Month: September 2018

Many people suffering from shoulder pain, who have tried conventional treatment continue to suffer with complaints of their shoulder. They have tried anti-inflammatory medications, steroid injections and physical therapy yet their shoulder is still giving them pain. It is not commonly known that shoulder conditions can be associated with problems of the neck. This article will discuss shoulder pain and how it is related to neck problems. A treatment solution for shoulder discomfort will be addressed.

The shoulder joint is one of three joints in the body that can move in every direction. (The thumb and the hip comprise the other two). Over the course of our lives this joint undergoes a tremendous amount of physical stress and subsequently can become injured.

Our neck, which is anatomically called the cervical spine, can be associated with problems of the shoulder joint. The cervical spine is made up of seven vertebrae or spinal bones. Between the bones are openings where nerves exit. Some of these nerves innervate the muscles which make our shoulder joint move in various directions. If nerves in the neck are pinched or irritated it can refer pain into the shoulder area. It can also cause the muscles to work improperly, which over time can cause the shoulder joint and various structures like bursas, tendons and ligaments to undergo excessive stress leading to bursitis, tendinitis and ligaments sprain.

Research study published in August 2018 in the Physiotherapy Research International publication noted that pain can affect the shoulder movement. In this study, researchers found that among a group of 60 adults under the age of 45, those with chronic neck pain exhibited reduce function and range of motion in the shoulder. Additionally, the research team observed a relationship between greater neck pain intensity and worse shoulder joint performance.

This indicates that shoulder problems and problems of the cervical spine, the neck, are directly associated.

If a healthcare practitioner only focuses on the shoulder and prescribes medication, or performs steroid injections of the shoulder, or performs physical therapy of the shoulder without addressing an underlying neck problem it is likely that treatment of the shoulder will be unsuccessful.

Fortunately, a doctor of chiropractic is eminently qualified to treat problems of the shoulder. Chiropractors are healthcare practitioners that are trained to examine both the cervical spine and the shoulder. Chiropractic examination of the shoulders would include checking the range of motion of the shoulder, and if there is associated bursitis, tendinitis and ligament problems. A chiropractor will also examine the cervical spine to see if there are misaligned or improperly moving vertebrae which would affect the nerves associated with the shoulder.

A doctor of chiropractic can then direct gentle, safe, effective treatment to both the shoulder and the cervical spine. In most instances this will lead to successful resolution of conditions affecting the shoulder.

It is best to try a conservative rehabilitative approach initially with this kind of condition. If more aggressive therapies like pharmaceutical intervention or surgery are performed it is not uncommon for patients to experience side effects such as gastrointestinal problems, deleterious reaction kidney and/or failed surgery.

To learn more about shoulder pain chiropractor Pittsburgh North hills see this video. Dr. James Schofield’s tips to help shoulder pain can be found here.

Don’t let lower back pain or neck pain keep you from enjoying this wonderful autumn! Visit James J Schofield, Chiropractor for help.

Many women experience musculoskeletal problems during their pregnancy. It is common for them to have lower back pain, discomfort in the pelvic girdle and/or neck and upper back pain. This occurs as pregnancy progresses due to the increasing weight and size of the baby internally and subsequent postural changes the expectant mother undergoes. This article will discuss musculoskeletal conditions that occur during pregnancy and a potential palliative care. A specific case study by the author will also be presented as an example that the reader may find useful and helpful.

A recent research study published in BMJ Open, August 2017 noted that musculoskeletal pain is a common cause of sick leave during pregnancy. An electronic survey of 6686 new mothers from 12 European countries revealed that 8% took sick leave during their pregnancy because of pain in their neck, back or pelvic girdle. These findings reveal the need for musculoskeletal care during pregnancy to help reduce pain and sick leave.

When I first started in chiropractic practice 33 years ago I treated a patient named Donna. Donna had a desk job and found monthly chiropractic adjustments kept her free from neck and lower back pain. She became pregnant with her second child and we continued to give her regular treatments. After having the baby I asked her how the delivery went. She said: “I wish I had known about chiropractic adjustments when I had my first child.” She related that her second pregnancy had been much easier and the delivery was more comfortable and took less time than her first child. She noted during her first pregnancy she had not had chiropractic care and, while there were no complications, it hadn’t been easy.

Over the years I’ve seen many similar results. Pregnant women who receive chiropractic care have more comfortable pregnancies and easier, faster delivery times. Chiropractic research verifies these facts.

There are chiropractic postgraduate classes focused on treating pregnant women utilizing the Webster Technique. Training during the study of the Webster Technique emphasizes the anatomical study of the bones, joints, muscles and nerves of the body. Additionally, there is education regarding the physiology of pregnancy and the effects on women and the developing fetus. The Webster Technique also teaches gentle manipulative procedures that chiropractors use to keep the pelvis and lower spine of pregnant women in good alignment. This method is an alternative safe, gentle, drug-free way of assisting women during pregnancy.

Visit Pittsburgh North Hills chiropractic reviews to learn how to get relief from musculoskeletal pains. Dr James Schofield reviews is an excellent site to gain more insight about care of spinal pain.

 

May all your wishes be sealed this Yom Kippur from Dr James Schofield, Chiropractor.

September 18th, 1895 was a monumental day in the history of health and wellness. It’s the day the first modern chiropractic adjustment was given.

Visit our website to learn more about chiropractic care for better health. See Dr James Schofield’s chiropractic resume.

With the ever-increasing use of smart cell phones there has been a corresponding increase of users having neck and upper back pain, headaches and upper extremity discomfort. This article will explain why cellular phone usage can be deleterious to one’s health. It will also give information to counteract harmful musculoskeletal health effects.

An interesting research study published in Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, June 2017 noted that researchers investigating changes in posture and muscle activation among 18 participants while interacting with their electronic device. The results revealed that smart phone use induced a more flexed posture in the neck and trunk compared with desktop computer use. The researchers also found that participants began to experience neck and back pain if they used their smart phone for longer than 15 minutes. The findings suggest that healthcare providers should consider the influences of smart phone use in posture and muscle activity in the evaluation, intervention, and prevention of neck and trunk conditions.

It has been noted that the human head weighs about as much as a bowling ball which is 10 to 14 pound range. If the head is directly over our upper body its weight is tolerated well and does cause discomfort to the neck and upper back. However, if the head is in a flexed, forward position for extended periods of time causes the muscles of the back of the neck and upper back contract and stresses in the spinal joints. Over time this causes irritation to the structures. This can result in neck and upper back pain, tension headaches and pain of the upper extremities radiates from the nerves of the neck and upper back.

As of the research study noted earlier there is less of a forward head posture/flexed neck and trunk when using a desktop computer compared to cell phone usage. Thus, if a person has access to a desktop computer would be wise to use it versus using a smart phone.

If one has to use a cell phone for an extended period of time it is wise to use the 20-20-20 rule. This simply means that after 20 minutes of smart cell phone use a person should stand straight up for 20 seconds and look 20 feet away. This will break the cycle of prolonged poor posture. Of course, straightening up more frequently for longer periods of time would certainly be even better.

If a person has ongoing neck pain, upper back discomfort, radiating pain into the upper extremities and/or is having tension headaches the condition may have gotten to the point where professional care is indicated. In this case a wise decision would be to consult with a doctor of chiropractic. Chiropractors are specialists who are trained to diagnose what is causing serious musculoskeletal problems and have the ability to render safe, effective treatment that does not involve surgery or harmful pain medications like opioids.

It is best to take proactive steps when using cellular phones to avoid musculoskeletal discomfort. However if accumulated stress has caused significant acute or chronic discomfort it is best to seek professional chiropractic help.

With the ever-increasing use of smart cell phones there has been a corresponding increase of users having neck and upper back pain, headaches and upper extremity discomfort. This article will explain why cellular phone usage can be deleterious to one’s health. It will also give information to counteract harmful musculoskeletal health effects.

An interesting research study published in Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, June 2017 noted that researchers investigating changes in posture and muscle activation among 18 participants while interacting with their electronic device. The results revealed that smart phone use induced a more flexed posture in the neck and trunk compared with desktop computer use. The researchers also found that participants began to experience neck and back pain if they used their smart phone for longer than 15 minutes. The findings suggest that healthcare providers should consider the influences of smart phone use in posture and muscle activity in the evaluation, intervention, and prevention of neck and trunk conditions.

It has been noted that the human head weighs about as much as a bowling ball which is 10 to 14 pound range. If the head is directly over our upper body its weight is tolerated well and does cause discomfort to the neck and upper back. However, if the head is in a flexed, forward position for extended periods of time causes the muscles of the back of the neck and upper back contract and stresses in the spinal joints. Over time this causes irritation to the structures. This can result in neck and upper back pain, tension headaches and pain of the upper extremities radiates from the nerves of the neck and upper back.

As of the research study noted earlier there is less of a forward head posture/flexed neck and trunk when using a desktop computer compared to cell phone usage. Thus, if a person has access to a desktop computer would be wise to use it versus using a smart phone.

If one has to use a cell phone for an extended period of time it is wise to use the 20-20-20 rule. This simply means that after 20 minutes of smart cell phone use a person should stand straight up for 20 seconds and look 20 feet away. This will break the cycle of prolonged poor posture. Of course, straightening up more frequently for longer periods of time would certainly be even better.

If a person has ongoing neck pain, upper back discomfort, radiating pain into the upper extremities and/or is having tension headaches the condition may have gotten to the point where professional care is indicated. In this case a wise decision would be to consult with a doctor of chiropractic. Chiropractors are specialists who are trained to diagnose what is causing serious musculoskeletal problems and have the ability to render safe, effective treatment that does not involve surgery or harmful pain medications like opioids.

It is best to take proactive steps when using cellular phones to avoid musculoskeletal discomfort. However if accumulated stress has caused significant acute or chronic discomfort it is best to seek professional chiropractic help.

For more tips on avoiding neck pain see this video. Learn how to use cold ice packs to help your sore neck.

 

May Patriot Day Be Commemorated With Prayers & Remembrance from the Chiropractic Office of James J Schofield DC.

Have a Sweet New Year From Dr James Schofield’s Chiropractic Office!

 

“It is only through labor and painful effort, by grim energy and resolute courage, that we move on to better things.”      Theodore Roosevelt

Here are some tips about what to look for when choosing a chiropractor in Pittsburgh North Hills. Learn more about chiropractic UPMC Healthcare coverage.