Archive for February, 2009
How Can San Jose Chiropractic Care Help Sports Injuries?
Posted by: | CommentsDr. David Hoewisch frequently treats the sports injuries of many adults and children. In the past, sports injuries were mostly limited to professional athletes, young people participating in school sports programs, and men participating in weekend activities such as rugby. Today, more and more people of all ages and both sexes are doing regular sports and fitness activities. There are even women now doing traditionally men’s sports such as soccer, basketball, and rugby. The majority of people are involved in sports such as golf and tennis, and other healthy activities like running, aerobic classes, and weight training. Unfortunately, risk of injury is possible with any sports activity.
The majority of injuries fall into two categories: 1) traumatic injury, such as a slip, fall, or collision and, 2) repetitive stress or overuse injury.
Traumatic Injuries
These injuries cause the debilitating problems often associated with trauma. As a rule injuries to the ligaments (the tissue that connects bones to bones) and to muscles are the most common, though the trauma of fractures and dislocations often occurs in contact sports. A strain is any injury to either a muscle or its tendon, and a sprain is an injury to ligaments. The most common areas for these types of injuries are the ankles, knees, and shoulders, although other areas can be affected including the low back and neck. Because the spinal cord and/or spinal nerves can be involved, injury to the neck and low back can be very serious.
A traumatic injury may be mild, such as a “muscle pull” or ankle twist. But, some can be serious enough to require surgery. It all depends upon the degree of tearing of the tissues, the location, and the age of the person. Some degree of swelling occurs with most sprains and strains. However with certain injuries, especially those of the ankel and knee, there can be some internal bleeding as well. Strains and sprains require proper attention, especially during the initial stages of an injury,to insure proper healing and no future disability. Treatment from a healthcare professional, such as your San Jose Chiropractor, is highly advisable.
The following is an acronym for the post-injury management of sprains and strains expressly if no professional help is available: PRICE
P Protect injury from further damage
R Rest the injury
I Ice injury to reduce swelling, bleeding, muscle spasm, and pain
C Compress injury with a specialized support or elastic bandage to support injured tissues
E Elevate the injury, especially when dealing with ankles and knees
Of course it is important to get the injury properly assessed by a chiropractor or other professional to find out the extent of damage. When proper care is given during the various stages of healing, most individuals who have sustained sprain and strain injuries will recovery. If not managed carefully, some sprains and strains can result in long-lasting problems such as joint instability, painful or weak joints and muscles, and lack of mobility. Good management of your sports injury by a chiropractor highly experienced in sports injury treatment will insure that your injury heals properly. Call your San Jose Chiropractor if you have sustained a traumatic injury.
Repetitive Stress, or Overuse, Injuries
These injuries are becoming more and more common, especially among people pursuing sports such as golf, tennis, bowling, and any other activity that requires the same activity over and over (repetition). Something as simple and healthy as running, particularly on a treadmill, can also be a factor.
Basically, overuse or repetitive stress injuries occur when a person is involved in a repetitious activity that causes a very slight strain to tissues, especially tendons and muscles, that alone would not cause a problem, but done many times has an accumulative effect. carpal tunnel Syndrome is one of the most common types of overuse injuries. Over time the muscle or other affected tissue develops changes that no longer allow it to function properly resulting in pain, stiffness and disability. Certain factors predispose a person to these types of injury. Some are “intrinsic,” meaning the factor is found with a person’s own body. Others are “extrinsic,” which means that the factors are external and can often be changed or controlled by the individual.
Some of the most common intrinsic factors for injury
Age is the most common intrinsic factor for injury. The older a person is, the easier it is for that person to get injured. Congenital abnormalities are another factor. Some people are born with joint or muscle problems. And, previous injuries are a factor as they often keep the joints or muscles from functioning properly.
Extrinsic factors for injury
Extrinsic factors are numerous. An improper grip size of a tennis racket, worn out running shoes, an uneven treadmill surface or a too-hard surface for soccer are all examples of faulty sports equipment that can cause problems. Improper technique in any sport, such as an improper golf grip is, as they say, an injury waiting to happen All sports activities require some pre-conditioning, which is why people who are out of shape, those who continue to increase the duration of an activity without building up slowly, and those who lack flexibility, are injured most often. Warming up is essential prior to sports activities, and lack of warm-up, that is, not stretching or preparing for an activity is a common cause of injury. And, finally, but perhaps surprisingly to some, stress is a factor. Being tired or stressed can cause tense, inflexible muscles that are too tight for most activities.
There are many more factors that are extrinsic and, therefore, within a person’s control. Before beginning a new sport, or as a way to prevent injury in a current sport, it’s smart to get an assessment of your general body condition. If you’ve been injured, it is crucial to seek out a qualified professional, like a chiropractor, to assess the nature of the injury and prepare a plan of treatment. If left untreated, sports injuries can greatly affect a person’s life and limit a favorite activity. Treatment such as joint manipulation, massage, bracing, and specific exercises is often required to stabilize the condition. A chiropractor is a good source of help. Call a chiropractor if you’re either thinking of beginning a new activity, you’re feeling pain related to a current sports activity, or you’ve sustained a sports injury. Your San Jose Chiropractor has years of experience helping people just like you.
Dr. David Hoewisch Knows About Elbow Pain
Posted by: | CommentsDr. Hoewisch knows a lot about elbow pain. Here’s what you should know: Tennis elbow is the common name given to pain originating on the outside or lateral side of the elbow. This condition arises from an irritation or inflammation of the tendons of one or several forearm muscles at their attachment to the bony protuberance close to the elbow joint, known as the lateral epicondyle. Therefore the medical term for this condition is lateral epicondylitis, meaning an inflammation of the epicondyle. If the condition is located on the inside or medial side of the elbow it is often referred as Golfer’s Elbow or medial epicondylitis. This, however, is not as prevalent as lateral epicondylitis.
Causes
There are many causes for Epicondylitis – not just tennis & golf – as any activity that involves repetitive gripping of objects can result in this affliction. Some individuals develop tennis or golfer’s elbow from prolonged carrying of heavy bags, knitting, chopping food, and/or computer work using improper wrist and arm posture. With sports, the problem arises when we are new to the game, use an improper technique, try out new racquets or clubs, or increase the intensity or duration of exercise without the proper preparation.
Sometimes the condition can be so severe that it is difficult to even grip and lift one’s coffee cup!
Some cases involving epicondylitis can be attributed to problems further up the arm or even in the neck. If someone has a disc condition or spinal subluxation, the nerves that control the forearm muscles may become irritated causing the muscles to tense and put marked strain on the tendon attachment(s). In these circumstances, this predisposes an individual to elbow pain from any of the above mentioned causes. If left untreated it is possible that the joints of the elbow can become subluxated further and even arthritis can be a complication the condition.
Treatment
Epicondylitis is a condition that rarely resolves of its own accord and so requires proper health management. A qualified professional such as Your San Jose chiropractor can determine the exact cause of the problem and initiate the proper care and treatment. In my clinic this would include modalities such as ultrasound, electrotherapy, massage, hot and cold treatments, bracing and home stretching and exercises. chiropractic adjustments have proven extremely effective in the overall management of this problem.
Your San Jose Chiropractor Can Help Reduce Your Child's Ear Infections
Posted by: | CommentsYour San Jose Chiropractor wants you to know that pediatric chiropractic can help to reduce your child’s earaches and ear infections. Earache is the most common reason for office visits to pediatricians. By the age of three years, more than 70 percent of children will have had at least one episode of earache and about a third will have had more than three episodes. It is not surprising, therefore, that earache is also the most common reason for children under the age of five years presenting to the chiropractor’s office.
When a child with earache is diagnosed with middle ear infection by the pediatrician, the usual treatment involves a course of antibiotics. New research has determined that this is often misguided. The cause of the child’s middle ear infection may not be due to bacteria, and since antibiotics are only effective against bacterial pathogens, frequently there will be no response. Since numerous cases of middle ear infection can be caused by a virus, and viruses do not respond to antibiotics, this may be the reason why children develop chronic ear infections.
How chiropractic Care Relates to Earache and Ear Infections
Your San Jose chiropractor’s task is to ascertain if the reason for the body’s inability to combat the earache/ear infection is caused by irritation of the small nerves in the spine (called free nerve endings).
When these nerve endings are irritated, an abnormal tension is produced in the small muscles of the neck. This muscle tension can place pressure on the lymphatic drainage ducts resulting in inadequate drainage from inside the ear, thus preventing the body from being able to naturally correct the problem. Balance can also be affected.
Identification of such a problem is made by detecting increased tension in the neck and paraspinal muscles, usually more tension is felt on the side of earache. The chiropractor also looks for spinal vertebrae which are either slightly out of alignment or are not moving within their normal range. This problem may have been due to any one of the number of bangs, jolts and falls that most children experience in the early years of their life. Often, a short course of spinal adjustment and manipulation of the neck muscles can help restore normal lymph drainage.
Research
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), ear infection the most frequent childhood illness after the common cold – accounts for nearly 30 million doctor visits each year; what’s more, at least 6 million courses of antibiotics are unnecessarily prescribed for the condition. Recently, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released new guidelines for treating pediatrie ear inflammation and specifically recommend a period of “watchful waiting” since, in many cases, infections clear up on their own, without medication; the guidelines suggest medical intervention only in cases that do not subside after three months or are particularly severe in nature.
The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) commends the AAP on the guidelines and emphasizes that chiropractic care is a “good first option” for treating ear infection conservatively. “Doctors of chiropractic have been treating children for decades with great success – helping them avoid painful ear infections, antibiotic overuse and resistance, and ear tube surgery,” said ACA President Donald Krippendorf, DC. “Particularly when dealing with young children, drugs and surgery should be an absolute last resort.”
Dr. David Hoewisch on Balance
Posted by: | CommentsDr. Hoewisch offers the following information about balance:
About 9 percent of adults age 65 and older report having problems with balance.
Good balance is essential to being able to control and maintain your body’s position while moving and remaining still. Good balance helps you:
• Walk without staggering
• Arise from chairs without falling
• Climb stairs without tripping
You need good balance to help you stay independent and carry out daily chores and activities. Problems with sense of balance are experienced by many people as they age.
A feeling like you or the things around you are spinning is called “vertigo.” About 40 percent of Americans will experience dizziness that is serious enough to go to a doctor, and among older adults, falls are the leading cause of injury deaths.
There are many types of balance disorders. Two types are:
1. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
2. labyrinthitis
The most common balance disorder is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo that occurs as a brief, intense feeling of vertigo when you change the position of your head. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is also experienced sometimes when rolling over to the left or right, upon getting out of bed in the morning, or when looking up for an object on a high shelf. This condition is more likely to occur in adults 60 and older, but also occurs in younger people.
The causes for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo are varied. It may be caused by an inner ear infection, head injury or simply aging. While it can be associated with other disease processes, many times a simple Epleys procedure can many times correct the problem. If you are in the San Jose area, I’d be happy to evaluate you if not, see your local Chiropractor.
Labyrinthitis is an infection or inflammation of the inner ear causing dizziness and loss of balance. It affects adults of any age and the cause is unknown.
Ménière’s disease is a balance disorder that causes:
• vertigo
• hearing loss that comes and goes
• tinnitus (ringing or roaring in the ears)
• full feeling in the ear
Treatment for balance disorders varies upon the cause, sometiems exercise for vestibular rehab can be the answer. Consult your health care professional if you experience dizziness, vertigo or other problems with balance. Older people are more likely to experience balance disorders. Age is not the only reason these problems occur.
While some balance disorders are caused by problems in the inner ear, others may involve another part of the body like the brain or the heart. Other factors include:
• aging
• infections
• head injury
• certain medicines
• problems with blood circulation
• upper respiratory infections
• viral infections
• stress
• fatigue
• allergies
• smoking
• alcohol use
• diseases of the circulatory system such as stroke can cause dizziness and other balance problems
• low blood pressure
• high blood pressure
• heart disease
To make the symptoms of dizziness less severe eat low-salt or salt-free foods and stay away from caffeine and alcohol. Balance disorders caused by high blood pressure can usually be managed by eating less sodium, maintaining a healthy weight and exercise.
Balance disorders are serious and one cause of falls and fall-related injuries in older people. It is important to have a possible balance disorder diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.
If you can answer yes to any of the following questions you should discuss the symptom with your Chiropractor:
• Do I have the feeling of being “unsteady?”
• Does the room seem to spin around me?
• Is there ever a time when you feel as if you are moving when you know you are standing still?
• Do you lose your balance and fall?
• Do you feel as if you are falling?
• Does your vision ever become “blurred?”
• Do you ever feel disoriented lose a sense of time, place or identify?
Source: National Institute on Aging
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information in this article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All health concerns should be addressed by a qualified health care professional
Your San Jose Chiropractor Talks About Knee Pain
Posted by: | CommentsYour San Jose Chiropractor is highly knowledgeable when it comes to the causes of knee pain. Besides spinal conditions, knee pain and disability is one of the most common ailments of the musculoskeletal system. Problems with the knee can be classified into three categories: 1) poor mechanics or overuse of the knee joint, 2) traumatic injury from events such as sports and falls, and 3) problems due to arthritic changes in the joint. 4) faulty foot mechanics due to foot pain.
Patella Femoral Syndrome ( Knee Cap Pain )
Poor mechanics of the knee joint and the associated stress upon the soft tissues of the knee is by far the most common cause of non-traumatic pain. The most common part of the knee affected by this is the patella or knee-cap. Often the patella does not move smoothly or does not move sufficiently on the femur during bending of the knee causing abnormal stresses upon the tendons cartilage and ligaments. This condition is often called chondromalacia patella or CMP though a better term is patella femoral syndrome. The problem usually originates when there are imbalances in the quadriceps muscles of the thigh which attach to and move the patella.
The associated pain is experienced during activity, especially stair climbing, running, jumping and after getting up from prolonged sitting. Women are more predisposed to this problem for anatomical reasons and also the use of high heels.
Repetitive Knee Strain – Overuse Injury
Imbalances in other muscle groups that attach to the knee can also lead to pain and dysfunction. As an example, the muscles on the inside of the thigh when strained and tight can cause pain on the medial or inside side of the knee.
Lower back problems especially in the sacroiliac joints, are one of the main reasons for imbalances in the muscles associated with knee movement and subsequent knee problems. Foot problems that cause gait abnormalities such as pronation, are another cause of mechanical knee pain.
The main treatment for mechanical or overuse injuries to the knee is to re-establish proper balance of the muscles, restore proper movement to the patella and other joints of the knee, and correct any subluxations of the sacroiliac joints and foot problems. In certain cases, a brace is used to help with the alignment of the patella or to stabilise the joint. Chiropractors are ideally trained to provide the proper diagnosis and management of these problems.
Trauma
Traumatic injuries often occur during sports that involve running and jumping, such as football and basketball, and with activities such as skiing. When the knee is stretched or twisted beyond the strength of the ligaments that hold the joint together, tearing of these tissues can occur causing a sprain. The muscles that move the knee can also be torn during injury causing a strain or pull of the muscle. As with a sprain, a muscle strain can vary from a minor injury that requires little care to a severe injury requiring surgery. The knee also contains two special “cartilages” – the menisci – between the tibia and the femur that provide for smooth movement and cushioning. These cartilages can also be torn during trauma and often require surgical repair or removal if damaged severely. Traumatic knee injuries can cause severe pain and swelling and require immediate evaluation and attention. In most cases a qualified chiropractor can manage these conditions, though there are some injuries that do need the expertise of an orthopaedic surgeon. In any case, it is important to stabilise the injured joint and ice if possible until you can get the injury evaluated. Please see the section on sports injuries for additional information regarding this topic.
Treatment
If poor mechanics or traumatic injuries are not corrected at an early age, the tissues of the knee joint especially the cartilage will eventually begin to wear out. As a result the bones rub upon one another and changes such as bone spurs can occur. This painful condition is known as degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis and is often progressive with age. Common treatment often involves medications such as NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) though conservative treatment such as chiropractic can be helpful in alleviating some of the pain. There is some evidence that nutritional substances such as Glucosamine and Chondroitin can be helpful in the long term management. People can often help themselves by keeping their weight down, doing exercises especially in the pool, and wearing cushioned shoes or insoles.
Dr. David Hoewisch on High Blood Pressure
Posted by: | CommentsDr. Hoewisch knows that healthy blood pressure is essential to your overall wellness. The newest research shows how you can lower blood pressure naturally. This is great news and the best news, I practice this particular technique. It’s called Toggle Recoil. Watch this clip from Good Morning America (it takes a few seconds to load) for more information. Also exercise is great for lowering stress levels, and that in turn will help lower your blood pressure.
