Honolulu Chiropractor

If you are experiencing back pain looking to a conventional healing approach may not automatically be the solution for you. As a matter of fact, frequently when medical science is ineffectual in helping a person overcome pain, some natural methods have been found to be highly effective. Medical approaches, by their nature, are disposed to treat the symptoms of an affliction, not the cause. But, natural techniques search for the fundemental cause of the symptoms. If you’re interested in experiencing natural techniques that have been shown to be effective in helping back pain and quite a few other afflictions, it isn’t necessary for you to look further than chiropractic and acupuncture.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture has been implemented for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine. These days, many individuals all over the world are finding relief from their back pain and other health challenges by coming in to see an acupuncturist on a regular basis. Pursuant to traditional Chinese acupuncture therapy, small needles are introduced into the body at precise points that are known to affect various areas of the body. In traditional therapy, only the needles are used, though at times and especially in recent years, small electrical currents are sent through the needles into the body. Although it may seem like it would hurt, it hardly ever does and, in fact, many people feel tranquil and pleasurable sensations during acupuncture treatments.

Chiropractic

Chiropractors, also called doctors of chiropractic, have been assisting individuals suffering from back pain and other problems for over a hundred years. A chiropractor offers therapy to those who are experiencing musculoskeletal and nervous system problems. Chiropractic medicine attends to the abnormalities of the vertebral column that impede the operation of the nervous system. These misaligned vertebra can lower resistance and immunity, therefore producing new health challenges. A proficient chiropractor has excellent observational and diagnostic skills that help in uncovering physical anomalies and joint problems. Many chiropractors employ neurological tests and orthopedic examinations. Some will analyze the posture of a person as a way of identifying postural deviations, and may also analyze an individual’s gait to identify faulty movement patterns. Chiropractic management non-surgical, drug-free treatment and in addtion will offer advice and provide education concerning the advantages of individual lifestyle changes, such as in exercise and nutrition.

So, if you are experiencing back pain, headaches, neck pain, hip pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, balance challenges, or arthritis, and you’ve tried a number of other things and and you’re still suffering, it could be time for you to try chiropractic and acupuncture. The only way that you’re going to be able to tell is to make an appointment with a good chiropractor or acupuncturist, and to allow them to explain to you precisely what they can do for you. It’s very possible that you will experience some relief from your suffering even after only one visit. With subsequent visits, you will make more advancements and improvements, and it is likely that you will discover that these natural treatments work best for your back pain.

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Controlling and preserving body position while staying still orin motion is the most crucial function of good balance. Good balance helps someone to walk without staggering, arise from a sitting position without falling, and to climb stairs without slipping.

Nearly 9 percent of adults, age 65 and older, disclose having challenges with balance. Good balance is essential in aiding an older person to stay independent, and implement daily chores and activities. Dizziness, “wooziness,” and challenges with balance are suffered by quite a few people as they age.

The label, vertigo, applies to the experience that some people have that they, themselves, or their environment is spinning. About 40 percent of individuals in the U.S. will encounter dizziness that is consequential enough to go seek medical assistance. And, among older adults, falls are the leading cause of extreme injury and deaths.

Balance and Inner Ear Conditions

There are a variety of balance disorders. Three customary types are benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, labyrinthitis, and Meniere’s disease. Of these three, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is the most common. Its symptoms involve a brief, intense feeling of vertigo with a change in head position, when rolling over to the left or right in bed or when getting out of bed, or when looking up for an object on a high shelf. This condition is more likely to happen in individuals 60 and older, but it can also take place in younger individuals.

There are an assortment of causes for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Inner ear infection, head injury, or simply aging can create the problem. Whereas it can be linked to other disease processes, frequently a simple Epleys procedure can correct the affliction. Your Honolulu Chiropractor has many years of experience in this procedure.

Labyrinthitis is an infection or iagitation of the inner ear that produces dizziness and loss of balance. It affects adults of any age and the cause is unknown.

Ménière’s disease is a balance disorder that causes vertigo, hearing loss that comes and goes, tinnitus (ringing or roaring in the ears), and a “full feeling” in the ear.

Though those over 65 years are more likely to encounter balance disorders, age is not the only cause for why these problems occur. Depending on the cause of the balance disorder, care will vary. A chiropractor is well-trained in diagnosing and treating a large majority of the causes. On occasion, even simple exercises for vestibular rehab can be the remedy to balance challenges. Consult a health care professional, such as your Honolulu Chiropractor, if you have encountered, or are currently experiencing, dizziness, vertigo, or other problems with balance.

While some balance disorders are produced by challenges in the inner ear, other disorders may involve another region of the body, such as the brain or the heart. Head injury, stroke, certain medicines, circulation challenges, upper respiratory infections and other viral infections, stress, fatigue, smoking, alcohol use,  high or low blood pressure, and heart disease are all factors that, along with aging and ear infection, may produce balance disorders.

Balance disorders produced by high blood pressure can usually be managed by less sodium intake,maintaining a healthy weight, and exercise. To assist in making the symptoms of dizziness less intense, frequently eating low-salt or salt-free foods, and staying away from caffeine and alcohol, will help.

Balance disorders are dangerous. It is the number one cause of falls and fall-related injuries in older people. It is crucial to have a suspected balance disorder analysed and treated as soon as possible.

If you can answer “yes” to any of these questions, you should discuss the symptom(s) with your chiropractor:

• Do you have the feeling of being “unsteady?”

• Does the room seem to spin around you?

• Is there ever a time when you feel as if you are moving when you know you are standing still?

• Do you lose your balance and/or fall?

• Do you feel as if you are falling?

• Does your vision ever become “blurred?”

• Do you ever feel disoriented, or lose a sense of time, place or identify?

Don’t wait until it’s too late! Call your chiropractor today.

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The performance of many different motions and activities is the result of the complexity of the shoulder joint. The shoulder bones, i.e., the scapula, clavicle and humerus, are fastened together by ligaments and nearly 20 different muscles. The primary articulation, the glenohumeral joint, is connected by ligaments and a group of muscles (and their tendon attachments) known as the rotator cuff. Shoulder pain and disability are generally caused by problems with the rotator cuff. As with other joints, shoulder problems can be produced by trauma such as sports injuries, mechanical dysfunction due to imbalances in the muscles, or by wear and tear of the tissues surrounding the joint. Arthritic changes do take place in the shoulder joint, though not as commonly as in the weight-bearing joints of the spine, hips and knees.

Anatomy

The nerves in the cervical spine region energize all of the muscles of the shoulder, elbow, arm and hand and can often pinpoint the source of the shoulder problem. If these nerves are aggravated, the shoulder muscles can become tight or weak producing dysfunction in the conventional mechanics of the joint, principally in the rotator cuff. A similar condition can occur if one overuses 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. Those who sit too long in a slouched position, or with their shoulders held forward, are also at risk for developing these imbalances and shoulder problems.

Rotator Cuff Syndrome

Regardless of the reason, if the imbalances and irritation to the shoulder are not rectified, pain and limitation of normal motion will eventually develop. The severity can vary from a slight “catching” or pain to an almost total inability to use the shoulder. Individuals of all ages are afflicted by this painful predicament known as Shoulder Impingement or Rotator Cuff Syndrome.

Frozen Shoulder

“Frozen shoulder” is another common condition.This often crippling condition happens when the ligaments and tendons of the glenohumeral joint get so inflamed that adhesions develop making the joint nearly stuck together. This results in extreme pain, as well as limitation of shoulder movement that makes it difficult for some individuals to even get dressed! Attention from a professional, such as your Honolulu chiropractor is crucial because if left unattended, frozen shoulder could take several years to heal if it heals at all. The ailments mentioned above are the most common of all shoulder disorders.

Treatment

Most shoulder treatments are generally 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 Honolulu chiropractor are also essential for a fulland speedy recovery.

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Introduction

When we arise in the morning with a stiff and painful neck, the propensity is to blame the condition on our pillow, bed, or sleep position during that night. We also attempt to figure out what is happening when we move our neck suddenly and feel a sharp pain that feels as if something has suddenly slipped out of position or is pinching a “nerve.” It is useful to understand that most neck problems are rarely caused by a single incident, but instead by the cumulative effects of unsuitable sitting posture, poor work and living habits, lack of beneficial exercise and flexibility, and other lifestyle-related factors. Obviously, some neck problems are due to traumatic events such as a whiplash accident, a fall, or a sports injury.

Anatomy

In order to understand neck pain, it is important to have knowledge of the anatomy of the spine. The spinal bones or vertebrae of the neck are made up of posterior joints, called facets, that connect vertebrae to one another and serve to direct the motion of the spine. The inter-vertebral discs join the bodies of the vertebrae and are composed of a form of tough cartilage that surrounds a soft material in the center, called the nucleus. The main function of the disc is as a shock absorber and spacer between the vertebrae. In a canal found between the body and the facets of the vertebrae is the spinal cord. Spinal nerves leave the spine between the vertebrae and provide energy to muscles and organs of the body. Transversely, they carry sensory impulses, including pain information, from the body to the brain.  The nerves that go out from the neck are in charge of the entire upper extremity including the shoulder, elbow and hand, as well as structures of the head and neck. The natural forward curve of the neck balances the weight of the head and lessens stress on neck vertebrae. For more information please feel free to visit your Honolulu Chiropractor.

Risk Factors: Neck Pain and Computer Use

Computer use has risen significantly over the years, at home and in the workplace. Nowadays, a substantial amount of people spend eight to ten hours a day, or more, bent over a keyboard and staring at a monitor. When we sit with our head in a forward bent position-the posture that most desk workers take on-the ligaments that hold the facets together and the muscles in the neck are put under enormous strain. In addition, the normal forward curve of the neck becomes reversed causing more stress upon all the surrounding tissues of the neck. Awkward posture and repetitive stress can produce spinal problems including disc herniation and subluxations, which are the principal causes of spinal nerve irritation. In addition to general pain, spinal nerve pain in the neck can generate symptoms like headaches, eye problems, giddiness, arm and hand pain (and paraesthesia), as well as shoulder pain.

Whiplash and chiropractic Care

Unfortunately, many people are involved in car accidents. Rear-end collisions are the most common. During such a collision, the head of the passenger in the front car is forcibly jerked back, and then forward, causing damage to the structure of both the front and back of the neck. This sort of trauma is often called a whiplash. Even at low speeds, the amount of force produced by such an accident is very powerful and can cause injury to the ligaments, muscles, facet joints, discs, and spinal nerves. Along with neck pain and immobility, symptoms such as headaches, nausea, vertigo, arm and shoulder pain, tingling in the hands and fingers and weakness of the arm and hand are coincidental with whiplash injury. It is vital to get immediate evaluation and x-rays to rule out the possibility of fracture. However in many cases, the injuries are principally to the soft tissues and joints. Proper management is essential in recovery from the pain and symptoms of whiplash, and also to prevent future disability. Your Honolulu Chiropractor is has years of experience in treating whiplash injury, and is more than capable of managing the case from beginning to end.

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Low Back Pain

Low back pain is a common health problem that at some time affects more than 80% of human beings, making it second in frequency only to the common cold. Although most people are aware that the common cold is due to a viral infection, back pain is often a mystery to its sufferers. Your Honolulu Chiropractor is an expert at solving that mystery.

Anatomy

To understand back pain, it is helpful to understand the anatomy of the spine. The spinal bones or vertebrae of the lower back are comprised of posterior joints called facets that link vertebrae to one another and serve to guide the action of the spine. Inter-vertebral discs, comprised of dense cartilage, join the bodies of the vertebrae. This dense cartilage surrounds the nucleus, a soft material in the center of the inter-vertebral discs. The principal function of the disc is as a shock absorber and spacer between the vertebrae. Ligaments and muscles also join the vertebrae. The wedge-shaped bone at the bottom of the spine is the sacrum and is joined to the two pelvic bones at the sacroiliac joint. The spinal cord is positioned between the facets of the vertebrae. The spinal nerves go out from the spine between the vertebrae.

Causes of Back Pain

In most cases, back pain comes about without a trauma, an accident, or a major injury prior to the onset. The origin of most back pain is the cumulative effects of awkward sitting posture, bad work habits, incorrect lifting, lack of regular exercise and other negative lifestyle-related factors.  All of these factors create stresses and imbalances on the spine and eventually generate pain. This is why people can often injure their back merely by bending over to pick up a piece of paper. The spine was already compromised and just the simple act of bending was enough to set off the problem. When this occurs, the surrounding back muscles go into spasm to protect the stressed or injured tissues of the back. Chiropractors are back pain specialists. Your Honolulu Chiropractor can help you to get out of pain quickly.

Disc Problems & Sciatica

Prolonged sitting, specifically in a awkward position causes increased pressure on the intervertebral discs and imbalances in the muscles around the spine. After a while the lower spine loses its ability to function normally during everyday stresses. Ultimately, the intervertebral disc develops small fissures, or cracks, allowing the soft nucleus to distend the disc outward. If the disc pushes on sensitive tissues, it causes the pain that is often referred to as a slipped disc. Sciatica develops when the disc presses on the spinal nerve. The symptoms of sciatica include pain, tingling, numbness, and often weakness in the lower extremities. On occasion if the disc protrusion or herniation is large and the condition is not managed correctly, surgery is necessary to remove the herniated disc material. With chiropractic adjustments and care, which often includes postural exercises, most disc problems, including sciatica, can be mended. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms defined above, it is essential for you to seek chiropractic assistance.

Spondylosis

Repetitive injury to the discs, facet joints, and surrounding ligaments may cause increased wearing away and weight-bearing stress on the spine. This stress can unfavorably affect the cartilage around the joints and induce calcium to deposit in the tissues around the vertebrae, forming bone spurs. These spurs can compress adjacent nerves, blood vessels and soft tissue resulting in symptoms ranging from minor pain and numbness to gross sensory loss and muscular atrophy. This condition – known as Spondylosis – is a kind of arthritis that seems to affect almost everyone at some point in life, as it is a common part of the aging process of the spine as well. However, influences such as previous trauma, unhealthy lifestyle, and repetitive stress injury influence the time of onset in life. Regular chiropractic care and overall chiropractic management is very effective in slowing the aging process of the spine, as well as aiding Spondylosis sufferers in managing their condition. Your Honolulu Chiropractor has helped many Spondylosis sufferers.

Sacroiliac Problems

The sacroiliac joints are a prevalent area of dysfunction or injury in the low back. These weight-bearing joints connect the upper part of the body to the lower pelvic portion and are normally very strong and stable. However with trauma such as falls, sports injuries, or lifting heavy objects, the joints can become unstable and relocate to an abnormal position.  This condition is called a sacroiliac subluxation. Pregnancy can also cause this condition. Sacroiliac subluxation produces imbalances in the lower extremities giving a person a functional long and short leg. Individuals with this syndrome will feel pain especially with prolonged standing and walking, or during or after physical activity. Many complain of lack of energy and exhaustion.  Frequently this imbalance can affect structures further up the spine and individuals can develop neck and shoulder pain, as well as headaches. Chiropractic adjustments and treatment are extremely effective in correcting this problem by establishing proper alignment of the joints.. Ask your Fort Worth chiropractor how you can receive effective pain relief.

Spinal Subluxation

A prevalent disorder of the lower back, as well as the entire spine, is subluxated or misaligned facet joints. Subluxations can prevail on their own or in conjunction with disc problems and Spondylosis. They not only produce pain, but they can also imparel the spinal nerves as they exit the foramen or spaces between the vertebrae, and produce nerve compression, known as paraethesia. Paraesthesia is an alteration of sensation described as a tingling, burning or “funny feeling.” Paraesthesia in the upper extremities oftenoriginates from nerve problems in the neck, while paraesthesia in the lower extremities is commonly associated with nerve problemsin the lumbar region (lower back). Visceral problems such as asthma and gastric conditions can also belinked to, or complicated by, spinal subluxations and nerve compression. Subluxations are best treated by chiropractic adjustments.

Trauma

Injury such as a fall, car accident, or sports injury can cause damage to the spine and lower back. Frequently these traumas create over-stretching or tearing of the tissues of the spine. When this takes place a person can encounter considerable pain and immobility. Proper chiropractic care at the onset of symptoms is crucial in order to prevent long term disability and the development of any of the above conditions. If you experience a trauma, call your chiropractor as soon as possible.

Scoliosis

Scoliosis is often associated with low back pain. Chiropractic care offers exceptional pain relief.

When it comes to the spine, chiropractors have more education and training than medical doctors. I can provides state of the art diagnosis and skilled treatment for any of the above-mentioned conditions of the spine and lower back.

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Arthritis is more often than not confusing to most patients.Often the word, “arthritis,” produces fear of a future that includes crippled and twisted joints.  However “arthritis” is generic word that encompasses many different conditions from the benign to the severe. For our purposes we will confine this discourse to the most common forms of arthritis.

Osteoarthritis and Chiropractic Care

Osteoarthritis, degenerative arthritis, or degenerative joint disease (DJD) are the names for the most common form of arthritis, which is also called, spondylosis, if it occurs in the spine. Primarily, the condition is due to the wearing out of the cartilage that lines the joint surfaces, and it is found not only in humans, but also in all mammals. When joint cartilage is injured, the sensitive bone tissue that is normally guarded by the cartilage becomes stressed causing degenerative changes in the joint. Sometimes the bone around the joint will proliferate and make osteophytes, or what are often called bone spurs. These spurs can produce painful irritation to other tissues adjacent to the joint, in this way complicating the already distressing condition. 

Degenerative joints principally occur in the lower neck and lower back, the knees, hips, and fingers. Previous trauma, certain occupations and activities, weight, diet, and heredity all appear to influence both the onset and severity of DJD.

The symptoms of DJD invariably involve some degree of pain and/or stiffness in the body part involved. As the condition progresses there can be loss of mobility, particularly when weight-bearing joints such as hips or knees are affected.  As a last resort joints can be surgically replaced with synthetic devices. This should be done only in severe cases where the joint is sufficiently worn and movement is intolerable due to severe pain.

Prevention is invariably the best option, beginning at an early age.

• Making sure that all injuries to joints are properly treated will help to avoid future problems.
• Shoes with proper support and shock absorption should be worn by those whose jobs require extended periods of standing or walking.
• Excess body weight can create increased stress upon the weight bearing joints of the body.

• Care should be taken to protect knees from strain and pain when kneeling on hard surfaces.

• Eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables as they include natural vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are vital for the health of the joints, as well as the rest of the body.

Recent studies have shown that long-term use of the nutritional supplement, Glucosamine, can not only assist with DJD symptoms, but might help to rebuild joint cartilage.

Chiropractic adjustments help to restore proper mobility and function to the spinal joints. Chiropractic care is not only sound, but extremely effective in relieving the debilitating pain of arthritis. Your Honolulu chiropractor is highly experienced when it comes to arthritic pain relief. Other forms of chiropractic care may include joint mobilization, massage, ultrasound, cold laser, or electro-therapy, all of which may be helpful in the relief of painful and stiff joints. Sometimes a brace is necessary to help stabilize the joint in order to alleviate pain. Movement is vital to the maintenance of arthritic joints. A chiropractor often suggests gentle, mobilizing activities such as stretching, yoga, and tai chi can be beneficial.

Gout

An high level of uric acid in the blood and the deposition of uric acid crystals in the joints produce gouty arthritis. The most common joints are the big toes, the knees, ankles and wrists, and is often characterized by acute pain and swelling. Most people who develop gout are predisposed through heredity, though episodes are usually brought on by binge eating of agitative foods, when dehydrated or fasting, or after a major surgery or illness. Foods that must be avoided include a natural substance called Purines that are metabolized in the liver to form uric acid. Individuals with this condition cannot properly metabolize uric acid, thus the proliferation in the bloodstream and the subsequent joint problems. The foods most associated with high purine content are: red meat especially organ meat, certain seafood, legumes, mushrooms and other foods as well. There are other dietary restrictions that must be followed including the avoidance of alcohol.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease of systemic origin. The principal cause is not known, but it is thought to be associated with a problem with the immune system. The most common joints affected are the small joints of the hands and fingers, the feet, knees, and shoulder, although other areas of the body can be affected as well. Morning stiffness aggravated by movement is most often associated with the disease. Frequently people complain of general malaise and fatigue, and the disease in its more advanced forms can affect many of the other body systems. Rheumatoid arthritis can be easily identified through definitive blood tests. Though, currently, there is no cure, in addition to medication and vitamin and diet therapy, treatment should include chiropractic manipulations to mobilize joints and help to relieve the pain and stiffness associated with this disease. Additional modalities such as ultrasound, heat, electro-therapy, and massage may also be valuable. Your Honolulu chiropractor is dedicated to supporting sufferers in getting relief from the pain and suffering associated with arthritis.

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Sports injuries, today are not just limited to professional athletes or kids who participate in school sports programs. Today, a large number of people of both sexes and all ages are regularly involved in sports and fitness activities. There are women playing traditionally men’s sports such as soccer, basketball, and kick-boxing. As a whole, most people participate in sports like golf and tennis, and/or other healthy activities like running, aerobic classes, and weight training. Unfortunately, risk of injury is constantly feasible with any sports activity.

The majority of injuries fall into two groups: 1) traumatic injury, such as a slip, fall, or collision and, 2) repetitive stress or overuse injury.

Traumatic Injuries

These injuries cause the debilitating problems often associated with trauma. Nearly all traumatic injuries are to the ligaments, the tissue that connects bone to bone, and to body muscles, but fractures and dislocations do occur at times, in particular with contact sports. Damage to a ligament is called a sprain, while trauma to a muscle or its tendon is a strain.  Sprains and strains often occur in the ankles, knees, and shoulders, and less frequently in the low back and neck. Injuries to the neck and low back can be extremely serious as the spinal cord or spinal nerves can also be involved.

A traumatic injury may be relatively slight, such as a “muscle pull” or ankle twist. But, some can be quite serious and require surgery. The seriousness of the injury depends upon several factors, such as the severity of tearing of the tissues, the region of the injury, and the age of the person. Some degree of swelling happens with most sprains and strains. In addition, with certain injuries, especially those of the ankle and knee, there can be some internal bleeding as well. With all strains and sprains competent management is vital, especially during the initial stages of the injury to assure proper healing and protect against future disability. Attention from a competent health-care professional, such as your Honolulu chiropractor, is highly recommended.

If you’ve sustained an injury, the best course of action is to see a professional. Until aid is accessible, remember the acronym, PRICE:
P    Protect injury to prevent additional damage
R    Rest the injury
I     Ice injury to reduce swelling, bleeding, muscle spasm, and pain
C    Compress injury with a specialized support or elastic bandage to support injured tissues
E    Elevate the injury, especially when dealing with ankles and knees

Of course it is necessary to get the injury professionally examined by a chiropractor, or other competent health professional, to ascertain the degree of damage. Most of these injuries can heal, but they do require appropriate treatment during the various stages of healing. If not carefully monitored and treated, a sprain or strain injury can bring about persistent joint instability, painful or weak joints and muscles, and lack of mobility. Good treatment of your sports injury by a chiropractor with plenty of experience in sports injury treatment will insure that your injury recovers properly. Call your Honolulu Chiropractor if you have sustained a traumatic injury.

Repetitive Stress, or Overuse, Injuries

These injuries are becoming more prevalent, particularly among people involved in sports such as golf, tennis, bowling, and any other activity that necessitates the same motion over and over (repetitively). Something as simple and healthy as running, especially on a treadmill, can also be a factor.

Basically, overuse or repetitive stress injuries happen when a person is performs a repetitious activity that produces a very small strain to tissues, expressly tendons and muscles, that in and of itself would not create a problem, but repeated many times has an accumulative effect.  carpal tunnel Syndrome is one of the most frequent types of overuse injuries. The pain, stiffness, and disability coincidental with carpal tunnel problems happens over a period of time as the muscles and other affected tissue develop changes that no longer allow proper function. There are two kinds of factors that predispose a person to these types of problems:  1) Intrinsic, i.e., found within a person’s own body, and 2) Extrinsic, i.e., external factors that can frequently be changed or controlled by the sufferer.

Some of the most prevalent intrinsic factors for injury

Age is the mostwell-established intrinsic factor for injury. The older a person is, the easier it is for that person to get injured. Congenital abnormalities are another factor. Some people are born with joint or muscle problems. And, lastly, previous injuries are a factor as they often keep the joints or muscles from functioning normally.

Extrinsic factors for injury

Extrinsic factors are plentiful.  For instance, sports equipment can faulty–an inappropriate grip size of tennis racket or worn-out running shoes are clear examples, even a playing surface can be a factor, such as a too-hard surface for soccer or an uneven treadmill. Improper technique in any sport, such as an incorrect golf grip is, as they say, an injury waiting to happen All sports activities necessitate a bit of pre-conditioning, which is why people who aren’t in shape who continue to extend the duration of an activity without easing in slowly, as well as those who lack flexibility, are injured most often. Lack of warm-up, like stretching and properly preparation, is a frequent factor in injuries.  And, finally, and maybe surprising to some, stress is a factor. Muscles that are tense and inflexible because of stress are too tight and, therefore, unprepared for most sports activities.

It is very helpful to remember that almost all factors are extrinsic and, consequently, they are factors that can be individually regulated. But, most people need evaluation by a qualified health care professional to ascertain their overall body health, the severity of injury, and the resolution to the problem. If left untreated, an injury will not only prohibit an individual from participating in a favorite activity, but can significantly affect someone’s life in general. Treatment such as joint manipulation, massage, bracing, and specific exercises is often necessary to stabilize the condition. A chiropractor is your best source of help. Call a chiropractor if you’re either thinking of beginning a new activity, you’re feeling pain related to a current sports activity, or you’ve sustained a sports injury. Your Honolulu Chiropractor has years of experience helping people just like you.

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