Discs are pads of cartilage between the vertebrae that absorb the pressure and body weight of the spinal column. Their jelly-like nucleus is surrounded by tough fibrous covering (annulus fibers), making it an ideal cushion. Aging and normal wear and tear, poor posture, and abuse can allow the annulus fiber to weaken and/or the nucleus to bulge putting pressure on sensitive nerves.

A disc bulge (or protrusion) is a word commonly used to describe a slight out pouching of the disc. The words ‘disc bulge’ imply that the disc appeared asymmetric with a small amount of out pouching, and no significant herniation.

Discs can also herniate or rupture, where the jelly-like nucleus can protrude or “leak-out” (less common), pressing on the nerves, irritating sensitive structures and causing pain.

In the lower back, the most common symptom of a herniated disc is pain shooting to the legs, this is known as sciatica.

Causes of Disc Bulges/Herniation

• Whiplash
• Car Accidents
• Injuries
• Heavy lifting-over exertion/work related injury
• Sometimes a sudden twisting movement or even a sneeze
• Activities that are done over and over again that may stress the lower back
• Poor lifting habits,
• Prolonged exposure to vibration, sitting
• Repeated Microtrauma
• Poor posture
• Sports-related injuries
• Degenerative discs

Headaches are a distress signal, alerting you that something in your body is out of balance. Pain relievers may temporarily take the pain and stress away, but usually does not rid you of the underlying physical causes. Dr. Levi can diagnose the type of headache you have, treat the underlying physical causes, and teach preventative steps to combat future episodes of headache.

Causes of Headaches

The most common types of headaches are:

1. Tension Headaches
2. Migraines
3. Cluster Headaches
4. Mixed Headache Syndrome
5. Sinus Headache
6. Vascular Headaches

1. VISE-LIKE TENSION HEADACHES:

Also called chronic daily headaches or chronic non-progressive headaches, tension headaches are the most common type of headaches among adults and adolescents. These headaches may start in the upper back-shoulder region and move up to the back of the head and forward to the front. These muscle contraction headaches cause mild to moderate pain and come and go over a prolonged period of time. People commonly report mild to moderate pain or pressure affecting the front, top or sides of head.

Factors may include

• Stress
• Inadequate rest/sleep
• Poor posture
• Emotional or mental distress
• Anxiety
• Fatigue
• Hunger
• Overexertion

LOCATION OF PAIN

• Back of head
• Forehead
• Pain originating from the shoulder, neck and shooting up to the head

2. MIGRAINES

The exact causes of migraines are unknown. A popular theory is that various triggers, food, stress, and hormonal fluctuations, cause abnormal brain activity, which in turn causes changes in the blood vessels to the brain. Migraines cause intense throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head, accompanied by visual disturbances (aura) nausea, irritability, sensitivity to light, noise or odors. Migraines may run in families.

COMMON TRIGGERS FOR MIGRAINES:

• Stress
• Chocolate
• Caffeine
• Salt intake
• Nuts
• Cheese
• Sulfites
• Wine/alcohol
• MSG
• Menstruation/hormonal fluctuations
• Environmental factors, air quality
• Genetics
• Some psychological conditions

3. CLUSTER HEADACHES

The least common — although the most severe — type of primary headache. The most common features of this type of headache include

• The pain of a cluster headache is intense and may be described as having a burning or piercing quality that is throbbing or constant

• The pain is so severe that most cluster headache sufferers cannot sit still and will often pace during an attack.

• The pain is located behind one eye or in the eye region, without changing sides. The term “cluster headache” refers to headaches that have a characteristic grouping of attacks.

• Cluster headaches occur one to three times per day during a cluster period, which may last two weeks to three months. The headaches may disappear completely (go into “remission”) for months or years, only to recur.

4. MIXED HEADACHE SYNDROME:

Also called transformed migraines, mixed headache syndrome is a combination of migraine and tension headaches. It is often difficult to differentiate between both types of headaches. Women tend to have this type of headache more often than men. Both adults and children experience this type of headache.

A healthy back is strong, flexible and pain free. It supports the upper body and allows for maximum mobility. Low back pain refers to pain that you feel in your lower back. You may also have back stiffness, decreased movement of the lower back, and difficulty standing straight. Lower back pain can be caused by irritation, inflammation, spasms, and injury to any part of the back, including nerves, joints, muscles, ligaments, cartilage, and joint capsules. Also, poor posture, improper lifting and lack of muscle conditioning could leave the back prone to injury.

Dr. Levi is skilled in the different methods of treatment to suit specific injuries and knowledgeable in the prevention of low back problems. If you suffer from either acute or chronic back pain, you should seek professional help. Chiropractic care can restore joint mobility, joint function and relieve pressure on pain-sensitive structures.

Causes of Lower Back Pain

• Heavy or improper lifting
• Work related injuries
• Falls
• Sports related injuries
• Ruptured or herniated discs
• Arthritis, causing pain with or after activity and stiffness in the morning
• Car Accidents
• Spine curvatures (like scoliosis, hyperkyphosis or hyperlordosis), which may be inherited and seen in children or teens
• Poor posture, which if left untreated can lead to muscle/ligament injury and wear and tear
• Joint injury
• Bad sleeping habits
• Prolonged sitting or standing
• Flat footedness
• Short leg syndrome
• Scoliosis
• Arthritis, psoriatic, rheumatoid and asteoarthritis
• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Musculoskeletal syndrome– contracted and in some cases torn muscles and ligaments characterize this condition. Long term improper posture and/or old untreated injuries can cause stress to ligaments and muscles of the low back. Pain, spasm and restricted movements are common symptoms.
• Facet syndrome-restricted-fixated facet joints loose mobility and cause low back pain and stiffness. The nerve can get irritated and/or compressed, ligaments crossing-surrounding the joint which then becomes sprained and swollen. Symptoms often include, stiffness, pain when twisting and turning , rotating and bending.
• Disc syndrome-Continuous pressure, lifting, and injuries can cause intervertebral discs to bulge, herniate and/or protrude, irritating/compressing the nerves and sensitive structures. Most of the times, this condition causes radiating pain, numbness, tingling, and a cramping sensation to the lower extremities (sciatica).
• Degenerated Discs-are discs that are wearing out, dehydrate and loose height. These discs are vulnerable to disc syndrome.
• Sacroiliac syndrome-The sacroiliac (SI) joint consists of the sacral bone from the spine and the iliac bone from the pelvis, joining your spine to your pelvis. Common causes of pain in this joint are:
  • Injury such as a sudden twist or turn
  • Spain of the ligaments upon heavy lifting and/or falling
  • Continuous prolonged standing and/or sitting can cause the muscles and the ligaments supporting this joint to weaken.
  • Obesity and being over weight
• Compression fractures of the vertebra from injury and osteoporosis
• Cancer involving the spine and bones
• Muscle spasms (very tense muscles)
• Menstruation
• Internal organ disease
• Strains or tears to the muscles or ligaments supporting the back.

Neck pain is discomfort in any of the structures in the neck. These include muscles and nerves as well as spinal vertebrae and the cushioning discs in between. Neck pain can be caused by poor posture, nerve irritation, inflammation, spasms and injury to any part of the neck, including, joints, muscles, nerves, ligaments, cartilage and joint capsules.

Causes of Neck Pain

• Whiplash
• Herniated disc/disc bulges
• Spinal stenosis
• Stress
• Incorrect sleeping position or the use of too many pillows
• Falling asleep while watching T.V.
• Working at a desk
• Car Accidents
• Muscle Spasms
• Sinus/throat irritation
• Arthritis
• Scoliosis
• Trauma or injury
• Poor posture

Pregnancy places great demands on your body. As your body adapts to the support of the growing baby and in preparation for the delivery, you may start feeling aches and pains throughout your body. You may feel hopeless and accept this pain as being a normal symptom of a healthy pregnancy.  Fortunately, there are many things you can do to prevent these aches and pains, or at least keep them from limiting your normal daily activities. With a carefully constructed program of safe movement, back exercises, good posture and chiropractic treatments, you can help your body meet the special demands of pregnancy.

Causes of Pregnancy-related Pain/Discomfort

• Headaches
• Neck pain
• Back pain
• Lower back pain that may, or may not shoot down to the legs
• Sciatica
• Numbness/ tingling in the arms and legs
• Foot, and/or ankle pain
• Knee pain
• Carpel Tunnel Syndrome
• Ribs/chest pain

BENEFITS OF CHIROPRACTIC CARE DURING PREGNANCY

There are two frequently asked question regarding chiropractic care during pregnancy. “Is chiropractic treatment safe for me and my baby” and “what benefits exist in chiropractic treatment”?  First and foremost, Chiropractic treatment is safe and sensible for both the mom and the baby. Dr. Levi has successfully treated many pregnant women and has provided them with tremendous help in relieving and alleviating aches and pains that occur during pregnancy.  All treatments are manual, gentle, relaxing, and proceed with the proper techniques and equipment.  Secondly, Chiropractic care focuses on the overall effects of spinal misalignment on the nerves that carry health-giving energy to every cell. Almost, every part of your body including your spine, muscles and ligaments is affected during pregnancy. As the size of the abdomen increases, the demand for support on the spine, ribs, muscles and back also increases. With the expanding abdomen, comes certain types of aches and pains which may lead to poor posture.  Many times throughout pregnancy, a slightly restricted joint may cause nerve irritation and limit the body’s communication system, causing discomfort. Using gentle adjustment techniques Dr. Levi can alleviate this irritation and re-introduce normal function; allowing nerve impulses to flow freely throughout the body. Chiropractic helps women get well and stay well – before, during, and after pregnancy, without the use of medicine or surgery. We would like to help you experience a healthy, enjoyable, and trouble free pregnancy. Through gentle, effective and quality care call Dr. Levi for a consultation

Sciatica is the name given to any pain stemming from the irritation of the sciatic nerve. Anything that irritates this nerve can cause pain that ranges from mild to severe; usually, from a compressed nerve root in the lumbar (lower) spine. Often, the term “sciatica” is confused with general back pain. However, sciatica is not just limited to the back. The sciatic nerve is the longest and widest nerve in the human body. When this large nerve becomes inflamed, the condition is called sciatica, and the pain can be intense. The pain may follow the path of the nerve. It runs from the lower back, through the buttocks, and down the legs, ending just below the knee. Sometimes, it can continue down to your ankle, foot and toes as well as radiate to your back. This nerve controls muscles in the buttocks, thighs and legs and allows that area to be sensitive to touch. Sciatica is not, in fact, a condition, but rather a symptom of another problem involving the sciatic nerve. Sciatica is most often a symptom of neural irritation in the back and hips.

Causes of Sciatica

• Disc Bulges, protrusion, and herniation
• Arthritis, Osteoarthritis and Degenerative Arthritis
• Injury/Trauma to the spine, and pelvic-hip region
• Car Crashes
• Priformis Syndrome
• Spondlolethesis/Spondylolysis-a condition in which the vertebra may slip forward over the vertebra below it, irritating the exiting nerves/nerve.
• Lumbar spinal stenosis-an impingement of the exiting nerves in the lower back.
• Poor posture
• Leg length discrepancy
• Flat feet
• Scoliosis
• Obesity
• Tumors-within the spine may compress the root of the sciatic nerve.
• Infection-within the spine.
• Neurogenic Claudication-leg pain as a result of damage to the spinal nerves that go to the legs. The sufferer can’t walk for long periods of time and has to make more frequent stops.
• Cauda Equina Syndrome-a rare, but serious condition that affects the nerves on the lower part of the spinal cord: it requires immediate medical attention. Cauda equinequinerome may permanently damage the nerves, and even lead to paralysis.

Scoliosis, is a medical condition in which a person’s spine is curved, and at times rotated from side to side. Although it is a complex three-dimensional deformity, on an X-ray, viewed from the rear, the spine of an individual with scoliosis may look more like an “S” or a “C”, rather than a straight line.

CLASSIFICATIONS OF SCOLIOSIS:

• Congenital (may be caused by vertebral anomalies present at birth)
• Traumatic
• Neuromuscular, post stroke, nerve injury to the muscle (having developed as a secondary symptom of another condition, such as spina bifida, cerebral palsy, spinal muscular atrophy or physical trauma).
• Postural

Recent longitudinal studies reveal that the most common form of the condition, late-onset idiopathic scoliosis. All forms of scoliosis may cause stiffness, imbalance, ache and radiculopathy.

Patients having reached skeletal maturity are less likely to have a worsening case. Some severe cases of scoliosis can lead to diminishing lung capacity, putting pressure on the heart, and restricting physical activities.

Chiropractic care has been unique, safe, and noninvasive relief and offers solution for symptoms of scoliosis without use of medications and surgery. This is achieved by immobilizing/limiting the use of of over-used joints and activating deconditioned, fatigued and atrophied muscles. In addition, chiropractic care enhances normal function.

The shoulder is the most movable joint and one of the most fragile joints in the body. It is this flexibility that enables your arms to be as useful as they are . By moving the arms into a wide variety of positions, the shoulder joint is able to multiply the arm’s usefulness many times. In fact it is the very flexibility of the shoulder that makes it so prone to both sudden injury and chronic wear and tear. A shoulder injury can happen to anyone at any age. Often the pain can be experienced in the arm, hand, neck, chest, back in addition to the shoulder. Also, problems with internal organs such as the heart and gall bladder can present with shoulder pain. Therefore, all shoulder pain should be properly examined and a diagnosis should be made. When one is stricken with shoulder pain the most natural reaction to the pain would be to keep the shoulder immobilized. This could result in an almost total loss of your ability to move the shoulder at all.

Even though shoulder rehabilitation is one of the more difficult parts of the body, fortunately, our approach of shoulder care & treatment regardless of cause of shoulder pain/injury has been very effective. Because of the many components that make up the shoulder’s movement (bones, nerves, ligaments and tendons), shoulder dysfunction pain, stiffness and periods of “frozen shoulder” can be complex. Each component can present with a series of different complaints. For example, pain, burning and tingling at the shoulder neck and upper back could be the result of one diagnosis as weakness, numbness, tingling and pain with radiation to the elbow and hand could be the result of something else.

Causes of Shoulder Pain

• Irritated nerves, in the neck, may cause arm, shoulder, and hand pain with numbness, weakness and tingling.
• Repeated overuse/injury, can inflame the tissues (muscles, ligaments, nerves and tendons of the shoulder).
• Rotator cuff problems, the rotator cuff muscles connect the arm to the shoulder blade, chest, back and neck.
• Motor Vehicle Crashes
• Injuries at work or home

HELPFUL HINTS FOR SHOULDER RELIEF:

• Maintain correct posture for the shoulder blades and neck without slouching or slumping.
• Avoid prolonged periods of working overhead.
• Avoid heavy lifting.
• Lift and carry close to your body.
• Do not read or watch tv with your head propped up or while lying on your side.
• Sleep on your back and avoid sleeping on the sides or on the stomach.
• Maintain proper shoulder motion, as prescribed by a trained professional such as Dr. Levi.
• “Weekend athletes” remember to do warm-up exercises and stretches before embarking on an activity.

What is a joint sprain? A sprain is an injury to the joint, mostly caused by trauma and/or falls, involving the ligaments and capsules where they are stretched beyond their length. Ligaments support the joints to maintain correct positioning while allowing movement. However, they may overstretch and could even tear due to a sudden sharp, twisting or wrenching movement. A damaged ligament or joint capsule can cause instability in a joint. Symptoms may include pain, inflammation, and in some cases, the inability to move a limb (arm, leg, foot). Sprains occur when a joint is forced beyond its normal range of motion, such as turning or rolling your ankle. The most common joints affected are the ankles, wrists, knees and shoulders.

What is a muscle or tendon strain? Strains are injuries that involve the stretching or tearing of a musculo-tendon (muscle and tendon) structure. An acute (instant or recent) strain of the musculo-tendon structure occurs at the junction where the muscle is becoming a tendon. These strains take place when a muscle is stretched and suddenly contracts, as with running or jumping. This type of injury is frequently seen in runners who strain their hamstrings. Many times the injury will occur suddenly while the runner is in full stride. Symptoms for an acute muscle strain may include pain, swelling, bruising, muscle spasm, loss of strength, and limited range of motion.
Chronic (long-lasting) strains are injuries that gradually build up from overuse or repetitive stress, resulting in tendonitis (inflammation of a tendon). For example, a tennis player may get (tennis elbow) tendonitis in his or her forearm-shoulder as the result of constant stress from repeated serves, typing, assembly-line work, and knee strain from going upstairs are just a few of the conditions we treat.

Severity of sprains and strains
A physician categorizes sprains and strains according to severity. A Grade I (mild) sprain or strain involves some stretching or minor tearing of a ligament or muscle. A Grade II (moderate) sprain or strain is a ligament or muscle that is partially torn but still intact. A Grade III (severe) sprain or strain means that the ligament or muscle is completely torn, resulting in joint instability. Whiplash is a form of sprain and strain.

Whiplash=Sprain + Strain

Causes of Sprains and strains

CAUSES OF SPRAINS

These include any injury that causes the ligaments, muscles and tendons to become over stretched and pull beyond their length.
The following are a few examples:

• Ankle. Walking or exercising on an uneven surface, rolling the ankle
• Knee. Pivoting during an athletic activity ie: twisting the knee while playing soccer
• Wrist. Landing on an outstretched hand during a fall
• Whiplash
• Car crash injuries
• Reaching overhead to get an object
• Lifting a heavy object
• Thumb. Skiing or playing racquet sports, such as tennis

CAUSES OF STRAINS

There are two types of strains: acute and chronic. An acute strain occurs when a muscle becomes strained or pulled — or may even tear — when it stretches unusually far or abruptly. Acute strains often occur in the following ways:

• Slipping on ice
• Running, jumping or throwing
• Lifting a heavy object or lifting in an awkward position
• A chronic strain results from prolonged, repetitive movement of a muscle. This may occur on the job or during sports, such as:
• Gymnastics
• Tennis
• Rowing
• Golf

Do you have a TM joint problem?

• Do you have frequent headaches or neck aches?
• Does your pain get worse when you clench your teeth?
• Does your jaw click, pop, catch or lock when you open your mouth?
• Is it difficult or painful to open your mouth, eat or yawn?
• Have you ever injured your neck, head, or jaw?

Since some types of TMJ problems can lead to more serious conditions, early detection and treatments is important. TM or temporomandibular disorders develop for many reasons. The most common cause of TM joint disorder, which we see in our office, is damage due to injuries from motor vehicle accidents and/or trauma to the head, neck and jaw. Another cause of jaw pain/disorder that we see in our office is scoliosis (spinal curvature), which involves the neck-cervical spine.

Other causes may include arthritis of the TM joints, stressed or tight muscles which may be caused by clenching (bruxism) or grinding of the teeth. Whatever the cause, this condition can result in a misaligned bite, pain, clicking or grinding noises when you open your mouth or when you have trouble opening your mouth wide.

Whiplash is a relatively common injury that occurs to a person’s neck following a sudden acceleration-deceleration force, most commonly from motor vehicle accidents. The term “whiplash” was first used in 1928. The term “railway spine” was used to describe a similar condition that was common in persons involved in train accidents prior to 1928. The term “whiplash injury” describes damage to both the bone/joint and its supporting tissues (ligaments, muscles, tendons, and nerves), while “whiplash associated disorders” describes a more severe and chronic condition.

Causes of Whiplash

• Whiplash is most commonly caused by a motor vehicle accident in which the car suddenly accelerates and decelerates, or vice versa. and is struck by a vehicle from behind without notice. Example: a vehicle stopped at a traffic light that is suddenly rear-ended from behind.
• It is a fact the rear impact causes the head and neck to be forced into hyperextension as the seat pushes the person’s torso forward – and the unrestrained head and neck fall backwards. After a short delay the head and neck then recover and are thrown into a hyperflexed position.
• After the rear impact the lower cervical vertebrae (lower bones in the neck) are forced into a position of hyperextension while the upper cervical vertebrae (upper bones in the neck) are in a hyperflexed position.
• This leads to an abnormal S-shape in the cervical spine after the rear impact that is different from the normal motion is caused by trauma and ligamentous injury causing joint instability. This abnormal motion causes damage to the soft tissues that hold the cervical vertebrae together (ligaments, facet , capsules, muscles, tendons, and discs).

Millions of people are injured in car accidents annually. Many of these accidents can result in long term disability and injury. Even if you experience little to no pain following a motor vehicle collision, seeking chiropractic care can help prevent years of chronic pain and suffering.

Most occupants get injured in motor vehicle crashes simply because of the force that’s applied to their body in a very short moment in time. Even though some injuries may not be evident with a naked eye, seeking an experienced doctor, like Dr. Levi, is a must after a motor vehicle collision.
Even though some injuries won’t present themselves right away, the key is to catch symptoms early to avoid any long term pain and discomfort.