bone spurs to form on the vertebrae (bottom image) and can reduce the space through which the nerve roots travel, leading to pinching, compression, and resulting pain and irritation.
As mentioned earlier, spondylosis can occur anywhere along the spine. Various symptoms are prevalent in each region:
- Cervical Spondylosis - neck, shoulder and arm pain may result in a loss of motor skills, weakness, numbness and tingling in the arms.
- Thoracic Spondylosis - pain in the chest and upper abdomen may result in weakness, numbness and tingling in the legs.
- Lumbar Spondylosis - pain in the lower back, buttocks and legs may result in numbness and weakness in the lower extremities. Prolonged periods of sitting, lifting, twisting and bending may worsen these symptoms.
There are 3 basic treatment options for the relief of spondylosis:
- Chiropractic: Generally done through a combination of adjustments to the spine and exercises.
- Spinal disc decompression: Very gentle and comfortable, and normally done while lying on your back with legs propped up. Decompression settings are custom set for each patient, depending on the severity of his or her particular condition.
- Physical therapy: Exercises can help stretch and strengthen the muscles in your neck and shoulders and may be effective for restoring range of motion, flexibility, and core strengthening.
- Medication: Anti-inflammatories, steroid injections, and some prescriptions may be necessary if spasms are present. In some cases, however, over-the-counter pain relievers may provide all of the relief you will need.
- Surgery: If the above treatments fail, or if neurological problems develop, removing a herniated disk or bone spurs, or removing part of a vertebra may be the only solution.
Dr. David Nygaard and the caring staff at Atlas Family Chiropractic have only one goal - to help you reach optimal health and wellness! Call today to schedule a consultation.
Atlas Family Chiropractic Blog - Health and Wellness for You!
Vertebrae along the spine are cushioned by small, spongy discs. When healthy, these discs act as shock absorbers for the spine and allow it to twist and bend. But when a disc is damaged, it may bulge or break open. This is called a herniated disc. It may also be called a slipped disc, but this term is misleading in that spinal discs are fixed in position between the vertebrae and cannot "slip".
Referring to the image on the left, we see first the top view of a normal disc. Below that is a herniated disc. Notice how the nucleus pushes through the outer wall. This results in a large bulge that pinches the nearby nerve root, causing severe pain that can affect any part of the spine.
A herniated disc is a very common injury, and is usually caused by one of the following factors:
- Age-related weakening of the spinal discs (also called disc degeneration) through normal wear and tear
- Traumatic injury such as a fall or an accident
Symptoms of a herniated disc vary based on the location of the disc and the severity of the rupture. Typically, symptoms are experienced only on one side of the body. They can range from little or no pain if the disc is the only tissue injured, to severe and unrelenting neck or lower back pain.
The majority of spinal disc herniation cases occur in the lumbar region. A herniated disc in this area can lead to pain and numbness in the buttock and down the leg. This is called sciatica. Sciatica is the most common symptom of a herniated disc in the low back. But, herniated discs can also occur in the neck, causing symptoms in the hands, arms and shoulders.
Treatment options for herniated discs are also based on the location of the disc and the severity of the rupture. They may be treated with pain-relieving medications, muscle relaxants and corticosteroid injections, physical therapy, or in the most severe cases, surgery.
It is possible to have a herniated disc without any pain or noticeable symptoms. If that is the case, relief may be felt in a matter of a few weeks or months. To help you recover:
- Rest when you have severe pain
- Walk or do other light activities
- Use a heating pad or take a warm shower
- Use ice packs
- See a physical therapist
- Exercise to keep your muscles strong and prevent another injury
Dr. David Nygaard and the staff at Atlas Family Chiropractic are ready to help you with herniated disc problems or other ailments which are preventing you from living the pain-free life you deserve. Call us to set up an appointment!
Atlas Family Chiropractic Blog - Health and Wellness for You!
In our last blog, we started looking at the anatomy of the spine, including the spinal column and it's five regions. Today, we'll explore the spine a little more, including the vertebral body, the vertebral canal and the spinal cord.
The thirty-three vertebrae in the spinal column support the body's weight and protect the spine and nerve roots, and each individual vertebrae has it's own complex set of functions that is necessary to overall spine health.
Looking at the first image to our right, we see the main structure of a vertebra called the vertebral body, which supports most of the vertebra weight, and behind that is the vertebral canal, where the spinal cord travels.
The spinal cord begins at the occipital bone and extends down to the space between the L1 and L2 vertebrae, not the entire length of the spinal column as most people think. For men, it averages around 18 inches in length as compared to 17 inches in women. It also varies in width, from about 1/2 inch thick in the cervical and lumbar regions to 1/4 inch thick in the thoracic area.
Projecting from the sides of the spine are branches called nerve roots that send signals from the spinal cord to other parts of the body.
The bones on the left and right side of the vertebral canal are called pedicles and connect the vertebral body to the lamina, which covers and protects the spinal cord.
The spinous process of a vertebra directed backward and downward from the junction of the lamina and serves for the attachment of muscles and ligaments. Also serving for the attachment of muscles and ligaments are the transverse processes. They project one at either side from the point where the lamina joins the pedicle.
Finally, we have the articular facet, which form the joints where each vertebra connects with the vertebrae directly above and below it. These joints are covered with cartilage that allow free movement.
Still have questions about your spine? Dr. David Nygaard and Atlas Family Chiropractic have the answers. Call today to set up an initial consultation.
Atlas Family Chiropractic Blog - Health and Wellness for You!
Before getting too much into spine pain and other issues, it's important to understand the spine itself. It can sometimes be confusing to hear the terms C4, T7 and L1. What do those letters and numbers represent? Where are those vertebrae located? Let's take a closer look at a diagram of the spine and educate you more on the body's main support structure.
The spinal column has 33 vertebrae, and is divided into 5 regions. We'll start from the top and work our way down.
First is the cervical region. There are 7 vertebrae in this region and they are labeled C1-C7. The C1 vertebrae is called the atlas and the C2 vertebrae is called the axis. These two vertebrae connect the skull to the spine, which allows the head to move.
The second region is the thoracic region. This area makes up the largest portion of the spine and connects to the ribcage. There are 12 vertebrae in this region, labeled T1-T12.
Next is the lumbar region. Also called the lower back, there are 5 vertebrae (L1-L5) here that support most of the weight on the spine.
Below the lumbar is the sacral region. Labeled S1-S5, these vertebrae form the sacrum, a solid bone mass that attaches the pelvis.
The last region is the coccyx, or tailbone region. This area supports the body while sitting and is a connection point for different ligaments, tendons and muscles.
Make sense now? Dr. David Nygaard and Atlas Family Chiropractic can also provide additional information on spine health and helping you live a pain-free life.
Call us now to schedule an appointment. We look forward to hearing from you!
Atlas Family Chiropractic Blog - Health and Wellness for You!
Though it mainly develops as part of the aging process, degenerative disc disease can also be the result of an injury to the back.
Chronic low back pain sometimes radiates to the hips, or there is numbness or tingling in the legs. Pain in the thighs or buttocks may occur while walking or running, and weakness through the knees may also be evident. Similar pain may be felt or may increase while sitting, twisting, bending and lifting.
Look at the image to the right. The top diagram shows a healthy spine with a normal disc acting as a cushion between the vertebrae. The second image shows what happens to the spine after a period of degeneration.
How does disc degeneration begin? Usually, small tears will appear in the disc wall then heal, leaving scar tissue in place of a healthy disc. Without treatment, the scar tissue continues to tear and the disc wall gradually weakens.
As the disc becomes more damaged, the water content in the nucleus of the disc disappears, robbing the spine of it's natural "shock absorber". When the nucleus collapses, the vertebrae slide ever closer together.
Over time, the awkward position of the vertebrae can cause bone spurs. These spurs could possibly grow into the spinal canal and pinch the nerves, causing a condition known as spinal stenosis.
Degenerative disc disease can often times be treated without surgery. Physical therapy, manipulation and even rest (lying down relieves pressure on the spine) can provide adequate relief.
If left untreated, degenerative disc disease can cause severe chronic pain. Don't let this condition slow you down. Dr. David Nygaard and Atlas Family Chiropractic can help. Call (828) 253-0700 today to schedule an appointment.
Atlas Family Chiropractic Blog - Health and Wellness for You!
Whiplash is an injury to the neck that occurs when the head is violently "whipped" back and forth. It usually happens without notice and forces the neck beyond it's normal range of motion, injuring muscles and joints in the neck, vertebrae, and supporting ligaments.
Have you ever been rear-ended in a traffic accident? It is one of the most common causes of whiplash. It is so prevalent that some recent studies suggest whiplash claims make up over 15% of every driver's insurance premium.
Traffic accidents aren't the only cause though. Whiplash can happen in:
- Contact sports like football and soccer
- Slip and fall accidents on poorly-maintained or icy streets and sidewalks
- Repetitive stress injuries while on the job
- Assaults or abuse that produce head trauma
- Snowboarding and skiing
Symptoms of whiplash usually happen immediately following the injury, but can manifest several days later. Sufferers may experience neck pain and stiffness, dizziness, headache, prickling sensations, back and shoulder pain, and even difficulty swallowing or chewing.
Treatment for whiplash can depend on the grade of severity. Massage, physical therapy, mobilization using cervical collars, range-of-motion exercises, and topical analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be helpful. In some cases, it may also be necessary to provide muscle relaxants and nerve blocks.
Dr. David Nygaard of Atlas Family Chiropractic specializes in the treatment of whiplash. Don't suffer needlessly another day. Contact us and see how we can help.
Atlas Family Chiropractic Blog - Health and Wellness for You!
When one or more nerve roots in the lumbar spine become compressed or irritated, a condition called sciatica occurs. Since these nerves travel to the feet, legs, buttocks and hips, an injury to the lumbar can cause symptoms in one or more of these areas.
There are three common causes of sciatica:
- Degenerative Disc Disease - This occurs when a disc in the spine weakens and vertebrae above and below the disc shift out of place. The vertebrae touch and can pinch nearby nerves.
- Herniated Disc - This rupture in the fibers of a vertebrae disc allows the center of the disc to stick out, pressing against nerves.
- Spinal Stenosis - When joints or bones of the spine deteriorate, bone spurs form and push into the spinal canal, causing harmful pressure along the nerve roots.
Nerve root injury may exist at any one of the vertebrae in the lumbar spine (typically referred to as L1 through L5) or at the sacrum. Some of the most common symptoms of sciatica include pain, weakness, numbness and tingling anywhere from the hip down through the thigh, knee, calf and foot.
Are you experiencing any of these symptoms? Dr. David Nygaard and Atlas Family Chiropractic can determine the level of your injury and get you started on a course of action.
Atlas Family Chiropractic Blog - Health and Wellness for You!
There are many types of headaches, varying in symptoms and causes. However, these eight easy suggestions may help in relieving most headache pain:
1.) Drink plenty of water. Most headaches are a symptom of dehydration. Even if dehydration itself is not the root cause of your particular headache, drinking water can aid in lubricating any spinal or neck tension that may be causing the pain. Think of a plant that has not been watered and how it withers and droops. Water yourself often.
2.) Walk and stretch. Movement is fundamental for body alignment and tension relief. Making a moment to take a quick walk around the block or to do some simple stretches while at work can relieve a lot of body tension and alleviate neck strain, back pain, and headaches.
3.) Seek Chiropractic Care. Intense head sensations are often symptoms of compromised nerve function, due largely to skeletal misalignment. Chiropractic care can diagnose these deeper root issues within your skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems and then treat the problem to alleviate pain. Neck tension can contribute greatly to nerve trauma, causing headaches and other body problems and pain. Atlas chiropractic care specifically focuses on freeing up mobility of the head and neck around the spine to maximize healthy nerve function.
4.) Maintain Spinal Alignment. Keeping the discs and vertebrae in correct alignment is key to preserving a healthy nervous system function. Chiropractic care serves to maintain the correct alignment of the spine, thus preventing the body tension and nerve pinching that can produce headaches.
5.) Cultivate Correct Posture. The way we sit, stand, and carry ourselves creates the foundation for how all of our body parts relate to each other. Many headaches originate from the position of the head itself. Having your head too far forward, your shoulders raised toward your ears, or your back slumped as you sit can create body tension and headaches. Once you rectify posture issues with body awareness, chiropractic care, and spinal realignment, you can cultivate correct posture as you go about your daily life.
6.) Shift Your Perspective. Stress is the major contributing factor to most headaches, body tension, and back pain. Shifting your perspective toward a more positive, solution-oriented outlook ("How can I..." versus "I can't...") can relieve frustrations and empower you toward ease.
7.) Get Enough Sleep. The benefit of getting the proverbial eight hours a night is not just an old wives' tale. It isn't just "beauty rest". Sleep resets our nervous system and allows the body to rest weightless while the muscles relax and bones realign. Being overtired can create body tension, hinder thinking, and produce headaches.
8.) Eat often enough. Have you ever seen how cranky and unreasonable kids get when they're hungry? Letting your blood sugar drop can adversely affect your mood and capability to think. Sometimes a headache is a simple reminder to take care of your body's basic need for some fuel, to stabilize your blood sugar level, and return you to optimal functioning capacity.