Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD)

by Dr. Kevin P Lewis | Oct 28, 2020 | Chiropractic Care, Pain Relief

Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD), also known as Osteoarthritis, is a condition in which the protective cartilage that surrounds the bone begins to break down. DJD can affect any joint in the body but commonly affects weight bearing joints such as your knees, hips, and spine. Symptoms include local and/or radiating pain, stiffness, lack of flexibility, swelling, and more. You are at risk of suffering from DJD if you suffered a trauma to the area, are diagnosed with a metabolic condition, are overweight, a smoker, or have a family history of Osteoarthritis.

Unfortunately, DJD is a condition that can gradually worsen over time if not treated. Fortunately, DJD is a common condition helped by chiropractic. The reasoning behind this is due to the fact that chiropractors induce motion and restore the joints back to their normal positioning to help relieve excess stress that was being placed onto the joints. Removal of excess stress helps the joints function at their optimum.

How does a chiropractor know what is the best course of treatment? To begin care, it is important to take a thorough history of the person’s previous health history to see what may be the cause of their problem and help navigate the best course of action. Next, a thorough examination is done that includes neurological, orthopedic and physical examinations to find the root cause of the problem. An important part of the examination, if deemed clinically necessary, would be to take X-rays of the spine or affected joints. This is important in helping find the root cause because DJD will show up on an x-ray with decreased joint space and jagged edges around the bones called bone spurs. Having the information given from the x-ray would be crucial in helping determine the best plan of care for you. Lastly, using all of the information gained, the doctor can provide a specific plan of care to help relieve the stress placed on the joints and help prevent further damage.

If left untreated, the condition will continue to worsen, creating additional problems such as ligamentous instability, an increase in pain and stiffness, radiating pain, and decreased flexibility. In severe cases, surgery may be the most appropriate course of action. More than 54 million people in the United States suffer from DJD, but you don’t have to be one of them! Our goal is to help you live your best life free from pain and suffering!

Give our office a call at

1 (864) 631-1420

to schedule a FREE consultation

or visit our website at

Greenvillespine.com

Reference:

https://www.pinnaclehealth.org/wellness-library/blog-and-healthwise/blog-home/post/your-back-pain-may-be-osteoarthritis

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoarthritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351925

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

by Dr. Kevin P Lewis | Oct 12, 2020 | Chiropractic Care, Pain Relief

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, CTS, is a compression of the median nerve that runs under the transverse carpal ligament in the wrist. CTS is characterized by pain, numbness, and tingling that occur in the wrist, thumb and index fingers. Individuals may also experience weakness in the hand and difficulty gripping objects. There are many causes of CTS such as pregnancy, diabetes, and RA, but the most common cause is due to prolonged flexion or extension of the wrist. This commonly affects people whose work requires highly repetitive or forceful work.

There are many ways to help relieve pain caused by CTS. The most common being myofascial release, using wrist supports, B6 supplementation, surgery, and chiropractic care. Chiropractors can help by adjusting the bones in the wrist located near the Carpal Tunnel. By realigning the bones, it creates more room in the Carpal Tunnel for the median nerve to run through, relieving the pressure on the nerve.

In order for a chiropractor to best treat you, a thorough case history must be performed to evaluate your previous health history. The doctor must also perform a thorough examination that includes physical, neurological, and orthopedic examinations to find the root cause of your problem. Lastly, a treatment plan would be made specifically for you if a problem is found that we can help you with.

Give our office a call at

1 (864) 631-1420

to schedule a FREE consultation

or visit our website at

Greenvillespine.com

Reference:

Souza