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Stress Health

Stress Health

Stress health recognizes how stress affects the body, thoughts, feelings, and behavior. Stress that’s left untreated can contribute to various health problems. These include:

  • Anxiety
  • Decreased energy levels
  • Digestive dysfunction
  • Obesity
  • Diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • Abnormal heart rate
  • Heart disease
  • Mental problems

Chiropractic serves as a powerful intervention for anxiety-related symptoms.

Stress Health

Stress Health Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Balance

Chiropractic benefits cardiovascular health as it directly affects the nervous and other body systems that include the spinal system, the bones, joints, and muscular system, affecting the function of the cardiovascular system. Chiropractic regulates these system’s functions allowing for a moderate heart rate and blood pressure. Balanced blood pressure and heart rate can help minimize stress and anxiety, making it much easier to stay relaxed and focused. Individuals report experiencing decreased blood pressure and lower heart rate with long-term chiropractic treatment.

Mental Clarity

Cerebrospinal fluid/CSF is necessary for detoxifying the brain and helping to protect the brain. CSF transports oxygen and nutrients to the brain, helping to increase brain function efficiency. Chiropractic has been shown to increase the amount of cerebrospinal fluid delivered to the brain. This is because the spine is aligned correctly, allowing for a smooth flow of blood and nerve energy from the brain through the spine to the rest of the body. This provides:

  • Sustained mental alertness
  • Awareness
  • Mental Clarity

This helps to combat mental fog or anxiety hyperactivity.

Improve Energy Levels

Chiropractic can help increase energy levels in different ways for different individuals.

  • For some, this works by eliminating headaches, migraines, and other nerve dysfunction/s.
  • For others, this happens by decreasing or eliminating pain symptoms.

These conditions can contribute to lowered energy levels. Constant stress can change the body’s chemistry, leading to increased stress hormones like cortisol. Over time, these hormone releases can decrease energy, causing interference with the body/brain’s natural rejuvenating processes that reduce stress. With chiropractic, the therapeutic effects help correct body chemistry and improve energy levels.


Body Composition


Increase Immune Function

Lymphatic fluid has a vital role in stress health and the function of the immune system. Lymphatic fluid helps separate and release:

  • Toxins
  • Viruses
  • Fungus
  • Bacteria from the body.

When lymphatic fluid flows smoothly and is not impeded or trapped in tissues, joints, or muscles, the immune system operates at a high level. Chiropractic helps drive lymphatic fluid out of the tissues, joints, and muscles of the body, facilitating optimal immune function.

References

Dragoş, Dorin, and Maria Daniela Tănăsescu. “The effect of stress on the defense systems.” Journal of medicine and life vol. 3,1 (2010): 10-8.

Meier, Jacqueline Katharina et al. “Stress Alters the Neural Context for Building New Memories.” Journal of cognitive neuroscience vol. 32,12 (2020): 2226-2240. doi:10.1162/jocn_a_01613

Pickar, Joel G. “Neurophysiological effects of spinal manipulation.” The spine journal: official journal of the North American Spine Society vol. 2,5 (2002): 357-71. doi:10.1016/s1529-9430(02)00400-x

Pregnant and Chiropractic

Pregnant and Chiropractic

Pregnant and Chiropractic: Many women experience back/pelvis/leg/feet swelling, soreness, achiness, and pain during pregnancy. A growing belly added weight and changes in connective tissue can cause a variety of musculoskeletal strains and misalignments. Chiropractic care provides health maintenance of the spinal column, discs, nerves, joints, muscles, and bones. It is an art and science of adjusting a misaligned body, reducing stress, and promoting health throughout the body.

Pregnant and Chiropractic

Pregnant and Chiropractic

With a primary doctor’s clearance, chiropractic can provide safe adjustments. Chiropractors trained to work with pregnant women utilize techniques that avoid applying pressure on or around the abdomen. Benefits of chiropractic during pregnancy include:

  • Restores and maintains spinal alignment and balance.
  • Helps control symptoms of nausea.
  • Improves energy levels.
  • Relieves body pain.
  • Helps reduce labor time and delivery.
  • Restores pelvic positioning and balance, improving standing, sitting, and walking mechanics.
  • Improves blood perfusion and better movement for the baby

A chiropractor trained in the needs of pregnant women will also provide exercises and stretches that are safe during pregnancy. A chiropractor will discuss/recommend treatment options, patient concerns, and a complete medical history assessment. They will monitor symptoms to customize treatments to the individual’s specific needs to get the most relief.


Body Composition


Gestational Hypertension

Gestational hypertension develops during pregnancy. It is not preventable and returns to normal levels postpartum. However, there is an increased risk of developing chronic hypertension later if gestational hypertension begins to develop. According to Mayo Clinic, gestational hypertension is diagnosed by the following:

  • At least 20 weeks gestation.
  • Blood pressure is higher than 140/90 on at least two occasions.
  • Must be more than four hours apart.
  • There is no other organ damage present.
References

Gutke, Annelie et al. “Treatments for pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain: a systematic review of physiotherapy modalities.” Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica vol. 94,11 (2015): 1156-67. doi:10.1111/aogs.12681

Poděbradská, R et al. “The effect of physiotherapy intervention on the load of the foot and low back pain in pregnancy.” “Vliv fyzioterapeutických postupů na zatížení plosky a bolesti zad v těhotenství.” Ceska gynekologie vol. 84,6 (2019): 450-457.

Schreiner, Lucas et al. “Systematic review of pelvic floor interventions during pregnancy.” International journal of gynecology and obstetrics: the official organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics vol. 143,1 (2018): 10-18. doi:10.1002/ijgo.12513

Most Common Form Of Pain The Headache

Most Common Form Of Pain The Headache

The most common form of pain is the headache. Whether dealing with a mild, dull ache, severe throbbing, or painful tension along the scalp and neck, headaches can disrupt and get in the way of everyday life. Over-the-counter pain medications can offer temporary relief, but they don’t get to the root and solve the cause. Chiropractic is a safe and effective treatment option that will bring head pain relief and treat what is causing the headache/s.

Most Common Form Of Pain The Headache

Triggers

Individuals engage in more sedentary activities, and more hours spent in one fixed position combined with poor posture can increase joint irritation and muscle tension in the neck, upper back, and scalp. Headaches can have a variety of causes or triggers. These can include:

  • Stress is the most common trigger
  • Muscle tension
  • Insomnia
  • Environmental stimuli – noises, lights, smells
  • Dehydration
  • Weather changes
  • Foods
  • Blood sugar changes
  • Excessive exercise

Most Common Types

There are two main categories: primary and secondary headaches.

Primary headaches

Primary headaches are when the headache itself is the main problem and is not a symptom of underlying diseases or conditions. These include:

Secondary headaches

These are related to medical condition/s like:

  • Sinus congestion
  • Medication overuse
  • Infection
  • High blood pressure
  • Trauma
  • Head injury
  • Diseased blood vessels in the brain
  • Tumor

Frequency

Headache pain comes from interacting signals in the brain, blood vessels, and nerves. A mechanism activates specific nerves that affect the muscles and blood vessels, sending pain signals back to the brain. If any of the following is occurring it is recommended to contact a doctor, headache specialist, or chiropractor.

  • Three or more headaches a week.
  • Headaches that get worse or don’t go away.
  • Having to take a pain reliever every day or almost every day.
  • Need more than 2-3 doses of over-the-counter medications a week to relieve symptoms.
  • Headaches triggered by strenuous activity, hard work/exertion, bending, coughing.
  • Recent changes in headache symptoms.
  • Family history of headaches.

Clinical Description

To get to the root a doctor will ask:

  • What time of day/night the headache usually occurs?
  • How long does the headache last?
  • Where the pain is located?
  • Type of pain –  throbbing, comes and goes, dull aching, one-sided, etc.
  • Does the headache come on suddenly without warning or slowly progress?
  • Are there other symptoms like weakness, nausea, sensitivity to light or noise, decreased appetite, changes in attitude or behavior?

Chiropractic

A chiropractor will assess, diagnose, conduct a physical examination to determine the cause and develop a personalized treatment plan to alleviate the pain and help to manage and prevent headaches. Treatment approaches include:

  • A combination of chiropractic manipulative therapy.
  • Activate trigger points to release tension and allow for optimal nerve and blood circulation.
  • Active and passive exercises.
  • Massage.
  • Health coaching.

Body Composition


Water

Most of the body is made up of water with the percentage of body composition that is water changing based on individual functional needs. Essential functions of water include:

  • Help to build/repair almost every cell in the body.
  • Regulating body temperature through sweating and respiration.
  • Energy from carbohydrates and proteins is transported by water through the blood.
  • Assists in the removal of metabolic waste through urination.
  • Acts as a shock absorber to protect the brain and spinal cord.
  • Creates saliva/fluids to lubricate the joints.

The amount of water in the body depends on various factors that include:

The most common water comes from lean body mass. This includes blood, organs, and muscle. Major body organs’ water content:

  • Lungs – 83%
  • Muscles and kidneys – 79%
  • Brain and heart – 73%
  • Skin – 64%
  • Bones – 31%
References

Bryans, Roland et al. “Evidence-based guidelines for the chiropractic treatment of adults with headache.” Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics vol. 34,5 (2011): 274-89. doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2011.04.008

Tyagi, Alok. “New daily persistent headache.” Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology vol. 15,Suppl 1 (2012): S62-5. doi:10.4103/0972-2327.100011

Nerve Injury

Nerve Injury

A nerve injury is often caused by a sudden traumatic event, like a slip and fall, personal or work injury, an automobile accident, or a sports injury. Overall stresses of the body from poor posture and being overweight can also lead to nerve pain over time, known as cumulative trauma. Where ligaments and bones are not aligned correctly, nerve pain and damage can occur. When nerve pain presents, there is pressure being placed on that nerve/s. Nerve pain symptoms include burning, tingling, or numbness-type sensations in the tissues controlled by that nerve. Orthopedic and neurologic testing will determine what specific nerve is affected. Chiropractic adjustments realign the spine and relieve the pressure on the nerve, thus eliminating the pain and correcting the problem.

Nerve Injury

Nerve Injury

Too much pressure from surrounding tissues compresses and irritates the nerve and interrupts its ability to function correctly. Pinched nerves are most vulnerable at points in the body where they pass through narrow spaces and have little to no soft tissue protection. Symptoms include:

  • Pins and Needles Sensation
  • Numbness
  • Pain
  • Weakness

A pinched nerve can decrease the range of motion and cause muscle spasms. If left untreated, a nerve injury can leave an individual with chronic pain and lead to permanent nerve damage.

Tingling and Numbness

Tingling and numbness are unusual or unpleasant physical sensations, most commonly experienced in the arms, hands, fingers, legs, feet, and toes. Tingling and numbness come in two forms:

Paresthesia

  • A feeling of pins and needles on the skin or the sensation of the hand or arm having fallen asleep.
  • Paresthesia can be a result of reduced blood flow to the region. This can be caused by external pressure that constricts the blood vessels.

Dysesthesia

  • This is a more persistent sensation resembling itching, burning, electric shock, or tightening pain.

 Injuries to the nervous system can also produce numbness and tingling, even in areas nowhere near the actual injury. Examples include:

  • Neck pain from a neck injury can cause numbness or tingling in the hand or arm.
  • A low back injury can result in tingling in the back of the leg.

Other possible causes include:

  • Inflammation that puts pressure on nerves
  • Trigger points in the muscles
  • Enlarged blood vessels
  • Tumors
  • Myofascial adhesions
  • Scar tissue
  • Infection
  • Lesions on the spinal disc/s
  • Diabetes
  • Calcium deficiency
  • Vitamin B12 deficiency
  • Liver disease
  • Kidney disease
  • Alcoholism
  • Drug abuse

Chiropractic Treatment

To determine the appropriate course of treatment, a doctor of chiropractic must diagnose the cause of the nerve injury. Depending on the nature or severity of the sensation, the examination will include:

  • Muscle tests
  • Range-of-motion tests
  • Neurological tests
  • Orthopedic tests

The chiropractor will palpate the effective areas and order imaging tests like X-rays if necessary. If further testing is needed to diagnose the source of the nerve injury, the doctor may order an MRI or CT scan. Once the underlying condition is diagnosed, a chiropractor will develop a treatment plan to eliminate irritation, correct misalignments causing pressure, and restore proper nerve function. Treatment plans vary from case to case but can include:

  • Therapeutic Massage
  • Body adjustments
  • Spinal manipulation
  • Heat and Ice

The objective is to relieve/release the pressure on the nerves. Chiropractic adjustments help reposition the muscles and nerves. Deep-tissue massage helps to release tension and eliminate toxins that worsen the sensations. Treatment improves circulation and relieves pressure on the neural pathways necessary to restore normal neural signaling between the body and the brain.


Body Composition


Why The Brain Needs Sugar

The brain needs half of all the body’s energy supply because of its complex nerve cell system. The brain requires glucose for brain cell energy. Because neurons can’t store energy, they need a continuous fuel supply to function correctly from the bloodstream. The ability to think, learn and recall information is closely associated with glucose levels. When blood glucose levels are low, the ability to think is inhibited as the production of chemical messengers/neurotransmitters, are reduced, disrupting communication between the neurons. Natural sugar can boost brain health because it requires glucose for functioning. Sugar is released slowly into the bloodstream when taken naturally from sources like apples and bananas, keeping the energy levels steady, without craving more sugar.

References

Ameh, Victor, and Steve Crane. “Nerve injury following shoulder dislocation: the emergency physician’s perspective.” European journal of emergency medicine: official journal of the European Society for Emergency Medicine vol. 13,4 (2006): 233-5. doi:10.1097/01.mej.0000206190.62201.ad

Nichols, J S, and K O Lillehei. “Nerve injury associated with acute vascular trauma.” The Surgical clinics of North America vol. 68,4 (1988): 837-52. doi:10.1016/s0039-6109(16)44589-5

Ruggiero, S L. “Trigeminal nerve injury and repair.” The New York state dental journal vol. 62,8 (1996): 36-40.

Welch, J A. “Peripheral nerve injury.” Seminars in veterinary medicine and surgery (small animal) vol. 11,4 (1996): 273-84. doi:10.1016/s1096-2867(96)80020-x

WOODHALL, B. “Peripheral nerve injury.” The Surgical clinics of North America (1954): 1147-65. doi:10.1016/s0039-6109(16)34299-2

Neuromuscular Massage For Muscular Pain

Neuromuscular Massage For Muscular Pain

A neuromuscular massage is a form of manual massage used to release strained muscles. Strained areas are also known as trigger points that tend to be the cause of muscular pain symptoms. Trigger points are small areas of the muscle that contract the tissue. The lack of blood and nutrients in these areas causes an inability for the muscles to relax. The area becomes hypersensitive, causing fatigue, weakness, inflammation, and pain. Trigger points can lead to referred pain in which other areas of the body experience sensations of pain, tingling or numbness.

Neuromuscular Massage For Muscular Pain

Neuromuscular Massage

Neuromuscular massage treatment involves applying alternating levels of concentrated pressure on the trigger point/s done through manual and instrument manipulation. Neuromuscular therapy is also called trigger point myotherapy. The American Academy of Pain Management recognizes this form of treatment as an effective treatment for pain caused by soft tissue injury.

Deep Tissue Massage

A deep tissue massage is generally used to address muscle aches and pains and is administered on an on-off basis. Neuromuscular manual therapy techniques are specialized and designed to correct pain and movement dysfunction by treating:

Problems are usually caused by:

  • Specific trauma
  • Repetitive movements
  • Unhealthy posture

Neuromuscular massage is considered an ongoing treatment.

Massage Reduces Pain

Muscles, when spasming, are painful to the touch. The pain is caused by ischemic muscle tissue. Ischemia means the muscle is lacking proper blood flow because of the spasm. This causes adverse effects because the muscles are not receiving enough blood; the muscles also do not receive enough oxygen.

  • The lack of oxygen causes the muscles to produce lactic acid.
  • The lactic acid causes the muscles to feel sore following physical activity.

Neuromuscular massage therapy relaxes the muscles releasing the lactic acid, allowing the muscles to receive enough blood and oxygen. Neuromuscular therapy can feel painful at first, but the pressure of the massage will alleviate the muscle spasm/s. It is crucial to communicate with the chiropractor and massage therapist about the pressure – whether it is too much, too little, feels better, feels worse, etc. Massage therapy pressure should never be overly painful. Individuals often describe the pressure as good pain, where they can feel the difference. Following a neuromuscular massage, the soreness should fade after twenty-four to thirty-six hours. The tight muscles should remain relaxed for four to fourteen days, depending on activities and stress levels.

Massage Treatment

Medical issues and conditions for which neuromuscular massage can treat include:

  • Tendonitis
  • Headaches
  • Temporomandibular joint pain – TMJ disorders
  • Jaw pain
  • Carpal tunnel
  • Upper back pain
  • Low back pain
  • Sciatica
  • Hip pain
  • Knee pain
  • Iliotibial band syndrome
  • Calf cramps
  • Plantar fasciitis

Neuromuscular Massage Benefits

Individuals who undergo neuromuscular massage therapy can experience the following benefits:

  • Reduced and/or complete elimination of pain.
  • Increased blood circulation.
  • Body toxin release.
  • Increased flexibility and strength.
  • Better movement.
  • Improved posture.
  • Balanced musculoskeletal and nervous systems.
  • Increased energy and vitality.

Body Composition


Fatigue

When it comes to getting fit, remember it is a long-distance marathon, not a quick sprint. Whether physical, mental, or a combination, fatigue is a common obstacle for successfully reaching health goals. Physical fitness requires energy:

  • Energy for work or school.
  • Energy to set up the gear or get to the gym.
  • Energy for the workout.
  • Energy to prepare regular healthy meals.

Combined with the pressures of everyday life can make it a challenge to work out consistently. The objective is to make gradual changes rather than significant immediate changes. This will help prevent/avoid early burnout and help lead to maintaining healthy habits. One tip could be scheduling the workouts and meal prep time for the day or week when most active. For example, knowing that after work or school, the body can’t take a workout and needs to crash at the end of the day, set up the exercise for the morning or afternoon. And once the workouts become a routine, energy levels will improve, allowing for more activity.

References

Bervoets, Diederik C et al. “Massage therapy has short-term benefits for people with common musculoskeletal disorders compared to no treatment: a systematic review.” Journal of physiotherapy vol. 61,3 (2015): 106-16. doi:10.1016/j.jphys.2015.05.018

Field, Tiffany. “Massage therapy research review.” Complementary therapies in clinical practice vol. 24 (2016): 19-31. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2016.04.005

Furlan, Andrea D et al. “Massage for low-back pain.” The Cochrane database of systematic reviews,9 CD001929. 1 Sep. 2015, doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001929.pub3

Qaseem, Amir et al. “Noninvasive Treatments for Acute, Subacute, and Chronic Low Back Pain: A Clinical Practice Guideline From the American College of Physicians.” Annals of internal medicine vol. 166,7 (2017): 514-530. doi:10.7326/M16-2367

Sports Hernia: Core Muscle Injury

Sports Hernia: Core Muscle Injury

A sports hernia is a soft tissue injury that happens in and around the groin area. It is a strain or tear of any soft-tissue muscles, tendons, or ligaments in the lower abdomen or groin area. It usually happens during physical sports activities that require fast, quick, sudden changes of direction and/or intense twisting movements. Despite its name, a sports hernia is not a hernia in the classic sense. The condition’s proper term is athletic pubalgia. However, a sports hernia can lead to an abdominal hernia. The condition can happen to both men and women.

Sports Hernia: Core Muscle Injury

Anatomy

The soft tissues most affected by sports hernias are the oblique muscles in the lower abdomen, along with the tendons that attach the oblique muscles to the pubic bone, are the most at risk. In many cases, the tendons that attach the thigh muscles to the pubic bone or adductors are also stretched or torn.

Core Muscle Injury

A core muscle injury is when the deep layers of the abdominal wall weaken or tear. This can cause nerve irritation and contribute to uncomfortable symptoms of numbness or tingling. The most common causes include:

  • Planting the feet and turning or twisting with maximum force.
  • Constant repetitive hip and pelvic twisting motions.
  • Imbalances between the hip and abdominal muscles can also, over time, cause overuse injuries.
  • Weakness in the abdominals and improper or no conditioning can also contribute to injuries.
  • Aggressive abdominal exercises can cause and/or aggravate a core muscle injury.

Symptoms

  • Chronic groin pain is the primary symptom of a core muscle injury.
  • Sharp groin pain with exertion.
  • Basic movements like sitting down or getting out of bed can also present with pain or discomfort.
  • Pain on one side of the groin.
  • Pain or numbness that radiates into the inner thigh.
  • Pain when coughing or sneezing.
  • Tenderness or pressure on the lower abdominal area.
  • Pain decreases with rest.

Diagnosis

A doctor will discuss symptoms and how the injury occurred. They will run a series of strength tests like a sit-up or trunk flex against resistance. If it is a sports hernia, there will be tenderness in the groin or above the pubis, along with discomfort and pain. Further tests will include MRI, ultrasound, or X-rays to rule out hip, low back, or pelvis injuries to confirm a core muscle injury.

Non-Surgical Treatment

Rest

  • In the first 7 to 10 days after the injury resting and icing the area is recommended.
  • If there is a bulge in the groin, compression or a wrap can help relieve symptoms.

Chiropractic and Physical therapy

  • Two weeks after the injury, chiropractic adjustments and physical therapy exercises are recommended to improve strength and flexibility in the abdominal and inner thigh muscles.
  • For most cases, 4 to 6 weeks of chiropractic and physical therapy will resolve any pain and allow the individual to return to their exercise or sports activity.

Anti-inflammatory Medications

  • A doctor could recommend non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling and pain.
  • If the symptoms persist over a prolonged period, a doctor may suggest a cortisone injection.

If the pain comes back when resuming the physical activities, surgery could be needed to repair the torn tissues.

Surgical Treatment

Repairing the torn tissues can be done with a traditional open procedure that involves one long incision or a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure. In an endoscopy, the surgeon makes smaller incisions and uses a small camera, called an endoscope, to see inside the abdomen. The results of traditional and endoscopic procedures are the same. Most individuals can return to sports and physical activities 6 to 12 weeks after surgery.


Body Composition


Muscle Gain

Individuals can’t lose fat forever. At some point, they need to work on developing muscle or work to preserve the muscle that is already present. This requires a different diet and exercise plan than one designed for fat loss. Instead of getting the body into a catabolic state, the body needs to be in an anabolic state where the body builds tissue instead of breaking it down. To build muscle, the body needs resources meaning proper nutrition and sufficient protein intake to increase muscle mass. Maintaining an energy surplus of around 15% is appropriate for developing musculature, meaning a moderately active individual with a BMR of 1,600 calories would want to their intake to about 2,852 calories a day.

References

Hoffman, Jay R et al. “Effect of protein intake on strength, body composition and endocrine changes in strength/power athletes.” Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition vol. 3,2 12-8. 13 Dec. 2006, doi:10.1186/1550-2783-3-2-12

Larson, Christopher M. “Sports hernia/athletic pubalgia: evaluation and management.” Sports health vol. 6,2 (2014): 139-44. doi:10.1177/1941738114523557

Poor, Alexander E et al. “Core Muscle Injuries in Athletes.” Current sports medicine reports vol. 17,2 (2018): 54-58. doi:10.1249/JSR.0000000000000453

Thorborg, Kristian et al. “Clinical Examination, Diagnostic Imaging, and Testing of Athletes With Groin Pain: An Evidence-Based Approach to Effective Management.” The Journal of orthopedic and sports physical therapy vol. 48,4 (2018): 239-249. doi:10.2519/jospt.2018.7850

Tyler, Timothy F et al. “Groin injuries in sports medicine.” Sports health vol. 2,3 (2010): 231-6. doi:10.1177/1941738110366820

Compartment Syndrome Leg Pain

Compartment Syndrome Leg Pain

Compartment syndrome is a condition that causes pressure within a group of muscles to build up to dangerous levels. This pressure build-up begins to decrease blood flow, not allowing proper circulation, nutrients, and oxygen from getting to the nerves and muscle cells. The syndrome can be acute or chronic, and surgery can be required. Acute compartment syndrome is considered a medical emergency, usually caused by a severe injury and requires immediate treatment; otherwise, it can lead to permanent muscle damage. Chronic compartment syndrome or exertional compartment syndrome is usually not a medical emergency and is often caused by physical exertion.

Compartment Syndrome Leg Pain

Muscle Compartment

A compartment comprises a group of:

The fascia does not stretch or expand because its job is to keep the tissues in place. If compartmental pressure builds up, swelling and bleeding may occur. When the tissues don’t have enough blood to provide the proper amount of oxygen and nutrients, the tissues begin to die, leading to permanent damage. Because the fascia does not stretch if there is swelling or bleeding within a compartment, this increases pressure on the:

  • Capillaries
  • Nerves
  • Muscles in that compartment.
  • Blood circulation does not reach the compartment to supply oxygen and nutrients.
  • Nerve and muscle cells get damaged.
  • Compartment syndrome most often takes place in the lower leg’s anterior/front calf compartment.

However, it can also develop in other areas like the:

  • Legs
  • Arms
  • Hands
  • Feet
  • Buttocks

Acute

The typical symptom is pain, specifically when the muscle in the compartment is stretched.

  • The pain is more intense than the injury itself.
  • Flexing, contracting, or stretching the muscles increases the pain.
  • Tingling or burning sensations may present.
  • Muscle tightness or fullness sensation like bloating.
  • Numbness or paralysis are late symptoms that usually indicate severe to permanent tissue injury.

The acute syndrome develops after a severe injury, like an automobile accident or from a broken bone. Injuries and conditions that can cause acute compartment syndrome include:

  • Fractures
  • Muscle contusion/bruise that goes beyond just a bump. Two examples include a motorcycle falling on the rider’s leg or a football player getting hit in the leg intensely.
  • Crush injuries.
  • Constricting bandages – Casts and bandages that are too tight can cause the blockage of blood. If symptoms develop, remove or loosen any constricting bandages. If it is from a cast, contact the doctor immediately.
  • Anabolic steroids – Taking steroids is a possible factor in compartment syndrome.

Blood circulation restoration after a blockage.

  • When sleeping, a blood vessel can get blocked. Lying for a long time in a position that causes a limb to go to sleep, then shifting, moving, or getting up can contribute to the condition. This type of development can happen in individuals with neurological damage or who do not realize what is occurring. This can happen after intense intoxication with alcohol and/or drugs.
  • Surgical repair of a damaged blood vessel that was blocked can result in compartment swelling.
  • Permanent disability and tissue death can result unless the pressure is relieved.

Chronic Physical Exertion

The pain and swelling from the chronic condition are caused by vigorous physical activity/exercise. It most often occurs in the leg. Individuals that participate in activities with repetitive motions have an increased risk. Physical activities/sports include:

  • Running
  • Biking
  • Swimming

This is usually not dangerous and is often relieved by discontinuing the specific exercise/s or physical activity for a while. Symptoms include:

  • Pain during exercise.
  • Cramping during exercise.
  • Numbness
  • Moving the foot is difficult.
  • Muscle bulge can be seen.

Chiropractic Treatment

Leg pain should not be ignored for long as the problems could escalate into severe/dangerous territory. Chiropractic treatment is highly effective in the detection and treatment of leg pain. Chiropractors are experts in the neuromusculoskeletal system. Their expertise in promoting physical function applies to the whole body’s systems, including the:

  • Muscles
  • Bones
  • Ligaments
  • Nerves
  • Tendons

They are trained to diagnose and treat developing and chronic musculoskeletal problems and know when to seek specialized medical care when necessary.


Body Composition


Can’t Individuals Just Exercise More and Eat Whatever They Want?

No individuals cannot just exercise/move more and eat whatever they want if they are serious about losing excess weight. A healthy diet and exercise are essential parts of the formula for effective weight loss. One study shows that being aware of diet in quality and quantity overtakes just exercising when achieving and maintaining healthy body composition changes as a vital part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Evaluating the effects of diet, exercise, or a combination of both revealed that long-term success was most significant in the mix of diet and exercise. Individuals can exercise vigorously, but losing weight can be very difficult if they have unhealthy eating habits or cannot stick to a healthy diet. The individual can develop other health problems from an unhealthy diet.

References

Braver, Richard T. “Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome.” Clinics in podiatric medicine and surgery vol. 33,2 (2016): 219-33. doi:10.1016/j.cpm.2015.12.002

Joubert, Sonia V, and Manuel A Duarte. “Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome in a Healthy Young Man.” Journal of chiropractic medicine vol. 15,2 (2016): 139-44. doi:10.1016/j.jcm.2016.04.007

Schmidt, Andrew H. “Acute compartment syndrome.” Injury vol. 48 Suppl 1 (2017): S22-S25. doi:10.1016/j.injury.2017.04.024

Vajapey, Sravya, and Timothy L Miller. “Evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of chronic exertional compartment syndrome: a review of current literature.” The Physician and sportsmedicine vol. 45,4 (2017): 391-398. doi:10.1080/00913847.2017.1384289

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