Category Archives: General Chiropractic

Are you suffering from a pulled muscle? The pain and stiffness can make daily living quite challenging. Many individuals visit chiropractors for assistance with such a problem. That’s because chiropractors are experts in treating musculoskeletal issues. If muscle pain is preventing you from moving comfortably or performing simple tasks, they can help you out.

In this article, we’ll discuss how can chiropractor help pulled muscle. We’ll also explore which specific reason causes this problem and their symptoms and prevention.

What Is a Pulled Muscle?

A pulled muscle is sometimes referred to as a strain on the muscle or tendon. It results from an extremely stretched or torn tendon within the muscle fibers. Although it can occur anywhere on the body, the lower back, hamstrings, neck, shoulders, and calves are the most typical places for this condition.

After pulling a muscle, you often experience instant discomfort and trouble moving the affected body part. The severity of the pull may vary from minor to severe. Physicians call it “grade one, two, and three strains,” depending on its severity.

You can treat minor strains at home by resting the affected area and gently massaging it. However, if you have a popping or snapping sensation, consult a physician or surgeon immediately, as this indicates a significant strain (grade 3).

What Causes a Pulled Muscle?

Pulling a muscle occurs when the muscle is overused, misused, or injured in some other manner. A pulled muscle can result from events like stepping awkwardly off a curb or being hard-tagged in football. It’s surprising how easily this damage can result from just moving about. Check out these main causes of strained muscles:

Vehicular Accidents

Various body parts can sustain injuries in car crashes, even in less severe cases. The places where you pull muscles may be painful, and you may have severe discomfort. Car crashes can also result in bursitis, an uncomfortable swelling in your joints, and pain in your neck.

Sports Injuries

A torn calf or hamstring muscle frequently forces athletes to leave a game. Pushing your muscles too hard during high-energy sports can cause them to become tired. Athletes may experience at least two pulled muscles in their lifetime. Playing sports can increase your risk of muscle injury if you don’t warm up properly and maintain strong muscles.

Workplace Accidents

It can be dangerous for your muscles to work in unsafe positions. Performing tough physical activities with repetitive motions or heavy lifting might cause severe muscle strain. Additionally, the force of an accident at work, such as a fall, might strain your muscles.

Symptoms of a Pulled Muscle

You will immediately feel the pain when you pull a muscle. It resembles a sudden, intense pain that flows to the area where you were injured. The following occurs when you pull a muscle:

1. Your muscles may become lighter in color.
2. It could swell.
3. You might even hear a small pop when it occurs.
4. You might feel a weak or stiff muscle.
5. That sudden pain is back.
6. Your movement is limited; you may not move that area of your body very well.
7. Your muscle may occasionally begin to spasm, which causes it to twitch or move on its own.

How Can a Chiropractor Help with Pulled Muscle?

Consequently, severe muscle injuries can cause extreme discomfort. And such problems also have a lengthy healing period. Initially, you may think about taking pain medication. However, this temporary fix won’t address the underlying issue. Visiting a chiropractor and undergoing surgery are two ways to help repair it.

Visiting a chiropractor assures you that no surgery or stitches will be made on you. Rather, they’ll do a few tests to figure out the extent of your muscle injury. While it’s not always necessary, they may do so to get a better view of your muscles. After diagnosing the issue, they will develop a plan to assist in your recovery.

A typical chiropractic treatment involves applying gentle pressure to the affected area using hands, resting, using ice, wrapping, and elevating the affected area—a technique known as RICE. To quicken the healing of muscles, chiropractors may also employ specific treatments.

It is critical to begin the RICE treatment as soon as possible after an injury for pain relief and to promote speedier healing. The benefit of visiting a chiropractor is that chiropractic adjustments can still be beneficial even if you have had a previous injury to a muscle. It’s a good idea to visit a reputable chiropractor within two days of suffering a muscle injury.

What Can You Expect During Your Visit?

The first time you see a chiropractor, they will measure your range of motion in the troubled location. They will also observe its effects on the other parts of your body.

The chiropractor may ask you to perform specific exercises and movements to determine your range of motion and how various activities impact you. In addition, they’ll inquire about your medical background and discuss the best course of action for recovering your health.

The chiropractor uses various treatments throughout sessions. These are meant to reduce pain while helping muscle recovery. They might recommend warm massage therapy to speed up muscle relaxation.

How to Prevent Pulled Muscles

Use these suggestions to maintain the safety and strength of your muscles:

• Before engaging in any sports, warm up.
• Give your muscles a stretch every morning and night.
• Adopt a straight posture when sitting and standing.
• Lift correctly to prevent straining your muscles.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Consume foods high in potassium before working out to prevent muscle weakness.
• To strengthen your muscles, engage in exercise.

Conclusion

So, surely chiropractic care can help with pulled muscle. Chiropractors are experts at treating torn muscles as they aim to restore correct alignment, reduce irritation, and encourage natural healing with light adjustments and focused therapy. At The Brost Clinic, we are committed to help you achieve optimal health and recovery from injuries, regardless of age. Have faith in our knowledge and dedication to your welfare. Our reliable chiropractic care can help you get rid of muscle discomfort and reintroduce you to a healthier future. Call us today and schedule an appointment with our chiropractor now.

Do you know that the majority of Americans strain their spine or muscles due to bad posture? Yes! You heard it right. Because of poor posture, you can also suffer from aches, pain, and even health issues. But the good news is with the right help and guidance, you can improve your posture and feel confident. Moreover, if you are looking for non-invasive treatment, you can get help from expert chiropractors.

Now, a question might come to your mind: Can chiropractors fix posture? Yes, they can. A chiropractor has the ability to identify the root causes of posture problems and treat them accordingly. Today, we’ll explore how a chiropractor can improve your posture and quality of life.

Why Is Good Posture Important?

Good posture is absolutely crucial for overall health and well-being. Maintaining good posture allows you to do your daily activities more comfortably. Proper posture reduces strain on your muscles and ligaments when you stand, walk, sit, and lie down.

Maintaining the right posture also helps you prevent future problems with your back and neck. It reduces the constant stress on ligaments and prevents overuse and soreness. Moreover, correct posture alleviates mental health issues and digestive discomfort.

What Are the Causes of Bad Posture?

Have you ever wondered why your posture isn’t correct? Various elements can affect posture, from daily habits to unexpected injuries.

Firstly, consider the impact of your daily routine. You spend long hours at your desk slouching. Continuously carrying the heavy bags on your shoulder could strain your muscles, too. Additionally, injuries from accidents or repetitive strain can disrupt your body’s natural balance.

Genetics also plays a vital role. Some individuals are often involved in postural issues like sleeping awkwardly.

Our muscles weaken as we age, so maintaining good posture is hard in later life. But recognizing these causes is the first step in fixing them. Good posture not only makes you look confident but also keeps you healthy.

What Are the Different Types of Postural Issues?

Different types of postural issues can cause pain and discomfort in your daily activities and can also hurt you mentally. Here are the most common types of postural issues:

1. Kyphosis (Hunchback): Kyphosis, or hunchback, happens when you curve your upper back too much. It’s mostly evident among our seniors, commonly older women because the spine bone worsens with age. Young people can get kyphosis from genetics, polio, infection, chemotherapy, or radiation for cancer.
2. Swayback: This happens when your hips and pelvis tilt forward. It causes your lower back to curve inward too much. Sitting for a longer period could cause swayback and damage your abdominal and gluteal muscles.
3. Flatback: In this case, your lower back loses its natural curve, making you stoop forward. It can be inherited or caused by back surgery or degenerative spine disorders.
4. Forward Head Posture: It’s also known as tech neck or test neck. This is a condition where your head sticks out in front of your shoulders. It happens often because you are looking down at phones or computers or hunching over the steering wheel while driving regularly.

Correcting these problems can significantly improve your health and ensure your well-being. But can chiropractors treat these issues, and how? We are now getting into this topic!

Can Chiropractor Fix Posture? Here Is the Truth

Yes, chiropractors can fix your posture. Chiropractic care is a natural and non-invasive treatment process. Chiropractors, professionals of chiropractic, work on our bones, muscles, and ligaments. It is a natural treatment. So you can understand that they are able to alleviate pain from bad postures and guide you in maintaining good posture.

Chiropractors understand that posture is not just about standing or sitting straight but about feeling better, healthier, and more confident. They are experts in diagnosing and evaluating the primary cause of poor posture. They also provide practical solutions to postural imbalance. Moreover, they can address issues like slouching, uneven shoulders, and hunchbacks. With their expertise and personalized treatment plan, you can straighten up and stand tall once again.

5 Ways a Chiropractor Can Help with Fixing Posture

A chiropractor fixes bad posture following a well-planned process. It starts with asking you about your posture, lifestyle, and situation and ends with rehabilitation. Let’s explore how chiropractors approach problems with posture.

1. By Interrogation

The first thing a chiropractor will do upon meeting is to sit with you and ask you questions. They need to figure out what’s causing you to have a bad posture. They will talk to you about your lifestyle to determine the main reason. This interrogation will help them plan the best treatment option for your particular case.

2. Examining Your Posture

The specialist will examine your posture practically after learning about the situation from you. They will check your spine to see whether it is straight and then check your shoulders. This will help them determine what needs to be fixed and how.

3. Working with Strained Tissues

A chiropractor works with bones and joints. They also work with strained tissues. They use muscle releases and strengthening exercises to correct imbalanced tissues and help maintain good posture.

4. Making Chiropractic Adjustments

Chiropractic treatment procedure highly focuses on spinal adjustment. Chiropractors use their hands to move the bones in your back so that your spine stays in the right position and reduces pain.

5. Stretching and Rehabilitation

Proper stretching of body parts is able to increase the strength of weak muscles. With exercises and muscle relaxation, your chiropractor will make sure your muscles are well-rested and fit. These exercises help you maintain good posture and prevent future problems with your back and neck.

You don’t need to live with bad posture. Consulting a specialist chiropractor can help improve your lifestyle. You can also take expert advice to prevent future problems.

When Should You Go to a Chiropractor for Bad Posture?

There is a proverb – prevention is better than cure, which you must remember. If you notice aches, pain, or discomfort in your body parts, you should consider visiting a chiropractor sooner rather than later. You should be careful in the early stages rather than waiting to worsen the situation. Whether you face back pain or muscle tension or have to sit longer to calm the pain down, you need to consult a chiropractor for natural care treatment.

How Long Does It Take a Chiropractor to Fix Bad Posture?

If you are an adult, you can fix your posture within 2 to 3 weeks. Chiropractors manipulate the spine to correct any issues you may be experiencing. When you start the treatments, you will need to attend two sessions per week.

After one week of treatment, you can reduce it to once a week. After the second round of treatments, you will notice improvements in your back’s alignment. After double-checking your spine alignment, they will start the next round.

Three months later, when your spine stabilizes, you will be assessed for another therapy. Your discomfort should have reduced then.

Remember, everyone is different, and so are their needs. Some may need more sessions than others. This is not a fact; our main purpose is to help you reduce the pain and increase your quality of life.

Conclusion

Your posture is more important than how you walk. It is related to your health. In this article, we have clarified your confusion about the question, “Can a chiropractor fix posture?” Chiropractors play a vital role in living a healthy and balanced life. Chiropractors may address the root causes of poor posture. They help get rid of pain and discomfort while increasing flexibility and confidence.

However, don’t let poor posture keep you from living your best life. Contact “The Brost Clinic” for professional help. We are here to make your life more aligned with your future. Looking to improve your posture? Visit our experts today!

Dizziness can seriously impact your day-to-day work, making it difficult to work, drive, and even enjoy basic activities. If you are suffering from vertigo or dizziness, you may be thinking about how a chiropractor can help. In this guide, we will explore what causes dizziness, how can a chiropractor help with dizziness, and what advantages come with seeing a chiropractor.

What is Dizziness?

The feeling of being unsteady, anxious, or dizzy is called dizziness. It can occasionally induce fainting because it is connected to the sensory organs, particularly the eyes and hearing. Dizziness is a symptom of many different conditions rather than a sickness in and of itself.

It’s normal to feel dizzy. Occasional dizziness is nothing to worry about. However, if you’ve been dizzy for an extended time without a clear cause, you should consult a doctor.

What Causes Dizziness?

Vestibular neuritis is the most prevalent cause of dizziness. Inflamed vestibular nerves help the brain receive balance information. Usually affecting just one ear, the vestibular system frequently accompanies nausea and vomiting. Other potential reasons for dizziness include:

• Meniere’s Disease

An inner ear condition known as Meniere’s disease can cause dizziness, hearing loss, and tinnitus. The condition results from fluid accumulation in the inner ear and typically affects individuals in their 20s to 50s. Meniere’s disease has no known cure. However, some therapies can help control the symptoms.

The most typical sign of Meniere’s illness is dizziness. It can result in nausea, vomiting, and a spinning feeling. Head position changes can set off vertigo episodes, which can linger for minutes or even hours. One other typical Meniere’s disease symptom is hearing loss. Initially, it is typically a low-frequency loss that progresses to a severe high-frequency loss over time.

• Benign Positional Vertigo

Move your head in specific ways, and you may get dizziness, which is known as benign positional vertigo. Although other disorders can potentially cause it, inner ear problems are frequently the reason. Types of vertigo are not the same all the time. The feeling of spinning or dizziness when moving your head in specific positions is the most typical sign of benign positional vertigo. This may occur if you:

• Move your head.
• Lay down
• Sit up
• Look either up or down.

Usually, the dizziness subsides after a few seconds or minutes. It can sometimes go on for hours or even days. Benign positional vertigo often resolves independently in a few weeks and is not risky.

• Migraines

One kind of headache that can induce severe pain is migraine. Other symptoms, such as light and sound sensitivity, nausea, and vomiting, also accompany migraines. Migraines can be so bad that they make it difficult for you to do daily tasks and may last for hours or even days.

• Labyrinthitis

Inner ear problems include labyrinthitis. The ear’s labyrinth is a network of canals that aids hearing and balance. Inflamed labyrinths might result in dizziness, vertigo, and hearing loss. Labyrinthitis occasionally causes nausea and vomiting. The standard treatment for labyrinthitis consists of rest and over-the-counter medicines to ease symptoms. In more severe situations, hospitalization may be necessary.

How Can a Chiropractor Help With Dizziness: 7 Best Ways

While dizziness is not a common cause for visiting a chiropractor, those who do report experiencing significant relief from their condition. Compared to other medical experts, chiropractors provide more substantial relief to patients with balance issues or dizziness. Furthermore, compared to other health practitioners, they typically do so more frequently. These are 7 strategies they employ.

• Spinal Adjustments

Treatment of dizziness is just one of the many advantages that a patient might receive from spinal adjustments. The central nervous system, which facilitates communication between the brain and the body, is in the spine. On the other hand, this communication may be blocked in the event of a subluxation or unusual alignment of the vertebrae in the spine.

These subluxations may be a direct or indirect cause of vertigo and dizziness. Resolving the subluxation with safe, noninvasive spine manipulation can indirectly aid healing and recovery. But, there are other ways that chiropractic care might address dizziness. It’s only one of several tools out there.

• The Epley Maneuver

The most effective method for treating Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is the Epley technique. The accumulation of calcium crystals in the inner ear is the source of dizziness, which might impair your balance.

It’s preferable to perform the maneuver with assistance, which a chiropractor can provide. You can practice the maneuver at home after he or she demonstrates it for you. Treating BPPV with this approach has proven to be highly successful.

• Fixes Nerve Interference

Vertigo symptoms may arise due to nerve interference, particularly in the upper neck. Cervicogenic vertigo syndromes are episodes of vertigo brought on by irritation of the upper cervical nerves. Poor posture and neck injuries are the usual causes of this kind of dizziness.

In this instance, the chiropractor uses manual manipulation techniques to concentrate on realigning the neck’s vertebrae to their natural positions. Once the vertebrae are realigned and the nerves are no longer inflamed, the symptoms of vertigo will disappear.

• Stretches and Exercises

Your chiropractor may prescribe basic stretches and exercises for you to perform at home. It depends on the kind of vertigo you experience. Many people discover that if they follow the exercises prescribed by their chiropractor, their vertigo goes away in as little as two weeks.

• Stress Relief

The negative effects of stress on the body are well known. Stress can cause dizziness. And stress is almost unavoidable for most of us. At least, that’s what we believe. Chiropractic treatment can assist you in controlling and reducing your stress.

A chiropractic massage is among the most effective ways to do this. Yet, many people report feeling less anxious following a spinal manipulation session. This contributes to difficulty sleeping, a key element in accumulating stress.

• Fixes Your Posture

Posture is one of the critical factors that chiropractors consider when making a diagnosis. Because we often adopt a folded position when using a computer or phone, poor posture is a significant issue worldwide.

Additionally, bad posture can irritate the spine’s nerves, which might result in dizziness. Fortunately, chiropractors are skilled in using stretches, spinal manipulation, and exercises to help you regain proper posture.

• Chiropractic Massage

Chiropractic massage has been addressed several times in this article. The truth is that it’s an effective technique that can improve general health and wellness and treat dizziness.

To restore the health and function of the muscles surrounding the spine, this kind of massage includes spinal manipulation. Without realizing it, you often have stiff, pinched back muscles. These muscles can return to normal with chiropractic massage. Also, it helps the body cut toxins that have accumulated in the muscles and relieve stress.

Wrapping Up

Can a chiropractor help with dizziness? The answer is definitely yes. Our goal at The Brost Clinic is to deliver the best chiropractic adjustment possible. Our method is to satisfy the different requirements of people of all ages. It also promotes ideal health and assists with pain relief.

With our skilled care, you won’t have to face the challenging symptoms of dizziness alone. Allow us to assist you in regaining balance and health. It ensures you have support at every turn. Regain your balance with the help of our reliable staff.

Dealing with injuries, pain, and illness can be hard. In many of these scenarios, work restrictions might become necessary. However, you really do not want to go to the wrong kind of doctor who may not be eligible to let you off work.

Chiropractors usually emerge as saviors in any injury-related situation. The noninvasive approach of chiropractic well suits many. But can a chiropractor give work restrictions?

There’s no clear answer to that. Mainly, this depends on your employer’s FMLA coverage, disability insurance, and your medical issues. In this article, we will look into this answer more broadly. We will tell you every possible requirement to get the restriction approved through a chiropractor.

What Is a Chiropractor?

Chiropractors treat a wide range of health problems in people of all ages. After college, a chiropractor goes to school for four to five years to get their Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree. They are well-known as experts at helping people with headaches, back pain, and neck pain.

Chiropractors also treat a wide range of injuries and illnesses that affect the muscles, ligaments, and joints. They use manipulations or mobilizations, which are also known as chiropractic adjustments. They also give their patients advice on healthy eating, exercise, and healthy habits and bring appropriate modifications to their work and personal lives.

Chiropractic Care for Work-Related Injuries

An experienced chiropractor can help you get better from your injuries and keep them from happening again. Certain injuries at work can stretch and tear muscles and ligaments, causing pain and discomfort. These injuries can sometimes also cause long-term issues like back pain or bulging discs.

Getting medical help right away is important in such a scenario. And a chiropractor’s help can be the best bet here.

Chiropractic care realigns the musculoskeletal system, restores joint function, decompresses nerves, and speeds up muscle recovery. All of these are done using some common techniques, such as manual manipulations, massage, acupuncture, etc.

But now things get a little tricky. Based on their job description, chiropractors are clearly experts in their field. So, if you have a problem with your back or neck, you might think that a chiropractor would be a good doctor to see in order to get work restrictions approved. It is not always like this, though. A lot of things affect this, which we will talk about below.

Chiropractors and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 recognizes chiropractors as valid medical professionals for approving leave. However, getting a short-term disability approved through a chiropractor can be challenging unless certain conditions are met.

For approval, the chiropractor has to take an x-ray. They also need to treat any problems with your spine that they think keep you from working. Without an x-ray or treatment for conditions other than spinal misalignments, FMLA is unlikely to approve your leave.

Remember, even meeting these requirements doesn’t guarantee approval. Much depends on individual cases and practitioners under FMLA guidelines. Additionally, they consider whether your employer qualifies under FMLA standards. This includes private sector employers with at least 50 employees over 20 workweeks in the past year.

Besides, it also covers any local state or federal government agency, as well as private secondary or elementary schools. You should check with HR to see if your company fits one of these categories.

Chiropractors and Social Security Disability

Social Security Disability is more about long-term disabilities. However, it is still important to mention it here. When the Social Security Administration (SSA) decides on a claim, they do not look at what chiropractors say.

That being said, if your chiropractor took x-rays, these could help you get a medical doctor’s approval and other information. You will need to get copies of the x-rays and bring them to the Social Security office handling your claim. That’s because the SSA will not call your chiropractor to ask for these records.

Chiropractors and Employee Or Employer Insurance

No one rule applies to chiropractors when it comes to insurance. This is true whether it is private or through their job. Some insurance companies use chiropractors’ opinions to decide if someone is temporarily disabled. Other insurance plans do not. Check with your private disability insurance or talk to your employer about this.

Many people say that when they go to the doctor for back pain, the doctor just “waits and sees.” It can be a problem if you want to get work-off quickly.

In this instance, you might be pleasantly surprised by the outcomes if you have never visited a chiropractor before. You might get better quickly with chiropractic treatment. Hence, you will not need a short-term disability.

When Can a Chiropractor Give Work Restrictions?

You need to talk to your boss about when or if you can take time off to see a chiropractor. No matter how long you need off, you should talk to your boss or private disability insurance to find the best plan for you.

Check to see if the FMLA applies to your company. If so, and you have had x-rays and spinal adjustments, you might be able to take time off work to heal.

FAQ

Q. Can Chiropractors Write Notes for Work?

Ans. Yes. Chiropractors can write a note to an employer telling them that an employee is hurt and can not do their job. They can fill out a functional abilities form and suggest changes to duties or graduated hours. They can also write an employee a note telling them to go back to work. However, for some long-term disability claims, the forms need to be filled out by a medical doctor. If this is the case, you should talk to your claims carrier.

Q. How Often Do You Need to See a Chiropractor After a Work Injury?

Ans. You might need to go to three appointments a week for two weeks. After this, you might need appointments once a week for a while. Then, depending on your condition, you may only need maintenance appointments every two to four weeks.

Conclusion

Work-related injuries can be frustrating. They hamper your performance, slow you down, and your company, too. Besides, without proper care, they can lead to chronic back pain.

Chiropractic care is highly beneficial for treating such injuries. Besides, with a chiropractor’s approval, you can get the necessary work restrictions. But certain standards, like those of FMLA, must be met.

Before anything else, you must focus on getting the best chiropractic care first. The Brost Clinic should be your prime choice here. With the help of our certified chiropractic professionals’ in Minnesota, your work injury will diminish in no time. Contact us today to get an appointment.

When the shoulders are not even, one looks higher than the other. It can happen due to a variety of structural or postural reasons. Things might become more complicated than they look. This condition may be painful, affect your posture, and be a sign of more serious musculoskeletal imbalances.

It is not unknown that chiropractic care is a great solution for pain-related issues. But can a chiropractor fix uneven shoulders? Yes, chiropractors can help by fixing subluxations or other issues with the spine that may be to blame.

In this article, we will look at how chiropractors do the job of fixing uneven shoulders. We will also discuss the causes, symptoms, and impact of the condition. Keep reading to learn more.

The Most Common Causes of Uneven Shoulders

A number of causes can be responsible for uneven shoulders. Before going deep into the solutions and impact, let’s discuss them for a better understanding.

• Poor Posture

If your posture is bad, the difference in shoulder height between your right and left sides could be small or large.

Do not forget that bad posture can also cause rounded shoulders. This condition can make the muscles in the shoulder area tight and make the left shoulder lower than the right shoulder.

• Scoliosis

Scoliosis is when the spine bends to the side. The spine naturally curves in different ways, and when seen from behind, the spine looks straight. Kids and teens with scoliosis develop spine curves that are not supposed to be there, such as an S- or C-shaped curve.

Scoliosis comes in two main types:

1. Functional
2. Structural

People who have structural scoliosis have bones that have changed shape to fit their position. On the other hand, bad posture can lead to functional scoliosis, but both can cause shoulders to be uneven.

• Muscle Imbalances

If one muscle in a group is bigger, stronger, or different in any other way, it can throw off the balance of the muscles. Such an imbalance can make it hard to move or function normally.

Muscle imbalances can happen naturally or because of sports or other physical activities, bad posture, or other issues. Shoulder blades on the same side can be out of place if a shoulder muscle is not sitting right.

• Nerve Damage

Damaged or sick nerves that control shoulder muscles can make one shoulder sit higher or lower than the other. This is especially true for cranial nerve XI.

Injuries or neurological conditions can damage nerves. Some of these conditions are:

• Cerebral palsy
• Spina bifida
• Spinal muscular atrophy
• Spinal cord injury
• Muscular dystrophy
• A pinched nerve

• Lifestyle or Bad Habits

People who do not move around much are more likely to have uneven shoulders. You may also be at risk if you sleep on your side or in a bad position. Besides, if you hold your body in bad ways while you are awake, you can develop shoulder unevenness.

• Other Causes

Apart from the above-mentioned ones, some other causes can also be the culprit behind an uneven shoulder, such as:

• Shoulder joint or nearby muscle trauma or injury
• Degenerative conditions, like arthritis, can cause changes in the shoulder joint
• An unleveled pelvis

Symptoms of Uneven Shoulders

We have already known that scoliosis can cause uneven shoulders. If scoliosis is the reason, then you can also encounter other signs, such as:

• Rib pain
• Lack of back mobility
• Muscle tenderness
• Insane pain shoots down the arms and legs
• Back pain
• Shortness of breath

On the other hand, when your pelvis is not level, you may experience the following symptoms:

• Imbalanced walking
• Muscle imbalances
• Decreased back mobility
• Lower back or hip pain

The Impact of Uneven Shoulders

Uneven shoulders can have a big effect on your appearance as well as your daily life and health as a whole. Let’s look at how it can impact you in the short-term as well as the long-term-

• Short-term impact: The short-term impacts of this condition include
  • Localized pain
  • Discomfort that worsens during specific tasks, like desk jobs
  • A general feeling of imbalance that affects mood concentration and even leads to headaches or neck pain

• Long-term impact: If you do not fix uneven shoulders, your posture will be worse, and your muscles and joints will be under more stress. This can lead to
  • Chronic pain conditions
  • An elevated possibility of developing arthritis in the affected area
  • A higher risk of injuries

How Can a Chiropractor Fix Uneven Shoulders?

Chiropractic care focuses on how the spine and nervous system work together to get things back in the right place.

Chiropractors realign the spine by making adjustments with their hands. They can fix subluxations or other problems with the spine that may be causing the shoulders to be uneven.

Here is a breakdown of the entire process:

• Assessment and Diagnosis

Before making any adjustments, a chiropractor will carefully check out your shoulders to find out why they are not level. This assessment involves

• Checking out your posture
• Conducting spinal exams
• Possibly sending you for an X-ray

• Techniques

A chiropractor may use different techniques depending on the original problem, such as

• Manual adjustments
• Rehabilitation exercises
• Muscle techniques
• Postural advice

Different levels of spinal curvature can cause different structural problems, like scoliosis. A chiropractor might combine manual adjustments and rehabilitation exercises in such cases.

Chiropractors will use a mix of manual adjustments to fix posture issues like leaning to one side. Alongside, they will give advice on posture, lifestyle, and exercises.

A chiropractor often includes stretches and exercises in their treatment plans. These exercises help the muscles around the shoulders and spine get stronger and more balanced.

Some of the exercises and stretches include:

• Standing Row: The affected shoulder is extended while facing a resistance band looped on a stable fixture in this exercise. Keeping the back flat is a must.
• Rotation Exercises: Circular motions help to maintain healthy shoulder function. Exercises involving rotations rectify uneven shoulders using bands attached to fixtures.
• Shoulder Raises: It’s done by straightening back and keeping arms at standard pose. Then, the shoulders are taken to the ear and squeezed hard. This pose is held briefly and released.
• Reverse Prayer Pose: As the name suggests, it’s done by putting palms behind the back and fingers facing down. Next, the chest and shoulders are straightened. Afterward, the joined hands are rotated to face the ceiling. This pose is held briefly before relaxing.
• Cross-Arm Stretch: For this stretch, the affected arm is kept straight and crosses the body. Then, the palm from the unaffected side is used to pull the treatment side’s upper arm across the body. It’s released after 30 seconds.

• Posture Education

Adjustments to how you sit, stand, and move can help chiropractic care work better to fix uneven shoulders. Hence, chiropractors will also help you maintain good posture while doing everyday things.

How to Sleep with Uneven Shoulders

If you have uneven shoulders, sleeping in an uncomfortable position can make the pain worse. So, it is very important to get enough rest while the scapular stabilizes. While you sleep, support the arm on the hurt side with a pillow, blanket, or towel.

Home Remedies to Fix Uneven Shoulders

Uneven shoulders can be a tricky issue and require immediate attention. Getting a highly professional and experienced chiropractor’s help is the best option.

Nevertheless, there are a few easy things you can try at home to make your shoulders even out. These methods usually work better when the issue is only with muscles or tissues (tension, injury, tendonitis, etc.) rather than bones. Here are some tips to follow:

• Rest properly to loosen up tense muscles and knots that might be making things uneven.
• Take a hot bath. It is a great way to ease the stress and tension that may come with uneven shoulders.
• Use cold compresses and heating pads to reduce tension and inflammation. This makes it easier to work on muscles and promotes blood flow and healing.

Conclusion

Uneven shoulders can have a great impact on the overall well-being of a person. The causes of uneven shoulders include bad posture, nerve damage, scoliosis, etc. With chiropractic treatments, this painful situation can be easily fixed.

A chiropractor applies several adjustments to fix this after diagnosing the root cause. Several exercise and stretching techniques can also make the progression faster.

At The Brost Clinic, we make treating imbalanced shoulders simple with excellent chiropractors. The quality of our techniques is unmatched. If you or your loved one is suffering from the discomfort of an uneven shoulder, don’t wait any longer. Take an appointment today and let us help.

Pinched nerves in the neck can cause significant discomfort and impact overall well-being. It is a condition caused by pressure on the nerves, causing them to become narrowed or trapped in their paths.

Chiropractic care is known to provide relief from pain and several muscular discomforts. But the question is, can a chiropractor help a pinched nerve in neck? With their expertise in spinal health and nervous system function, chiropractors offer effective treatment for pinched nerves in the neck.

Chiropractic treatment for pinched nerves can provide immediate pain relief or long-term prevention. Want to know how? This article will discuss chiropractic treatments for relieving pinched nerve pain and enhancing mobility and function. So, keep up with us!

What is a Pinched Nerve?

Nerves serve as vital messengers within our bodies, transmitting signals from the brain to various destinations and back. When these long nerves become compressed or trapped along their paths, they can develop a condition known as a pinched nerve. This condition occurs when external pressure is applied to the nerve, compromising its functionality.

A pinched nerve typically arises due to excess pressure exerted by muscles, bones, tendons, or cartilage surrounding it. It can manifest in any joint of our body or anywhere in the spine; for example

• Neck region: cervical spine
• Upper-to-mid-back area: thoracic spine
• Lower back region: lumbar spine

What Causes a Pinched Nerve in the Neck or Back?

The peripheral nervous system (PNS) consists of an extensive network of nerves. It originates from the brain and spinal cord, extending throughout the body. These nerves pass through spaces between vertebrae to carry out their essential functions.

Within the PNS, there are two important pathways: motor and sensory. Pinched or trapped nerves can occur along these pathways, leading to discomfort and dysfunction.

Various structures in our body can cause compression or pinching of a nerve, including ligaments, muscles, bones, and intervertebral discs. Common causes of a pinched nerve in the neck or back include:

• Herniated disc
• Spinal stenosis (central or lateral)
• Arthrosis
• Strained muscle
• Vertebral degeneration
• Poor posture

It’s worth noting that fractures, tumors, or foreign bodies may also compress a nerve. Physical activities resulting in blunt force trauma and repetitive motions imposing stress on nerves can also be the culprits.

For better recovery chances, getting treatment right away is very important. Ignoring signs of nerve compression could significantly impact your health. Therefore, it is imperative to promptly consult with healthcare professionals for a thorough examination when experiencing such symptoms.

Symptoms of a Pinched Nerve

When a nerve becomes trapped or pinched, it disrupts the tricky network of our nervous system. The body relies on this complex system of nerves to transmit signals between the brain and the rest of the body. Nerves function like electrical wires, carrying vital information. When a nerve is affected, various symptoms may arise:

• Sensation of pain
• Numbness or tingling
• Muscle weakness
• Muscle spasm
• Loss of skin sensitivity
• Pain along the path of a nerve
• Difficulty with certain movements

These symptoms can significantly impact an individual’s daily life and well-being.

How Do You Know If You Have a Pinched Nerve?

If you experience any of the aforementioned symptoms, it’s highly likely that a pinched nerve is the culprit. Some cases may resolve on their own without specific intervention. However, persistent symptoms warrant a visit to a chiropractor who specializes in the neuro-musculoskeletal system.

A thorough physical examination conducted by a chiropractor is essential during your initial consultation. This examination encompasses several components:

• Postural evaluation
• Range of motion assessment
• Neurological testing
• Orthopedic testing
• Muscle and joint palpation

In certain circumstances, X-rays might be necessary to gather additional information.

What Are the Risk Factors for Developing a Pinched Nerve?

Several factors increase the risk of developing a pinched nerve.

• Osteoarthritis, for instance, can lead to enlarged joints or bone spurs, which can cause pinched nerves.
• Age, posture, body mass index, and hereditary factors can also contribute to the likelihood of experiencing a pinched nerve.
• Overuse or repetitive motions involving the wrist or shoulder may result in nerve compression.
• Spinal injuries can cause back pain due to a pinched nerve.

Why Should You Go To A Chiropractor for Pinched Nerve?

Seeking prompt chiropractic care for a pinched nerve is paramount, as it minimizes the risk of long-term damage. Early treatment not only relieves pain but also addresses the underlying root cause and restores normal nerve function.

Using medication for a pinched nerve can provide symptom relief. But chiropractic services offer more than that. They tackle musculoskeletal issues naturally by reducing inflammation, stress, and joint dysfunction.

Moreover, these treatments address secondary problems that may have developed due to compensatory muscle imbalances caused by the pinched nerve. You can take postural problems and altered biomechanics, for example. Chiropractic care will provide relief for these as well.

How Can A Chiropractor Help A Pinched Nerve in Neck?

Chiropractors will combine adjustments with massages and other physical therapy to ensure a comprehensive solution to pinched nerves. Let’s look at the complete procedure:

• Chiropractic Adjustments

Chiropractic adjustments play a crucial role in alleviating pain and addressing nerve issues associated with a pinched nerve. These adjustments, performed alongside other treatments, promote long-term improvement by targeting the root cause of your symptoms.

Various adjustment techniques may be employed by your chiropractor based on your specific condition, including:

• Diversified adjustments: Gentle pressure and movements bring the spine into alignment.
• Seated diversified adjustments: Manual manipulations done while sitting target neck and shoulder injuries.
• Lumbar side posture adjustments: These are effective for lower back pain as the patient lies on their side.
• Thompson Drop-table Technique: A special table that lowers force impact is used to gently adjust the spine with controlled thrusts.

• Massage and Physical Therapy

When it comes to addressing pinched nerves, chiropractors understand that spine and musculoskeletal issues have far-reaching effects throughout the body. That’s why comprehensive care may include physiotherapy services as part of your treatment plan.

Physiotherapy is essential for managing symptoms and restoring strength following a nerve injury. The goal is to prevent further injuries when you return to daily activities by promoting overall health and well-being.

Your personalized plan for a pinched nerve might encompass various therapies, such as

• Corrective care
• Rehabilitation exercises
• Massage therapy
• Ultrasound therapy
• Electrical muscle stimulation (E-STIM) therapy

• At-Home Posture Correction, Stretching, and Exercises

To promote long-lasting relief, taking an active role in your healing journey is essential. Your chiropractor may recommend at-home exercises, stretches, and posture correction techniques. By teaching you how to properly align your spine, these targeted interventions build on the changes that were made during your sessions.

Devoting just twenty minutes a day to using a posture-correcting pillow can have remarkable benefits for retraining your spine. Strengthening and stretching exercises are parts of comprehensive care, and these can reduce injury risk and improve flexibility and health.

Important Reasons Why Chiropractic Is the Best Treatment for Pinched Nerve Pain

Chiropractic treatment emerges as the optimal choice for individuals seeking relief from pinched nerve pain. Chiropractors know how the nervous system works. They are capable of finding and treating pinched nerves.

Chiropractors can identify affected nerves and make targeted adjustments to relieve pain after reviewing your medical history and physical exam. Pain medications merely mask symptoms temporarily. But chiropractic care addresses the root cause of the issue by utilizing spinal manipulation to relieve compression on the nerve.

In addition to adjustments, chiropractors may incorporate elements of physical therapy into their treatment approach. Strengthening exercises that target weak muscles are an important part of getting back to full functionality.

Furthermore, lifestyle modifications such as posture correction or ergonomic recommendations may be suggested to prevent future injuries and maintain overall well-being. Such suggestions stand apart when it comes to treating pinched nerves.

Another distinguishing feature of chiropractic care is its emphasis on prevention. Chiropractors develop comprehensive plans to strengthen joints, reduce future risks, and improve resilience by identifying areas of vulnerability to pinched nerve injuries.

Additionally, chiropractors have an astute ability to recognize potential red flags indicating serious underlying issues. In these instances, chiropractors promptly refer patients to appropriate specialists for further assessment and intervention.

FAQ

Q. What’s Better for a Pinched Nerve, Physical Therapy or Chiropractor?

Ans. Physiotherapy uses exercises, heat and cold therapy, and different mixes of these to help people get better over time. On the other hand, chiropractic care works on and adjusts the spinal cord to take pressure off of it. Each one is good for pinched nerves in its own way.

After thinking about all the options, the doctor will look at the patient’s condition and suggest the best course of action.

Q. How Long Does a Pinched Nerve Take To Heal?

Ans. It is possible to treat and heal a pinched nerve in about a month. However, the person’s medical condition and the treatment plan basically determine the timeline. Patients can heal a little faster with chiropractic care if they can get help and care right away.

Conclusion

Chiropractors offer effective solutions for those seeking relief from pinched nerve pain in the neck. Through their expertise in understanding the nervous system and conducting targeted adjustments, they can alleviate discomfort and promote optimal healing.

At The Brost Clinic, we pride ourselves on delivering compassionate Chiropractic care. We use advanced techniques to address pinched nerves and improve overall well-being. Our skilled chiropractors can create customized treatment plans that address the root causes of your symptoms. Experience relief and enhanced quality of life by choosing The Brost Clinic for your chiropractic needs.