Say Goodbye to Pain and Inflammation
For many people, chronic pain and inflammation are daily struggles that diminish their quality of life. Traditional treatments, such as medications or invasive procedures, often provide only temporary relief or come with unwanted side effects. At Dr. Dukes’ chiropractic practice, patients are discovering how Cyma Therapy helps them regain mobility, reduce discomfort, and improve their overall well-being.

What Is Cyma Therapy?
Cyma Therapy is a sound-based healing modality that utilizes targeted frequencies to encourage the body’s natural ability to heal itself. By delivering precise, low-frequency sound waves to affected areas, this therapy helps reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and restore balance at a cellular level. The process is gentle, painless, and highly effective for various conditions, including arthritis, joint pain, muscle soreness, and even stress-related tension.

Dr. Dukes’ Approach to Healing
Dr. Dukes has long been a champion of holistic wellness, incorporating innovative techniques into his practice to help patients achieve optimal health. By integrating Cyma Therapy with chiropractic adjustments, he has developed a comprehensive approach to pain management that not only targets symptoms but also addresses the root causes of discomfort.
“Many of my patients come in after trying everything—medications, physical therapy, even surgery—without long-term success,” says Dr. Dukes. “With Cyma Therapy, we’re seeing profound improvements in pain levels, inflammation reduction, and overall function.”

Real Success Stories
Patients who have undergone Cyma Therapy with Dr. Dukes are experiencing life-changing results.

“I was skeptical at first, but after just a few sessions, my chronic knee pain—something I’ve dealt with for years—started to fade,” says Mark T., a long-time patient. “Now, I can move without stiffness, and I feel better than I have in years.”

Another patient, Sarah L., struggled with neck and shoulder tension due to prolonged desk work. After trying multiple treatments with little success, she turned to Dr. Dukes. “The relief was almost immediate. It felt like my body was finally able to relax and heal itself. I wake up pain-free, and my energy levels have skyrocketed.”

Why Choose Cyma Therapy?
Unlike medications that merely mask pain or invasive procedures that require long recovery periods, Cyma Therapy works naturally with the body. The benefits include:

• Reduced inflammation without medication
• Pain relief that lasts
• Enhanced circulation and cellular repair
• A non-invasive, relaxing experience

Dr. Dukes emphasizes that true healing is about more than just managing symptoms—it’s about restoring balance. The beauty of Cyma Therapy is that it helps the body heal itself. It’s gentle, safe, and incredibly effective.

Take the Next Step Toward Pain-Free Living
If you’re struggling with chronic pain or inflammation and want a natural, effective solution, Dr. Dukes and his team are here to help. Discover the power of Cyma Therapy and start your journey to better health today.

You don’t have to live in pain
Dr. Dukes can help. Get back to living life on your terms. Call Dr. Dukes at 813.752.2524 today.
#CymaTherapy #ChiropracticCare #PainRelief

Pregnancy can be a wild and wonderful journey. In the third trimester your developing baby starts to change position and prepare for delivery. With that comes aches, pains and sometimes startling symptoms. Here are some of the more common issues moms-to-be face and tips to help you find relief safely - without exposing your baby to risks associated with medications.

UNDERSTANDING RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH NSAID USE DURING PREGNANCY
Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) during pregnancy can put your baby's health at risk. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that NSAID use between 20 weeks of pregnancy and delivery is not recommended. While low-dose aspirin (81mg) for certain pregnancy conditions is advisable, patients should generally avoid taking regular strength or higher NSAIDs during pregnancy.
When taken during early pregnancy, NSAID use is associated with an increased risk of miscarriage and congenital malformation. In the second or third trimester, NSAID use may cause fetal renal dysfunction leading to oligohydramnios and, in some cases, neonatal renal impairment.
While some situations, such as potentially delaying pre-eclampsia, require the use of NSAIDs, the risks generally outweigh the benefits during pregnancy. Thankfully, there are alternatives to help you manage your aches and pains.

SAFER WAYS TO RELIEF PREGNANCY ACHES AND PAINS
Chiropractic care provides natural, drug-free relief from aches and pains associated with pregnancy. Prenatal chiropractic adjustments are generally considered safe during pregnancy and studies have not linked them to an increased risk to moms or their baby. Some research has shown that spinal adjustments may also alleviate tension in the ligaments surrounding the pelvis as well as any lower back pain associated with your growing belly. 
Dr. Dukes specializes in pre-natal care and can help reduce a host of pregnancy concerns including: 

• Low back pain
• Ligament pain
• Morning sickness
• Pelvis and sacrum pain

IS CHIROPRACTIC CARE SAFE FOR YOU AND YOUR BABY?
Yes! It’s not only safe to see a chiropractor while pregnant, it’s beneficial for more than just getting rid of tension and pain. Pelvic balance is something you're likely noticing now because, as your belly grows, your posture and pelvic balance is changing. That, among all the other changes happening, typically result in constant aches and pains.
Chiropractic therapy while pregnant can also help control nausea and has been linked to reducing labor time.
Maintaining pelvic balance is important for you and your baby. Intrauterine constraint is a condition where pelvic misalignment reduces the amount of room available for the developing baby which can reduce your likelihood of a natural, non-invasive birth.
For most patients, Chiropractic therapy is safe. Of course, we encourage patients to consult with their physician and communicate any pre-existing conditions before seeking treatment.

BACK ACHES & PAINS
“Backache is probably the most common complaint I hear,” says Dr. Brenda Dukes. The cause isn’t only due to natural weight gain, moms-to-be center of gravity changes  as your baby bump grows. This puts higher demand on muscles and soft-tissues and more stress on the spine. Your body is also producing relaxin, a hormone that develops in pregnancy to loosen joints to help prepare your body for delivery. This can add even more strain to your lower back.
Preventing is key for moms-to-be. Bend with your knees; don’t lean over at the waist when picking things up; avoid awkward twists and turns that put your lower back in vulnerable positions. Other back-friendly tips during pregnancy include not standing on your feet for extended periods and walking daily.
‘Most patients are surprised to learn that 30 minutes of walking each day makes an incredible difference,’ says Office manager Sarah Dahl. ‘It really helps keep them loose - some patients choose to slip into pool for a few laps and absolutely love it.’

PELVIS TIGHTNESS AND ACHES
It’s very common for patients to report tightness and achiness in the pelvis area. Mild heat applied through a heating pad can help. Sleeping with a body pillow, or a pillow between your legs, will help keep you properly supported and provides relief for many patients.
It’s also important to avoid strain when you’re getting out of bed or trying to find a comfortable sleeping position. Avoid sharp movements by rolling like a log rather than twisting your body. Some may need to get out of bed altogether to flip sides.

RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME
RLS affects up to one-third of pregnant women and typically peaks in the third trimester. For most, the condition subsides shortly after delivery. Symptoms normally include feeling itchy, pulling, or creepy-crawly sensations in the legs combined with an overwhelming urge to move the legs. Symptoms often subside after moving the legs.
Although much less common, symptoms may also exhibit in the arms.
RLS in pregnancy might be triggered by folic acid or iron deficiency. Some evidence suggests that rising estrogen levels during pregnancy may also contribute to RLS.
Having restless legs syndrome may also make you more likely to have a longer labor and to need a C-section.
For mild RLS, there are a variety of simple routine changes that may reduce your symptoms:

• Avoid drinking coffee, soda, and other caffeinated beverages.
• Exercise every day ensuring that you stop at least two hours before bedtime.
• Get into a rhythm by adhering to a consistent sleep routine. Relax with a warm bath or read in bed for 20-minutes before shutting off the lights. Avoid screens (TV, phone, etc) at least 30-minutes before bed. Go to bed and wake at the same time each day.
• Apply a mild heating pad to the areas where RLS symptoms most commonly occur for a few minutes before bedtime.
• Have your partner gently massage your legs just prior to bedtime.

 
If your symptoms are more intense or fail to respond to routine changes, have your iron levels tested. In many cases where the supply of iron in the body is low a supplement will be enough to correct RLS.

HEARTBURN/INDIGESTION
Some of my patients who have never experienced heartburn before pregnancy suddenly find themselves all too familiar with that uncomfortable burning sensation. It’s especially common in the third trimester.

Chiropractic therapy helps ease heartburn symptoms in two ways. (1) helping to relax the diaphragm and shift the esophageal valve into a better and lower position. And (2) improving parasympathetic nervous system function, which improves digestion.

CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME
What makes this condition so common during pregnancy is hormone-related swelling. Just as fluid retention in pregnancy can cause your ankles and fingers to swell, it can also cause swelling in the wrists that leads to this painful wrist/arm condition. Gentle manipulation of the spine, wrist, and elbow could easily improve your symptoms.

TAKE THE FIRST STEP TOWARDS PAIN RELIEF
In addition to helping relieve common pregnancy aches and pains, chiropractic adjustments help you have a safer, quicker delivery for both you and your baby. They help align your pelvis to allow for plenty of room for your baby to move and grow by promoting proper pelvis alignment for smoother passage through the birth canal.

Call Dr. Dukes today at 813.752.2524 to schedule your examination and learn if Chiropractic Care is the right choice for you and your baby.

For mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome, therapy provides equal or better patient outcomes compared to surgery with no pain killers, significantly reduced risks, faster recovery, and vastly lower patient cost-of-care.

For many people with CTS, conservative therapy relieves symptoms and restores function - without the use of dangerous drugs or risky surgeries. Non-surgical therapy is universally recognized as the first-line CTS treatment modality. The AAOR cautions that surgery should be used only as a last resort advising that surgery is only appropriate for severe cases that interfere with daily life with symptoms lasting over 6 months where non-surgical intervention has not resolved the issue.

Chiropractors are experts at restoring wellness by treating the root cause of CTS with hands-on care and patient education without risks associated with surgery.

Symptoms typically include tingling, pain, numbness or weakness in the fingers and thumb. Some patients may also experience radiating pain in the forearm.

Dr. Dukes usually resolves CTS within a few weeks through therapeutic, non-surgical therapy. Many patients start feeling better after the first treatment. Symptoms normally improve gradually. Within a few weeks, most patients report significantly reduced pain, tingling and numbness as well as normal hand function.

• Women get carpal tunnel syndrome three times more often than men.
• Carpal tunnel syndrome is a progressive condition that can worsen without proper care.
• CTS symptoms often present during pregnancy and can be alleviated with nonsurgical treatments. Symptoms often improve after delivery, but such patients are at higher risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome later in life.
• Most people first experience symptoms in their dominant hand.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is typically a constriction of the median nerve as it runs through the carpal tunnel in your wrist. The root cause is most often irritation or damage that causes inflammation with use which compresses the carpal tunnel on your medial nerve.

Symptoms of this common hand condition include numbness and/or tingling exhibiting in the thumb and fingers which often results in pain, discomfort, weakness and reduced mobility over time.

The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway through your wrist. It is made of tendons, ligaments and bones located on the anterior (palm) side of your hand. It protects the median nerve and allows it to pass through your wrist and into your hand.

The median nerve provides sensory feeling to your thumb, index finger, middle finger and the thumb side of the ring finger and controls motor (movement) functions to the forearm, wrist and hand. It also sends touch, pain and temperature sensations from the lower arm and hand to the brain.

Research shows that, in most cases, non-surgical therapy provides equal to or better outcomes when compared to carpal tunnel surgery. In fact, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) recommends non-surgical therapy as the primary CTS treatment modality and cautions that surgery should be used only as a last resort further advising that surgery should be recommended only if ALL of the following criteria are met:

1. Severe symptoms present for at least 6 months. 60% of patients carpal tunnel symptoms resolve on their own with rest. For 40% of patients, symptoms will last for months and intensify without intervention.
2. Symptoms are so severe they interfere with daily life. Symptoms typically advance within 6-12 months of the first symptoms. Severe symptoms may include weakness and radiating pain that limits dexterity and functionality.
3. All nonsurgical remedies were tried without success. The vast majority of patients typically experience complete relief using non-surgical therapies to treat CTS.
   
   

Research published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy revealed that at the 3, 6, and 12 month post-treatment follow-up examinations, patients in both the therapy and surgery groups showed similar improvements in function and grip strength. Pain also decreased similarly for patients in both groups. The researchers concluded that therapy and surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome yield similar patient benefits.

In most cases, non-surgical therapy treatment is effective in reducing CTS symptoms and often helps patients get back to everyday activities within 8-12 weeks depending upon the symptom severity.
Typically patients are referred by their primary care physician or a hand specialist after a examination results in a CTS diagnosis. Patients may also self-refer to avoid delaying the process and mitigate cost of care.

Therapy for mild cases of early-stage CTS typically involves an initial consultation, testing and 1-2 therapy sessions over 4 weeks. Treatment may include: 

• Resting the affected hand and wrist. 
• Avoiding activities that may worsen symptoms.
• Education on proper workplace rest breaks, ergonomics, on-the-job stretching and light exercises. 
• Immobilizing the wrist in a splint to avoid further damage from twisting or bending – especially while sleeping.
• Applying cool packs to help reduce swelling from inflammation.
• Inflammation and swelling treatment through PEMF and/or Cymatic Therapy.

Patients with moderate or severe CTS treatment begin with the same process used to treat mild CTS symptoms along with specialized therapy techniques such as myofascial release or fascial stretch therapies that gently manipulate the joints and soft tissues of the wrist, hand, and arm releasing restrictions and tissue adhesions to alleviate pressure on the median nerve. These techniques reduce symptoms and improve electromyographic test results by naturally releasing the transverse carpal ligament which "opens" or dilates the canal. People on blood thinners, with metabolic conditions, deep vein thrombosis, open wounds, burns or bone fractures are not candidates for myofascial therapy.

Myofascial release is the primary treatment modality used to break-up restrictions and tissue adhesions in and around the tendons inside the wrist joint. Specifically, this technique breaks fascia restrictions and adhesions that cause tendon inflammation and swelling. This inflammation and swelling is the underlying condition that causes carpal tunnel symptoms. 
Two primary techniques used:

• Friction: This is a glide technique that involves applying pressure to the base of the wrist with both thumbs and then gliding the thumbs toward the elbow with sustained pressure to break up tissue adhesions.
• Petrissage: Utilizes movements like kneading, wringing, skin-rolling, and deep squeezing to help stretch and loosen tight muscles that may be contributing to CTS.

After myofascial release therapy, you may feel soreness. This should go away within 12-24 hours and your arm, wrist and hand should feel more relaxed.
Fascial stretch therapy is another type of manual therapy where therapists don’t apply pressure to certain areas of your body. Instead, parts of your body (such as your arms and hands) are manually moved to stretch your fascial tissues.

Treatment may be recommended every one to three days over several weeks or a few months. Therapy sessions will last 15 to 50 minutes.  Session frequency and intensity will depend on the cause and severity of your condition. Most patients report numbness and pain subsiding within 12 weeks.
Once your symptoms have subsided, your practitioner will likely prescribe self-care stretching, strengthening exercises, and wearing a splint at night until full hand strength returns. Length of time required for full strength to return varies by patient, but most can expect complete recovery in 6 months. Patients should consider:

• Risk. Because therapy is non-invasive and drug-free, there are few risks. Short-term soreness is the most common risk. Rare cases of myofascial release causing internal bleeding, nerve damage and/or short-term paralysis have been reported.
• Complications. Ineffective or incomplete release resulting in recurrence. In severe (Stage 4) cases not responding to therapeutic approaches, an assessment for surgical intervention may be indicated.
• Cost. Therapy provides affordable, first-line treatment of CTS symptoms.

• Recovery. Most patients report symptom resolution within 12 weeks.
• Return to work time. Most patients choosing non-surgical therapy to treat CTS return to normal activity within 8 weeks of treatment.

While each patient’s experience is unique, in most cases the process takes 16-24 weeks from the initial PCP appointment, specialist consultation, surgery and primary recovery. Full recovery may take 4-12 months depending.

In most cases patients are referred to a hand specialist after a general exam performed by their primary physician indicates the potential for CTS.  A specialist provider will normally use a combination of physical and imaging tests to diagnose your condition. These may include: Tinel’s sign, Phalen’s test, Wrist X-rays, Electromyography (EMG), Ultrasound, and/or Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome is usually done as an outpatient procedure using local or general anesthesia. Two types of carpal tunnel surgery are typically performed:

Open surgery involves the surgeon making an approximately 2-inch long cut on the wrist, then cutting the carpal ligament to make the carpal tunnel passageway larger.

Endoscopic surgery is performed with the surgeon making one half-inch long cut on the wrist. Then a small probe is attached to a narrow tube which is then inserted into the cut. The small probe may or may not have a camera. The surgeon inserts surgical instruments through the narrow tube and cuts the carpal ligament through the other incision. The surgeon uses the camera to locate and cut the carpal ligament. When there is no camera, an ultrasound device guides the surgeon to the correct probe placement before cutting the carpal ligament.

Post-operative care can be intensive for some patients and mild for others. After surgery, your hand and wrist will be splinted for several weeks or more. The surgeon may also have you keep the affected hand elevated above your heart while sleeping at night to decrease swelling. You'll likely begin a physical therapy program once the stitches have healed and the splint is removed. Use of a splint or brace may be recommended for 4-6 weeks after surgery.

Risks. Carpal tunnel release surgery potential risks include bleeding, infection, injury to the median nerve or nerves that branch out from it, injury to nearby blood vessels, sensitive scaring, the need for more surgery.

Potential complications. According to a 2023 NIH report,” the most frequent complication of carpal tunnel surgery is the development of a neuroma in the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve. Patients may also experience hypertrophic scars, joint stiffness, dysesthesias, and incomplete resolution of their symptoms.”

Cost considerations. According to the NIH, the median cost of carpal tunnel surgery was $10,273 as of April 2023. The estimate does not include pre-surgery examinations, testing, post-surgery care, therapy nor follow-up examination costs.

Recovery time. Carpal tunnel surgery recovery time varies. Most patients report numbness and pain subsiding within 4 months. Hand strength will return within 1 year – how much strength returns can vary.

Pain medication. Prescription pain-killers and drugs are typically prescribed to control post-surgery pain and inflammation.

Return to work time. Surgery recovery takes longer for a significant number of patients. The majority of patients choosing therapy to treat CTS return to normal activity within 8 weeks of treatment. However, over 30% of CTS patients choosing surgery do not return to work within 8 weeks.

Overuse from repetitive strain injuries is the most common cause of CTS.

• Frequent, repetitive movements with the hands.
• Extending or flexing the wrist for long periods of time.
• Inflammation in the joints.
• Rheumatoid arthritis and other related conditions.
• Hormonal or metabolic changes (menopause, pregnancy or thyroid imbalance, etc.).
• Wrist anatomy/scar tissue from previous injuries.
• Poor health due to smoking, obesity and/or poor nutrition.
• Nerve damage from diabetes, high-blood pressure, etc.
• Health conditions such as Gout, Hypothyroidism, Amyloidosis, or Rheumatoid arthritis.
  

It can be hard to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome, especially with a contributing health condition or activities contributing to the condition cannot be avoided. Professional healthcare associations including The American Chiropractic Association and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons suggest the following CTS prevention strategies: 

• Stop smoking.
• Maintain a healthy weight and fitness level.
• Eat healthy, nutritious food. Avoid processed, high-sodium foods.
• Stretch your wrists and hands before and after intense physical activities.
• Wear proper protective equipment for all work or activities.
• Take frequent rest breaks when working with your hands.
• Perform on-the-job conditioning, such as stretching and light exercises. 
• Use correct posture and wrist position. 
• Use proper workplace ergonomics.
• Wear splints to help keep the wrists straight – especially at night. 
  

Patient education is key to positive patient outcomes. We hope that this article arms those suffering from CTS with the facts they need to make informed health conditions.

Early diagnosis, treatment and intervention will help avoid more extensive damage as well as improve healing trajectory.

If you've been told that drugs or surgery are your only options, Dr. Dukes encourages you to learn the facts and get a second opinion. Dr. Dukes can help get you back to living life on you terms, naturally.

Call ​​(813) 752-2524 today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Dukes.

Gardening is a wonderful way to calm your spirit but all the crouching, bending and lifting can take it’s toll.  Check a few tips from Dr. Dukes to help you reduce your injury risks and while keeping you gardening with fewer aches and pains.

1. Get moving before you garden. If you’re like many of our patients, you may not think about stretching and warming up before you begin gardening. It’s so important that you stretch your spine and limbs. You’ll be lifting and bending and moving differently in the garden and that puts more stress than joints and soft tissues are used to. A quick stretch is a great way to guard against injury.
2. Stay properly hydrated. Drinking plenty of water is so important. Surprisingly, it’s also one of the things patients regularly overlook. Every cell, tissue and organ in your body needs water to work properly. Most people are surprised to learn that water is essential for joint lubrication and cushioning. The average person needs 3-4 liters of water each day – more if you’re working hard. Stay hydrated to stay safe and feel your best.
3. Change positions often to avoid stiffness or cramping. Be aware of how your body feels as you work. Pay attention to pain. If a part of your body starts to ache, take a break. Stretch that body part in the opposite direction, or switch to a different gardening activity. For example, if you've been leaning forward for a while, and your back starts to ache, slowly stand up, and gently lean backward a few times.
4. Leverage is your friend. Use a garden cart or wheelbarrow to move heavy materials or tools.  Lift with your knees and always use good posture while moving a cart or wheelbarrow.
5. Give your knees a break.  Use knee pads or a gardening pad. If kneeling or leaning down to the ground causes a lot of pain in your back or knees, try using elevated planters for your garden. If kneeling on both knees causes back discomfort, try kneeling on one and keep the other foot on the ground.
6. Maintain good posture. Use good body mechanics when you pick something up or pull weeds. Bend your knees, tighten your stomach muscles, and keep your back straight as you lift or pull. Avoid twisting your spine or knees when moving things to the side. Instead, move your feet or pivot on your toes to turn your whole body.
7. Take breaks. If you haven't done gardening or other yard work in a while, plan to work in short stints. And set a timer to take short breaks before you start feeling aches and pains.

Gardening should be relaxing and rewarding , not painful. Perhaps the most important tip is to pay attention to your pain. Many of our patients report that they felt a little twinge but didn’t think it was much - only to figure out too late that they ‘over-did-it’.
Severe and chronic pain isn’t normal.

If you find yourself hurting, it may be time to seek help from Dr. Dukes.  She'll help you determine the severity of your issue, work with you to ensure quick recovery and help you prevent ‘over-doing-it’ in the future. Call today (813) 752-2524.

Are you searching for a non-invasive way to reduce or eliminate your chronic pain? If so, Dr. Dukes has helped patients with a variety of conditions through pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) technology. PEMF is a form of therapy that uses magnetic pulses to help reduce inflammation and improve circulation in the body. A number of studies have found that this technology can be helpful in relieving pain, especially for those suffering from conditions like fibromyalgia, arthritis, and sciatica. Let’s take a look at how PEMF works and why it might be beneficial for women seeking relief from chronic pain.

Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) technology works by using an electrical device to generate pulsating magnetic fields which are applied directly to the skin. These pulsating fields stimulates your cells, helping reduce inflammation and improving circulation. Dr. Dukes has found this to be a tremendous tool for pain relief with most patients also reporting increased overall energy level and a boosted sense of wellbeing.

PEMF therapy is generally considered safe and effective. It's not for everyone. Certain types of medical implants may not be compatible with magnetic fields. Dr. Dukes will discuss potential risks along with the benefits prior to any treatment. PEMF therapy should only be performed as directed by a trained and experienced healthcare practitioner.                              

Helping you better understand what is causing your health challenges is key to successful treatment and recovery programs. If you're struggling to find relief, ask Dr. Dukes is pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) technology is right for you. She'll take the time to discuss potential treatments without having to resort to dangerous prescription medications nor invasive treatments like surgery. ​That's why you'll find that Dr. Brenda Dukes and her team focus on communicating and educating throughout every course of treatment. Experience the difference for yourself.
Call today! ​​(813) 752-2524 Schedule your consultation with Dr. Dukes and experience the difference for yourself.

Combine stress, repetitive activities and poor posture, and what do you get? Tension headaches. 

Dr. Dukes revealed the most common contributors: poor posture, constantly looking down at your cell phone, working on your laptop in your home office all day, driving for hours without rest, playing video games for hours, chronic jaw clenching, and poor sleep posture.

Dr. Dukes explained that, “these activities overstretch the muscles on the back of your neck and weaken them, increasing your susceptibility to tension headaches. The second part of the problem is that using any muscle too much leads to pain and, often, results in tension headaches.” Episodic tension headaches come on quickly and are fairly painful. “They are usually associated with stressful events adn tend to be subside once the stressful event is over.” Chronic tension headaches can recur daily. They may come on as you wake up or after a long day of work or activity. “The muscles in your neck and scalp tend to stay contracted,” she says. “Pain and tightness develop on both sides of the head, in the forehead and at the base of the skull.”

Dr. Dukes recommends minimizing tension headache contributing factors by:

Minimizing stress: Try to avoid or limit stressful events.
Taking breaks: Limit the time you spend looking down at your phone. Take breaks on long drives.
Adjusting the way you sleep: Try sleeping on your back or on your side with a body pillow and your neck in neutral posture.
Exercise and stretch: Use a therapy cane or a hard therapy ball to massage out or stretch your neck and shoulder muscles.
Avoid clenching: If you have trouble avoiding this behavior, seek a dentist knowledgeable about temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome.

What about rubbing your temples when a tension headaches starts to build — does it help? “Muscle tension varies, so rubbing on your temples may not bring relief,” says Dr. Bang. “But rubbing on the tender spots, or trigger points, in your neck and shoulder muscles can help.”

If tension headaches don’t go away after trying these suggestions, it may be time to seek professional help from Dr. Dukes and her experienced team of professionals.  Call today (814) 752-2524. Reach out to Dr. Dukes. Schedule your consultation and learn how Chiropractic can help you.

Did you know that water is part of every cell in your body? Good spinal health begins with good hydration. Dehydration can cause limited mobility, decreased flexibility, and pain.

From the time you get up in the morning you are putting pressure on your spine, compressing and decompressing the discs that lie between each vertebra. 

If you don’t drink enough water, your body becomes dehydrated and your discs lack proper fluid pressure resulting in limited mobility, pain, and an increased risk of back injury. You may not even notice the typical signs of dehydrations such as headache and lethargy, but even lower levels of dehydration can cause serious problems in the body, especially if it is prolonged. Soda and other soft drinks do not supply the amount of water that is necessary for the body.

Water is the best way to hydrate your body, but it isn’t the only way. Foods like watermelon, lettuce, spinach, and soups are great sources of hydration. Herbal teas can also provide the body with the right source of water as well. Drinks with caffeine are not as effective since the caffeine can have a diuretic effect. 

If you have constant or frequent back pain the answer could be dehydration and, you can change that. If you’re paying proper attention to hydration and find yourself still feeling aches and pains, reach out to Dr. Dukes. Schedule a consultation and learn how Chiropractic care can help you get back to living life on your terms. 813-752-2524

When injured, your body begins the healing process naturally through inflammation however imbalances in your immune system may cause your improperly stay ‘on’, continually creating more inflammation in response to the existing inflammation.
 
Most patients are surprised to learn that left unchecked, chronic inflammation can lead to a host of issues exhibited through symptoms such as: joint pain, weight gain/inability to lose weight, complexion/skin problems, high blood pressure,
respiratory conditions (asthma, allergies, congestion) or digestive issues (irritable bowel syndrome, indigestion).
 
The good news is that you can reboot your immune system and find relief through non-drug / non-invasive treatment options. Many of my patients have found success by following a 3-step course of care:
 
1.Regular chiropractic adjustments are key to reducing cytokines that, left unchecked, cause inflammation to run rampant.

2.Pulse Electromagnetic Field Technology is cutting-edge technology that we use to help suppress inflammatory responses at the cell membrane level typically resulting in reduced pain symptoms and increased range of motion.

3.Lifestyle changes are the final step to preventing chronic inflammation from recurring. Regular exercise, proper sleep, good nutrition, hydration and smoking cessation
​
Following this powerful course of care allows most patients to attain levels of wellness they never thought possible. If you feel that you may be suffering from chronic inflammation, make health your top priority and call Dr. Dukes at (813) 752-2524 to schedule your wellness consultation today.

One positive outcomes from our pandemic is that more of us are walking more often. And, chances are that walking is something you've never really thought.

Walking offers tremendous health benefits. But, if it's been a while since you've been active, it's important to take a look at how you walk. After all, it’s a repetitive motion and thousands of steps per day can put a lot of stress on your entire body resulting in aches and pains that may keep you from realizing those benefits.

Chances are, you learned to walk when you were just a toddler and you haven’t really thought about it much since. But life and activity levels change so it's important to learn how to walk correctly. Here's how to make the most of your daily strolls step-by-step.

Understand the mechanics
Having a clear idea of what a step actually involves can help you visualize how to walk correctly. Every step happens in two phases: stance and swing. A single gait cycle of stance and swing typically lasts about 1-second.” Your brain does all of that instinctually. Understanding the parts can be valuable in assessing where you might have weaknesses and can help assess any pain you’re having.

Pick the right shoes
Choosing poorly fitting or unsupportive shoes can lead to serious health problems. While symptomatic aches and pains may begin at your feet, the core problem often creates spinal mis-alignments that wreak havoc all over your body. There’s no perfect shoe for everyone. Stability is crucial. Avoid walking in sandals or other footwear without arch support. 

Many shoe stores offer options with corrective structures designed to provide support in specific areas or even correct problems. I recommend starting with an established local running store or show store that specializes in corrective shoes. They'll look at the sole of your current shoes to determine wear patterns. If your shoes are wearing too much on the inside, then you might need something that gives you a little more arch support. If they’re wearing more quickly at the heel and causing pain, then you might need a little more cushioning. If you’re unsure about the shape of your step, sticking with a neutral shoe is a good place to start unless you’re having specific pain or are getting a personal assessment.

Pay attention to posture
It’s possible for your body to have an injury that you haven't noticed which is causing you to over-compensate and walk imbalanced. The obvious sign of this is poor posture. Poor posture often indicates weakness, pain or injury. When this happens we lean over to the weak or painful side, shifting the center of our mass to alleviate forces on that limb. That imbalance will cause of host of problems throughout the body.

If you start to recognize that you're imbalanced, seek professional help. Avoid attempting to force yourself into the right position because that often makes issues worse and accelerates health problems. Rather, call to schedule a consultation. We'll work together to find the underlying cause then use treatment to help eliminate the source of the problem rather than simply addressing the symptom. Sometimes the treatment solution is as simple as a combination of massage and learning proper walking technique and posture. 

Stand up straight
Slouching is never healthy and that’s especially true while walking. Pull your shoulders back, keep your bum tucked underneath you, and your head parallel to the ground. As you lift your chin up, you'll automatically help bring your head in line with your pelvis and eliminate slouching. If you have a habit of slouching at a desk all day, it's normal that your back, neck, and shoulder muscles may feel sore after a long walk. Keep at it, the soreness will soon be replaced with a feeling of vitality.  

Avoid over-striding
Once you’re a more experienced walker, it’s tempting to try and up your pace and distance. But doing too much, too soon can cause problems with your stride and limit your workout capabilities. Taking too big of a stride will require your pelvis to rotate too far to step out in front of you. This puts stress on your lower back and a lot of stress on your heel as it impacts the ground. If you're looking to put a 'little more umpf' into your walking, I recommend increasing the pace of your steps rather than compromising your health by overstretching your stride.

Custom Orthotics
A variety of problems ranging from joint pain, foot discomfort, and posture issues, and especially lower back pain can be alleviated through custom orthotics. These are insoles that slip into shoes. They are custom-crafted especially for your unique foot shape and biomechanical needs.
Dr. Dukes has helped many patients struggling with low back pain, knee pain, plantar fasciitis, and even neck and shoulder pain find relief through custom orthotics so they can achieve their health and fitness goals. 

When you're ready to live your best life, call me. Schedule a consultation. The team at Dukes Chiropractic is here for you. (813) 752-2524

What Is Inflammation?
Inflammation is your body’s natural immune response that helps the healing process begin. Chronic inflammation occurs when an imbalance in your immune system causes your immune response to ‘stay-on’, continually creating more inflammation in response to the existing inflammation.
 
Most patients are surprised to learn that almost everything we do can diminish or exacerbate the conditions that foster chronic inflammation. Stress, diet, exercise and sleeping habits can be major contributing factors.
 
Left unchecked, chronic inflammation can lead to diseases as well as impacting your whole body via symptoms such as: joint pain, weight gain/inability to lose weight, complexion/skin problems, high blood pressure, respiratory conditions (asthma, allergies, congestion) or digestive issues (irritable bowel syndrome, indigestion).

Treatment Options
The good news is that you can reboot your immune system and find relief through non-drug / non-invasive treatment options.
 
First, regular chiropractic adjustments have been shown to reduce the chemicals in your body (cytokines) that cause inflammation to run rampant.  Adjustments also align your spine ensuring proper nervous system function so that your immune system can function properly too.
 
Second, lifestyle changes are critical to successfully treating chronic inflammation. Regular exercise, proper sleep, good nutrition, hydration & PH balance and eliminating smoking will allow you to reach a level of wellness you never thought possible – without drugs or invasive procedures.
 
If you feel that you may be suffering from chronic inflammation, Call Dr. Dukes today.
​She’ll help you understand your challenges, learn your options and find lifelong health and wellness.