Should I Use Ice or Heat?

There is sometimes confusion about the right time to use ice or heat when treating an injury or condition. When used properly these methods can greatly improve the outcome of an injury by helping to control swelling and inflammation and to promote tissue healing and repair. This can help achieve less pain intensity and increase […]

Piriformis Syndrome and Lower Back Pain

The piriformis muscle is located deep in the buttock beneath the large gluteal muscle. It has its origins below the inferior aspect of the sacroiliac joint on the side of the sacrum or tail bone. The muscle travels to its end on the femur or upper thigh bone. It helps with outward rotation of the […]

Lumbar Disc Herniation

Lower back pain is common and may precipitate disc rupture or herniation. Lower back pain will affect upwards to 80% of the population during their lifetime. A smaller percentage of this group will develop disc herniation requiring treatment. Most people begin to undergo degenerative changes or arthritis as they age. In the United States, lower […]

Sciatica and Chiropractic Care

Leg pain or sciatica is a common complaint. The question arises, is the pain true sciatica or is it caused by something else other than a pinched nerve in the spine. There is bountiful literature regarding with the use of drugs or surgery for treatment for sciatic nerve pain. Granted there are times when this […]

Lower Back Strengthening Exercises

There are several pathways to strengthen the lower back. This may include club workouts, personal trainers, exercise videos and other health care prescribed programs. This article outlines 6 basic actions that can be done at home or work with very little time invested in the routine. Prior to performing this group of strengthening exercises, the […]

I’m Pregnant, Can I Have Chiropractic Treatment?

Chiropractic care is often utilized for lower back pain during pregnancy. Back pain is the most common complaint of women seeking care when pregnant. It has been reported that up to 50% of pregnancies manifest lower back pain. Chiropractic treatment has been recommended by obstetricians as they recognize the importance of their patient’s comfort during […]

Sacroiliac Joint Pain

The sacroiliac joint is one of the largest joints in the body. It has two very important functions. It provides elasticity to the pelvis which is necessary with childbirth and it serves as a buffering mechanism between the spine and the hip joints. Strong ligaments are located on the front and back of the joint. […]

Painful Heel and Arch

Heel and arch pain are the most common foot complaints of individuals over the age of 40. The group that most commonly experiences heel and arch pain consist of middle-aged women. In addition, active athletes and people working on hard surfaces or walking great distances are susceptible to plantar fascitis and developing heel spurs or […]

Low Back Pain and the Lumbar Facet Syndrome

Facet syndrome is a common biomechanical problem of the lower back. The facets are the small joints that allow spinal vertebra movement. The joints are located on either side of the spinal canal and just behind the disc, which is located in the front of the spinal canal. The joints help limit spinal joint movement […]

Hip Pain from Greater Trochanteric Bursitis

Greater trochanteric bursitis is a common condition of the hip joint. The hip bursa is a small sac filled with a slippery fluid that allows tendons and muscles to move and glide smoothly over each other. Bursa are like oil cans in the body. The greater trochanter is the large bump that can be felt […]

Choosing a Backpack for Hiking

Hiking has become increasingly popular. Taking a hike can be as simple as walking a short distance through the park or a recreational area. However, the purpose of this article is to help prepare the distance hiker in choosing and fitting a backpack to minimize the potential of back injury. Improper fit or improper size […]

Lower Back Braces

Doctors who treat lower back injuries are sometimes asked by their patients if they should wear a lower back brace or support during treatment, at work or indefinitely. When braces were first used for lower back pain, it was thought that it would help to stabilize the back and prevent further injury. This is the […]