ccording to the World Health Organization, headaches are among the most common disorders of the nervous system affecting an estimated 47% of adults during the past year. Headaches place a significant burden on both quality of life (personal, social, and occupational) and financial health. They are usually misdiagnosed by healthcare practitioners, and in general, are underestimated, under-recognized, and under-treated around the world. So, what about chiropractic and headaches… Does it help? Suffice it to say, there are MANY studies showing chiropractic care helps headache sufferers. For instance, in a review of past research studies using an “evidence-based” approach, chiropractic treatment of…

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a common condition that affects about five million Americans, often between ages 20 and 45 years old. FM is very difficult to diagnose primarily because there is no definitive test like there is for heart, liver, or kidney disease. Equally challenging is the ability to effectively treat FM as there are frequently other conditions that co-exist with FM that require special treatment considerations. Typically, each FM case is unique with a different group of symptoms and therefore, each person requires individualized care. Fibromyalgia symptoms can include generalized pain throughout the body that can vary from mild to severely…

Migraines can be life-altering! They can stop us from being able to enjoy a child’s piano recital, participate in family events, go to work, or simply do household chores! Wouldn’t it be nice to have ways to self-manage these miserable, often disabling headaches? Here are some options! 1. RELAXATION THERAPY: Search for a calm environment, turn off the lights (photophobia, or light sensitivity, is a common migraine complaint), minimize sound/noise (due to “hyperacusis”), and sleep if possible. Monitor the room temperature and/or use hot/cold compresses to the head and/or neck regions to relax tight muscles (heat) and reduce pain and swelling…

Whiplash is an injury to the soft-tissues of the neck often referred to as a sprain or strain. Because there are a unique set of symptoms associated with whiplash, doctors and researchers commonly use the term “whiplash associated disorders” or WAD to describe the condition. WAD commonly occurs as a result of a car crash, but it can also result from a slip and fall, sports injury, a personal injury (such as an assault), and other traumatic causes. The tissues commonly involved include muscle tendons (“strain”), ligaments and joint capsules (“sprains”), disk injuries (tears, herniation), as well as brain injury or…

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a common cause for chronic pain (pain that lasts three or more months) and afflicts 4% of the general population in the United States! FM commonly affects the muscles and soft tissues – not the joints (like arthritis); however, many FM sufferers are mistakenly diagnosed with arthritis, so it may take years before they get an accurate diagnosis. There are NO known accurate diagnostic tests for FM, which is another reason for a delayed diagnosis. In order to answer the question, “Can fibromyalgia be prevented?” we must first find the cause of FM. There are two types of…

Identifying and reducing risk factors in sports in especially important in young athletes. A review published in "The Adolescent Athlete" journal found that up to 50% go injuries could be avoided with preventative measures for youth participating in sport. Some key items to consider when looking at preventing injuries include: A pre-season screening program to identify muscle imbalances, weakness, previous injury locations and progress of healing at those sites. Waiting for an injury in-season is cuter productive for all athletes but especially young ones. An off-season general strength and conditioning program. This should be aimed at maximizing an athletes general movement skills,…

Resistance bands are a great tool to use to get a workout in anywhere you go. https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/resistance-band- exercises-summer-workout-travel 

A recent study showed that the combination of class IV laser therapy and an epicondyle bandage "showed significant improvement for all evaluated parameters including pain scores, handgrip strength, disability, and SF-36 scores after sixth week of the treatment" We offer class IV Laser Therapy at Aberdeen Chiropractic for all patients. Come see what laser can do for your chronic muscle pains today!   https://www.archivesofrheumatology.org/full-text/807

What is it? Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the thick tissue on the bottom of the foot that connects the heel to the toes and creates the arch of the foot. Symptoms The most common complaint is pain in the bottom of the heel. The heel pain may be dull or sharp. The bottom of the foot may also ache or burn. This can be painful and make walking more difficult. The pain is usually worse: In the morning when you take your first steps After standing or sitting for a while When climbing stairs After intense activity The pain may develop slowly over time, or suddenly after intense…

A meniscus tear is a common knee injury. The meniscus is a tough, rubbery, C-shaped disc that cushions your knee. Each knee has two menisci, one at the outer edge of the knee and one at the inner edge. The menisci act as shock absorbers keep your knee steady by evenly balancing your weight across the knee. A torn meniscus can prevent your knee from working properly and can lead to accelerated wear of the joint. Meniscus Tear Knee Pain Symptoms The symptoms of a torn meniscus vary depending on the size and location of the tear. Since there are no nerve…

What is a Baker’s Cyst? A Baker’s Cyst is also referred to as a Popliteal Cyst. A Baker's can be observed as a swelling or a bulge behind the knee. The symptoms are often annoying, because the pain and stiffness can lead you to limit your activities especially when the leg is fully extended. Baker’s Cyst Knee Pain Causes: A Baker’s Cyst is most commonly diagnosed in individuals as a result of another condition in the knee that causes inflammation or swelling such as arthritis or a meniscus tear. These conditions produce a lot of synovial fluid. In a healthy knee this fluid…

Want to stay full longer throughout the morning? Try eating a protein-rich breakfast. Fast-digesting carbs like those found in sugar-laden cereals will leave you feeling sluggish and hungry quicker than a meal consisting of eggs or lean proteins.

A chiropractor’s goal is to not only relieve pain, but also prevent it from reoccurring. https://www.today.com/health/tips- chiropractor-ease-back-pain-I541115  

What is a tension headache? How do we treat it? Tension headaches usually present as aches that feel like constant pressure in the front, side and base of your head. Many patients tell us that stress, posture, desk time and hunger can flare up symptoms.  While being very painful and incredibly annoying, they do not pose any significant health risk as no pathology is involved. Our treatment plan consists of a multi-faceted approach. Muscle release work, class IV laser and manual manipulations are all part of our in-house treatment protocol; home exercise and work modifications are often prescribed as well. For more information, feel…

The term tendonitis refers to inflammation of the tendons. The tendons and the other structures in the knee joint are regularly exposed to various ranges of wear and tear. The patellar tendonitis is the commonest type of tendonitis of the knee and is also referred to as knee tendonitis in some cases. Another common name used to denote patellar tendonitis is jumper’s knee. Athletes involved in sports such as running, jumping and other movements of the legs that put high pressure on the knees or result in extensive usage of the knee joint are more prone to knee tendonitis. It is…

PROFESSIONAL SPORTS ENDORSES LASER THERAPY Cincinnati Bengals We were introduced to the K-laser midway last season and it immediately became an integral part of our treatment options with the Cincinnati Bengal's. It made our low-level laser virtually obsolete and proved to be very helpful in returning our injured athletes to the field quickly. Its sleek design and fool-proof applications makes it easy for any health care professional to bring state of the art therapy into their office. Paul B. Sparling, MEd, ATC Head Athletic Trainer Cincinnati Bengals Toronto Raptors (NBA Champions!!!)- “ Since starting with the laser , I have had some outstanding results in being…

Did you know that eating in front of a TV is linked to poor food choices and overeating? It triggers episodes of mindless eating, causing you to lose track on how much you’re consuming at one time. In addition to mindless eating, the commercials for unhealthy foods and drinks may increase our desire for low-nutrient junk, fast food and sugary beverages. Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21450065  

Correct Lifting Technique: Stand with your feet slightly apart, spread wider than the object. Squat by bending at the knees and hips in front of the object to be lifted with your back straight. Grasp the object by holding it as close to the body as possible. Look in front of you. Contract the muscles of the abdomen, then get up by using your legs and by keeping your back straight.

A new study in Spine Journal found that immobilization of a joint leads to rapid degeneration and arthritis. Chiropractors are uniquely trained to identify and resolve joint restrictions via safe and effective manipulation. Click here to watch how it works.