Disc Centers of America - D.C.

05/19/2023

05/18/2023

Neck Pain and Workstation Options

Neck pain is commonly associated with sitting in front of a computer for prolonged periods of time. So is there a “best” or “ideal” type of desk to use when working at a computer all day?

The sit-stand desk has gained significant popularity in recent years, especially with an 83% increase in sedentary jobs since the 1950s. In a 2018 study, researchers compared the effect of using a sitting and standing desk for 90 minutes among 20 healthy adults. Researchers monitored typing task performance and discomfort, vascular/blood flow, and muscular changes in the neck, shoulders, and arms and found that standing desk use resulted in greater engagement of the shoulder girdle stabilizing muscles (a good thing), less strain on the lower trapezius muscles, less upper body pain, and better typing performance. The authors of the study recommend further studies to identify how standing affects more complex computer tasks over longer work sessions in symptomatic workers.

Another type of desk that is available is a treadmill desk. In one study, researchers found that treadmill desk use resulted in less upper limb pain when compared with seated desk use, as well as healthier muscle performance from the low back paraspinal muscles, wrist extensor muscles, external abdominal obliques, lower trapezius, and anterior deltoids.

What about the trend of having a small cycling device under the desk? In a 2019 study, researchers observed that participants performed better on typing tasks when cycling, especially at greater intensity.

Doctors of chiropractic are frequently asked about sit/stand desk options, with or without lower limb exercising. A common answer is to mix it up, sit or stand as needed, and vary the level of under-the-desk exercise depending on how you feel. These studies support that standing, walking, and/or cycling may be a healthier option than the traditional sit-only, sedentary desk.

05/17/2023

Whiplash and Weakened Neck Muscles

The whiplash process can lead to a number of concurrent symptoms (neck pain, headaches, limited cervical range of motion, etc.) referred to as whiplash associated disorders, or WAD. It’s estimated that about one in five WAD patients will also develop potentially chronic, concussion-like symptoms like brain fog, difficulty concentrating, and other cognitive impairments. A 2020 study shed light on a way to help identify such patients early on so targeted treatment could help keep their WAD from becoming chronic and persistent.

In the study, researchers used resting-state-fMRI (rs-fMRI) to image 23 patients with chronic WAD and compared their findings with assessments used to objectively measure neck disability, traumatic distress, depression, and pain. The research team identified an association between fat infiltration into the cervical muscles and abnormalities in the brain network structure associated with WAD-related neuropsychological issues. That is, the patients with more fatty tissue in their neck muscles were also those with more signs of brain injury or altered brain function.

When deep muscles and associated soft tissue in the neck are injured in a whiplash event, the body may recruit superficial muscles to help stabilize the body and maintain posture. While this can protect the deep muscles from further injury in the short term, it can decondition these muscles over time and allow fatty deposits to infiltrate its tissue.

In another study that followed 141 WAD patients and 40 non-injured subjects for one year, researchers observed that the WAD patients demonstrated a loss in neck muscle strength throughout the year, even if their neck pain resolved and their cervical range of motion returned to normal. Additionally, the patients who had not recovered enough to return to work after a year had an average of 50% loss of strength in their neck muscles.

The findings of these studies suggest that when the whiplash process is forceful enough to injure the soft tissues of the neck in a manner that leads to abnormal muscle activity that allows important muscles to weaken and for fatty deposits to develop, then the same event can also lead to a potential brain injury, with resulting cognitive symptoms. If so, then identifying WAD patients with cervical muscle weakness early may help doctors uncover which patients may need more substantive care to reduce their risk for ongoing WAD issues.

Several treatment guidelines indicate that chiropractic care is a great first-choice treatment option for the WAD patient, which may involve a multimodal approach to restore motion in the affected joints and strength in the deep and superficial cervical muscles.

05/16/2023

Spinal Decompression and the lower back, Leg pain and Sciatica

Spinal decompression therapy is a non-surgical, non-invasive treatment that uses a gentle, controlled force to decompress the spine. This can help to relieve pressure on the nerves and discs, which can lead to pain relief and improved function.

Visit www.WashingtonDCDecompression.com to schedule a free consultation.

05/15/2023

Spinal Decompression and Neck Pain

Neck pain is one of the most common complaints in the world, affecting people of all ages. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor posture, injury, and arthritis.

Individuals looking for a safe and effective way to relieve your neck pain, spinal decompression may be the answer. Spinal decompression is a non-surgical procedure that uses a gentle, traction force to relieve pressure on the spine. This can help to reduce inflammation, improve nerve function, and promote healing.
Here are some of the benefits of spinal decompression:

- It is a non-surgical procedure, so there is no risk of infection or complications.
- It is a gentle procedure that is comfortable for most patients.
- It is effective in relieving pain and improving function.
- It is a safe and effective treatment for a variety of neck pain conditions.

Learn more and schedule a consultation today: https://www.washingtondcdecompression.com/

05/12/2023

Cervical Spondylosis, Neck Stiffness, and Neck Pain

Cervical spondylosis is a common condition that affects the neck. It is caused by the wear and tear of the joints in the neck, and can lead to a variety of symptoms, including neck stiffness, pain, and numbness or tingling in the arms.

There are a number of different treatments available for cervical spondylosis, including medication, physical therapy, and surgery. Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression is one of the most effective treatment options

Spinal decompression is a safe and effective treatment for cervical spondylosis. It is a good option for people who are looking for a non-surgical way to relieve pain and improve their quality of life.

Here are some of the benefits of spinal decompression for cervical spondylosis:

-Reduces pain: Chiropractic adjustments can help to reduce pain and inflammation in the neck.

-Improves range of motion: Chiropractic care can help to improve range of motion in the neck, which can make it easier to move your head and neck without pain.

-Increases flexibility: Chiropractic care can help to increase flexibility in the neck, which can help to prevent future injuries.

-Strengthens muscles: Chiropractic care can help to strengthen the muscles in the neck, which can help to support the spine and reduce pain.

-Improves posture: Chiropractic care can help to improve posture, which can reduce stress on the neck and improve overall health.

Schedule a consultation to learn more about spinal decompression: www.WashingtonDCDecompression.com

05/11/2023

Cauda Equina Syndrome

Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) is a rare but serious condition that occurs when the nerves at the base of the spine are compressed. This can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
-Severe low back pain
-Numbness and weakness in the legs, buttocks, and perineum (pelvic floor region)
-Weakness of bowel and/or bladder control causing incontinence

Spine Doctors are trained to identify and diagnose CES. They may also be able to provide non-surgical treatment options, such as spinal decompression, to help reduce pain and improve nerve function.

Schedule a consultation today: www.WashingtonDCDecompression.com

05/10/2023

Preventing Shoulder Injuries in Athletes

Shoulder injuries are one of the most common injuries in sports. Shoulder injuries can be caused by a variety of factors, including overuse, trauma, and poor technique.

Chiropractors are experts in the spine and how it affects the rest of the body. They can help to improve shoulder function by adjusting the spine and reducing inflammation. Chiropractic care can also help to improve range of motion and strength, which can help to prevent future injuries.

Here are some of the benefits of chiropractic care for athletes:

-Reduces pain and inflammation
-Improves range of motion and strength
-Improves balance and coordination
-Speeds up recovery from injury
-Reduces the risk of future injuries

Learn more and schedule a consultation today: www.WashingtonDCDecompression.com

05/09/2023

Baker's Cyst and Knee Pain

A Baker's cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms behind the knee. It is often caused by an injury or condition that affects the knee joint, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or a torn meniscus. Baker's cysts can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the knee. In some cases, the cyst may rupture, causing pain and swelling in the calf.

Doctors will likely recommend nonsurgical treatments, such as rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, may also help to relieve pain and inflammation. In some cases, doctors may recommend cortisone injections to help reduce inflammation. For those that want to avoid these treatments, chiropractic care can help.

So, what can chiropractors do for the patient with a Baker’s cyst? Chiropractic management includes both passive and active care approaches that focus on the knee joint and surrounding soft tissues to help reduce pain and swelling and improve function, as well as home exercise instruction to maintain the health of the knee joint.

Here are some tips to help prevent Baker's cysts:

-Maintain a healthy weight.
-Exercise regularly.
-Wear supportive shoes.
-Avoid activities that put stress on the knees

Visit www.washingtondcdecompression.com

05/08/2023

Greater Access to Chiropractic Reduces Low Back Pain Costs

Low back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide. It affects more than 80% of people at some point in their lives, and costs the U.S. healthcare system an estimated $100 billion each year.

While there are many different treatments for low back pain, chiropractic care is one of the most effective and affordable options. A recent study found that people who received chiropractic care for low back pain had significantly lower healthcare costs than those who received other types of treatment.

Chiropractic care is a safe and effective way to relieve low back pain. It involves the use of spinal adjustments to help restore alignment and function to the spine. This can help to reduce pain, inflammation, and muscle spasms.

Here are some additional benefits of chiropractic care for low back pain:

-Reduces the need for surgery
-Reduces the use of opioids
-Improves quality of life
-Increases productivity
-Reduces absenteeism from work

Learn More by visiting: www.WashingtonDcDecompression.com/

05/01/2023

05/01/2023