Entries Tagged as ''

Will Chiropractic Assist in Relieving Carpal Tunnel Pain?

Introduction

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome falls into the category of neurological conditions called nerve entrapment disorders and is by far the most well-known of these disorders. As the name implies, these conditions come about when a nerve is trapped or constricted between other tissues of the body causing irritation and dysfunction of the nerve.

Anatomy

The carpal tunnel rests within the underside of the wrist. It is a tunnel, or passage, through which the Median nerve travels on its way to energize and animate the hand and fingers. In addition to the median nerve, the carpal tunnel includes the nine tendons of the forearm muscles that are responsible for bending and flexing of the fingers and thumb. Also within the tunnel are arteries and lymphatic vessels that deliver circulation to the hand. Wrist bones form the bottom and sides of the tunnel, while the top is shaped by the transverse carpal ligament, a powerful band of connective tissue. The diameter of the carpal tunnel is about the same as the index finger making the carpal tunnel a jam-packed space. The flexor tendons, arteries and median nerve are expected to glide without friction past each other during wrist and finger movement.

If the tendon size increases from inflammation or hypertrophy (growth), or if the carpal tunnel size shrinks due to  a mechanical dysfunction of the carpal bones, the median nerve can become compressed or entrapped within the carpal tunnel. In the beginning, carpal tunnel symptoms mainly include, pain, numbness, pins and needles, and tinging in the fingers and hand, particularly the thumb and adjacent two fingers.  These symptoms are especially noticeable in the night and often wake people from their sleep as the individual has to sit up in bed and shake-out and/or rub the hands in order decrease these unpleasant feelings.  In addition, activity can cause the hands to feel awkward or weak, and fatigue easily. Over time, the ability to grasp small objects using the thumb and fingers can be affected severely and if left untreated, can lead to total dysfunction of the hand.

Some common causes and associated conditions are:

  • repetitive and forceful grasping with the hands
  • prolonged computer usage especially with poor wrist position
  • activities that require repetitive bending of the wrist
  • broken or dislocated bones in the wrist which produce swelling
  • arthritis, especially the rheumatoid type
  • thyroid gland imbalance
  • sugar diabetes
  • hormonal changes associated with menopause or pregnancy

Although any of the above can can be a contributing factor to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, in many cases the cause is unknown. Nevertheless, those who work with equipment that vibrates and/or perform their jobs in extreme temperatures often develop carpal tunnel symptoms.  In addition, repetitive housework as seemingly inconsequential as wringing clothes by hand, can bring on carpal tunnel symptoms. By far the most significant reason for the increase of people suffering with CTS is the continuous rise in the use of computers. This is becoming a major concern in the developed world where people of all ages are spending much of their time typing on a keyboard & clicking on a mouse.

Treatment

Proper diagnosis and management of this condition is essential in order to curtail the disabling symptoms associated with the advancement of CTS. Your Ventura Chiropractor has many years of experience in this area. Chiropractors are equipped to deal with this problem and can offer many sufferers with relief.  In addition to chiropractic adjustments of the wrist joints, treatment by chiropractor may include inflammation reduction therapy such as ultrasound or low level laser. Electromusclestim can often help to strengthen the weak muscles of the forearm and soft tissue massage is effective in stretching contracted tissues. You might be advised to wear a splint or support, especially at night, to aid in the decompression of the carpal tunnel. Your Ventura Chiropractor will also give you specific exercises to stretch and/or strengthen muscles of the forearm and hand.

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • YahooMyWeb
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • TwitThis
  • Live
  • LinkedIn
  • Pownce
  • MySpace

Chiropractic Management Can Decrease the Pain of Sports Injuries

Sports injuries, these days are not just limited to professional athletes or kids who participate in school sports programs. Now, more than ever, men and women of all ages participate in regular sports and fitness activities. Many people of both sexes play golf, tennis, basketball, and/or participate in aerobic activities like running. Regrettably, risk of injury is constantly a possibility with any sports activity.

The majority of injuries generally fit into two groups: 1) traumatic injury, such as a slip, fall, or collision and, 2) repetitive stress or overuse injury.

Traumatic Injuries

As the name implies, this sort of injury creates the sort of incapacitation and debilitation most often associated with trauma. As a rule injuries to the ligaments (the tissue that connects bone to bone) and to muscles are the most common, however the trauma of fractures and dislocations frequently occurs in contact sports. An injury to a ligament is called a sprain, while damage to a muscle or its tendon is a strain. The most common parts of the body for these types of injuries are the ankles, knees, and shoulders, nevertheless other areas can be affected including the low back and neck. Because the spinal cord and/or spinal nerves can be affected, injury to the neck and low back can be extremely serious.

Traumatic injuries can range from a mild “muscle pull” or ankle twist to a serious problem requiring surgery. It is based upon the amount of tearing of the tissues, the area of the body, and the age of the person. Almost all sprains and strains are identified with some degree of swelling and on occasion with internal bleeding, especially with injury to the ankles and knees. With all strains and sprains appropriate management is very important, particularly during the initial stages of the injury to assure proper healing and avoid future disability. Attention from a competent health-care professional, such as your Santa Barbara chiropractor, is highly expedient.

If you’ve sustained an injury, the best course of action is to see a professional. Until aid is attainable, remember the acronym, PRICE:
P    Protect injury to avoid more damage
R    Rest the damaged body region
I     Ice injury to lessen swelling, bleeding, muscle spasm, and pain
C    Compress injury with a specifically designed or elastic bandage to support injured tissues
E    Elevate the injury, particularly when dealing with ankles and knees

As formerly mentioned, appropriate assessment and care are vital to a thorough recovery. A chiropractor can find out the magnitude of your injury and institute needed recovery treatment. When knowledgeable management is given during the various stages of healing, the majority those who have sustained sprain and strain injuries will recover. If not carefully monitored and treated, a sprain or strain injury can result in long-lasting joint instability, painful or weak joints and muscles, and lack of mobility. A chiropractor that is trained in the care of sports injuries can give the proper advice and care you’ll need to insure that your injury will mendl in the best possible way. If you have sustained a traumatic injury, call your Santa Barbara chiropractor.

Repetitive Stress, or Overuse, Injuries

Sports such as golf, tennis, and bowling, as well as any other activity that demands the same movements over and over are prevalent reasons for repetitive stress injuries. Even running, particularly on a treadmill, can produce such conditions.

Basically, overuse or repetitive stress injuries happen when an individual is occupied in a repetitious activity that produces a very small strain to tissues, especially tendons and muscles, that by itself would not generate a problem, but done many times has an accumulative effect.  Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is one of the most frequent types of overuse injuries. The pain, stiffness, and disability associated with carpal tunnel problems happens over a period of time as the muscles and other affected tissue develop changes that no longer let normal function. There are two types of factors that predispose a person to these types of problems:  1) Intrinsic, i.e., found within a person’s own body, and 2) Extrinsic, i.e., external factors that can generally be changed or controlled by the person.

Some of the most widespread intrinsic factors for injury

Age is the mostwell-established intrinsic factor for injury. The older a person is, the easier it is for that man or woman to get injured. Congenital abnormalities are another factor. A number of people are born with joint or muscle problems. And, ultimately, previous injuries are a factor as they frequently prevent the joints or muscles from functioning correctly.

Extrinsic factors for injury

Extrinsic factors are abundant.  For instance, sports equipment can insufficient–a wrong grip size of tennis racket or worn-out running shoes are clear examples, even a playing surface can be a factor, e.g., a too-hard surface for soccer or an uneven treadmill. Improper technique, like an awkward golf grip or swing, can cause stress and strain injuries. A further factor is poor conditioning. A number of people are injured because they are out of shape. Added frequency or prolonged duration of an activity, without building up slowly, can create the circumstances for injury. Lack of flexibility can produce injury if an individual is too stiff to do an activity properly. Warming up is vital before sports activities and not warming up, that is, not stretching or preparing for an activity is a common cause of injury.  And, finally, but perhaps surprising to some, stress is a factor. Being tired or stressed can produce tense, inflexible muscles that are too tight for most activities.

There are many factors that are extrinsic and, therefore, within a person’s control. Nevertheless, most people need assessment by a qualified health care professional to establish their overall body health, the type of injury, and the solution to the problem. If left untreated, sports injuries can greatly affect a person’s life and limit a favorite activity. Treatment such as joint manipulation, massage, bracing, and specific exercises is generally required to stabilize the condition. A chiropractor is and excellent source of help. Call a chiropractor if you’re either thinking of beginning a new activity, you’re feeling pain related to a current sports activity, or you’ve sustained a sports injury. Your Santa Barbara Chiropractor has years of experience helping people just like you.

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • YahooMyWeb
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • TwitThis
  • Live
  • LinkedIn
  • Pownce
  • MySpace

Learning a Masterful New Golf Swing Technique

When you start to become an experienced golfer, you can just feel when you go into your downswing as you reach the peak of your backswing. When you reach this point, it’s a good golf swing technique.

Is this a little confusing? Don’t worry, it just means we’re about to talk to the hands. When you head up to the top of your new golf swing, the upper arm leverage becomes apparent. You can feel the control that is building up in the hands, wrists, arms, and shoulder. Almost like a jet engine warming up before it goes from 0 to a gazillion MPH off a carrier.

Obviously you want to have a smooth fluent motion going from your golf backswing to you downswing, but it’s a little more difficult then it sounds. Everything must be done in reverse when you’re coming back down. The goal here is to have a motion that works as one when you’re coming back down to hit the ball.

Unfortunately, many golfers mistakenly swing harder in the downswing and think it will bring more power. The end result usually ends up either right or left of the fairway. However, if you slow down the action and feel the power shoot up your arm, it is like a sense that tells you to pause at the top of the backswing and shift downward.

The downswing then gives you the opportunity to slow the drive of your hands and inner arm across the body. Then of course you have to remember the shift of weight in the lower portion of your body with the shaft of the club behind the hands.

When you do this, it will allow you to have the power in your hands when you reach the top of the swing. It will also give the hands the ability to work more freely. This results in keeping the club face square and gives you more power when driving through the ball.

You will notice that the head will then come in where it is almost level with the golf ball. If you are doing this correctly, your club head will be set in an 8 o’ clock position or even nine. However, you won’t see it any lower.

It’s probably one of the most difficult positions of your golf swing and one I see students struggle with all the time. What it comes down to is if you can master this technique like many other golfers, the end result will be unprecedented in your golf scores. Anyone who can have constant accuracy with any club will be able to have a hitting line that is repetitive.

I’ll tell you what, here’s a good way to look at it. If you have a mediocre golfer with a nice shapely swing and unsure about the delivery, there’s a reason for it. It most likely has to do with the hand control and timing that makes a golfer feel uncomfortable and will wind up varying the position of the club head. What ends up happening is the release into the hitting area is constantly altered.

A good way to figure this out is by setting up four or five balls and pitch them on the green with the trusty 7-iron. If you’re having problems you will notice that one ball will end up on the back of the green, one on the front, one short, one left, and probably one right. Try doing it during your golf short game and you’ll end up all over the course.

The only way to fix this is by working and training yourself to give your hands enough room. If you can’t bring the club into the appropriate position, you won’t be able to feel like you’re hitting the ball off the carpet.

Does this make a little more sense? You have to shape the delivery the same way you did the swing. Just remember that you need to train your hands to hit that eight o’ clock position. If you can wait for it, the power will be able to pour back into the ball.

You just have to want to get the right golf swing technique. Do this and you’ll improve it dramatically.

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • YahooMyWeb
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • TwitThis
  • Live
  • LinkedIn
  • Pownce
  • MySpace

Golf Packages

Australia is a attractive land having sanctified with the diverse range in the climatic conditions such as the sub tropical calamities, panoramic outlooks, and the natural wilderness which as a result becomes the favored holiday destination for millions of guests from around the world.

In Australia, Queensland is one of the most recognized holiday destinations mainly due to the striking site of Gold coast which is augmented by the beauty and the stunning brightness of the sun, the calm breeze in the exotic beaches that are flooded with the sea water, matchless surfing as well as golfing amenities, the beautiful rainforest scenery, and the best world class exceptional hospitality services.

Gold coast due to its attractive beaches, is one of the most ideal holiday destinations for the guests and thus also proffers the diverse forms of restricted and comfy accommodations. They provide the accommodations to all the sorts of guests as per their requirements. Moreover, this attractive and fantastic holiday destination is completely equipped to supply the guests with the top amenities. The place gives a wide range of sightseer attractions like 20 golf courses of international standard and superb surfing amenities.

As a result of these services it is rightly called as the paradise for the surfers and the golfers. They offer separate accommodations for golfers and surfers to form a matchless community. Most golfing accommodations are located near the world recognized golfing services like Robina woods, Lakelands, Brookwater, Hope Island, The glades, Palm Meadows, sanctuary cove, the colonial, Royal Pines, sunshine coast golf course and many others.

Accommodations for the surfers and swimmers are positioned nearby the beach so that they can access the facilities instantly. The rest of the accommodations in gold coast are all situated nearby the varied entertainment services such as the night clubs, casino, convention centre, etc. which offer the best services to the sightseers. For those who wants something unique out of their holidays, the entire assortment of star rated hotels are also obtainable.

The Gold coast golf is also extremely recognized for organizing the varied personalized golf packages for all the golf lovers. Thus, the famous golfing facilities can organize great golf tours for you across Australia if they are informed well in advance. Their golfing package tours are inclusive of all the itineraries, lodging and boarding services, internal transfers from airport to the accommodation and back with all the payable taxes.

These special accommodations also proffer the complete staying and playing amenities along with the other facilities for a single person as well as a group of people. All the accommodations are also proffered to the non playing partners of the tourists. They can appoint a complete 18 holes golf course exclusively for a group of golfers for the specified period of time and also arrange for all the golfing accessories and facilities besides specialist facilities of skilled and trained golfers for the fresh golfers.

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • YahooMyWeb
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • TwitThis
  • Live
  • LinkedIn
  • Pownce
  • MySpace