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Short-Term Care for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

9 Nov

While the primary driver for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) may sometimes be hormonal changes (hypothyroid, pregnancy, or birth control use), type 2 diabetes, or an inflammatory condition (rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, or gout), many patients’ hand and wrist symptoms are caused by musculoskeletal issues that place pressure on the median nerve or restrict its motion. The good news is that chiropractic care is a great fit for the CTS patient, but how much care is needed before the numbness, tingling, weakness, and pain starts to resolve?

In one study that included 22 CTS patients, 19 of whom had CTS in both hands and wrists, researchers observed that the application of only manual therapy techniques to the hand, wrist, and forearm three times a week for two weeks led to significant improvements in pain, function, numbness, sensation, strength, and night awakening. The patients also performed better on the Phalen’s maneuver—a common clinical test used to stimulate CTS symptoms. Best of all, the participants continued to experience these improvements up to twelve weeks after their final treatment!

In addition to the manual therapies involved in the aforementioned study, doctors of chiropractic utilize additional non-surgical techniques such as nocturnal wrist splinting, at-home exercises/stretching, nutritional counseling, and job/ergonomic modifications. Dysfunction elsewhere along the course of the median nerve (such as the neck, shoulder, elbow, and forearm) may also need to be addressed.

If non-musculoskeletal causes are suspected, co-management with the patient’s medical doctor may be necessary. Though several studies have shown that surgical intervention may not be superior to non-surgical care over the long-term, a referral to a surgeon may be warranted if non-surgical treatment fails to produce a satisfying result. For CTS and other musculoskeletal conditions, many doctors of chiropractic will commence care with a short-term approach (such as six visits spread over two weeks, as used in the study discussed above) to evaluate how the patient responds to care and to adjust treatment recommendations from there. In mild cases, the patient may be released from care and advised to return on an as-needed basis. For chronic or severe cases of CTS, additional treatment may be required, though if the condition is too advanced, a full resolution of symptoms may not be possible. Hence, the importance of visiting your doctor of chiropractic for hand and wrist symptoms sooner rather than later!

This information should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. Any and all healthcare concerns, decisions, and actions must be done through the advice and counsel of a healthcare professional who is familiar with your updated medical history.

Groin Pain: The Low Back, Hips, and Pelvic Floor

5 Nov

In addition to neck pain and back pain, patients seek chiropractic care for many musculoskeletal conditions, including groin pain. Pain in the groin area can emanate from a myriad of causes from issues involving the reproductive organs, the renal/urinary system, the lymph glands, a pelvic flood disorder, a hip joint condition, and even a lumbar disk herniation.

For a patient with groin pain, the first thing a doctor of chiropractic will likely do is review the patient’s history and conduct a thorough examination to rule out health issues that may be better suited for the patient’s medical physician. The examination will look for potential dysfunction in the pelvis, hip, and low back that can be addressed with chiropractic care.

While musculoskeletal issues in the lower back are typically localized to that area of the body, if a spinal disk herniates and places pressure on the spinal nerves, it can lead to symptoms down the leg and even into the torso and groin. Likewise, issues in the hip like osteoarthritis, labral tears, and hip bursitis can refer pain to the groin.

Chiropractic care for these conditions will include manual therapies to restore joint motion, specific exercises to strengthen/stretch the affected ligaments and muscles, and recommendations to address inflammation, such as supplements/vitamins or ice/heat instruction.

Pelvic floor disorder (PFD) is a common condition that describes the inability to correctly relax and coordinate the pelvic floor muscles, which can lead to issues with urination and defecation, among other things. The pelvic floor is like a sling of muscle holding the pelvic organs. Our pelvic floor muscles contract and relax when we go to the bathroom. Losing the ability to relax the muscles can lead to the inability to defecate or urinate, and losing the ability to contract the muscles can result in incontinence.

Fortunately, once more serious causes are ruled out, it’s possible to resolve PFD using biofeedback, pelvic flood exercises, and relaxation techniques, all of which may be provided by your doctor of chiropractic or in conjunction with a related healthcare professional. There is the possibility that issues may be present in two or even all three areas that your doctor of chiropractic will address concurrently in order to reach a satisfactory treatment outcome.

This information should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. Any and all healthcare concerns, decisions, and actions must be done through the advice and counsel of a healthcare professional who is familiar with your updated medical history.

The Benefits of Blocking Blue Light

22 Oct

The electromagnetic spectrum spans from gamma rays—which can be deadly—to the radio waves that flow in the air all around us without any effect. Between the ultraviolet and infrared sections of the spectrum is the most important wavelength for our eyes: visible light. But research indicates that blue light can be problematic in high doses—especially with our increasing use of electronic devices.

Both the sun and incandescent bulbs emits light in a broad range that our eyes have evolved to see. The light that emanates from our electronic devices may appear similar, but it’s concentrated in three main peaks of blue, green, and red. When using a phone or tablet, that means a greater than average amount of more energetic blue light is being sent to your eyes at a short distance and for (often) a prolonged period of time. Researchers have observed that this can cause the eyes to grow tired and dry out, which can lead to discomfort. Exposure to blue light at night can slow the production of the sleep hormone melatonin, resulting in sleep difficulties and the negative health effects associated with it.

To reduce the consequences of excessive blue light exposure, several tech companies have created blue light and nighttime filter settings that reduce the amount of blue light that comes from devices. Many websites and programs also offer a dark mode that reduces the amount of white on the screen, which means less light is emitted by the diodes. Users often report that these features are easier on the eyes.

While there is debate on the topic, excessive exposure to blue light may also lead to an increased risk for macular degeneration, a common cause of vision loss associated with damage to the photoreceptor cells in the retina. In laboratory studies, researchers have observed that when blue light interacts with the molecule retinal, it can lead to cell damage and even cell death. This effect did not occur with other forms of visible light. However, it’s important to note that this study was conducted in a laboratory setting and not on eyes themselves, so although the authors found a mechanism by which blue light plus retinal can cause cell damage, they’re not sure if this occurs in the eye itself.

Nonetheless, given the effect that prolonged screen use can have on eye fatigue and possible sleep interruption, it’s important to take breaks to rest the eyes and use filters or modes that reduce blue light (or wear glasses that block blue light).

This information should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. Any and all healthcare concerns, decisions, and actions must be done through the advice and counsel of a healthcare professional who is familiar with your updated medical history.

Predicting Whiplash Outcomes

19 Oct

With up to 50% of whiplash associated disorder (WAD) patients experiencing long-term symptoms, is there a way to predict which patients are likely to recover following a whiplash injury? To answer this question, a team of researchers analyzed findings from twelve systemic reviews to identify prognostic factors that could help predict patient outcomes following a whiplash associated disorders (WAD) injury.

The authors concluded that the outcome of acute whiplash was dependent more on the association between initial pain and anxiety and less with physical factors such as MRI or x-ray findings, motor examination findings, and collision factors (impact direction, car speed at impact, seatbelt or headrest use, or the extent of vehicular damage).

What can be done for the patients who are at greatest risk for ongoing issues? A 2020 study investigated the potential benefits that a multimodal rehabilitation (MMR) program had for sub-acute (six to twelve weeks) and chronic (more than twelve weeks) WAD patients with soft tissue injuries and no nerve injury or bone fractures. The participants were first examined by a multi-professional team that included a pain and rehabilitation specialist (PM&R), a psychologist, an occupational therapist (OT), a physiotherapist (PT), a social worker, and a nurse. This same team then treated the patients over a five-week timeframe.

The investigators then compared standardized questionnaires completed by participants both before and after the treatment period and then one year later. The researchers reported that participants achieved significant long-term improvements with respect to overall physical and mental health, pain intensity, ability to carry out everyday activities, anxiety, and depression.

Many chiropractors utilize a multi-modal approach when treating WAD patients to address three goals: pain management, functional restoration, and self-management strategies to minimize the need for long-term professional care.  When needed, a coordinated care approach is set up between allied healthcare professions that may include PT, OT, clinical psychology, and/or others.

This information should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. Any and all healthcare concerns, decisions, and actions must be done through the advice and counsel of a healthcare professional who is familiar with your updated medical history.

Neck Pain and Workstation Options

15 Oct

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.

This information should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. Any and all healthcare concerns, decisions, and actions must be done through the advice and counsel of a healthcare professional who is familiar with your updated medical history.

Things to Consider Before Knee Joint Replacement

12 Oct

When it comes to a condition like chronic knee pain, there are many treatment options available to reduce pain and improve function, including chiropractic care. However, there are cases when a patient may opt for total knee arthroplasty (TKA). In some instances, they may be able to resume their everyday activities, but a segment of patients may not achieve a satisfying outcome. What can we learn from these patients that can inform us on when to and when not to consider surgery for knee pain?

In one study, researchers examined TKA patients one year after their procedure to assess their progress with respect to knee range of motion and function, as these are important for performing activities of daily living (ADLs) such as the ability to put on shoes and socks, squat down to pick things up off the floor, get up and down from sitting, climb and descend steps, etc. The research team found that patients with poor range of motion before surgery, as well as those with poor knee alignment (the tibial-femoral angle), were less likely to have a satisfactory outcome.

Several studies have demonstrated how hyperpronation of the ankle can affect the alignment of the knee, placing added stress on the joint, as can impaired hip function. These issues should be addressed before considering TKA. This is why it’s important for doctors to assess the whole patient for a musculoskeletal condition because the cause or contributing factors for the issue could be from outside the area of chief complaint. In many cases, a combination of manual therapies and specific exercises provided by a doctor of chiropractic can restore proper motion to the affected hip or ankle, which can then benefit the knee.

Manual therapies can also break up adhesions and scar tissue that may affect knee range of motion. When the knee can move as intended, the pressure from normal movement can help provide nutrients to the remaining cartilaginous tissue, reducing inflammation and pain. 

The take-home message is that there may be a time when a TKA is the only option available to a patient with knee pain, but if the knee is poorly aligned or its range of motion is restricted, then TKA may not be the answer. Luckily, these are issues that can be addressed with chiropractic care, which may delay or even reduce the need for an eventual surgical procedure.

This information should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. Any and all healthcare concerns, decisions, and actions must be done through the advice and counsel of a healthcare professional who is familiar with your updated medical history.
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