The Most Common Spinal Disc Problems
Why it Matters:
Your spinal disc is a complex piece of cartilage that sits between the vertebrae (bones) that make up your spine. Your discs have two parts. The tough outer portion, called the annulus fibrosus, is made up of collagen fibers. The inside of the disc is called the nucleus pulposus, which is gel-like. The discs have three main functions: to absorb shock, hold the vertebrae of the spine together, and allow flexibility of the spinal column.
Back pain and other symptoms can occur if the disc is damaged or pressing on your spinal nerves. The following are some common disc problems.
Types of Spinal Disc Problems
Herniated Discs - A herniated disc is often called a slipped or ruptured disc. Symptoms depend on what part of the spine is affected and usually only occur on one side of the body. Patients describe a burning, sharp, stabbing, or shooting pain with specific movements. Some people experience numbness, tingling, or weakness if there's spinal nerve compression.
Degenerative Disc Disease - When one or more spinal discs break down, often due to age and injury, pain can result. Over time, your spinal discs become worn and lose their rubbery texture. It's unable to act as a shock absorber, and flexibility can become limited.
Next Steps:
Does Your Back Hurt? Back pain can significantly impact your activities and active lifestyle. If you’ve experienced back pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness, give us a call at 786-391-3868. These symptoms may be a sign that you have a spinal disc problem.
Science Source(s):
PHerniated Lumbar Disc. BMJ 2011
Getting Older Doesn't Mean Slowing Down
Bottom Line:
Staying healthy as you age isn't just about adding more years to your life. It's also about adding more life to your years! Participating in daily physical activity and exercise can help ensure that you maintain a high quality of life as you get older, as well as help you reduce aches and improve your mental attitude.
Why it Matters:
Time marches on but getting older doesn't mean that you’ll have to live an inactive life. Weakness and poor balance are the result of inactivity, not age. There are plenty of activities that you can take part in to avoid slowing down as you age.
Not sure where to start? Here are a few of our favorites:
Lighting Weights: Don't worry, you don't have to throw up hundreds of pounds on the bench press to benefit from lifting weights. Studies have shown that even light to moderate weight can increase bone density and help you maintain a healthy body weight. Researchers have also discovered that weight training has the potential to help get rid of nagging pain you may have in your shoulders, lower back, and knees.
Light Cardio: Sprints and 5-mile runs aren't necessary to improve your cardiovascular health. You don't even have to jog. There are plenty of ways to get a solid cardiovascular workout without hurting your joints or wearing you out for the next three days. Popular options include cycling, swimming, and daily walking.
Yoga: Even people who are in the prime of their lives will find that yoga requires a unique combination of flexibility, strength, and balance. By balancing strength and flexibility, yoga remains one of the best ways to keep your body limber.
Next Steps:
Pain is not a byproduct of aging. If you are not as active as you would like to be, let us know. Our team at iCare Chiropractic is dedicated to helping you find ways to enjoy doing the things you love with the people you love for years to come.
Science Source(s):
Physical Exercise as Therapy for Frailty. Nestle Nutrition Institute
Workshop Series. 2015.
Moving Your Body Towards Improved Health
Bottom Line:
Being healthy doesn't mean that you need to spend 20 hours each week in the gym. Even little things like standing at work can make a big improvement in your overall health. On the other hand, a sedentary lifestyle is a significant factor in many chronic diseases, as well as spinal aches and pains.
Why it Matters:
Do you drive to work and then spend your day on the computer? You may not realize that you have been spending 8, 10, or even more long hours each day sitting down. That much sitting can have a negative impact on your back, legs, neck, and even your mind.
The compression that occurs in your mid-back while seated can lead to problems in your low back and has also been linked to shoulder issues. Researchers have found the people who sit the majority of the time are more prone to a variety of chronic health diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and depression.
Incorporating more movement into your day can help keep your body and mind healthier.
- Make it a habit to stand up from your desk every 30 minutes to stretch and try to get in a brisk walk at lunchtime each day.
- Improving the mobility of your mid-back (thoracic spine) can reduce your low back pain, improve your posture, & even decrease your likelihood of experiencing shoulder issues.
- Daily exercise can lower your risk of heart disease, help control your weight, and lower your blood pressure.
Next Steps:
A few small changes in your activity level can make a huge difference, so keep your health goals in mind and start taking small daily steps in the right direction. If you feel "tight" or have pain between your shoulder blades, let us know. You may have restricted motion in your thoracic spine, and your Chiropractor in Miami would be happy to help you improve your mobility and so you can move your way towards better health.
Science Source(s):
Exercise and Cardiovascular Health. Circulation. 2003.
The Short-Term Effects of Thoracic Spine Thrust Manipulation on Patients With Shoulder Impingement Syndrome. Manual Therapies. 2009.
The Link Between Stress & Headaches
*Bottom Line*:
Miami can be stressful. Are you feeling rushed? Are you dreading a big meeting at work? These events can all add up to the start of a headache. Often, it's not the event itself that results in a headache, but rather, your body's reaction to stress. If you cope by clenching your jaw or tensing your muscles, you may be more likely to experience headaches as a
result.
*Why it Matters*:
Episodic headaches, or those that occur sporadically, are often triggered by isolated, stressful incidents, while chronic headaches typically happen because of daily, constant stress. A few of the most common everyday stress triggers include relationship troubles, anxiety, poor sleep habits, or significant life changes.
*Tips for Reducing Stress *
*Exercise More: *Regular exercise boosts endorphins, which help put you in a better mood. It also increases energy and helps take the focus off the events that are stressing you out.
*Get Some Sleep: *Aim to get at least 8 hours of sleep each night. Falling asleep at the same time every night and getting up at the same time each morning will help you fall into a healthy sleep pattern.
*Relax: *Make time for relaxation techniques that help you feel calm during periods of high stress. Meditation and yoga are just two techniques that can help you feel relaxed and collected under pressure and help mitigate the onset of stress.
*See a Chiropractor:* Keeping your spinal joints moving correctly can reduce the strain on your spine and it's supporting muscles. Chiropractic care can help you relieve pent up stress in your body and get you feeling better quickly.
*Next Steps*:
So, can stress cause headaches? Yes. While there is a link between stress and headaches, now you know there are ways to relieve it. When you feel the stressors of your daily life start to add up, take a moment to practice some relaxation techniques and make sure you get in some exercise. Use preventive measures like eating well and getting better sleep. And be sure to make time to see your Chiropractor to keep your body relaxed and stress-free.
*Science Source(s)*:
Sleep and Migraine: Assessment and Treatment of Comorbid Sleep Disorders.
Headache 2018
What Type of Headache Do You Have?
Bottom Line:
Headaches are experienced a little bit differently by everyone. You may feel tired, have blurred vision, a stiff neck, or feel as if you’re unable to function for the day. But they do all have one thing in common - they are not "normal" to deal with frequently.
Why it Matters:
There are many different types of headaches and knowing which one you have is the first step towards finding relief. Here are a few of the most common headache types:
Migraine:
Migraines come in all shapes and sizes. Typically, you'll feel a throbbing on one side of your head. This type of headache can be incredibly painful and can last up to 3 days. You may feel nauseous, have difficulty speaking, or even be sensitive to light, sound, or smell.
Tension Headache:
Tension headaches are very common and may affect up to 20% of the population. They usually consist of a constant dull pain that is felt on both sides of the head. Stress, anxiety, or depression are a few of the triggers for a tension headache. You could also get them from dehydration, loud noises, lack of sleep, or even by not getting enough exercise. In short, living a healthy lifestyle is a great way to get rid of tension headaches.
Cluster Headache:
Cluster headaches are usually experienced more by men than by women. You will generally feel an intense burning or even a piercing feeling behind or around one of your eyes. These types of headaches usually come when you least expect them and can last anywhere between 15 minutes to three hours.
Next Steps:
If you're having trouble with migraine, tension, or cluster headaches, make sure to consult with our healthcare team. Did you know research has shown and continues to show that Chiropractic care can reduce the intensity, severity, and frequency of many common headaches… all without the need for medications. Think about that the next time you find yourself dealing with one too many headache episodes. We’re here to help!
Science Source(s):
US National Library of Medicine. MedLine Plus. Tension Headache. 2019
After a Car Accident: How to Get Your Life Back
Bottom Line:
Getting into a car accident can be one of the scariest experiences of your life. In an instant, your life changes, and it can be difficult both physically and emotionally to get back to normal. Fortunately, the injuries sus2tained in most accidents can be treated conservatively, and many don't require surgery.
Why it Matters:
Chiropractors are often the first healthcare professional the majority of people see after getting into an accident. With a focus on relieving pain, restoring mobility, and supporting long-term healing, chiropractors are an option for getting well without falling into a cycle of taking dangerous prescription drugs. What's more, research has shown chiropractic care to be very effective at treating injuries like head, neck and back pain, whiplash, and extremity issues.
- Over 6 million car accidents happen each year in the US, accounting for over 3 million injuries.
- An estimated 38% of people with chronic neck pain believe it began with a car accident.
- Research shows chiropractic care can improve range of motion and decrease the pain associated with whiplash.
Next Steps:
While medications can provide pain relief, they don't do a very good job at helping your body heal. The first step is to reduce inflammation and to get moving, and we can help you do both safely at iCare Chiropractic. Moving your joints is essential to increasing the blood flow to your tissues so they can start healing. Getting back to your normal daily activities may take a little bit of time, but by sticking with a specific treatment plan, you'll be in a great position to feel better and get back to your daily life as quickly as possible.
Science Source:
A systematic review of chiropractic management of adults with whiplash-associated disorders: Recommendations for advancing evidence-based practice and research. 2010.
Why Isn’t My Shoulder Moving!?
Bottom Line:
Pain in and around the shoulder is very common after a car accident or work injury. The shoulder is considered an unstable joint which means that it has a tremendous range of motion but not much stability. The combination of fantastic mobility and limited stability make it extremely susceptible to injuries as a result of impact.
Why it Matters:
The shoulder is a ball and socket joint with 3 primary bones: the upper arm (humerus), collarbone (clavicle) and shoulder blade (scapula). These bones are held together with an intricate pattern of muscles, tendons, and ligaments. If your rotator cuff is injured, you may notice severe pain and limited range of motion. Left untreated, rotator cuff injuries can eventually result in a “frozen” shoulder and months worth of treatment to re-establish a full range of motion.
- • Your shoulder is a mobile joint that is held together with a complex network of muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
- • The incidence of whiplash + shoulder injury after a crash is estimated to be nearly 22%.
- • Holding onto the steering wheel during an accident can cause damage to the rotator cuff or initiate impingement syndromes, as can your seat belt.
Next Steps:
Shoulder injuries can sometimes mimic other injuries. Pain down into your arm due to nerve entrapment, or even referred pain up into your neck and head could be coming from your shoulder, as compression on the shoulder by a seat belt during an accident can injure the nerves that travel to your arm and hand. If your shoulder or arms feel restricted, sore, or painful after an accident, we recommend having it evaluated at iCare Chiropractic so you can get the proper care to start healing better, faster.
Science Source:
Injury mechanisms in supraclavicular stretch injuries of the brachial plexus. Hand Surgery and Rehabilitation. 2016. Whiplash injury of the shoulder: Is it a distinct clinical entity? 2005.
Whiplash: A Little Goes a Long Way
Bottom Line:
The term whiplash is the term used to describe the injuries that result from a rapid back and forth motion of the neck. These injuries can occur during a car crash, sports accident, or during a slip and fall. The most common symptoms of a whiplash injury are neck pain, headaches, and radiating pain into the shoulders, arms, and hands.
Why it Matters:
Pain after whiplash happens when the delicate ligaments supporting your neck have been damaged, and new research indicates that even low-speed crashes can create the force necessary to cause pain and injury. Whiplash can also cause damage to your facet joints and spinal discs by stretching them beyond their normal range of motion. Depending on the type of accident, we may choose to take x-rays or an MRI of your neck to evaluate your injuries better.
- Over 1.5 million whiplash injuries occur each year, many from low impact collisions.
- Whiplash can cause neck pain and headaches due to injuries to the facet joints, spinal discs, ligaments, tendons, and muscles.
- Chiropractic adjustments and massage have been recommended at effective treatment for the management of neck pain after whiplash.
Next Steps:
A stiff neck after an accident is a good clue that a whiplash injury may have occurred. Keep an eye out for swelling and bruising, which can take up to 24 hours to develop. In some cases, the partial tearing of the muscles, tendons, or ligaments around your spine can take several months to heal. Remember that getting an evaluation, and the proper care early on can help you reduce your pain and heal better and faster. Know that we’re here to support you on your road to recovery.
Science Source:
Are manual therapies, passive physical modalities, or acupuncture effective for the management of patients with whiplash-associated disorders or neck pain and associated disorders? An update of the Bone and Joint Decade Task Force on Neck Pain and Its Associated Disorders by the OPTIMa collaboration. December 2016. The Spine Journal. Neck Injury (Whiplash/Neck Sprain). National Health Service (UK). 2017. Human subject rear passenger symptom response to frontal car-to-car low-speed crash tests. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine. 2011.
What Happens to My Body During a Car Accident?
Bottom Line:
Your body wasn't designed to deal with the forces that occur in a car accident. Even though modern cars have an array of safety features, the damage from an accident can range from small aches to life-changing injuries. The force that both your vehicle and body absorb while driving along the road is known as kinetic energy. Your vehicle has been carefully built to displace the (kinetic) energy that occurs during an accident. However, no matter what type of car you have, your body will still absorb some of the impact.
Why it Matters:
The powerful forces during impact can cause injuries to your body. A few of the most common injuries that occur after a crash include:
Whiplash: when your car is rear-ended, your neck gets thrown back from the impact and then rebounds by flexing forward. Whiplash commonly injures the tendons and ligaments in your neck and can cause severe pain, and it’s estimated to occur in over 25% of auto accidents.
Head Impact: your head may collide with the headrest (during whiplash) or even the steering wheel or airbag. Concussions, headaches, and other symptoms may show up after an accident.
Shoulder and Knee Injuries: Bracing for an accident can often cause a shoulder injury. It’s also not uncommon for your knees to hit either the door or dashboard during an accident.
Next Steps:
If you've been in an automobile accident, the most crucial first step is to be evaluated by a medical professional. At the scene of the crash, your adrenaline is pumping, and you may not feel any pain or discomfort because of a state of shock. However, many people wake up the next day, experiencing the full brunt of their injuries. Call us today at 786-391-3868 if you've experienced pain as a result of a crash. We would be happy to provide a full evaluation and help you take the first steps on the road to recovery.
Science Source:
Human subject rear passenger symptom response to frontal car-to-car low-speed crash tests.
Journal of Chiropractic Medicine. 2011.
Como Levantar Su Arbol De Navidad Sin Lastimarse La Espalda
Durante estos días, muchas personas comienzan a limpiar y decorar sus casas para las fiestas de navidad. El árbol de navidad no puede faltar en muchos hogares. Lamentablemente, a través de los años hemos atendido muchas personas que se lastiman la espalda cargando o decorando el árbol de navidad. Aquí algunas recomendaciones para prevenir lesiones en su columna mientras decoran su hogar.
- BUSQUE AYUDA ANTES DE LEVANTAR EL ARBOL – Muchos árboles tanto naturales como artificiales pueden tener troncos pesados. Si su árbol es muy grande busque ayuda antes de levantarlo.
- SIEMPRE DOBLE SUS RODILLAS – Antes de levantar cualquier cosa del piso, especialmente el árbol de navidad, asegúrese de doblar sus rodillas y no su espalda. Los músculos mas grandes y fuertes de nuestro cuerpo se encuentran en nuestras piernas.
- RECACION UTILIZANDO LA ESCALERA - Muchas personas prefieres arboles altos. Practique precaución y asegúrese de tener a alguien soportando la escalera mientras usted decora la parte superior del árbol.
- SI SE LASTIMA, BUSQUE AYUDA PROFESIONAL – Disfrutemos de las fiestas sin dolor. Asegúrese de buscar ayuda profesional como la de un Quiropráctico si sufre de cualquier dolor durante esta época del año. La mayoría de los doctores Quiroprácticos aceptan seguro médico.
El Dr. Rodriguez tiene sobre 10 años de experiencia clínica tratando pacientes con problemas en su columna. Si estas buscando un doctor con experiencia, seriedad, profesionalismo y que hable su idioma llame al Dr. Rodriguez hoy. Oficina localizada en 5226 West Flagler St. Miami, FL 33134. Teléfono: 786-391-3868.
5 COSAS QUE DEBEMOS SABER LUEGO DE UN ACCIDENTE DE AUTO
Lamentablemente, se reportan sobre 500 accidentes de auto semanales en el sur de la Florida. En muchos casos estos accidentes pueden causar lesiones, confusión y estrés. En este artículo le explicamos las 5 equivocaciones más comunes que tienen las personas luego de un accidente de auto.
1- MIENTRAS MENOS DAÑO SUFRE EL AUTO MENOR SERÁN SUS LESIONES.
Esto no es necesariamente cierto. Muchos de los modelos nuevos de auto incluyen “zonas de impacto “que minimizan el daño a los vehículos. Sin embargo, en muchos casos ese impacto es transferido a nuestros cuerpos causando lesiones. No debemos olvidar que el peso promedio de un automóvil es de 3,000 libras y nuestro cuerpo no está diseñado para soportar ese tipo de impacto
2- IMPACTOS / CHOQUES DE BAJA VELOCIDAD CAUSAN MENOS LESIONES
- Estudios demuestran que accidentes causados a 5 millas por hora pueden causar lesiones permanentes en algunas personas. También hay que tomar en consideración la dirección del vehículo y la posición de la persona en el momento del impacto para determinar qué tipo de lesiones puede sufrir las personas.
3- EL DOLOR DEBE COMENZAR INMEDIATAMENTE DESPUÉS DEL ACCIDENTE
- Esto no es necesariamente correcto. Los altos niveles de adrenalina en nuestro cuerpo después de un accidente pueden bloquear la sensación de dolor en algunas personas. En muchos casos, pueden pasar días, semanas y hasta meses sin sentir dolor. Su seguro de auto puede cubrir los costos de su evaluación y tratamiento médico siempre y cuando visites a un doctor en los primeros 14 días después del accidente.
4- TENGO DOLOR, PERO NO QUIERO IR AL MÉDICO POR QUE NO TENGO SEGURO MÉDICO PARA CUBRIR LOS GASTOS-
En la mayoría de los casos, no es necesario utilizar su seguro médico privado para ver un doctor después de un accidente. Su seguro auto ( GEICO, Statefarm, USSA, etc.) tiene beneficios para gastos médicos en el caso de usted estar envuelto en un accidente de auto.
5- SI YO SOY CULPABLE, MI SEGURO DE AUTO NO CUBRIRÁ MIS GASTOS MÉDICOS -
Incorrecto- Si usted sufrió lesiones en un accidente en el cual usted tuvo la culpa, el seguro de su auto también puede cubrir los gastos por su evaluación y tratamiento médico.
El Dr. Rodriguez de iCare Chiropractic-
tiene sobre 10 años de experiencia clínica tratando personas lesionadas en accidentes de auto. También es completamente bilingüe y está disponible para contestar cualquier pregunta que usted tenga acerca de lesiones sufridas después de un accidente de auto. Para más información visite nuestra oficina localizada en el
5226 West Flagler St. Miami, FL 33134 o llame al 786-391-3868.
LA MALA POSTURA Y SU SALUD
Nuestros padres tenían razón cuando decían “SIENTESE DERECHO”. La mala postura es algo que afecta todas las generaciones. Cada día, pasamos más tiempo mirando nuestros teléfonos, computadoras y tabletas. Se calcula que la persona adulta utiliza su celular un promedio de 3 horas al día. Mirar hacia abajo y mantener esa posición por periodos largos de tiempo puede afectar significativamente nuestra postura. La realidad es, que nuestro cuerpo adopta la posición con la cual pasamos mas tiempo. La postura que adquirimos mientras utilizamos el celular o la computadora es una postura jorobada. Esta postura es caracterizada por tener el cuello estirado hacia el frente, la cabeza mirando hacia abajo, los hombros trasladados hacia el frente, el pecho hundido o contraído con la la espalda alta o área torácica jorobada.
No es secreto, que las personas con “mala postura” sufren de dolor de cuello, dolor de cabeza, dolor en los hombros, adormecimiento en las manos, calambres, debilidad, dificultad respirando y hasta problemas cardiovasculares en algunos casos. Estudios demuestran que por cada pulgada que la cabeza es trasladada hacia el frente se le añaden sobre 10 libas de peso o stress a nuestro cuello. Es por esto que las personas sufren de dolor o molestia de espalda y cuello.
¿Las buenas noticias? La postura puede mejorar sin importar la edad, siempre y cuando no sufras de alguna otra condición médica como fracturas causadas por osteoporosis y /o algunos tipos de artritis.
Personas que sufren de dolor o molestias causadas por la mala postura responde muy bien al tratamiento quiropráctico. El Dr. Rodriguez en iCare Chiropractic es uno de los pocos Quiroprácticos en Miami en estar certificado para tratar lesiones deportivas y a trabajado como parte del equipo médico del Maratón de Nueva York (Maratón más grande del mundo) en tres diferentes ocasiones. Gracias a su conocimiento en lesiones deportivas, el Dr. Rodriguez ha ayudado a muchas personas a rehabilitar su postura por medio de estiramientos musculares, ejercicios gentiles, ajustes quiroprácticos y educación ergonómica.
Durante este mes, el Dr. Rodriguez estará ofreciendo una consulta y evaluación postural completamente gratis. Los espacios son limitados. Llame hoy al 786-391-3868 para separar su cita con el Dr. Rodriguez. iCare Chiropractic esta convenientemente localizada en el Navarro Plaza de la 5226 West Flagler St. Miami, FL 33134.
El Dolor De Espalda Continúa Afectando Nuestra Comunidad Latina.
El dolor de espalda es una condición que afecta diariamente a nuestra comunidad latina en Miami. La realidad es, que el dolor de espalda es una de las causas más comunes de visitas a la sala de emergencia y / o doctores. Se estima que el 80% de la población sentirá dolor de espalda en algún momento en su vida.
Hay un sinnúmero de causas y razones por las cuales sentimos dolor de espalda. Entre ellas se encuentran levantar objetos pesados o incorrectamente, sentarnos por periodos largos de tiempo en la casa o el trabajo, sufrir traumas como caídas, accidentes de auto o lesiones deportivas, hacer movimientos repetitivos como cargar la cartera o maletín del trabajo siempre en el mismo brazo, dormir en nuestro estómago, hacer ejercicios incorrectamente y estar sobrepeso entre otras cosas.
Lo primero que debemos reconocer son las actividades que realizamos con nuestro cuerpo diariamente. Si necesitamos levantar algo pesado, busquemos ayuda, si la ayuda no está disponible utilice sus piernas en vez de su columna para levantar. Los músculos más grandes y fuertes de nuestro cuerpo se encuentran en nuestras caderas y piernas. Antes de levantar, doble sus rodillas y apriete su estómago para proteger la columna. Practique esto diariamente, hasta para levantar un papel del piso. Reduzca el peso y alterne el brazo con el cual carga su maletín o bolso. Utilice un soporte lumbar en la silla del trabajo. Si no tiene soporte lumbar, puede enrollar una toalla y colocarla entre la silla y su espalda baja para darle soporte a su columna. Por cada 20 minutos sentados, levántese por 20 segundos. 20 segundos afectara su productividad en el trabajo y le puede reducir el stress en la columna. Evite dormir boca abajo y siempre intente dormir boca arriba con una almohada bajo sus rodillas o de lado con una almohada entre sus rodillas. La obesidad o cargar mucho peso en nuestro estomago puede colocarle mucha presión a nuestra columna. Esto hace que nuestros músculos trabajen “overtime” creando espasmos musculares y dolor.
El Dr. Rodriguez tiene sobre 10 años de experiencia clínica tratando pacientes con dolores de espalda sin el uso de medicamentos o peligrosas cirugías. El Dr. Rodriguez en iCare Chiropractic es completamente bilingüe y está disponible para consultas en su oficina. Para más información visite nuestra página web www.icarechiro.com o llame a nuestra oficina 786-391-3868.
