Sunday, July 5, 2009

Suwanee Chiropractor / Lawrenceville Chiropractor Discusses Low Back Pain & Tight Hamstring Muscles


Lawrenceville Ga Chiropractor Talks About Low Back Pain and Tight Hamstrings!!

Have you ever considered how important your hamstrings muscles are in relationship to the low back? Most people do not think about those tight muscles on the back of the upper leg / thigh as having much to do with low back pain (LBP). However, it is one of the most important muscles groups to keep loose both as a means of improving current low back trouble as well as preventing future LBP. Think of the hamstrings as a stabilizing guide wire that keeps us upright. When we bend over with our knees straight, we can feel the hamstrings gradually tighten, often limiting us from reaching our toes. When the hamstrings are too tight, some of us can hardly reach past our kneecaps as we bend over. We then (unconsciously) bend our knees to put slack in the hamstrings so we can easily reach the floor.

The low back is only so flexible and in reality, most of our ability to touch our toes comes from our hip joints. In fact, after scoliosis surgery where metal rods are placed on both sides of the spine, these patients will often make up for the loss of low back movement by increasing hip motion and still be able to touch their toes! This, however, can only be accomplished if the hamstrings are stretched to a point of allowing the hips and pelvis to rotate forwards when bending with the knees straight.

So, what happens if the hamstrings are too tight? Think of a young sapling tree branch versus an old oak branch. When bending the two branches, the young sapling can easily bend, while the old oak branch breaks early into the process. Similarly, as we bend over to lift a box, when the back and leg muscles, ligaments, and tendons are tight, something has to give or “break,” similar to the old oak branch. The “weak link” in the injured person bending over may be a disc that ruptures, ligaments and/or muscle tendons that overstretch and tear. By keeping the hamstrings loose (like the young sapling branch), much less force is placed on the spine because the pelvis can rock forwards during the bending process, thus unloading the spine. Another way to look at it is that when the hamstrings are too tight, something else has to be correspondingly loose to make up for the tight hamstrings or else the task of bending forwards and performing daily tasks will be limited.

Tissues in our back are injured when forces exceed their capacity to withstand the load. By keeping our hamstrings stretched, we reduce the need for our spine to have to make up for the tightness; thus both preventing a new injury, as well as perpetuating a current problem. The best way stretch the hamstrings is to lay on our back in an open doorway with one leg placed on the door jamb (edge of the doorway) and the other leg is kept flat on the floor (knee straight) through the door opening. Scoot as close as you can so that the hamstring muscles are stretched tightly to the point of a “good hurt.” Maintain that position for at least 2 minutes and then switch legs. Because the hamstrings tighten up during sleep, it’s usually best to perform the stretch in the morning. Repeating this multiple times a day may be required to obtain proper hamstring muscle length. Exercise training is a routine part of chiropractic care!

If you, your family, or a friend is struggling with low back pain, sharing this information may be one of the greatest acts of kindness you can give to that person. At our clinic, we strive to provide the highest quality care and follow evidence and “best practice” approaches. We greatly appreciate the trust that our patients place in us and our services as we help them recover as well as teach ways to prevent future LBP episodes.

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Suwanee Ga Lawrenceville Chiropractor Discusses Diet & Fibromyalgia



Lawrenceville - Suwanee Chiropractor Discusses Diet & Fibromyalgia Pain!!


Does Diet Make a Difference with Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a complex condition that includes widespread symptoms of muscle and joint pain, where everything seems to ache and is associated with severe exhaustion and fatigue. It affects up to 4% of the population (woman > men), with no known cause or known cure. With these facts, it’s not surprising that many sufferers have turned to diet as a means of trying to improve their quality of life. Unfortunately, there are many conflicting dietary recommendations for FM, some completely contradicting the other, leaving the patient and doctor confused as to who or what to believe.

FM can be primary (of unknown cause) or secondary (caused by a different specific condition). Because many conditions can give rise to FM, it’s not surprising that there is no one diet that works universally for all FM patients. However, many FM sufferers respond from eliminating one or more of several types of foods according to experts interviewed by WebMD, and utilizing these recommendations can prove highly effective. They specifically identified 7 foods to avoid in the management of FM, which include the following:

1. Aspartame (NutraSweet): All of the experts interviewed by WebMD agreed a large majority of FM patients could worsen by eating or drinking foods sweetened by aspartame.

2. MSG (monosodium glutamine) and nitrates: MSG is a common additive to enhance flavor in many processed and frozen foods as well as in some Asian (eg., Chinese) foods. Hence, lunchmeats like ham, bologna and bacon should be avoided.

3. Sugar, fructose, and simple carbohydrates: Though no study has clearly identified that these foods directly worsen the symptoms in FM patients, eliminating foods like cake, white bread and sugar in general, will decrease the risk of developing secondary conditions such as yeast infections that can give rise to FM. Eliminating foods with high levels of fructose corn syrup has been reported to help some FM patients.

4. Caffeine (coffee, tea, colas/soda, & chocolate): After a brief stimulating effect (energy boost), there is a longer lasting sedative affect, which is amplified in FM patients. The good news is that most of the caffeine is out of the body within a week of discontinuing use.

5. Yeast and glutens: These two are not related but are frequently used together in foods like cake, donuts and bread and both contribute to FM symptoms. Yeast gives rise to yeast fungus where an overgrowth may cause or exacerbate FM symptoms resulting in joint and muscle pain. Glutens can cause stomach and other GI problems, which in turn can give rise to fatigue.

6: Dairy: Regardless if its low or high fat, some reports indicate that dairy products, particularly milk can increase the symptoms of FM and avoiding these can help.

7. Nightshade plants: Tomatoes, chili and bell peppers, potatoes and eggplant can trigger flare-ups of FM and various forms of arthritis.

Some GOOD diet approaches include a heart-healthy diet – that is, one that is low in saturated fat and includes lean meats & poultry, fresh fruits and vegetables. This diet improves one’s overall health, thus reducing the risk of secondary FM and allowing the body to better fight off other disease processes. This diet is also anti-inflammatory, the common link found in many health conditions. A vegetarian diet comprised of mostly whole foods was also reported as helpful. High potency vitamin supplement and specifically Omega 3 fatty acids (main ingredients – EPA & DHA) included in fish oil, flax seed, walnuts, some fortified cereals, and eggs also help reduce inflammation. These recommendations are research supported and we can further discuss the nutritional approaches that benefit patients suffering with fibromyalgia.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Lawrenceville - Gwinnett Chiropractor Discusses Carpal Tunnel Syndrome & Wrist Pain



Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Can I Diagnose It Myself?

Your Lawrenceville, GA Chiropractor Carpal Tunnel & Wrist Pain Sufferers Find Relief!!
We are so used to fixing everyday problems ourselves in society today, that we sometimes do this when it comes to health care. The "can-do" American spirit of "pulling yourself up by your boot straps" is alive and well. We are bombarded by advertising messages that tell us if we have a pain in the wrist or back, then just go to the drug store and get some pills. The messages seem to make sense. If I have a problem with my wrist, then it must be carpal tunnel syndrome, right?

Nothing could be further from the truth. The reality is that hand and wrist pain or numbness can come from many different causes-some even very serious diseases such as cancer. Even a disease such as diabetes can show up as wrist or hand pain. There are also different types of arthritis that can show similar symptoms. Only through x-rays and laboratory tests can these distinctions be made.

Also at issue is the fact that long nerves run from your neck and spinal cord and down your arm to the hand. An injury anywhere along the course of this nerve, could make you feel pain in your fingers or hand. And then, of course, there are wrist traumas or repetitive motion injuries that can further complicate the picture.

This should illustrate to you how important a thorough diagnosis is before deciding on a cause for a problem and a course of action to get it resolved. Even a detailed history by a doctor will not be enough to determine if you have carpal tunnel syndrome. So if you've been diagnosed with this condition and the doctor failed to examine your wrist, the diagnosis can be incorrect. An astute doctor will use the history of the pain combined with very specific tests to determine how your wrist functions. We do these examinations too, but also include an analysis of the neck region, which can cause irritation to a nerve, that then produces hand symptoms.

Once you get the diagnosis correct, there are many options for treatment. Medications, splints, and surgery are tried by many with varying degrees of success. For those who want a more natural, and drug and surgery-free alternative, then chiropractic care is an excellent option to consider.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Your Lawrenceville Chiropractor Discusses Stress & Headaches


Lawrenceville - Suwanee, GA Chiropractor, Gwinnett Chiropractor

How does stress affect your wellbeing? And how is stress related to getting headaches? There are many paths to this and I will discuss the most common ways stress can make you more headache prone.

Stress can affect our sleep. Americans just do not get enough sound, restful and restorative sleep. Studies suggest that few of us get the necessary eight hours each night. Tossing and turning, and simply not recovering from the previous day, adds tension to your morning. Sleep deprivation itself can lead to headaches. Sometimes we compensate for this by taking in a lot of caffeine each day, which can then create a vicious cycle, making us jittery and affecting our ability to fall asleep later that night.

How we react to it stress also affects us. Some of us literally "take it out' on our bodies, channeling the stress into our neck and shoulders. This can cause tension-type headaches where the back muscles of your neck are tight and ropey. "Knots" in the muscles can develop, sending shooting pains into your head, as if it’s trapped in a vise, being squeezed by the muscle tension.

Stress can affect us by disrupting our normal healthy routine. Instead of eating right and exercising, we resort to eating junk foods and avoiding the gym. Over-eating and not maintaining a healthy weight can add to the stress on our body, the spine, and our heart.

A lot of us think we handle stress well and just need a two-week vacation to get back on track. But really, two weeks off does little to change your life for the other fifty weeks during the year. The key is to learn how to handle and deal with stressors on a "day to day" basis. Sometimes, it's a spinal injury that is not corrected that adds to a stressful feeling. Sometimes, it's conflict at work or at home, that is simply not getting resolved. Are we ourselves taking time out to smell the roses?

Each day, try to do something positive for yourself, and resist the temptation to worry about the future and fret about the past. Take each day as it comes and try to have positive thoughts. These practices can help improve your outlook and perspective. There's a lot to be said for the person who wears "rose-colored glasses," or the person who can just let the water "run off of the duck's back."

Try a different attitude in approaching the stressful things in your life. Sometimes just getting things into perspective and not stressing the small stuff are important to leading a more stress-free life, and enjoying the hidden pleasures that life brings to us each and every day.

If you've been suffering with chronic neck pain or headaches, call our office for a FREE Consultation at 770-817-0833. Call Today!!

Until Next Time,

Dr. James Roman
Your Lawrenceville, GA Chiropractor

Monday, June 15, 2009

Where Can I Find Information About Fibromyalgia?

Gwinnett Chiropractic Care - Lawrenceville, GA Chiropractor Talks About Fibromyalgia Pain!

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a very common condition that affects approximately 5% of the female population. A partial list of symptoms associated with FM include widespread pain and includes fatigue, non-restorative sleep, generalized stiffness, memory problems, poor balance, headache, numbness/tingling, painful muscle cramps/spasms, depression, anxiety, back pain, jaw pain, and hypersensitivity to: noise, lights, odors (perfumes), and weather changes. It is important to note that FM is NOT a psychiatric disorder, and can be diagnosed and treated, though promising a cure is not realistic.

There are many websites and articles that one can access through the internet. This is not an endorsement for any one site but rather, a review of one site that is available. The “Fibromyalgia Information Foundation” (www.myalgia.com) offers a lot of information that is very informative and usable. This includes information on the condition, the diagnosis, treatment, exercise advice and more. For example, under “Treatment of FM,” it is stated that there is no “cure” for FM. Rather, the goal of treatment is to teach the patient to gain “control” over the condition rather than to have the condition control the patient. There are four major areas of treatment to concentrate on which include pain management, exercise, sleep, and psyche. For pain management, there are lists of different medications, manual therapies and physical agents that can be of benefit. Exercise is emphasized to be gentle stretching after warming up and not to exercise too aggressively, so as to avoid irritation. In addition to stretching, light non-impacting aerobic exercise such as walking, water exercises, and/or stationary bike are recommended with a gradual increase in dose. Starting out at short 3-5 minute sessions, 2-3 times per day and gradually increase the session duration to three, 10 minute sessions/day, then to 2 -15 minute sessions and eventually one 20-30 minute session/day may be wise.

Regarding sleep, all FM patients complain of interrupted, non-refreshed sleep and improving this pattern is important. If an underlying condition such as whiplash, back, neck, or shoulder pain is the cause of interrupted sleep, that condition should be managed. A sleep study to determine if sleep apnea is an issue and the use of a C-pap unit can be quite helpful in gaining restorative sleep. Multiple medications are listed with dose recommendations that can be shared with your primary care provider. Regarding the “psyche”… Because chronic pain can result in depression, anger, fear, withdrawal and anxiety, management of these issues is important. Early detection and treatment is ideal. Interventions can include activity management such as ergonomic modifications both at work and home such as weight lift/carry limits, computer station re-design, the use of headsets vs. phones, and modifying other irritating postures should be considered. A de-emphasis of medications and long-term health care provision without clear goals is important. Unless an underlying psychological condition is present, counseling may be non-productive. However, biofeedback and some behavior modification may benefit some patients that are having trouble coping with the pain and it’s effect on their life.

Chiropractic is an important player in the management process of FM and benefits the patient by helping them set realistic goals and offering management strategies to help achieve those goals. Patients with FM need a “quarterback” to guide them in this process for which chiropractic is a logical choice. If you or a loved one is suffering with FM, sharing this information may be one of most significant acts of kindness you can give to that person.

If you or a family member has been suffering with chronic fibromyalgia pain, call our office to set up a FREE CONSULTATION! Call 770-817-0833 Today!!

Yours in health,

Dr. James Roman
Your Lawrenceville Chiropractor

Saturday, May 30, 2009

H1N1 / Swine Flu Natural Remedies? Gwinnett County - Lawrenceville Suwanee Chiropractor Reveals Secret!!

Gwinnett County Chiropractor - Chiropractor in Lawrenceville, GA Reports:

Here's What You Need To Know To Quickly And Easily Boost Your Immune System...

This Will Help Protect You Against Any Flu Virus - Including The H1N1 - Swine Flu Virus!The H1N1 - Swine Flu Virus is quickly spreading all over the world. You can't control the outcome… but you can take action and boost your immune system.

Here's The Secret:
1) Boost your immune system with Vitamin C - aka - (Ascorbic Acid)!First of all, if you tried Vitamin C in the past and it didn’t seem to work… that’s because most of the tablet forms available on the market are too weak and ineffective. Those tablets go in one end and out the other. I’ve heard numerous times that our digestive system only assimilates approximately 10% - 20% of the tablet. It is a waste of time and money to take those big tablets!Bottom Line: Buy Vitamin C - (Ascorbic Acid) only in it's true “POWDER” form! The drug store doesn’t carry the powder form… so you have to go to a special vitamin or nutritional store - etc. Also – you need to only get the powder form - NOT the crystal form or NOT a combination of Vitamin C plus Calcium... JUST THE PURE POWDER!Vitamin C – powder: How much do you need to take when you’re HEALTHY and how much do you need to take when you’re SICK?Here’s a SIMPLE way to determine how much Vitamin C your body requires WHEN YOU’RE HEALTHY:Take 1/2 teaspoon of the Vitamin C powder (approx. 2500 mg)… mixed in water… and see if it makes you “gassy”… or have diarrhea. If so… that amount is TOO much… then… the next day… test 1/4 of a teaspoon. Once you figure that out… that’s how much Vitamin C your body requires at a “healthy” state.Everyone in your family might require different amounts of Vitamin C powder, when their healthy, so you’ll have to follow this formula for each individual.How much Vitamin C your body requires WHEN YOU’RE SICK?When you start feeling a fever coming on… or you start to catch a “cold” - etc… START TAKING THE VITAMIN C MORE OFTEN! You can take your usual dosage once every 4 hours throughout the day until you feel better. When you’re “SICK” – your body will utilize every single molecule… so you won’t get “gassy” or get diarrhea! Just remember to separate the Vitamin C from any medications you might be taking because they don't mix very well. IF YOU FOLLOW THIS ADVICE – YOU CAN HELP OVERPOWER THE FLU OR COLD VIRUS!... QUICKLY, EASILY AND SAFELY!

2) Boost your immune system with CHIROPRACTIC spinal manipulation!
Yes - This is very important! Since the beginning of time, it has been a known fact that the immune system is directly linked to the nervous system. If it’s been a while since you last got treated by your chiropractor… make a call today and get back on a regular schedule of treatment.Your nervous system and immune system respond expedientially when you get chiropractic treatments… when you're sick or even when you’re already feeling good and healthy! Trust me… you’ll figure this out quickly.

HERE'S 6 WAYS TO FURTHER HELP PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST THE H1N1 - SWINE FLU OR ANY OTHER FLU VIRUS:
1) Avoid large groups of people...
2) Wash hands often...
3) Buy a face “mask” now… instead of waiting...
4) Clean surfaces of shopping carts/public restrooms...
5) Be careful in the emergency rooms / hospitals…
6) Thoroughly cook meats (meat/fish)...

JUST USE YOUR COMMON SENSE!Here’s what you need to know about the H1N1 - Swine Flu virus:H1N1 - Swine Flu FACTS: The 2009 outbreak of swine flu occurred in Mexico. This is a variant of the H1N1 strain responsible for the 1918 pandemic… which infected over two million (2,000,000) Americans and killed over five hundred thousand (500,000) Americans! This current mutated variant was first identified in Mexico City and the surrounding area in March to April 2009. Within a few weeks, thousands of people had been infected and the amount of people who have died, so far, is unknown. The Mexican government has introduced emergency measures, and sparked a coordinated international effort to contain the outbreak, which involved quarantine measures, restrictions in travel and stockpiling of treatments. This outbreak prompted the World Health Organization, on April 26, 2009 to declare the world one step closer to a pandemic, by raising the pandemic alert level from 3 to 4. Phase 4 refers to when there are small clusters -- e.g., <25>(Excerpt from Wikipedia.com - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Influenza)

I HOPE THIS INFORMATION HELPS!

**This is for informational purposes only… and not intended for medical advice. Although Vitamin C is a safe and natural supplement, if you have any medical problems or questions concerning Vitamin C… please consult your primary physician.To schedule a complimentary consultation and learn how we can improve your immune system, just call our office at 770-817-0833 and visit our website at http://www.drjamesroman.com/ Our standard business hours are: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday between 9 and 12:30 PM and 3:30 to 7 PM in the evening. Saturdays we're open from 9-1 PM.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

May 9th Mother's Day Patient Appreciation Day!!

Okay, so it's that special time of the year again. Time to recognize all the special women in our lives that make our lives so enjoyable. In honor of all the Mom's in our practice, we're taking time to celebrate and give you a special day in our office. On Saturday May, 9th, we're celebrating Mother's Day early, and raffling off 2 One Hour Massages for Spa Sydell.

In addition, if you're Mom and you've been suffering with chronic health problems; ie. Pain, Headaches, Sciatica, and arm and wrist problems, then call us for a FREE CONSULTATION AND PAIN RELIEF SCREENING to see if Natural Chiropractic Care can help.

Call us at 770-817-0833 today.

Ask for Mayling and tell her you want your Special Mother's Day Pain Relief Evaluation, and she'll set you up for an appointment right away!!

Your Lawrenceville, GA Chiropractor

Dr. James Roman

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

April's Patient Of The Month; Donald Fyffe


Introducing April's POM, (Patient of the Month). It's Donald Fyffe. Donald's been under chiropractic care for several months now, and has achieved great results with Natural Chiropractic Care. As always, POM's get a FREE Dinner Gift Certificate to their favorite restaurant. So stay tuned to next month to see if you're May's POM!!

Does The Use Of A Low Back Support Or Brace Really Make A Difference?

“Do you think a back brace will help my condition?”
This is a question that is frequently asked of many health care providers who treat low back pain.

The answers typically vary, as there is support for and against the use of a brace when low back pain is present. In a Feb. 2009 study, the use of an elastic lumbar belt was studied in a group of subacute low back pain patients for its effect on functional capacity (lift and carry types of activities), pain intensity, and the effects on health care service costs. This study was unique in that it was carried out in several different locations and, the patients were randomized and received either a lumbar belt or nothing (“control group”). 197 patients were included in the study, which is a good sample size for research purposes. The results of the study, at the end of 90 days, revealed a higher score for the back brace treated group than the non-braced control group. The pain scale improved greater in the brace treated group as an improvement of 42 points vs. 32 points was reported. Similarly, 61% in the brace treated group used no medication compared to 40% in the non-braced group. It was concluded that patients with subacute low back pain improved significantly in functional status, pain reduction and medication utilization.

The use of back braces has been considered a “standard” in the treatment of patients with LBP for many years. One argument against using back braces centers around becoming “dependant” either physically or mentally on its use and this has long been a concern amongst health care providers. For most patients, this is not a concern as most do not “enjoy” the use of a brace and they look forward to discontinuing their use of it. Braces are particularly helpful when the patient cannot stop performing needed activities, such as work. This is especially true for farmers who have to tend to the animals and crops during planting, cultivating and harvest times of the year. In addition, single moms or dads who have to go to work in order to provide for their children are driven to stay on the job. In these cases, the use of a back brace can be of utmost importance.

There are many types of back braces. Some are narrow and are particularly favored when frequent bending and/or twisting movements are required by a job, sport, or other daily activity. Other braces are taller in the back and taper in the front, which give better support but still allow some bending / twisting movements. Some braces are more rigid and can actually stop movement in certain directions. These types include a hard, rigid surface that is placed in the area of the back where movement is not desired. These are used at times when there are fractures of the spine, after spinal surgery and in scoliosis bracing. Some braces are to be worn low on the pelvis to support that area, while most are placed in the center of the low back region. There are also rib belts sometimes used when ribs fracture, soft and rigid neck braces sometimes used after car accidents, and braces for the arms or legs. The decision to use a brace rests on the degree of injury and the patient’s ability to avoid certain activities or positions. When the injury is significant and/or the patient cannot control his/her activities (such as work), then the use of a brace may be one of the most important treatment approaches for that patient. It’s similar to having stitches when a deep or wide cut occurs. Ask us about the use of supports, braces, or belts if you or your family or friends are suffering with low back pain.

If you suffer with chronic back pain, give our office a call. For a FREE Consultation, call 770-817-0833.

Yours In Health,

Dr. James Roman

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – Chiropractic VS Medical Treatment

There are many patients who suffer from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). In fact, CTS is one of the most common work related injuries. In spite of multiple studies that show the benefits of chiropractic treatment with patients suffering from CTS, many medical doctors are unaware of the studies and still tell their patients that chiropractic treatment is either ineffective, or may actually harm them. This unsupported ill advice can easily result in the patient not even considering chiropractic care as a potential effective form of treatment. This can be especially damaging to a patient who cannot tolerate anti-inflammatory medications such as Ibuprofen, Aleve, or aspirin. In fact, side effects secondary to stomach pain (gastritis and/or ulcer) can be quite common, especially at the recommended dose of 2400 mg / day. Moreover, if poor tolerance to these medications exists and a unsatisfying response to conservative medical treatment occurs, the “next step” offered to the patient may be surgery. Surgery that may have been avoidable had chiropractic treatment been considered on an equal par to non-surgical medical care.

There are several studies available that will enlighten those who simply are not aware of the effectiveness of chiropractic care in the treatment of CTS. In 1998, a 91 patient group was divided in half and treated for 9 weeks by either a non-surgical medical approach or by a chiropractic treatment approach. The medical approach included the use of 800 mg of Ibuprofen, 3x/day for 1 week, 2x/day for 1 week, and 800mg as needed to a maximum of 2400 mg/day dose for 7 weeks, as well as the use of a nighttime wrist splint. The chiropractic group utilized manipulation of the bony joints and soft tissues of the spine and upper extremity for 3x/week for 2 weeks, 2x/week for 3 weeks, and 1x/week for 4 weeks, in addition to ultrasound over the carpal tunnel and a wrist splint at night. It was reported that BOTH the medical and the chiropractic patient groups did equally well stating, “significant improvement in perceived comfort and function, nerve conduction and finger sensation.”

In 2007, two different chiropractic approaches were compared and found to both be equally effective in improving nerve conduction, wrist strength, and wrist motion as well as patient satisfaction and daily activity function. These improvements were maintained for 3 months in both groups equally as well. Another study reported significant improvements in strength, range of motion, and pain after chiropractic treatment was given to 25 patients diagnosed with CTS. The majority of the patients reported continued improvements for 6 months or more. There are other studies but I think the point is obvious – chiropractic treatment helps patients with CTS.

The type of treatment that one may receive when being treated by a chiropractor includes manipulation of the bony joints of the neck and upper extremity. The objective of this is to improve the mobility of the joints and loosen the muscles through which the nerves pass, particularly, the median nerve that runs through the carpal tunnel and innervates the 2nd to 4th fingers. There are several exercises of both stretching and strengthening types that strive for similar goals. Physical therapy modalities such as low-level laser therapy have reported beneficial results. Other modalities such as ultrasound, interferential current (IFC), ice massage/cupping over the tunnel, and others may also be utilized. Nighttime wrist splints or braces also help to keep the wrist straight so that prolonged bending of the wrist at night is not possible. There may be other treatment approaches that a chiropractic physician may suggest on an individual case basis.

Dr. James Roman,

PS: If you suffer with chronic wrist pain, give our office a call for a FREE Consultation at 770-817-0833.