Patients often come to Dr. Dukes seeking relief from excruciating pain and discomfort that they refer to as a ‘pinched nerve’. In reality, a ‘pinched nerve’ is a common term used to refer to a host of issues such as a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or other underlying issues. The pain can affect your daily life and overall well-being. While there are various treatment options available, Dr. Dukes uses chiropractic care and treatment to help patients find relief naturally without the risks associated with drugs or invasive surgeries. Her goal is to relieve pain and restore function so that patients can resume living life on their terms. If you’d like to know more about ‘pinched nerves’ and learn if chiropractic care might be right for you, read on as we explore the role of chiropractic care in treating ‘pinched nerves’.
 
Understanding Pinched Nerves
Before delving into how chiropractor care can help alleviate pinched nerve pain, it's essential to grasp what a pinched nerve is and how it can occur.
A pinched nerve, also known as nerve compression or nerve entrapment, happens when excessive pressure or compression is applied to a nerve by surrounding tissues, such as muscles, tendons, bones, or cartilage. This compression can disrupt the nerve's normal functioning, leading to pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness in the affected area. Pinched nerves can occur in various parts of the body, but they are most commonly found in the spine, where nerves are vulnerable to compression due to the proximity of vertebrae and discs.
 
Common Causes of Pinched Nerves
1. Herniated Disc: A herniated or slipped disc occurs when the soft, gel-like center of a spinal disc leaks out and presses against nearby nerves.
2. Spinal Stenosis: This condition involves the narrowing of the spinal canal, causing pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
3. Bone Spurs: Overgrowth of bone tissue, often due to arthritis, can lead to the formation of bone spurs that press on nerves.
4. Poor Posture: Prolonged poor posture can lead to nerve compression, particularly in the neck and back.
5. Repetitive Movements: Engaging in repetitive motions, such as typing or using hand tools, can cause nerve compression, like carpal tunnel syndrome.
6. Trauma or Injury: Accidents, falls, or sports injuries can lead to pinched nerves in various parts of the body.
 
Relieve, Restore and Resume
Dr. Dukes is a healthcare professional trained to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions with the goal of relieving pain and restoring function so that patients can resume normal function. She is known for her expertise in spinal adjustments and manipulations. Chiropractic techniques take a holistic approach to health and leverage the body's natural ability to heal itself to restore proper alignment and function to the spine and other musculoskeletal structures. When it comes to pinched nerves, Dr. Dukes relieves nerve compression and restores normal nerve function through natural techniques without the risks associated with drug therapies or invasive surgeries.
 
Techniques for ‘Pinched Nerve’ Relief
Dr. Dukes employs various chiropractic techniques to alleviate pain and discomfort associated with pinched nerves. These techniques are designed to improve spinal alignment, reduce inflammation, and promote the body's natural healing processes. Here are some common chiropractic approaches:
 
1. Spinal Adjustments: Spinal adjustments, also known as spinal manipulations, are the cornerstone of chiropractic care. During an adjustment, a chiropractor applies controlled force to specific vertebrae that are misaligned or causing compression on nerves. By realigning the spine, pressure on the affected nerves can be reduced, leading to pain relief and improved function. These adjustments are tailored to each patient's needs, and the chiropractor will choose the appropriate techniques based on the patient's condition and preferences.
 
2. Decompression Therapy: Decompression therapy is a technique commonly used to relieve pressure on the spine. It involves the use of a traction table or specialized equipment to gently stretch and decompress the spine. This can be particularly effective for patients with pinched nerves caused by conditions like herniated discs or spinal stenosis.
 
3. Soft Tissue Techniques: In addition to spinal adjustments, chiropractors may use soft tissue techniques to address pinched nerves. These techniques, including massage, myofascial release, and trigger point therapy, can help alleviate muscle tension and reduce the compression on nerves.
 
4. Lifestyle and Posture Recommendations: Chiropractors often provide guidance on lifestyle modifications and proper posture to prevent further nerve compression. This may include ergonomic adjustments in the workplace, exercises to strengthen and support the spine, and advice on maintaining a healthy weight.
 
5. Electrical Stimulation: Electrical stimulation therapies, such as TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation), can be used to provide pain relief by stimulating the nerves and muscles in the affected area. This approach may help reduce the perception of pain associated with pinched nerves.
 
6. Ultrasound Therapy:  Ultrasound therapy uses high-frequency sound waves to stimulate deep tissues and increase blood flow. This can help reduce inflammation and promote the healing of damaged tissues, potentially providing relief from pinched nerve symptoms.
 
7. PEMF Therapy:  Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) are used to reactivate the communication process between the inside and outside of cells, accelerating tissue healing times. PEMF therapies help reduce inflammation and promote the healing of damaged tissues.
 
 
 
Care and Treatment of Specific Conditions 
1. Sciatica: Sciatica is a condition characterized by the compression of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down the legs. Chiropractors often use a combination of spinal adjustments and decompression therapy to alleviate pressure on the sciatic nerve. These treatments can provide relief from the pain, tingling, and numbness associated with sciatica.
 
2. Cervical Radiculopathy:  Cervical radiculopathy occurs when a nerve root in the neck is compressed, leading to symptoms in the arms, shoulders, and hands. Chiropractors can perform targeted adjustments to the cervical spine to relieve nerve compression and improve the patient's condition.
 
3. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:  Carpal tunnel syndrome results from the compression of the median nerve in the wrist. Chiropractors may use wrist adjustments and soft tissue techniques to alleviate symptoms and promote proper nerve function.
 
Proven Safe Treatment 
Chiropractic care is generally considered safe when performed by qualified and licensed practitioners. However, as with any medical treatment, there are important considerations to keep in mind:
 
1. Consultation with a Healthcare Provider:  Before seeking chiropractic care for pinched nerve pain, it's advisable to consult with your primary care physician or a specialist to confirm the diagnosis and rule out any underlying medical conditions that may require different treatment approaches.
 
2. Choose a Licensed Chiropractor:  Ensure that the chiropractor you choose is licensed, experienced, and reputable. You can check their credentials, reviews, and references to make an informed decision.
 
3. Communication:  Open communication with your chiropractor is crucial. Be sure to discuss your medical history, the nature of your pain, and any concerns or preferences you may have regarding your treatment.
 
4. Customized Treatment Plans:  Chiropractic treatment plans should be tailored to the individual patient. Your chiropractor should assess your specific condition and design a plan that addresses your unique needs and concerns.
 
5. Monitoring Progress:   As you undergo chiropractic care, it's essential to monitor your progress and communicate any changes in your symptoms with your chiropractor. They can adjust your treatment plan accordingly.
 
Benefits of Chiropractic Care & Treatment 
Chiropractic care offers several potential benefits for individuals seeking relief from pinched nerve pain:
 
1. Non-Invasive:  Chiropractic care is a non-invasive approach to addressing pinched nerves. It does not involve surgery or medications, reducing the risk of adverse side effects.
 
2. Pain Relief:  Many patients experience significant pain relief following chiropractic treatment. By addressing the root cause of nerve compression through spinal adjustments and other techniques, chiropractors can help alleviate pain and discomfort.
 
3. Improved Function:  Chiropractic care aims to restore proper alignment and function to the musculoskeletal system. This can result in improved mobility and function, enabling patients to perform their daily activities with greater ease.
 
4. Holistic Approach:  Chiropractors often take a holistic approach to healthcare, considering your bodies natural ability to heal. This approach promotes long-term overall well-being and health.
 
5. Drug-Free:  Chiropractic care does not rely on medications, making it an attractive option for those who prefer drug-free pain management.
 
6. Personalized Care:  Chiropractors design individualized treatment plans for each patient, taking into account their unique condition and preferences. This personalization can lead to more effective results.
 
Conclusion
Chiropractic care offers a non-invasive, holistic approach to relieving pain from pinched nerves. Dr. Dukes use a combination of techniques, including spinal adjustments, decompression therapy, soft tissue methods, and lifestyle recommendations, to help alleviate nerve compression, reduce pain, and improve function. Chiropractic care is proven generally safe. In fact, the American College of Physicians (ACP) recommends first using noninvasive, non-drug treatments—such as chiropractic care—before resorting to over-the-counter drugs, prescription drugs or invasive procedures. That’s why Dr. Dukes encourages anyone seeking relief to start with a consultation and learn all treatment options as well as the risks and potential benefits.

Dr. Dukes and her team will help you understand the root cause of your pain and explore the most appropriate treatment options for your condition. Get back to living your best life. Call (813) 752-2525 to schedule a consultation. Learn how Chiropractic care will make a difference in the quality of your life.

Hopefully you've never been forced to think about just how vital spine health is. Everyday activities like playing with your kids, shopping, standing, sitting, sneezing and even reaching to pick up a piece of paper can turn into major ordeals when your spine is out of sorts. Here are a few tips to keep your spine in tip-top shape:

• Lift with your legs; avoid bending over when lifting any object
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Stay hydrated
• Strengthen your core
• Stay fit with daily exercise; avoid sedentary lifestyles
• Visit Dr. Dukes for regular adjustments

Following these common-sense tools combined with regular adjustments is powerful preventive medicine. Call Dr. Dukes. Schedule your consultation and learn how chiropractic care can keep you living life on your terms. Call today (813) 752-2524.

  who seek headache treatments have mixed results at best. Patients frequently focus on seeking help through medication because they don’t realize that they have any other choice. The good news is that Dr. Dukes is extremely effective at reducing the intensity, severity, and frequency of various headache symptoms through non-invasive and drug-free treatment.

Specialists like Dr. Dukes address the root causes of many types of headaches. There are three common headache types that people experience: Tension, Migraine and Cervicogenic. A tension headache may feel like someone is “pressing a band” around your head. A migraine headache may create tension or pain in just one side of the head. However, migraines are often accompanied by nausea and light and sound sensitivity. Cervicogenic headaches are talked about less frequently than tension headaches and migraines and typically create pain in one or more spots in the face or head.

'Headaches' is a very broad term. It's important to focus clinically on the root cause. Repetitive stress, physical trauma, poor sitting, standing, or sleeping posture and unsupportive pillows are a few of the common causes allowing your upper thoracic and cervical spine vertebrae to shift out of alignment.

As providers of natural, proactive care, chiropractors like Dr. Dukes are in a unique position to relieve your headache pain.  Dr. Dukes will focus on several treatment objectives such as:

•     Reducing irritation in the nerves that are responsible for sending pain signals to the brain.
  
•     Restoring communication among elements of your nervous system.
•     Getting healthy, normalized blood flow going.
•     Strengthening muscles that provide support to your spine.

What makes chiropractic care such a powerful tool in treating headaches is the hyper-focus on the root cause of your pain.  When you're ready to feel your best and live life on your terms, call Dr. Dukes. Schedule your consultation and learn how chiropractic care can give you the relief you need today and the tools to minimize future pain. Call today (813) 752-2524.

Your mobility means so much more than walking. Learn how your spine can help—and hurt—your independence.

Seemingly simple acts of body movement, such as putting on your shoes, suddenly become painfully complicated when your spine isn't working properly. Your spine is what allows your body to maintain stability as you move.  

A healthy, strong spine is essential to your mobility, just as neck and back issues can take away your independence. It's easy to take mobility for granted.

What Is Mobility?

Simply put, mobility is your ability to move when and how you want. It’s not just about how well you can participate in sports or exercise — it's how easily you perform simple daily tasks, like putting on your clothes, gardening or preparing meals.  For most of us mobility declines with age but, how much it declines is a choice that most of us can influence. Mobility requires strength, balance, stamina, and coordination—all things that we can maintain as we age through wellness plans that include stretching, exercise and other healthy habits.

Mobility’s Multi-Faceted Effects on Health

What might start off as a minor inconvenience can spiral. The decline of your mobility sets off a domino effect of issues that affect your physical, mental and emotional health that is often associated with increased risk of depression and reduced quality of life. Back or neck pain causes many patients to no longer be able to enjoy thier favorite activities or cut time with friends or family short because they’re in too much pain.  Fortunately, mobility loss can be prevented—and, in some cases, reversed.

Safe, Effective Treatment Options

When you have back or neck pain, movement may be that last thing you want to think about. However, stretching, exercise, chiropractic care, physical theray and massage are essential for good spine health.  These non-invasive drug-free approaches are among the best things you can do for your long-term spine health and preservation of your mobility. In fact, the American College of Physicians recently released an update to its low back pain treatment guideline that recommends first using non-drug treatments, such as spinal manipulation,  for acute and chronic low back pain. A systematic review published in the Journal of the American Medical Association also supports the use of spinal manipulative therapy as a first-line treatment for acute low back pain.

Each of us will experience some mobility loss with age which is why it's so important to recognize that your body was made to move.  Live life to the fullest. Protect your mobility.  Call Dr. Dukes.  She'll listen to you, learn about your needs and goals. Then help you define a preventative wellness plan or find relief if you're already hurting.

Reach out to Dr. Dukes today! (813) 752-2524