Spinal issues follow a similar pattern. Research examining spinal health in young adults found that pathological changes in the cervical spine were just as common in people with symptoms as in those without. This underscores the importance of proactive chiropractic care to detect and address underlying issues early, preventing more serious complications and reducing reliance on symptom-masking drugs.

In the group with no current or previous back or neck pain, the findings noted:

• Disc Protrusion – present in 87% of subjects

• Disc Degeneration – present in 73% of subjects

• Disc Annular Tear – present in 63% of subjects

• Disc Herniation – present in 0% of subjects

In the group with recurrent or persistent neck and/or shoulder pain, the findings noted:

• Disc Protrusion – present in 69% of subjects

• Disc Degeneration – present in 56% of subjects

• Disc Annular Tear – present in 50% of subjects

• Disc Herniation – present in 25% of subjects

The research acknowledged the underlying damage which often occurs with no symptoms present. So much of physical health involves proactive prevention plan. People understand that consistent check-ups and teeth cleaning at the dentist, health physicals with the family physician, and stress tests with a cardiologist remain logical methods of maintaining prolonged health. People also pursue regular cancer screenings to ensure early detection of any adverse conditions before signs and symptoms occur. The same philosophy applies to regular spinal check-ups and adjustments with a Chiropractor. The benefits of a Chiropractic adjustment go well beyond pain relief, impacting overall organ health and function in addition to spinal care. The presence of pain represents advanced stages of spinal concern. The most impactful benefits of Chiropractic care belong to those who experience proactive care to maintain optimal nervous system function.

Chiropractic adjustments improve the function of the entire body through better alignment and mobility in the spine. The spine intimately connects to the brain and central nervous system. Improving the health of the spine and function of the nervous system begins with the onset of a Chiropractic wellness plan. Adjustments benefit the human body with or without the presence of pain, but proactive prevention plan allows the body to maintain maximum performance in advance of many deteriorating conditions. Wellness Chiropractic care focuses on improving and maintaining the health of the spine, nervous system, and the entire body through regular checkups and adjustments. Many Chiropractic patients choose wellness care guided by an understanding that proactive health care empowers people to know their body exists in a state of maximized well-being. Wellness care ensures better mobility, alignment, function, and strength for all ages. People deserve a better model of health care than waiting until the body begins to break down through pain and symptoms of advanced degenerative conditions. Chiropractic provides advanced healthcare for all generations.

The post Dangerous Conditions Exist without the Presence of Pain… Chiropractic care provides proactive prevention plans for optimal long-term function first appeared on Chiropractor Broken Arrow.

Are we really growing horns??

The research evaluated x-ray findings of 1200 subjects ranging from ages 18 to 86 years old. Evaluators call the small bump on the back of the skull an External Occipital Protuberance (EOP). A ligament and muscle attach to the EOP. Researchers found that an extra small bony growth was found at higher incidence in younger adults who had greater degrees of forward head posture. The small horn-like growth appeared to be caused by increased amounts of stress on the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in that area due to forward head posture. As stress loads increase in ligaments, muscles, and tendons for long periods of time, bony deposits form within the body as a protection mechanism.

An increasingly sedentary lifestyle accompanies massive amounts of time spent looking forward and down at devices. An adaptive process takes place within the body to alleviate the added weight and pressure being placed on the back of the head and neck. An incredible amount of strain prompts bone to infiltrate the tendon as muscles at the back of the skull work to prevent the head from falling down to the chest.

The effects of forward head posture

Weight added to the spine dramatically increases when forward head flexion increases at varying intervals. A 0° interval produces a measurable head weight on the neck of 10 to 12 pounds. A 15° interval of forward head posture increases weight on the neck by 27 pounds. A 30° interval increases weight on the neck by 40 pounds. A 45° interval increases the weight on the neck by 49 pounds. A 60° interval increases the weight on the neck by 60 pounds.

The extra stress from forward head posture on the neck and skull produce significant effects. Commentary focuses on the shocking presence of the bone spur but the protrusion registers as the smallest of concerns. The process involved in the bone spur formation indicates a danger and concern far greater than anything superficial. Improper head and neck configuration signify abnormalities in the nervous system and dangerous long-term outcomes for a person’s overall health, function, and performance.

These bone spur formations take a long time to develop. Individuals who suffer from EOP spurs began applying stress and strain to the head and neck area during the early stages of childhood. The length of time needed to form a bone spur suggests that sustained improvement in posture and head positioning prevent accompanying effects and allows for correction and healing. Chiropractic care plays a vital role in helping reduce stress and abnormal spinal positioning which promote disease, discomfort, and long-term health concerns. Research continues to alert people to the dangers of overusing technological devices as they pertain to deteriorating effects on the head, neck, and spine. Chiropractic helps relieve the damaging effects of forward head posture while providing education and care plans for the sustained health and function of the neck, spine, and nervous system.
Report

The post Report Links “Horn-Like” Growth on Back of Skull to Phone and Computer Use first appeared on Chiropractor Broken Arrow.

Research shows that a loss of neck curvature increases the likelihood of a disc herniation. A study also showed that appropriate correction and restoration to the neck curve produced lower rates and degrees of disc problems. Chiropractic care offers the least invasive and most effective way to increase neck mobility, alignment, and restoration of good neck curvature.

Forward head posture represents one of the most significant reasons for a decrease in proper neck curvature

Sitting, texting, repetitive computer work, sedentary lifestyles, motor vehicle accidents, and other physical traumas serve as the primary culprits of forward head posture. Each of these conditions reduce neck curve, leaving the spine weaker and more vulnerable to stress. The trauma also increases pressure on the pads (discs) between each vertebra.

Discs operate similar to shocks on a car

They absorb the pressure of daily wear and tear. Discs are made of cartilage, water, and a gel-like substance in the center for added protection. As alignment of the spine becomes altered, the gel-like nucleus in the middle of the disc becomes slightly displaced. This forces pressure on the side of the disc and stresses the cartilage. Consistent adversity produces tears in the cartilage and forces the gel-like substance to slightly protrude or bulge through the side of the disc resulting in a disc herniation. Herniations come in a variety of sizes. Smaller herniations tend to be referred to as more of a bulge than a herniation. Yet every herniation leaves the spine weakened and extremely vulnerable to stress and pressure.

Reduced neck curve equals increased disc herniations

New research shows that altered spinal alignment, particularly reduced neck curvature, decreases disc height and increases rates of disc herniations. The generative process often occurs with no pain. Chiropractors and other spine specialists use expert testing and technology to check for disc space abnormalities or other problems before pain arrives. A proactive approach proves vital to long term functionality. Spinal alignment plays a vital role in the health, durability, and longevity of the spine. Chiropractors promote the importance of spinal correction and restoration without drugs or surgery.

Chiropractic to the rescue!!

Chiropractors comprise the only natural health providers who focus specifically on detecting and correcting spinal movement, alignment, and nervous system function. Regular chiropractic care helps improve spinal alignment and ensures better curvature, resulting in greater strength, durability, increased disc space, and less risk of disc bulges and herniations. The long-term benefit cannot be measured. Every person deserves a healthy spine and future.

The post Patients with Reduced Neck Curve Experience an Increased Frequency of Disc Herniation first appeared on Chiropractor Broken Arrow.

Corrective Chiropractic care improves movement in the spine, alignment of vertebra, and function of the central nervous system. The process helps the spine becomes stronger and more able to cope with stress. Brand new research reveals the consequences of abnormal spinal alignment on the health and integrity of the spine. Alteration of spinal curvature and alignment increases the amount and degree of spinal degeneration and presence of disc herniation.

What is a Disc Herniation?

A disc herniation defines as a protrusion of the nucleus pulposus or anulus fibrosus of the disk, which may impinge on nerve roots. A simpler definition states that disc herniation takes place when a small tear occurs to the disc and a jelly-like material partially squeezes out. Sometimes the protrusion will impinge a nerve root and cause significant pain. Many herniations develop like cavities in teeth. Little to no pain and discomfort present until the advanced stages of existence. Disc herniations always lead to instability in the spinal segment and further the degenerative process if the alignment and function remain uncorrected. Chiropractic care improves and reduces disc herniations by increasing motion and alignment of the spinal curvature.

The Importance of Chiropractic

Spinal alignment plays an important role in the health and longevity of the spine and intervertebral discs. A spinal disc consists of cartilage and water and serves as protection and padding between two spinal vertebrae. Proper spinal alignment makes the spine stronger and more durable, capable of withstanding pressure and stress. The neck curvature, also known as the cervical lordosis, also serves a vital role. The neck curve proves essential for maintaining balance and motor function and helps maintain the stability of the spine. The neck curve cushions the vertebra by allowing appropriate room for each disc to move without stress. The essential load-bearing function makes the neck curvature a predominant area for disc degeneration and herniations.

What causes a decreased spinal curve?

Abnormal neck curvature represents an early manifestation of degenerative changes in the spine. Lifestyles of the younger demographic have become increasingly sedentary while adding stress and pressure on the spine and neck curvature due to repetitive and poor postural habits. Increased use of texting, smartphones, tablets, and computer work has added significant weight-bearing stress to the alignment, movement, and function of the spine.

What does the research show?

Research shows a specific correlation between loss of cervical curvature and increased spinal degeneration and subsequent disc herniations. A decreased degree of disc herniations took place in those with improved or normal neck curvatures. A cervical spine with no curve essentially faces double the risk of disc herniations. One of the primary goals of corrective Chiropractic care focuses on improving the movement of the vertebra, alignment and curvature of the spine, and function of the nervous system. Chiropractic care reduces the degenerative process and decreases the risk of disc herniations. Every child and adult benefits from regular spinal check-ups that ensure proper alignment and function.
Decreased

The post Disc Herniation Risk Doubles with a Decreased Spinal Curve first appeared on Chiropractor Broken Arrow.

Low-impact accidents cause early aging, degeneration, and wear and tear in the spine. Seemingly benign accidents occur at very low speeds or impact. Many symptom-filled people express surprise at the amount of degeneration and wear and tear present in their spine. Most determine that they cannot recall an isolated event severe enough to cause long-term damage. Yet research shows that even low-impact motor vehicle accidents still produce significant negative changes in the spine which include disc degeneration, bulges, and protrusions. Each of these conditions contributes to pain and discomfort easily treated by proactive health care treatment.

Researchers evaluated one-hundred, normal asymptomatic adults and compared them to one-hundred adult accident victims following rear low-impact motor vehicle accidents using an MRI. The ages ranged from eighteen to fifty-three years old with a median age of thirty-five years. Asymptomatic means the subjects experienced no symptoms. This study evaluated one group of 100 normal spines of individuals with no pain or symptoms and compared them to a group of 100 people involved in a low-impact motor vehicle accident within the previous 1214 weeks.

The following four categories help explain the results of the study:

                                                                100 Normal Subjects                                                      100 Whiplash Victims
Loss of good neck curvature                        4%                                                                                             98%

Frontward range of motion                 50 degrees                                                                                25 degrees

Backward range of motion                  60 degrees                                                                                35 degrees

Disc Herniations                                             2%                                                                                             28%

The study demonstrates that low impact accidents of any type can and will create significant problems in the spine which must be addressed. Some problems even occur without the presence of immediate symptoms but translate into permanent injuries after the body’s natural pain adaptation abilities deteriorate. Subjects in a low impact car accident lost 50% more range of motion in their spine, suffered twenty-five times more loss of proper neck curvature, and experienced fourteen times more disc herniations than those who had not been in a recent car accident.

The findings of this study demonstrate why anyone in any type of motor vehicle accident, high or low impact, needs to have their spine evaluated and cared for immediately following the accident. Chiropractors deliver gentle adjustments which improve spinal range of motion, halt or slow the degenerate process, and improve central nervous system function. Even the lowest speed car accidents and traumas possess the ability to create permanent spinal problems and degeneration. A proactive approach to spine and neck care creates the opportunity to halt or reverse pain and long-term health concerns. Accidents happen but Chiropractic helps repair the damage.

The post The Most Gentle Car Accidents Still Cause Whiplash Damage: Chiropractic Offers a Healthy Solution first appeared on Chiropractor Broken Arrow.

Research shows that abnormal postural and spinal alignment increase the risk and progression of spinal degeneration. A study from 2017 showed that asymmetrical distribution of loads on the spine caused greater rates of joint and disc degeneration. Chiropractic adjustments improve the alignment and movement of the spine while decreasing the risk and progression of spinal joint and disc degeneration.

Adjustments improve the alignment and movement of the spine. The spine’s intimate connection with the central nervous system allows each adjustment to improve the brain’s ability to receive and send appropriate messages to all organs, cells, and tissues. Not only do people of all ages experience pain relief, greater mobility, and the prevention of spinal joint degeneration, in addition many achieve increased levels of health and wellness by getting adjusted on a regular basis.

Low back pain will affect more than eighty percent of people at some point in their lives. More than fifty percent of adults over the age of 55 have disc degeneration. Many of these people experienced no signs or symptoms of pain or discomfort until well after advanced degeneration compromised their overall health. These numbers stress the importance of implementing Chiropractic adjustments as part of any health care plan.

Chiropractic promotes overall wellness within the body and serves every member of the family, not just those who are experiencing pain and discomfort. Research continues to show the positive influence that one single session of Chiropractic exhibits on brain function. Improving spinal mobility, maximizing the health of all organs, and lowering the risk of spinal degeneration represent just a few of the health benefits which come from regular nervous system care.

Doctors and healthcare practitioners across the globe continue to endorse and recommend Chiropractic to their patients in 2018. Fully understanding and promoting true health care means recognizing the value of pain and drug free options which promote overall wellness and natural healing within the body. Overwhelming research and scientific evidence prove that Chiropractic produces exceptional results in every family’s pursuit of optimal health.

The post Chiropractic Keeps the Body Young: Abnormal Posture and Spinal Alignment Increases Degeneration first appeared on Chiropractor Broken Arrow.

Even at low speeds, motor vehicle collisions can have a catastrophic effect on the human anatomy. Auto accidents damage bones, nerves, muscles, tendons and more, and the resulting pain can be debilitating.

Seeking chiropractic treatment as soon as possible is your best bet for overcoming the pain you are experiencing while accelerating the healing process. If you don’t seek out a trusted chiropractor, you risk allowing your injuries to lead to chronic pain that affects you for years.

According to survey of chronic pain sufferers, nearly half – 45 percent – reported that they could trace their condition back to an auto accident. Don’t be one of the people that deals with ongoing discomfort because they didn’t see a chiropractor after a collision.

Common Back Injuries Related Auto Accidents

There are many different types of injuries that car accident victims can experience. The spinal system’s complex network of nerves, discs, muscles, tendons and ligaments is very delicate and very vulnerable to the sudden impacts and shifts associated with collisions.

It doesn’t take much to cause damage. Even a 5 mph collision can lead to whiplash.

Here is a quick rundown of some of the most common back injuries that result from auto accidents:

Cervical Spine Injuries

When the head is whipped back and forth quickly during collision impact, injuries to the cervical spine are common. This type of condition is usually referred to as whiplash. Damage to the vertebrae and nerves can cause long-term pain and stiffness.

Thoracic Spine Injuries

Damage to the thoracic spine, or the upper back, is also common during a wreck. An injury to this part of the anatomy can result in permanent nerve damage and chronic pain.

Lumbar Spine Injuries

The strongest muscles and largest vertebra are located in the lumbar spine in your lower back. Damage here can limit mobility and bring a great deal of pain.

Herniated Discs

The discs between each individual vertebrae provide protection. During an accident, these discs can be knocked out of place, putting pressure on surrounding nerves. Herniated discs can create painful sensations in the lower back and throughout the legs.

Auto Accident Chiropractor in Broken Arrow

Dr. Travis Ring at Eastern Oklahoma Chiropractic recommends that you seek early treatment after a car collision. Early intervention is always the best approach because it allows you to begin to feel better sooner while speeding the process of healing.  To learn more about our auto accident chiropractic services, or to schedule an appointment, call 918-940-4630 now!

The post Chiropractic Care for Car Accidents in Broken Arrow first appeared on Chiropractor Broken Arrow.