Allergies
Chiropractic can help reduce the severity and the frequency of your allergies.(1) Chiropractic does not work like an anti-histamine as a direct, short term relief from allergies. Chiropractic allows your body to be better equipped to fight against allergies.
Allergies are a reaction by your immune system to an allergen (substances that normally have no effect on people) resulting in sneezing, coughing, congestion, hives, rashes, and in severe cases, seizure and anaphylactic shock. These symptoms are caused by the histamines your immune system creates in an attempt to protect your body against the allergen.
When your spine is misaligned it can impinge on the nervous system in your body. Studies have shown that the nervous system has an effect on the functionality of your immune system. When your nervous system is under stress and not functioning properly, your immune system cannot work at an optimal level. Chiropractors work with the nervous system by aligning the spine to relieve any stress on nerves. This allows the immune system to work at a higher level, making it easier to fight off infections while recognizing allergens. When your immune system recognizes allergens, it will not overreact to them, or at least not react as severely to them.
If you suffer from allergies, chiropractic can help you find relief. Schedule an appointment today.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
This condition is most commonly associated with people who are constantly using a computer. Typing is a motion that, when performed repetitively and with poor posture, can cause carpal tunnel syndrome. Symptoms include pain, numbness, weakness, or a burning sensation. The nerves in the fingertips travel through the wrist, up the arm, and into the neck. The spine is the center of the nervous system, and the pain in your hands and wrists can be relieved by your chiropractor with concentrated spinal and joint adjustments.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease is not as much a disease as it is a name for the changes that can happen to the spine as we age. Our discs are made of a tough, rubbery exterior and a soft interior. They sit between the vertebrae to act as shock absorbers. As we age, the spinal discs begin to degenerate. This can cause herniated discs, bulging discs, spinal stenosis, and osteoarthritis.
The degeneration of spinal discs may cause no symptoms at all, and symptoms depend on each patient and the severity of their case. Pain may occur at the site of the affected disc in the back or neck. As the pain is often caused by compressed nerves, this pain can also travel to other areas of the body like the buttocks, arms, and legs. Numbness and tingling in the arms and legs may also be experienced. Pain can range from mild to severe and debilitating.
As mentioned previously, our spines can degenerate as a natural part of aging. Tears in the tougher outer layer of the disc are common as we grow older. and when the discs begin to lose fluid, they become smaller and less flexible. In addition to aging, other factors that may come into play, including obesity, smoking, repeated physical work, and injury.
Pain caused by degeneration is often treated with hot or cold packs and an anti inflammatory medication. When disc degeneration causes problems like herniated or bulging discs, spinal stenosis, or osteoarthritis, other forms of treatment may be beneficial. This may include physical therapy, stretching, and in some cases, surgery. While degenerative disc disease is a natural part of aging, there are things you can do to prevent pain and stay healthy. If you are experiencing frequent back or neck pain, be sure to visit our office for an examination so we can create a treatment plan for you.
Disc Problems
Intervertebral discs are positioned between the vertebrae in the spine. The outside of a disc is made from cartilage, and in the center is a jelly like solution. These discs serve many purposes, including allowing movement of the spine, creating space between the vertebrae, and acting as shock absorbers. The gelatinous middle allows the disc to compress and expand based on impact and movement. Trauma to the spine can cause the discs to herniated, bulge, become displaced (slipped disc), or even rupture. Trauma or direct injury to the area is not the only cause, however. As we get older, the discs can begin to weaken and dehydrate. These conditions can put pressure on the nerves around the spine and cause pain.
If you suffer from one of these injuries you should see a chiropractor. Surgery is risky, expensive, and requires recovery time. In many cases, you can experience relief from these conditions through chiropractic. By properly aligning the spine, pressure can be relieved on nerves and on the discs themselves. This will reduce and hopefully eliminate your pain and discomfort and allow you to live a normal lifestyle.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a condition that we still do not know much about. There is no specific known cause, and it could be brought on by many different factors. The main symptom of fibromyalgia is chronic pain throughout the body, mainly located in joints. The pain may be achy, sharp, radiating, burning, or shooting and it may be mild or severe. Fibromyalgia has also been known to bring on other conditions like trouble sleeping, headaches, depression, and anxiety.
While there is no known cure for fibromyalgia, chiropractic treatment can help to uncover what may be causing the pain and also provide relief for the pain. The cause of fibromyalgia could be physical, mental, or emotional, so a full examination will be performed. Adjustments and chiropractic massage can be used to relieve pain from the affected areas. The added effects of chiropractic treatment such as increased energy levels, better circulation, and a stronger immune system can also help to fight the effects of fibromyalgia. If you are experiencing symptoms of fibromyalgia give us a call to schedule a consultation so we can establish a plan to start you on your road to recovery.
Headaches
Headache pain can be acute or chronic, debilitating or just annoying. No matter your reason, Ray Willis, DC, and his team at Willis Wellness Group in Florence, South Carolina, can diagnose your headache pain and help provide effective treatment.
Headache pain can occur anywhere on your head, neck, scalp, temples, or jawline. In some cases, headache pain may also be accompanied by:
- Throbbing sensations
- Stabbing sensations behind or near your eyes
- Tearing eyes
- Jaw pain
- Decreased range of motion in your neck
- Numbness and tingling in your arms or hands
- Shoulder pain
- Stiffness in your neck and shoulders
Migraines have their own unique symptoms, including sensitivity to light, sounds, and smells. If you experience any of these headache symptoms, seek treatment from the Willis Wellness Group.
There are many headache triggers that can cause headache pain in different regions of your head. Common triggers include:
- Dehydration
- Low blood sugar
- Too much caffeine or caffeine withdrawal
- Eye strain
- Hormonal fluctuations
- Alcohol consumption
- Muscle tension
- Neck pain
- Irregular sleeping or eating schedule
- Certain foods, including dairy and red wine
The health specialists at Willis Wellness Group can provide a variety of treatment options to give you relief from headache pain.
In most cases, headaches are diagnosed following a consultation and exam, though your provider may order blood work, X-rays, or an MRI if certain underlying issues are suspected. During your consultation, your provider will ask about the location and type of headache pain you experience, times of day you experience the pain, and any known headache triggers.
Your provider will then examine your head and neck, checking for areas of muscle tension and tenderness. Once your exam is complete, your provider will evaluate their findings and diagnose the cause of your headaches.
Headaches are treated based on their cause and any lifestyle factors that may be contributing to them. The team will take a comprehensive approach to manage the frequency of your headaches and their severity. Care may involve chiropractic treatment, massage therapy, nutritional counseling, therapeutic exercises, and hot or cold therapy.
For severe headaches--including migraines--the team may refer you to a neurologist for additional treatment if needed.
Joint Dysfunction
Joint dysfunction occurs when joints become stiff and full movement is restricted. It can be caused by an injury, poor posture, overuse/underuse of a joint, muscle imbalance, as well as other factors. Like arthritis, joint dysfunction can cause pain in the joint and the surrounding muscles, and can also cause problems in other parts of the body due to overcompensation.
One common form of joint dysfunction is sacroiliac joint dysfunction, which occurs where the base of the spine meets the pelvis. It causes low back pain and prohibits movement. This condition is often misdiagnosed because the symptoms are similar to sciatica or a herniated disc.
Your chiropractor can properly diagnose this condition and provide relief. Using specific adjustments for the affected joint can return proper mobility and relieve pain. If you have joint pain, visit us for relief.
Knee Pain
Overuse injuries and wear-and-tear are the most common causes of knee pain. If you suffer from acute or chronic knee pain, you should see the medical team at Willis Wellness Group in Florence, South Carolina, for a consultation. Ray Willis, DC, and his team offer chiropractic care and regenerative medicine services to help relieve knee pain.
In addition to pain within the knee joint or the surrounding structures, you may experience the followings signs of a knee injury:
- Popping and clicking in the knee
- Grinding sensation within the knee joint
- Swelling
- Stiffness or decreased range of motion
- Tenderness along the joint line
- Pain that is worse after standing or bending your knee
Certain movements can predispose you to getting injured, such as quick twisting motions or kneeling for long periods of time. Repetitive knee bending is also a common trigger for knee pain as well as tendinitis in the muscles surrounding the knee.
Common conditions that can cause knee pain include:
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome
- Tendinitis
- Iliotibial band syndrome
- Chondromalacia patella
- Muscle strains and ligament sprains
- Meniscus tears
- ACL and PCL injuries
- Osgood-Schlatter disease
- Arthritis
The health professionals at Willis Wellness Group manage knee pain in patients of all ages, and they can provide comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation to help you get back to your normal routine and athletic activities.
To diagnose knee pain, your provider will ask about the location and type of pain you’re experiencing, the movements that make the pain worse, and anything you’ve tried to reduce the pain. Next, your provider will examine your knee by measuring your range of motion, checking the strength of the muscles surrounding your knee, and testing your reflexes.
Your provider will also perform specialized orthopedic tests to assess the stability and function of your knee. These tests will help your provider determine if you have a knee injury. In some cases, your provider may order X-rays or an MRI to see the structures within your knee.
Based on the findings, your provider will give you a diagnosis and offer appropriate treatment options.
For mild to moderate knee pain, your provider may recommend soft tissue therapy, massage therapy, rehabilitation exercises, electrical stimulation, or hot or cold therapy.
For chronic knee problems that don’t resolve with conservative methods, the team may recommend regenerative medicine to support your natural healing processes.
Low Back Pain
In the United States, approximately 80% of adults experience lower back pain at some point in their lives. If you’re suffering from lower back pain, see Ray Willis, DC, and his team at Willis Wellness Group. Located in Florence, South Carolina, the team has a decade of experience managing and eliminating lower back pain with natural, noninvasive methods.
Lower back pain can come from any of the anatomical structures in your lower back, including:
- Vertebrae
- Intervertebral discs
- Spinal joints
- Spinal nerves
- Muscles and ligaments surrounding your spine
Each cause of lower back pain will have its own type of pain. It can range from soreness and achiness to sharp, shooting pain, to numbness and tingling. Your provider will ask about the type of pain you’re experiencing in order to determine which anatomical structures are causing it.
Various conditions can affect your lower back, including:
- Sprains and strains
- Muscle spasms
- Intervertebral joint dysfunction
- Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
- Lumbar facet syndrome
- Lumbar radiculopathy
- Spinal stenosis
- Arthritis
- Spondylolisthesis
- Herniated discs
The health professionals at Willis Wellness Group are experts in treating lower back pain, and they’ll do everything possible to help you get rid of your pain and regain your mobility.
Lower back pain is diagnosed after a consultation, physical exam, and any other needed tests. Your provider will begin your consultation by asking about the location of your pain, what it feels like, and any movements that worsen your pain.
Your provider will then examine your lower back, first measuring the range of motion of your spine, and then assessing the strength and flexibility of the muscles in your back. Your provider will also perform additional orthopedic tests to assess your joints and their level of mobility.
Based on the results, your provider will give you a diagnosis and outline a treatment plan to relieve your pain.
For mild to moderate cases of lower back pain, the health experts at Willis Wellness Group utilize conservative, noninvasive treatment methods, including hot and cold therapy, electrical stimulation, and chiropractic care.
If appropriate, your provider may incorporate rehabilitation exercises and spinal decompression therapy to improve the strength and flexibility in your lower back. As you progress, your provider may recommend at-home exercises to help you recover more quickly.
Neck Pain
Pain along the spinal column in your neck is usually caused by subluxations, or misalignments of your vertebrae. A small misalignment can cause pain by causing pressure on nerves. Left untreated, these subluxations can cause muscle spasms and increasing pain. Chiropractic adjustments properly align your spine so that pressure on joints and nerves is released. It is a direct treatment for the cause of the pain, not a temporary relief like pain relievers or massage. If you are experiencing neck pain visit us today.
Osteoarthritis
Arthritis is a condition that is caused by the wearing down of the cartilage between joints. Some of the major joints that are affected are the knees, hips, back, neck, and hands/wrist. Arthritis can be painful and can cause the affected areas to not function properly. Arthritis in one area can cause arthritis or other problems in a different joint. For instance, if you have arthritis in your left knee, you may compensate for this by putting more pressure on your right side, leading to right hip problems.
Pain killers can cause temporary relief from pain and discomfort, but it is not a long term solution. Chiropractic can alleviate pain by releasing pressure on the nervous system with proper alignment. It can also restore proper joint movement, helping to ensure that you use proper motion so that you do not cause injury to other parts of your body. We are not concerned strictly with the affected area, but rather the body as a whole. We aim to restore and maintain proper movement and functionality to increase your overall well being.
Pinched Nerve
When a nerve is squeezed or compressed it is called a "pinched nerve". This can be caused by spinal misalignments, bulging or herniated discs, or other factors. The increased pressure on the nerve causes inflammation, pain, and sometimes muscle spasms. The pressure on the nerve must be relieved in order to alleviate the pain. An examination can reveal the cause of the pain, and an adjustment can relieve the pain by properly aligning the spine and addressing the cause of the pain.
Sciatica
If you suffer from sciatica pain, you need effective relief. Ray Willis, DC, and his team at Willis Wellness Group in Florence, South Carolina, offer chiropractic care, spinal decompression therapy, and other forms of physiotherapy and rehabilitation to reduce sciatica symptoms.
Sciatica is a side effect of conditions that cause inflammation, irritation, or compression of the sciatic nerve in your lower back. The sciatic nerve extends from your lower back into your buttocks, thighs, calves, and feet on both sides of your body. Signs of sciatica include:
- Sharp, shooting pain down the backs of your legs
- Numbness and tingling in your legs
- Muscle weakness in your lower legs
- Tripping and poor balance
- Buttock pain
- Pain that’s worse with bending at the waist or sitting
Sciatica symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain. In some cases, coughing, sneezing, or having a bowel movement can exacerbate your symptoms.
Sciatica can be caused by any condition that compresses or irritates the sciatic nerve. Common causes of sciatica include:
- Poor posture
- Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Pregnancy
- Piriformis syndrome
- Lumbar facet syndrome
- Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
- Spinal stenosis
- Arthritis
- Herniated discs
In most cases, the sciatic nerve is only affected on one side of your body, although it’s possible to have symptoms in both of your legs.
To diagnose sciatica, your provider will first ask where you experience the pain, when you experience it, and what kind of movements worsen or improve your pain. Then your provider will perform a physical exam to assess your range of motion, nerve function, muscle strength, and flexibility in your lower back, buttocks, and legs.
Orthopedic tests are also used to identify the source of your sciatic pain. Orthopedic tests may involve bending, twisting, stretching, or bringing your legs up toward your chest while lying on your back.
If needed, your provider may refer you for X-rays or an MRI. Based on your results, your provider will explain your diagnosis and recommend a treatment plan to relieve your symptoms.
Your provider will take a multifaceted approach to relieve your sciatica pain. Common treatments to eliminate sciatica pain include chiropractic care, spinal decompression therapy, massage therapy, hot or cold therapy, and specialized stretches and exercises.
Depending on your diagnosis, your provider may recommend some or all of these therapies to help you.
Whiplash
Whiplash is a common injury for people involved in car collisions. When a car is struck from behind or collides with another object, it causes the neck to snap back and forth violently. This causes the muscles and ligaments to overextend, leading to strains and/or tears. This is referred to as soft tissue damage, and can cause stiffness and soreness. Whiplash can also cause structural damage such as misaligned vertebrae, herniated, bulging or ruptured discs, or nerve damage due to the overextension from the violent movement.
Chiropractic can help with both types of injuries. Adjustments and alignments can be performed specifically for those who have been in car accidents and suffered from whiplash. The pressure on the discs and nerves is released when the spine is returned to its proper alignment. Chiropractic massage can be used to help relieve the pain and discomfort from soft tissue injuries. If you have been in a car accident, schedule an appointment with us before relying on pain medications and surgery.
Maintenance Care
We have discussed many conditions that can be relieved through chiropractic. The best way to treat these conditions is to prevent them before they even start. Regular chiropractic visits can help to prevent physical problems and injuries from occurring. Other potential benefits of regular chiropractic visits are increased flexibility and mobility, higher level of energy, improved posture, more effective immune system, better circulation, and an overall better feeling of well-being.
(1)Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15965403?dopt=A...