Phillips Chiropractic

There are many individuals today in a daily struggle to lose weight, particularly too much weight around the middle. Yet, the imperative to lose weight is, more often than not, more than a simple cosmetic issue.  The unfortunate truth is, if people are lugging around extra weight in the front of their body, their back is going to be in pain as a consequence.

The majority of men and women who are overweight encounter moderate to severe back pain. The reason for this is because the spine was not made to carry anything that weighs more than the body is at its generally healthy weight.  As a human being puts on added weight, the spine starts to negatively change and to compress, creating a lot of pain and discomfort.  In addition, it can have an impact on the pelvis, tilting it forward and perhaps compelling it to pinch the sciatic nerve. That is one of the main reasons why people who are overweight tend to have challenges with their lower back. The affliction is due to either sciatica or the distorting of the spinal column.

If you are suffering from this problem, certainly the thing to do is to take off the extra weight that you are carrying around, and your spine will immediately respond and return to its regular position.  Regrettably, losing weight is difficult and it can take time, even with the best of intentions. But, luckily you don’t have to endure back pain as you lose the weight. A chiropractor can help you to get the pain relief you’ll require to help you as you shed the extra pounds.

However, you will still need to lose the extra pounds, and not having back pain will undoubted help you do it. Two things that are simple (but not necessarily easy), but will be highly beneficial to you in losing the extra weight naturally are doing some sort of exercise, even if it’s merely a little bit per day, and adapting the food you eat so that you are taking in less calories than you are using throughout the day. Sure, you’ve heard about these two things before. But, now that you’ve found out that your back is depending on you, it’s the perfect time to get truly motivated.

Start exercising slowly, especially if you’re having challenges with back pain. And, most importantly, be sure to see a chiropractor so that you don’t go wrong the way many people do, which is to exercise into the pain. That will definitely make matters worse. Exercise, though occasionally uncomfortable, should never be painful or cause pain. That’s why it’s important to see a chiropractor if you’re suffering from back pain.

Do basic stretching exercises and also concentrate on your core abdominal body muscles. Strong stomach muscles aid in relieving back pain. Your chiropractor will be able to provide exercises that are best for you, personally. After a very short period of dedication to losing the weight that is producing your back pain and conceivably other health difficulties as well, you ought to begin to notice a significant difference in the way that you feel.

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Knee pain and disability is prevalent, second only to spinal conditions within the musculoskeletal system. Poor mechanics of the knee, as well as impaired foot mechanics as the result of foot pain often create painful knee problems. Additional causes normally include overuse of the knee joint, inflammation related to arthritic changes in the joint, and traumatic injury from sports and falls.

Non-trauma knee problems: The most prevailing cause of non-traumatic pain is insufficient mechanics of the knee joint and the corresponding stress on the soft tissues of the knee. Normally, the part of the knee involved is the patella or knee-cap. Often the patella does not move evenly or does not move adequately on the femur during bending of the knee causing abnormal stress on the tendons, cartilage and ligaments. This distinct condition is normally called chondromalacia patella (CMP) or Patella Femoral Syndrome (Knee Cap Pain).

The dysfunction generally originates when there are imbalances in the quadriceps muscles of the thigh that join to and move the patella. Imbalances in the muscles associated with knee movement commonly begin from lower back ailments, particularly in the sacroiliac joint. Imbalances in muscle groups that connect to the knee can also lead to pain and dysfunction. For example, the muscles on the inside of the thigh, when strained and tight, can cause pain on the medial or inside of the knee.   Mechanical knee pain is also created by gait abnormalities such as pronation.

The correlative pain from overuse is most frequently felt during activity, particularly stair climbing, running, jumping, and following getting up from prolonged sitting. Many women seem to be predisposed to painful overuse conditions for anatomical reasons, although such ailments are frequently related to wearing high heels on a regular basis. It is important to re-establish proper muscle balance, restore appropriate motion to the patella and other knee joints, and to correct any subluxations of the sacroiliac joints and bones of the foot.  In certain cases, a brace is used to help with the alignment of the patella or to secure the joint. Chiropractors, such as your Santa Barbara chiropractor are ideally trained to render the appropriate diagnosis and care of these problems.

Knee problems due to trauma: Traumatic injuries frequently happen during physical exertion that involves running and jumping, such as football, basketball, and skiing. When the knee is extended or twisted beyond the capability of the ligaments that hold the joint together, tearing of these tissues can occur causing a sprain. Strains to muscles that give motion to the knee can occur when the muscles are torn during injury. As with a sprain, a muscle strain can vary from a slight injury that requires little care to a serious injury requiring surgery. The knee also has two special “cartilages” – the menisci – between the tibia and the femur that provide for frictionless mobility and cushioning. These cartilages can also be torn during trauma, and commonly need surgical repair, or even removal if damaged severely.

Traumatic knee injuries can produce intense pain and swelling and require urgent examination and treatment. In the majority of cases a competent chiropractor, such as your Santa Barbara chiropractor, can take excellent care of these problems, although there are some injuries that do need the craft of an orthopedic surgeon. Nevertheless, it is very important to stabilize the injured joint right away and to use ice on the hurt area, if possible, until the injury can be examined. Conditions such as poor mechanics and problems due to overuse, as well as traumatic injuries, need to be eliminated at an early stage.

If not, the tissues of the knee joint, particularly the cartilage, will begin to erode. Consequently the bones will rub on one another, and changes such as bone spurs can occur. This painful condition, known as degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis, is commonly progressive with age. General treatment may involve medications such as NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).

Fortunately, there are natural anti-inflammatory supplements that are highly effectual such as rosemary, glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, bioflavinoids, curcumin. Conservative treatment, such as chiropractic, can be extremely helpful in reducing the pain. Your Santa Barbara chiropractor is will be happy to recommend anti-inflammatory supplements. In addition, individuals can usually aid themselves by keeping their weight down, doing exercises (especially in the pool), and wearing cushioned shoes or insoles.

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Introduction The complexity of the shoulder joint allows it to achieve many different actions and activities. Anatomically, the shoulder involves three unique bones – the scapula, the clavicle, and the humerus – many attaching ligaments, and approximately 20 different muscles. The principal articulation, the glenohumeral joint, is attached by ligaments and a group of muscles (and their tendon attachments) known as the rotator cuff. shoulder pain and disability are usually caused by problems with the rotator cuff. As with other joints, shoulder problems can be caused by trauma such as sports injuries, mechanical dysfunction due to imbalances in the muscles, or by wear and tear of the tissues encompassing the joint.

Arthritic changes do happen in the shoulder joint, though not as commonly as in the weight-bearing joints of the spine, hips and knees. Anatomy Problems in the shoulder often arise in the cervical spine as the nerves from this region energize all of the muscles and other tissues of the shoulder, elbow, arm and hand. Tight or weak shoulder muscles, caused by aggravated nerves can produce dysfunction in the conventional mechanics of the joint, especially in the rotator cuff.

A similar problem can occur if one overburdens the shoulder in sports such as tennis and golf, or in other repetitive activities that cause the muscles of the joint to become overly tight or strained. Individuals are at risk of developing imbalance and shoulder problems if they sit too much in a lazy position, or with their shoulders held forward. Rotator Cuff Syndrome Pain and constricted motion will continue to occur until the imbalances and inflammation are correctedchanged.

The severity can vary from a slight “catching” or pain to an almost total inability to use the shoulder. This painful condition is often called Shoulder Impingement or Rotator Cuff Syndrome, and can afflict people of all ages. Frozen Shoulder Another common condition is ” frozen shoulder. “This often crippling condition occurs when the ligaments and tendons of the glenohumeral joint grow so irritated that adhesions occur making the joint almost stuck together. This results in accute pain, as well as limitation of shoulder mobility that makes it difficult for some individuals to even get dressed!

Attention from a professional, such as your Santa Barbara chiropractor is vital because if left alone, frozen shoulder could take several years to heal if it heals at all. The conditions mentioned above are the most common of all shoulder disorders. Treatment Most shoulder treatments are basically the same. Muscle imbalances can be corrected with chiropractic treatment that includes soft tissue mobilization modalities to restore proper mobility to the shoulder joints and to correct any subluxations in the spine. Special rehabilitation exercises offered by your Santa Barbara chiropractor are also crucial for a fulland quick recovery.

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Is it a good idea to get your spine checked while you are pregnant? Well, first off, yes it is a very smart idea to get your spine checked while you are pregnant. Obviously, your body is going through a variety of changes, and these alterations will continue as the pregnancy progresses. A subtle change is your body’s increased production of the hormone elastin. This hormone is designed to relax the tendons in the pelvis. This relaxation allows the pelvis more flexibility during the birthing process to make delivering the baby easier. This process, although designed to help the mother during labor, can produce much discomfort in the months leading up to the birth. The elastin is being released in increased amounts as the months go on, which allows the pelvis to become increasingly more unstable.

In combination with the increased size of the baby and uterus, and you have the formula for severe low back pain. As an Santa Barbara Chiropractor, I currently have several pregnant patients coming into my office for symptoms associated with their pregnancy, but usually it is for their low back pain. A bonus to seeing a chiropractor routinely during your pregnancy is that it has been shown to actually decrease labor time. Why is that you ask? Simply put, if the pelvis is where it needs to be, the muscles contracting during the labor process are more efficient and won’t have to strain against misaligned joints.

To answer the second question from the introductory paragraph, most assuredly chiropractic care during your pregnancy is safe. Chiropractic is not only safe and beneficial in relieving the low back pain associated with pregnancy, but other symptoms like heartburn, nausea, swelling, and so on. In addition, should the need arise, a trained chiropractor can assist a mother who has a breached baby. This is done by using the Webster Technique, a low force manipulation of the uterus that helps to get the baby into the appropriate position for birth. A simple Google search on the Webster Technique can give you much more information. In summation, not only is chiropractic safe for pregnant women, it is also very beneficial in helping with the symptoms associated with their pregnancy.

If you are pregnant, I highly recommend that you go to see a good local chiropractor, or if you are close enough, look up your Santa Barbara Chiropractor. We can make you feel a lot more comfortable during your pregnancy, and we can even make the labor process easier.

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Introduction

When the body is seen from behind, a normal spine looks straight without much deviation from one side to the other. However, if the spine is observed to have a lateral, or side-to-side, curvature, the patient might have an affliction called scoliosis.The affliction shouldn’t be confused with poor posture, although it oftentimes gives the appearance that the person is leaning to one side. Scoliosis is a troublesome deformity that is expressed by both lateral curvature and rotation of the vertebra oftentimes causing a symptomatic “rib hump” in the mid or thoracic spine. This is created by the vertebrae in the area of the major curve rotating toward the concavity and pushing their fastened ribs posterior thereby creating the characteristic rib hump seen in thoracic scoliosis. The pulmonary and cardiac functions can be interfered with if the thoracic curve and rib rotation is more than 70 degrees. Often later in life in untreated severe idiopathic infantile and juvenile scoliosis patients, this intensity of curve and consequential cardiac and pulmonary changes can be life threatening.

Anatomy

The spine displays four normal curves: the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral, all of which are apparent from a side view of the trunk. In the lower spine there is a normal “C-shaped” curve called swayback or lordosis, while the thoracic curve in the chest region has a “reverse C” called a kyphosis. Increased kyphosis in the thoracic area is called hyperkyphosis, while elevated swayback is termed, hyperlordosis. Diversions from normal that are visible from a side view generally accompany scoliosis changes. A few round back deformities are simply due to unhealthy posture and can often be resolved with postural exercises. A small percentage of individuals with kyphosis have more rigid deformities than the postural type, which are associated with vertebral deformity. This class of deformity, called Scheuermann’s kyphosis, is much more difficult to treat than postural kyphosis, and it’s cause is unknown. Even a nonprofessional can help to identify a child or grownup with scoliosis merely by looking at the person in a standing position, preferably bare-chested and in shorts, and observing the following:

• One shoulder may be more elevated than the other.

• One scapula (shoulder blade) may be higher or more pronounced than the other.

• There may be more area between the arm and the body on one side when the arms hang loosely at the side.

• One hip may appear to be raised or more prominent than the other.

• The head is not in plumb with the pelvis.

• One side of the back appears higher than the other when the individual is observed from the rear and asked to bend forward until the the spine is horizontal.

Once scoliosis is suspected, the child or adult should be sent to a healthcare professional, such as a chiropractor, for further assessment. Your Santa Barbara chiropractor would be happy to help. The most prevailing class of scoliosis is, by far, Idiopathic, and though there are many different causes and many kinds, Idiopathic scoliosis accounts for about 85% of all cases. “Idiopathic” means “no known cause” and is seen with equal frequency in boys and girls in the mild or low curve magnitudes.

This condition can be sub-classified into infantile, juvenile and adolescent categories, depending upon the age of onset. Idiopathic Scoliosis frequently runs in families and may be linked to genetic or hereditary influences. Though it is unknown why, girls are five to eight times more likely than boys to have their curves grow in size and require treatment. The most general time for the development of Idiopathic Scoliosis is during adolescence when children are ending the last major growth spurt.

Unfortunately, at this age young people are reluctant to let their body to be looked at by parents and other adults, so it is smart to have this age group examined on a regular basis. It is vital that if a scoliotic curve is found in a growing adolescent, the curves be monitored for any change by a periodic examination and sometimes standing x-rays. In ninety percent of cases, the scoliosis is mild and does not require active treatment, though| increases in spinal deformity necessitate evaluation to ascertain if a brace or other management is needed. In a small number of people, surgical treatment may be necessary.

Brace support (orthosis) is recommended for newly-found conditions of moderate scoliosis or abnormal kyphosis, as well as when an increase in scoliosis or kyphosis is discovered in both juvenile and adolescent children. There are many types of braces, all made to prevent curves from increasing through the process of acting as a buttress for the spine during active skeletal growth. Bracing is effective in stopping curve progression in an impressive portion of skeletally-immature adolescents. But, braces normally will not make the spine entirely straight, and cannot always keep a curve from progressing.

There is no simple solution for scoliosis. The majority of cases, even though often monitored, are not actively treated. The standard medical treatment for moderate conditions is a brace, whereas severe afflictions are sometimes treated surgically. You may want to see your Santa Barbara chiropractor first. Besides bracing, many other modalities have been used successfully like specialized exercise, electric stimulation of spinal muscles, nutritional programs, and chiropractic treatments. It appears that the most effective results have been sustained with a multi-faceted approach to the management of this abnormality. There are chiropractors, such as your Santa Barbara chiropractor, that have years of experience managing scoliosis conditions.

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Introduction

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome falls into the category of neurological conditions referred to as nerve entrapment disorders and is by far the most common of these disorders. As the name implies, these conditions come about when a nerve is trapped or constricted between other tissues of the body causing irritation and dysfunction of the nerve.

Anatomy

The carpal tunnel is embedded within the underside of the wrist. It is a tunnel, or passage, through which the Median nerve moves on its way to energize and animate the hand and fingers. Along with the median nerve, the carpal tunnel includes the nine tendons of the forearm muscles that are responsible for bending and flexing of the fingers and thumb. There are also arteries and lymphatic vessels that supply circulation to the hand located within the tunnel. Wrist bones form the bottom and sides of the tunnel, while the top is shaped by the transverse carpal ligament, a strong band of connective tissue.

The carpal tunnel is a densely-packed space about the size of an index finger. The flexor tendons, arteries and median nerve are designed to glide smoothly past each other during wrist and finger movement. If the size of the tendon enlarges due to irritation or overuse, or if the carpal tunnel size shrinks due to  an improper use of the carpal bones, the median nerve can become squeezed or entrapped within the carpal tunnel. In the beginning, carpal tunnel symptoms generally include, pain, numbness, pins and needles, and tinging in the fingers and hand, particularly the thumb and adjacent two fingers.  The symptoms are markedly apparent at night, often awakening the sufferer from sleep and making it necessary for the person to “shake out” or rub the hands in an attempt to relieve the unpleasant sensations.  The hands can also feel clumsy, weak and fatigue easily with activity.

Eventually, holding small objects using the thumb and fingers can be seriously affected and, without treatment, can result in complete debilitation of the hand. The following are general causes and corresponding conditions:

• repetitive and forceful grasping with the hands

• prolonged computer usage especially with poor wrist position

• activities that require repetitive bending of the wrist

• broken or dislocated bones in the wrist which produce swelling

• arthritis, especially the rheumatoid type

• thyroid gland imbalance

• sugar diabetes

• hormonal changes associated with menopause or pregnancy

Though any of the causes and conditions listed can be instrumental in contributing to the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, often the actual root cannot be found. Nevertheless, those who work with equipment that vibrates and/or perform their jobs in extreme temperatures often develop carpal tunnel symptoms.  In addition, repetitive housework as seemingly inconsequential as wringing clothes by hand, can bring on carpal tunnel symptoms.

However, the continuing increase in computer use is the most compelling explanation for the number of individuals who are suffering with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome today. This is becoming a major concern in the developed world where people of all ages are spending much of their time typing on a keyboard & clicking on a mouse. Treatment Proper diagnosis and management of this condition is essential in order to curtail the disabling symptoms associated with the advancement of CTS.

I as, a Santa Barbara Chiropractor has many years of experience in this area. Chiropractors are equipped to deal with this problem and can offer many sufferers with relief.  In addition to chiropractic adjustments of the wrist joints, treatment by chiropractor may include inflammation reduction therapy such as ultrasound or low level laser. Electromusclestim can often help to strengthen the weak muscles of the forearm and soft tissue massage is effective in stretching contracted tissues.

Your chiropractor may suggest that you wear a splint or support, especially at night, to aid in the decompression of the carpal tunnel. Your Santa Barbara Chiropractor will also give you specific exercises to stretch and/or strengthen muscles of the forearm and hand.

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Introduction

The average individual takes between 3,000 and 5,000 steps per day. Not to mention, many of us are involved in activities, such as running and aerobic exercise, that add many more steps, as well as stress to our poor, overworked feet. Is it any wonder then why a large number of people have aches and pains in their feet? Components such as flat feet or over-pronated feet, individual walking and running style, and the type of shoe a person wears can determine if a person will develop foot and ankle pain.

However these factors can also affect the health of a person’s back, knees and legs. Detailed below are some of the most common conditions that affect the feet and ankle.

Hallux Valgus and Bunions

Hallux Valgus, a slow-developing condition, is noticeable when the big toe or hallux turns towards the outside of the foot, in many cases nearly overlapping or bumping into the adjacent toe. Moreover, a bump, called a bunion, frequently is generated on the inside of the big toe. Hallux Valgus pain is normally experienced during weight-bearing activities such as walking or prolonged standing, but if a bunion has developed, a “numbing” or “burning” pain in the big toes can be felt at rest. The joint between the big toe and the first metatarsal (the first metatarsal-phalangeal) is the true complication, and not the bone, itself.

The pain and deformity associated with Hallux Valgus is due to injury to this joint. Over-pronation that causes abnormal pressure on the big toe and first metatarsal during walking causes the prolonged wear and tear that frequently results in Hallux Valgus. Inflammatory arthritis that injures the joint and creates degenerative changes is another cause. However, one of the most recognizable causes of the problem is the high-heeled and pointed shoes that women frequently wear. These shoes not only put extra stress on the joint, but also aid in pushing the big toe to the outside. If you think you may have Hallux Valgus, your chiropractor can examine your foot to determine which factors are contributing to your challenge, and then use a number of chiropractic techniques and modalities to decrease pain and improve the function of your foot.

Plantar Fascitis ( Heel Pain )

Heel pain, known as Plantar Fascitis, is a prevalent foot problem caused by irritation of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a band of connective tissue that surrounds the muscles on the bottom of the foot . It adheres the heel bone to the ball of the foot, supporting the arch, protecting the foot, and absorbing shock. A familiar compaint by sufferers with Plantar Fascitis is pain upon first arising in the morning, as well as pain upon rising after prolonged sitting. The pain begins just in front of the heel bone, but can spread over the entire bottom of the foot.

If left untreated, inflammation associated with the condition can lead to the development of scar tissue, calcium deposits and eventually heel spurs. Heel spurs, a bony growth on the front part of the calcaneus of the heel bone where the plantar fascia attaches, can cause a severe stabbing pain with walking. There are many factors that contribute to the development of Plantar Fascitis although people who have other foot conditions, especially Pes Planus (flat feet) and over-pronation are most susceptible.

Muscle imbalances between the calf muscles and the muscles on the bottom of the foot are a powerful contributing factor. When the calf muscles are short and tight they exert an intense pull on the back of the cancaneus. This produces unnecessary stress on the smaller and weaker plantar muscles and its fascia that attach to the other side of the calcaneus. Wearing high heels will create a shorting and tightening of the calf muscles, as will running and jumping activities.

Other factors that stress the plantar fascia include: sudden strenuous activity after a period of long-term inactivity, abnormal walking patterns, improper footwear, walking on hard or uneven surfaces especially barefooted, and obesity. People who are constantly on their feet, such as nurses, teachers and waiters, are more susceptible to Plantar Fascitis, as are athletes who participate in foot-stressing activities such as aerobics, volleyball, running, basketball, and tennis. It is often hard to manage Plantar Fascitis once it has developed, and the condition can become extremely painful and persistent.

Chiropractors are well-trained in not only determining the cause of your condition, but in recommending appropriate therapy, such as joint manipulation, muscle stretching and strengthening exercises, special taping, ultrasound therapy and, in some cases, orthotics. Achilles Tendonitis Achilles Tendonitis is a painful, and often, debilitating aggravation of the Achilles tendon, also called the “heel cord.” This large tendon is a continuance of the two biggest calf muscles and runs down the back of the lower leg adhering to the heel bone or calcaneus. Harm to this significant tendon can make it challenging or even impossible to walk. The problem may be caused by a sudden single incident, such as jumping, but more frequently it results from an accumulation of smaller stresses that cause small tears in the tendon over time. Because the symptoms appear gradually, in the beginning many Achilles Tendonitis sufferers may associate the initial annoyance to the aches and pains that accompany age or fatigue. But, the ailment will gradually worsen, especially if the person attempts to “work through” the pain. In severe cases, a total rupture of the tendon can occur, resulting in traumatic injury and intense pain that makes walking virtually impossible and may even require corrective surgery.

Achilles tendonitis is many times associated with athletes and performers, such as dancers, who participate in running and jumping activities, particularly those that involve sudden starts and stops. Also at risk are women who typically wear high-heeled shoes then switch to sport shoes for exercise because the tendon and muscles have gradually adapted to the shortened position created by wearing high-heels. When this occurs, the change to exercise or flat shoes forces the Achilles tendon to stretch further than it is accustomed to, thereby producing stress and irritation. For these reasons, high-heels should not be worn everyday. If they are unavoidable, stretching should be done every morning and night to keep the Achilles tendon lengthened.

As mentioned above, Achilles tendonitis is often age-related, expressly in men who are athletes. As a person ages, the arch tends to flatten causing over-pronation and increased stress on the Achilles tendon, as well as the calf and foot muscles. Correspondingly, problems are also common in the “weekend warrior” who exercises infrequently, as well as those who are just commensing to exercise. In such people, the muscles and tendons have little flexibility due to inactivity, and immoderacy in exercise in the beginning can create tendonitis. Therefore, people who are just commencing to exercise after a long layoff should stretch properly, start slowly, and increase gradually. No matter what the cause of the problem, if a person is experiencing the symptoms of Achilles tendonitis, he or she should contact a qualified professional, such as a chiropractor, to treat the problem before it becomes severe. Your chiropractor has many years of experience in treating Achilles tendonitis.

Pes Planus ( Flat Feet )

It is approximated that close to one quarter of humans have Pes Planus, more commonly known as flat feet. Human beings are not born with an arch, but develop them somewhere between ages 3-10. Although in certain people this development never happens. There are a number of factors, along with genetic disposion that can cause flat feet, or predispose a person to the problem. Infrequently people develop arches only to have them collapse later in their life. This frequently depends upon lifestyle, job, and level of activity. Age and weight also are a factor in the development of the problem. Middle-aged people who have been working on their feet for years often experience flat feet, as do overweight people who are placing added stress on their feet and legs. Having flat feet does not always mean you will have pain, as it is possible for people to have the ailment and never feel any distress. For people who do develop pain, it generally takes place in the feet and knees, and sometimes in the hips and lower back. If you suspect you have flat feet and are experiencing pain, you might want to see your Santa Barbara chiropractor to determine a plan of management that can lessen your pain and prevent more symptoms from developing. Chiropractic treatment includes joint adjustments to promote good foot function and alleviate painful symptoms. Your chiropractor may also prescribe arch-supporting insoles, called orthotics, for additional support and stability.

Metatarsalgia ( Pain in the ball of the foot )

Metatarsalgia is sometimes called “ball-of-foot pain,” as it is a pain on the sole of the foot just behind the toes where the foot bends during walking. The metatarsal bones extend from halfway up the foot to the toes. A problem in one or more of these five bones is the cause of pain. The feeling of pain can be limited to where the metatarsal bones attach the toe bones or it can extend along the entire length of the metatarsals, and most probably between them. Discomfort in this area can vary from a stiff feeling upon movement of these bones to a burning or stinging sensation.

The amount of pain depends upon whether the problem is due to a dysfunction in the joints or an inflammation to the nerves as they travel along the metatarsals. The cause of the condition is due to either structural or functional reasons. When a structural problem takes palce, such as when the metacarpal bones are either too long or too short, it causes abnormal mechanics in the feet and undue stress on the entire area.

Flat feet or excessive arch can also alter the stresses on the metatarsals causing similar symptoms. There are other factors that can affect these bones that are frequently in the control of the person. These include excess body weight, tight or high-heeled shoes, and excessive or poor running or athletic training. Excess weight and the wearing high-heeled shoes both augment stress upon the metatarsal, which leads to joint pain and nerve irritation.

Repetitive foot activities, like running, directly stress the metatarsals by exposing them to constant trauma. A chiropractor is able to effectively treat metatarsalgia, no matter what the cause may be. After analyzing the underlying factors, you will be offered a number of non-invasive therapies, inluding orthotics when necessary, and you will be advised on how you can avoid future pain. See your Santa Barbara chiropractor as soon as possible if you are experiencing any of the foot problems mentioned above.

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Tennis Elbow, the typical name for pain emanating from the outside, or lateral side, of the elbow happens when one or more tendons of the forearm muscles become irritated or inflamed. These tendons join to the bony protuberance close to the elbow joint, referred to the lateral epicondyle, hence the medical name, “lateral epicondylitis,” in essence inflammation of the epicondyle.

If the affliction is located on the inside, or medial side, of the elbow it is often called Golfer’s Elbow or medial epicondylitis. This, however, is not as prevalent as lateral epicondylitis. There are many whys and wherefores for epicondylitis – not just tennis and golf – as any activity or sport that requires repetitive gripping of objects can result in this problem.

Inappropriate wrist and arm posture while carrying heavy bags, knitting, chopping food, and/or using a computer can also cause “tennis” or “golfer’s” elbow. With sports, the condition occurs when a person,  who is new to a particular game, uses an awkward technique, tries out new rackets or clubs, or adds to the intensity or duration of exercise without effective preparation. On occasion cases involving epicondylitis can be attributed to complications farther up the arm or even in the neck.

If an individual has a disc complication or spinal subluxation, the nerves that control the forearm muscles may become inflamed producing tense muscles and putting heightened strain on the tendon attachment(s).  This creates a predisposition to elbow pain whatever the exacerbating cause. If ignored, joints of the elbow can become subluxated further, and even arthritis can be a complication of the condition.

Examination and treatment by a qualified chiropractor, such as your Santa Barbara chiropractor can fix the problem and eliminate future complications. Epicondylitis is a condition that rarely resolves of its own accord and so requires proper health management. A qualified professional such as a chiropractor can determine the exact cause of the problem and initiate the proper care and treatment. In a chiropractic clinic this might include modalities such as ultrasound, electro-therapy, massage, hot and cold therapies, bracing, and home stretching and exercises. Chiropractic care has proved, in the majority of instances, to be extraordinarily beneficial in the most comprehensive management of this problem.

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