Tag: spine

How A Chiropractor Treats Neck Pain

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How A Chiropractor Treats Neck Pain

Symptoms of neck pain include pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. While many people use pain medication or ice packs to relieve neck pain, there is a better way to treat symptoms permanently: chiropractic care. Learn how chiropractic adjustments reduce neck pain and stiffness without the use of medication.

A healthy neck is able to move in all directions, with no pain or stiffness. Tension, headaches, and reduced mobility all suggest restrictions within the neck tissue. By relieving these restrictions using manual adjustments, a chiropractor can restore the neck’s alignment. Chiropractors can also work out scar tissue or muscle knots that cause pain and inflammation.

Chiropractors use their hands to make neck adjustments, along with instruments that allow them to deliver precise adjustments to the neck tissue. By adjusting the neck muscles and realigning the spine, a chiropractor can restore alignment and length of the spine. Chiropractors can work out muscular tension and scar tissue that block neck movement.

There are sometimes crackling or clicking sounds during adjustments. These sounds indicate trapped gas is released; they are a natural side effect of treatment.

Complementary therapies may also be used to speed up healing. A chiropractor may direct you to use heat or ice packs in the aftermath of an injury. Ultrasound treatment is used to relieve neck stiffness with sound waves. Therapeutic massage and trigger point therapy work on muscular tension that often accompanies neck pain. By incorporating these natural healing methods alongside chiropractic adjustments, a chiropractor is able to relieve neck pain quickly.

Many chiropractors offer lifestyle advice designed to support healing. It’s not unusual for a chiropractor to make ergonomic suggestions, demonstrate exercises, or discuss whole life adjustments designed to improve your quality of life. Chiropractors see you as a whole person, not just a case of neck pain!

Neck Injuries a Chiropractor Treats

Although many people seek chiropractic care for neck pain, there are medical conditions a chiropractor can treat, too. These include:

      • Whiplash
      • TMJ
      • Neck strain
      • Misaligned posture
      • Degenerative disc disease
      • Osteoarthritis
      • Concussion

Some individuals believe that once you see a chiropractor, you have to keep going for life. That’s not true. Treatments generally occur on a weekly basis. After a series of treatments, the underlying condition is fully resolved, and patients are able to cease treatment.

A chiropractor can explain the treatment plan more fully and answer any questions you have during a consultation. Once you feel comfortable with the plan of care, treatments can begin.

About Dr. Eric Chesloff

Dr. Eric Chesloff, D.C., Ph.D, is a board-certified chiropractor serving the Philadelphia Main Line since 1984, including Lower Merion Township, Haverford Township, Radnor Township, Tredyffrin Township, Easttown Township, Willistown Township, Montgomery County, Delaware County, and Chester County. Services provided include gentle spinal adjustments, sports injury care, family care, auto accident care, and health education.

BRYN MAWR CHIROPRACTIC CARE

Eric G. Chesloff, D.C., Ph.D.
Rosemont Plaza
1062 Lancaster Avenue
Suite 15-I
Rosemont, PA 19010
(610) 527-8491
DrChesloff@BrynMawrChiropractic.com
www.brynmawrchiropractic.com
Hours are by appointment, Monday through Saturday. Insurance is accepted, as applicable. Dr. Chesloff is a Medicare provider.

How to Develop A Safe and Effective Spine-Strengthening Routine

Home > Blog > How to Develop A Safe and Effective Spine-Strengthening Routine

How to Develop A Safe and Effective Spine-Strengthening Routine

Yes, the human spine is designed to move. However, if you’re not actually moving as much as you could be, your spine and its supporting parts could be a source of unwelcome discomfort. Fortunately, it’s never too late to develop a routine to strengthen your spine and the muscle groups that support it. Keep reading to discover what you can do to develop a safe and effective spine-strengthening routine.

Start Slowly

It’s one thing to be firmly committed to getting started with a spine-strengthening routine, and another thing entirely to overdo it so much that you end injuring your spine. Reduce your risk of unintentional injury by starting slowly instead. By gaining confidence and allowing your spine and its supporting parts to get used to a boost in activity, it will be safer to step things up later.

Luckily, there are many options with gentler, beginner-level exercise routines good for your spine. Possibilities include:

      • Walking at a comfortable pace
      • Swimming and other water-based activities
      • Yoga, Pilates, and similar controlled movement disciplines

Seek Expert Advice

There are many knowledgeable sources you can turn to for advice as you get started with a spine-strengthening routine. The most accessible and immediate one is your own regular physician. A spine specialist or chiropractor can also recommend an appropriate routine, as can a personal trainer or fitness expert familiar with spine-friendly exercise routines.

Pay Attention to Your Body

It’s perfectly normal to be sore after you’re just getting started with any type of exercise routine. What you don’t want to do, however, is ignore signs suggesting it’s best to take a day or two to rest or change up your routine. Typically, it’s best to do this if you are noticing:

  • Sudden aches and pains around your spine
  • Worsening spine-related pain if you have existing back issues
  • Trouble with mobility
  • Discomfort that’s not going away after a day or so

Commit to Your Routine

USA Today estimates nearly 70 percent of gym memberships go unused. This is often because there’s an initial commitment to a routine at first that eventually dwindles. Starting off strong and tapering off within a month or so is something you don’t want to do with any type of spine-strengthening routine, even if it’s not one that involves a gym. Plus, starting a routine and stopping it before starting again later increases your risk of injuring your spine or its supporting soft tissues. Ultimately, you’ll do yourself and your spine a favor if you develop and stick to a routine that works best for you.

Remember Your Core

The “core” refers to the muscles primarily in your trunk area. This group of muscles extends to your pelvic area and includes muscles along the side of your body that provide support to your spine as well. These muscles need to be kept strong so your spine isn’t over-stressed from your daily movements and activities.

As you can see, there are many ways to develop and maintain a spine-strengthening routine that’s just right for you. Ultimately, you’ll be rewarded with a healthier spine and the ability to enjoy the many things you look forward to in your daily life.

About Dr. Eric Chesloff

Dr. Eric Chesloff, D.C., Ph.D, is a board-certified chiropractor serving the Philadelphia Main Line since 1984, including Lower Merion Township, Haverford Township, Radnor Township, Tredyffrin Township, Easttown Township, Willistown Township, Montgomery County, Delaware County, and Chester County. Services provided include gentle spinal adjustments, sports injury care, family care, auto accident care, and health education.

BRYN MAWR CHIROPRACTIC CARE

Eric G. Chesloff, D.C., Ph.D.
Rosemont Plaza
1062 Lancaster Avenue
Suite 15-I
Rosemont, PA 19010
(610) 527-8491
DrChesloff@BrynMawrChiropractic.com
www.BrynMawrChiropractic.com

Hours are by appointment, Monday through Saturday. Insurance is accepted, as applicable. Dr. Eric Chesloff is a Medicare provider.