Service Area: Dr. Phillips | Windermere | Celebration | Gotha | Williamsburg | Hunters Creek
Head Pain
"Understanding Headaches/Migraines Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options"
WHAT ARE HEADACHES / MIGRAINES?
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Headaches and migraines are types of neurological conditions that cause pain in the head.
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Headaches and migraines are both conditions that cause pain in the head, but there are some key differences between the two:
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Location: Headaches can cause pain in different areas of the head, including the forehead, temples, or back of the head, whereas migraines often cause pain on one side of the head.
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Severity: Migraines are typically more severe than regular headaches and can last for several hours or even days. In contrast, headaches are usually less severe and can be relieved with over-the-counter pain medications.
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Associated symptoms: Migraines are often accompanied by other symptoms, such as sensitivity to light or sound, nausea, vomiting, or visual disturbances, such as seeing spots or flashing lights. Headaches, on the other hand, may cause mild nausea or light sensitivity, but they typically don't cause these additional symptoms.
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Triggers: Migraines can be triggered by various factors, such as stress, certain foods, hormonal changes, or environmental factors, whereas headaches can be caused by tension, dehydration, or as a side effect of medication.
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It is essential to differentiate between headaches and migraines to determine the best treatment options.
Neck Pain
"Understanding Neck Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options"
WHAT IS NECK PAIN?
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Neck pain is a widespread problem that affects thousands of people worldwide. However, despite chiropractors having more than 100 years of experience in treating this condition, many patients do not receive the necessary care they require. It is important to seek chiropractic care if you suffer from neck pain as it can effectively alleviate the discomfort and address the underlying cause of the problem.
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Neck pain is a common ailment that can affect anyone, but it should not be overlooked or accepted as a normal occurrence. It is estimated that around 17 percent of adults experience neck pain at any given time. Neck pain can be caused by a variety of factors such as poor posture, injuries from sports, falls, whiplash, and in rare cases, growth abnormalities, infections, tumors, and cancer. Regardless of the cause, neck pain can be debilitating and requires prompt attention. If you experience neck pain, it's important to seek medical care as soon as possible to properly diagnose the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
Back Pain
Upper and Lower Back Pain
WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF BACK PAIN?
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Back pain can be caused by a multitude of factors, including injuries, misalignments, and various conditions. The sources of discomfort may be numerous, including tendons, ligaments, muscles, discs, and bones. These structures may become irritated or damaged over time due to repetitive strain or sudden, intense trauma.
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Back pain is a common issue experienced by many people, regardless of whether it is located in the upper, middle, or lower back. It is estimated that 32 million Americans are presently suffering from back pain. Back pain is now the leading cause of disability in the United States and is becoming a growing concern for many. This article will discuss the causes of low back pain, ways to prevent it, and the most effective treatments available once it has developed.
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TYPES OF BACK PAIN:
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DISC BULGES OR HERNIATION
One of the most common and painful causes of back pain is a disc bulge or herniation. A disc herniation is when the outer edges of the disc are worn away over time, ultimately exposing the nerves. According to MRI studies, as many as 37% of the American population have a disc bulge or herniation, with the vast majority of those diagnosed not reporting any pain. On the other hand, the people who are experiencing pain often describe it as severe and intense.
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The type of pain that is experienced due to a disc herniation depends on the type and position of the herniation. If the damaged disc is irritating a surrounding nerve, shooting pain and weakness in the legs may develop.
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Unfortunately, herniation can be very difficult to reverse, but chiropractic care has been shown to prevent the advancement of herniation, and provide relief from the associated pain.
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SUBLUXATIONS
Subluxations are one of the most commonly overlooked contributors to back pain. Essentially, when a vertebra is out of position, it can cause a lot of pain and impede your movement. Subluxations can occur anywhere in the spine and can be caused by physical trauma, stress, and toxins. The time frame to correct subluxation varies, depending on both the individual, the severity of the subluxation, and other factors.
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STRESS AND BACK PAIN
Chronic stress can have a significant impact on a person's physical health, resulting in a different physiological profile than those who do not experience chronic stress. Elevated stress levels have been linked to the development of several health issues, including heart disease, depression, digestive issues, obesity, and back pain. This is because prolonged stress can lead to muscle tension, resulting in the formation of painful trigger points in the body. These trigger points can cause significant discomfort and exacerbate chronic pain.
Scoliosis Pain
Spinal Curvature
WHAT IS SCOLIOSIS?
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Scoliosis is a medical condition in which the spine curves to the side, forming an "S" or "C" shape instead of a straight line. This abnormal curvature of the spine can cause uneven hips, shoulders, or ribs, leading to issues with posture and mobility.
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Scoliosis can occur in people of all ages, but it is most commonly diagnosed in children and adolescents during their growth spurts. The causes of scoliosis can vary, including congenital factors, neurological conditions, or idiopathic (unknown) reasons.
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WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF SCOLIOSIS?
Here are some known causes of scoliosis:
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Congenital scoliosis: This type of scoliosis occurs when the spine fails to develop correctly in the womb.
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Degenerative scoliosis: This type of scoliosis is caused by wear and tear on the spine, which can occur as people age.
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Idiopathic scoliosis: This type of scoliosis is the most common form and has no known cause.
Sciatica Pain
sciatic nerve-pain lower back down through the hips, buttocks, and legs.
WHAT IS SCIATICA?
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Sciatica is a condition caused by the irritation of the sciatic nerve in the lower back, which can result in intense pain that radiates down the back of the legs. This pain is often accompanied by other symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and weakness in the legs or feet. Sciatica affects a significant portion of the adult population, with up to 40 percent of individuals experiencing it at some point in their lives. Therefore, it's crucial to be aware of the signs and symptoms of sciatica and seek appropriate treatment when necessary.
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The pain caused by sciatica can vary from mild discomfort to excruciating agony, according to patients. Sciatica pain can manifest in various parts of the leg and foot, and it may be intermittent. Without proper treatment, the discomfort can intensify and become chronic over time, with many people experiencing recurrent episodes of pain.
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WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF SCOLIOSIS?
​Sciatica can be caused by a variety of factors, including a herniated or slipped disc, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, or even pregnancy. In many cases, sciatica is the result of compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve due to misaligned vertebrae in the lower back, also known as subluxations. Poor posture, muscle imbalances, and prolonged sitting or standing can also contribute to the development of sciatica. Additionally, certain medical conditions such as diabetes or tumors can cause sciatica.