There are many types of muscular pain. Sometimes muscular pain is the direct result of injury to the muscle, as in the case of a muscle pull, tear, or rupture. Other times, the muscular attachment to the bone (called the "tendon") becomes strained in a specific injury, or as the result of repetitive strain. Examples of repetitive strain to the muscle or tendon include prolonged and/or poor sitting postures, repetitive motions, and improper lifting. Most people don't realize that by the time they actually feel muscular pain, the surrounding joints and nerves have also become affected. This is why chiropractic care is so effective in treating muscular pain: because it is comprehensive care that addresses not only the muscles, but also the joints and their related spinal nerves.
After a thorough examination, the chiropractor will determine the exact muscles, joints, and nerves involved, as well as any underlying causes and potential perpetuating factors. Depending on the specific findings of your exam, some combination of the following treatments may be recommended to decrease your pain and speed healing: acupuncture, cold laser therapy, therapeutic exercises, homeopathy, electrical muscle stimulation, ultrasound, and ice or heat therapy. Massage therapy & myofascial release techniques may also be used in conjunction with these other therapies in order to get the best results. Also, the chiropractor may arrange for on-site (Chicago Office) evaluation of your workout routine and/or workplace to correct improper ergonomic conditions, which may be aggravating your condition. In the event that your condition requires medical attention, an appropriate referral would be made promptly.
PROGRESSIVE HEALTH & WELLNESS BLOG: SELF TREATMENT ADVICE ON THE PROPER USE OF HEAT & ICE : Many people are not sure when to use heat and when to use ice in the self-treatment of pain and injuries. As a rule, any treatment should be individualized to the unique needs of the patient. That said, the advice that follows will serve as useful genergeneral guidelines on the proper use of heat & ice. This advice is given with the recommendation that you also seek out care from your chiropractor or other qualified health care provider. If you are having pain as the result of an identifiable injury (from a fall, or a blow, or a sprain, strain, sports injury, car accident, etc.) then it is usually best to use an ice pack for the first 24-48 hours. Apply the ice pack for 10-20 minutes (not longer), and repeat at least three times per day, or up to once every hour if pain is severe. The ice will reduce pain, muscle spasm, inflammation and decrease tissue damage. If your pain is not the direct result of an actual injury, or if the pain has persisted for more than 48 hours, it is usually best to alternate heat & ice. The best way to do this is to apply moist heat for 5 minutes, followed by an ice pack for 1 minute. Just one single repetition of this therapy (6 minutes total), performed 1-3 times per day (depending upon the severity of your symptoms) is usually all you need to do. The heat needs to be moist – not dry. Read More |