Tag Archives: mechanicsburg pa chiropractor

Whiplash and Occipital Neuralgia

27 Aug

Occipital neuralgia is a condition involving irritation of the occipital nerves and is often
characterized by sharp, shooting, burning, or electric-like pain that starts near the base of the skull
and radiates upward. A 2025 study of 212 patients with occipital neuralgia found that 117 reported a
prior head or neck injury, with whiplash identified as the most common cause. Let’s look at how a
history of whiplash may influence the risk of occipital neuralgia.
The greater occipital nerve originates from the second cervical spinal nerve and passes
through several layers of muscle and connective tissue before reaching the scalp. During a whiplash
injury, the rapid back-and-forth motion of the head and neck may stretch or compress the nerve,
cause microscopic injury, or trigger abnormal nerve signaling. In some individuals, these changes
may contribute to the shooting, burning, or electric-like sensations.
Whiplash commonly causes tightness in the small muscles at the base of the skull as well as
tension throughout the neck and shoulders. When these muscles remain chronically tight, they may
place pressure on nearby occipital nerves and contribute to symptoms. Trauma can also affect the
joints between the skull and first cervical vertebra as well as those between the first and second
cervical vertebrae. These structures are closely related to the nerve roots that eventually form the
occipital nerves. Joint irritation may increase local inflammation, alter nerve mechanics, and produce
pain patterns that resemble occipital neuralgia.
The healing process itself may also play a role. As injured tissues repair, scar tissue and
thickened connective tissue can develop. Because the occipital nerves pass through multiple
muscular and fascial layers, these changes may reduce the available space around the nerves and
contribute to ongoing irritation or entrapment. In some individuals, the nervous system becomes
more sensitive following injury. This process can cause normally harmless sensations to become
painful and may contribute to scalp tenderness, increased nerve sensitivity, or symptoms that persist
long after the initial injury has healed.
Occipital neuralgia is sometimes mistaken for migraines, tension headaches, or headaches
that originate from the neck. Clues that suggest occipital neuralgia include pain that begins near the
base of the skull, tenderness over the occipital nerves, scalp sensitivity, and sharp pain that radiates
toward the top of the head. Because several conditions can produce similar symptoms, a thorough
examination is important. If the examination suggests occipital neuralgia is present and the patient is
a candidate for chiropractic care, treatment may include a multimodal approach using manual
therapies, specific exercises, physiotherapy modalities, and patient education to help reduce
mechanical stress on the occipital nerves. Chiropractors are also trained to recognize when comanagement or referral to another healthcare provider may be appropriate.

Brent Binder, D.C.

4909 Louise Dr. Suite 102

Mechanicsburg, PA 17055

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Contributing Factors for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

24 Aug

Cubital tunnel syndrome occurs when the ulnar nerve becomes compressed or
irritated as it passes through a narrow space on the inside of the elbow called the cubital
tunnel. This can result in numbness or tingling in the ring and little fingers, hand weakness,
reduced grip strength, and aching pain along the inside of the elbow. Symptoms are often
more noticeable when the elbow remains bent for prolonged periods, such as while sleeping
or talking on the phone. While repetitive elbow bending and prolonged pressure on the elbow
are well-known contributors, several health conditions may also increase one’s risk:

  • Smoking – Smoking can reduce blood flow to nerves, increase inflammation, and
    impair healing, making nerves more vulnerable to compression.
  • Diabetes – High blood sugar may damage nerves and the small blood vessels that
    supply them. Nerves of diabetic patients may become symptomatic under lower levels
    of compression and often recover more slowly.
  • Hypertension – High blood pressure may affect the small blood vessels that nourish
    nerves and is frequently associated with other metabolic conditions that influence
    nerve health.
  • Excess Body Weight – Obesity may increase pressure around the elbow, contribute to
    inflammation, and is strongly associated with diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – Carpal tunnel syndrome and cubital tunnel syndrome
    share many of the same risk factors, including diabetes, obesity, smoking, and
    inflammatory conditions. In some cases, irritation of nerve roots in the neck or the
    brachial plexus from which these nerves arise may reduce the nervous system’s
    tolerance to compression, making symptoms more likely to develop at multiple
    locations in the arm.
  • Osteoarthritis – Bone spurs, joint enlargement, and changes in elbow structure may
    reduce the space available for the ulnar nerve.
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis – Chronic inflammation, tissue swelling, and joint deformity
    may increase pressure on nerves and raise the likelihood of nerve entrapment.
    As with other nerve entrapment disorders, seeking care early when symptoms are
    mild and less frequent is often associated with better outcomes. If these factors are suspected
    to contribute to a patient’s symptoms, a chiropractor may coordinate care with other
    healthcare providers while providing conservative treatment aimed at improving the mobility
    of the ulnar nerve along its course, including through the cubital tunnel.

Brent Binder, D.C.

4909 Louise Dr. Suite 102

Mechanicsburg, PA 17055

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Shoulder Weakness and Tennis Elbow

20 Aug

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral elbow tendinopathy, is a common condition involving
irritation of the tendons that attach to the outside of the elbow. Despite its name, it affects many people
who have never played tennis. Repetitive gripping, lifting, typing, and tool use can all contribute to the
condition. Traditionally, treatment has focused on the elbow, forearm, and wrist. However, growing
evidence suggests the shoulder may also play an important role.
One reason involves the concept of the kinetic chain. When reaching, lifting, throwing, gripping,
or performing other arm movements, force is transferred through a connected system that includes the
shoulder blade (scapula), shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand. If the muscles around the shoulder and
shoulder blade are weak, the body may compensate by placing greater demands on the forearm muscles
that attach to the elbow. As a result, the wrist extensor tendons may work harder, increasing stress on
already irritated tissues and reducing opportunities for recovery.
The shoulder blade serves as the foundation for arm movement. Several muscles help stabilize
and control its position, including the lower and middle trapezius, serratus anterior, and rhomboids.
Weakness in these muscles can contribute to poor shoulder positioning and less efficient movement
patterns throughout the arm. When the scapula is more stable, the arm can move more efficiently and less
force may be transferred to the elbow.
The rotator cuff muscles are also important because they help stabilize the shoulder joint during
movement. If these muscles are weak, larger muscles may compensate, making movement less efficient
and potentially increasing stress farther down the arm. Improving rotator cuff strength may help distribute
forces more effectively, reduce excessive gripping, and decrease repetitive loading of the wrist extensor
tendons.
Many people with tennis elbow have reduced grip strength because gripping increases tension on
the irritated tendons. Interestingly, grip strength often improves when shoulder and scapular exercises are
included in rehabilitation programs. Better shoulder function can make the entire arm more mechanically
efficient, reduce protective muscle guarding, and decrease irritation of the painful tendon. Better shoulder
mechanics can reduce tendon stress, improved muscle endurance can distribute workload across the entire
arm, and exercise can enhance motor control and influence how the nervous system processes pain
signals.
Rather than viewing tennis elbow as an isolated elbow condition, many researchers now
recognize the important role that shoulder and scapular function can play in both the development and
persistence of symptoms. A chiropractic evaluation may help identify contributing factors involving the
shoulder, elbow, and surrounding structures. Chiropractors are trained to evaluate musculoskeletal
conditions, recognize findings that may require referral, and provide conservative care when appropriate.
Depending on the individual, treatment may include exercise recommendations, manual therapies, activity
modification, and other conservative approaches designed to improve function and support recovery.

Brent Binder, D.C.

4909 Louise Dr. Suite 102

Mechanicsburg, PA 17055

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Managing Somatic Tinnitus

13 Aug

Tinnitus is the perception of sound when no external sound is present. People often
describe it as ringing, buzzing, hissing, or humming in one or both ears. While tinnitus is
frequently associated with hearing-related conditions, not all tinnitus originates solely from
the auditory system. A form known as somatic tinnitus is influenced by musculoskeletal
factors beyond the ear, particularly the neck and jaw.
Some individuals notice that the volume or pitch of their tinnitus changes when they
clench their jaw, turn their head, or apply pressure to muscles in the face or neck. Others find
that their tinnitus becomes more noticeable during episodes of neck pain, jaw discomfort, or
temporomandibular joint (TMJ) flare-ups. The ability to modify the sound through
movement is considered one of the strongest indicators that musculoskeletal factors may be
involved.
Researchers believe this connection exists because nerves from the neck, jaw, and
face communicate with areas of the brain that help process sound. One of these regions,
called the dorsal cochlear nucleus, receives information from both the auditory system and
nearby sensory structures. When abnormal signals arise from irritated joints, tight muscles,
or dysfunctional movement patterns, they may influence how sound is perceived. Common
contributors to somatic tinnitus include TMJ dysfunction, cervical spine dysfunction,
whiplash injuries, forward-head posture, teeth grinding, and chronic muscle tension in the
neck and shoulders.
Presently, there is no widely adopted, standalone international treatment guideline
specifically for somatic tinnitus. However, expert reviews, consensus papers, and tinnitus
guidelines generally recommend a thorough examination of the neck, jaw, posture, and
surrounding muscles. If potential musculoskeletal factors are identified, a course of treatment
to resolve these issues is advised to see if tinnitus symptoms are reduced or resolved.
Chiropractors are trained to evaluate musculoskeletal conditions, identify findings
that may require referral, and provide conservative care for disorders affecting the spine and
related structures. For patients whose tinnitus changes with jaw movement, neck movement,
posture, or muscle tension, a chiropractic evaluation may help determine whether a
musculoskeletal component is contributing to their symptoms and whether conservative care
is appropriate as part of a broader management plan.

Brent Binder, D.C.

4909 Louise Dr. Suite 102

Mechanicsburg, PA 17055

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Lifestyle Risk Factors for Chronic Low Back Pain

6 Aug

Chronic low back pain is defined as back pain that lasts for three months or longer. It
affects millions of adults and is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. It’s
estimated that more than 600 million individuals worldwide are living with chronic low back
pain at any given moment. While injuries, age-related changes, and certain medical
conditions can contribute to persistent back pain, research suggests that several modifiable
lifestyle habits may also influence the likelihood that back pain develops or becomes
chronic:

  • Prolonged Sitting – Sitting for more than six hours a day can increase stress on the
    lower back, reduce muscle activity, contribute to stiffness, and promote physical
    deconditioning over time.
  • Physical Inactivity – Regular movement helps maintain the strength, flexibility, and
    endurance needed to support the spine. Inactivity may contribute to muscle weakness,
    reduced mobility, excess body weight, and lower physical resilience.
  • Elevated Stress – Chronic stress can increase muscle tension, disrupt sleep, heighten
    pain sensitivity, and affect how the nervous system processes pain signals. Individuals
    under ongoing stress often report greater pain intensity and slower recovery.
  • Smoking – Smoking has been linked to reduced blood flow to spinal tissues,
    increased inflammation, impaired healing, and accelerated age-related changes in the
    spinal discs. Smokers are more likely to develop chronic low back pain and often
    report more severe symptoms.
  • Unhealthy Diet – Poor nutrition may contribute to inflammation, reduced tissue
    repair, excess body weight, and metabolic health challenges. Low protein intake may
    also contribute to loss of muscle mass, including the muscles that help support and
    stabilize the spine.
    In addition to chiropractic care, which may include spinal manipulation, other manual
    therapies, and therapeutic exercises, patients with chronic low back pain are often
    encouraged to address these modifiable risk factors. Not only can this support recovery, but a
    healthier lifestyle may also reduce the risk of future episodes of back pain.

Brent Binder, D.C.

4909 Louise Dr. Suite 102

Mechanicsburg, PA 17055

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Movement Matters More Than Most People Think

30 Jul

For optimal health, current guidelines recommend moving more and sitting less. Most people
recognize that physical activity can help with weight management and cardiovascular health, but
movement also provides many additional benefits that are often overlooked. Regular physical activity
affects nearly every system in the body and plays an important role in maintaining overall well-being
throughout life.
One important benefit of regular physical activity is improved balance and coordination. Physical
activity helps train communication between the brain, inner ear, eyes, muscles, and joints, improving
proprioception— the body’s awareness of position and movement. It also activates the deeper stabilizing
muscles responsible for posture and joint stability. Together, these processes help maintain balance and
may reduce fall risk as people age.
Movement is essential for joint health. Unlike many tissues in the body, cartilage does not have a
direct blood supply. Instead, movement helps circulate synovial fluid within joints, delivering nutrients to
cartilage and helping remove waste products. Physical activity also strengthens the muscles surrounding
joints, improving support, stability, and movement mechanics while helping reduce stiffness that
commonly develops after prolonged sitting or inactivity.
The digestive system benefits from regular movement. Physical activity stimulates contractions of
the muscles in the digestive tract, helping food move more efficiently through the intestines. Movement
may also improve blood flow to digestive organs and help reduce symptoms such as constipation and
bloating. Even simple activities such as walking after meals may support digestive function.
Researchers have found that regular physical activity may help support immune system function.
Moderate exercise appears to improve circulation of immune cells throughout the body, which may help
the body respond more effectively to illness. Additionally, physical activity helps regulate inflammation,
improve sleep quality, and reduce chronic stress, all of which can influence immune health.
Movement plays an important role in mental and emotional well-being. Physical activity
stimulates the release of neurotransmitters and chemicals such as endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin
that are associated with mood regulation and feelings of well-being. Exercise may also help lower stress
hormone levels, improve sleep, and provide psychological benefits through routine, relaxation, and
increased self-confidence.
Unfortunately, pain, stiffness, or restricted movement can make regular physical activity more
difficult for some individuals. Chiropractic care may help address biomechanical problems involving the
spine, joints, muscles, and surrounding tissues that interfere with comfortable movement. By improving
mobility and reducing mechanical stress on the body, chiropractic treatment may help patients participate
in physical activity more comfortably and maintain the many health benefits associated with regular
movement.

Brent Binder, D.C.

4909 Louise Dr.

Suite 102 Mechanicsburg, PA 17055

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