If you’re focused on living your best life, Dr. Dukes can help you stay on track and keep wellness your families daily practice. Check out 11 reasons why patients love visiting Dr. Dukes and have chosen to make Chiropractic Care a foundational element of their personal wellness:

1. LISTENING
Helping you better understand what is causing your health challenges is key to successful treatment and recovery programs. ​Dr. Brenda Dukes and her team focus on communicating and educating you.

2. BETTER OUTCOMES WITH LESS RISK
Patients feel more comfortable knowing that chiropractic care doesn’t involve dangerous drugs nor invasive procedures. In fact, many physicians and surgeons first refer patients for chiropractic care before moving onto higher-risk choices such as opioids or surgery.

3. THINKING MORE CLEARLY
Enhanced cognitive function: Chiropractic care may help improve cognitive function by reducing stress and inflammation in the body, which can have a positive impact on brain health.

4. MOOD-BOOSTING
Sure patients feel great when they leave the office but the real success is how they're able to get back to living life on their terms everyday.

5. WONDERFUL SLEEP
If you've ever suffered from irregular sleep you understand why people love to regular visits with Dr. Dukes. Here treatments help improve blood flow in the nervous system so you can get back to regular sleep patterns.

6. REDUCED STRESS AND ANXIETY
Many people love chiropractic care since it reduces stress, and can also help with anxiety.

7. IMPROVED DIGESTION
You may not consider the chiropractor as the first place to go for tummy troubles, but Chiropractic adjustments may help improve digestive function by reducing nerve interference to the digestive system.

8. BETTER PERFORMANCE
Whether it’s the sports field or the stage, people love chiropractic care because it improves performance. Chiropractic care has various benefits, including improving flexibility, range of motion, and endurance. No matter what your active lifestyle looks like, chiropractic care keeps your body running like a well-oiled machine.

9. SOOTHES HEADACHES
At some point or another, we all have dealt with headaches. However, chronic headaches or migraines are the worst kinds. Chiropractic care helps alleviate migraines and headaches by improving spinal function and relieving stress on the body.

10. BOOSTED IMMUNE SYSTEM
People love chiropractic care because it doesn’t just strengthen the immune system, it also helps with allergies.

11. WELLNESS AND PREVENTION
Stay strong and flexible through chiropractic care. It's a foundational step in your health and wellness.

If you're not feeling your best, reach out to Dr. Dukes. Schedule your consultation and learn how she can help you get back to living life on your terms everyday.  (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.

  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.

The American College of Physicians and JAMA agrees with Dr. Dukes that acute and chronic low back pain should first be treated with non-invasive, non-drug treatments. That's why Dr. Dukes should be your first call when you're suffering. She'll listen to you, learn about your struggles and then help you determine the best course of care for you.

Professionals like Dr. dukes focus on disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system, and the effects of these disorders on your general health.

Doctors of Chiropractic (D.C.) practice conservative care that is free from the dangers of riskier treatments, such as prescription opioid pain medications and surgery. DC's are designated as physician-level providers and considered a 'First Line of Defense Against Pain'.

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.

Learn more at https://www.acatoday.org/news-publications/newsroom/key-facts/  then schedule an appointment with Dr. Dukes to get back to living life on your terms! (813) 752-2524

If you've sought frozen shoulder relief from traditional methods such as drugs or shots, I'll bet you're frustrated. And, I'm sure that you're wondering if you'll ever get back to normal. Chiropractic Care gives you proven relief faster.

For most patients drug treatments fail to work effectively. Why? Because traditional treatments relying on steroids, numbing medications or painkillers mask the pain and fail to treat the underlying condition. 

The good news is that a natural, non-drug approach such as Chiropractic Care is widely accepted as the primary and most effective treatment method available. Most patients report an 80% pain reduction and at least 70% range of motion increase within the first 4 weeks of treatment. 

Multiple research studies have shown drugs are less effective requiring significantly longer recovery time and significant risks associated with pain-killers. A recent clinical trial studying the efficacy of Chiropractic methods for treating frozen shoulder among 50 patients revealed impressive results:
- 16 of the patients recovered fully
- 25 patients showed 75 percent to 90 percent improvement
- 8 showed 50 percent to 75 percent improvement
- 1 patient showed less than 50 percent improvement

Suffer no more. Reach out to Dr. Dukes today. Schedule your consultation and learn how Chiropractic care can help you get back to living your best life.

Separating back pain myths from facts can be challenging so Dr. Dukes highlights a few myths, facts and spine health tips to help you sort through all the misinformation. 

Your back is an amazing part of your body! It allows you to stand and supports your arms and legs. It also protects your spinal cord, which sends messages between your brain and the rest of your body. Knowing what to do when you have back pain is important. A sedentary lifestyle, as well as injuries, arthritic changes and aging can all lead to problems. 

MYTH: Bed rest is a great treatment for back pain.

FACT: At one time, many people believed this to be true. But in fact, bed rest may worsen your back pain unless it is so severe that you cannot move. Consult your health care professional for a diagnosis and treatment options.

MYTH: Applying heat is recommended for a sore back.

FACT: Applying heat may worsen the inflammation of the joint and surrounding muscles and ligaments. Use ice on a sore back instead. The usual recommendation is to ice – use a commercial cold pack, a bag of frozen vegetables, or ice in a dampened towel – for the first three days of acute pain. Limit cold pack treatments to 10 to 15 minutes at a time, and always place a damp towel or cloth between the sore area and the ice.

MYTH: Pain is the main indication that something is wrong.

FACT: Pain in your back is definitely an indication that something is wrong, especially if the pain is chronic and stops you from doing everyday chores and activities. But you don’t always feel pain in your back when there is a problem. Restricted movement or discomfort in your arms, legs and shoulders are also indications that something’s up with your spine.

If you find yourself hurting, it may be time to seek help from Dr. Dukes and her experienced team of professionals. She'll help you determine the severity of your issue and work to ensure quick recovery. Call today (814) 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
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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.

Many of us have experienced shooting pains that extend through the legs and even into the feet. The pain passes, to return. Often, worse than before. It’s easy to self-diagnose incorrectly and assume that you have Sciatica. Often misdiagnosed, Sciatica is unique requiring specific treatment protocols to mitigate the debilitating effects. The good news is that Dr. Dukes can help you find relief.

WHAT IS SCIATICA?
Any situation in which the sciatic nerve is compromised by undue pressure can lead to Sciatica. Your sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in your body running from your lower back, downward through your buttocks, and deep into the back of each leg. Besides controlling your lower leg muscles it also provides sensation to your legs and soles of your feet. Those suffering from Sciatica feel persistent pain along their sciatic nerve.

Symptoms may range from tingling, dull aches, numbness, burning sensations and sharp pain. Symptoms usually affect one side of the body and are typically not attributed to a specific injury. Prolonged sitting, sneezing, coughing, or other sudden movements may cause intense symptom flare-ups.


TREATING THE CAUSE
Dr. Dukes works to find and treat the cause of your pain naturally by relieving pressure on the nerve. Patients often report that conventional treatments prolonged the problem by simply masking the symptoms with pain medication or muscle relaxants. While they found some pain relief, they struggled to get back to normal activities. Remember, taking pain medications only covers up a symptom, rather than treating the cause so that you can get back to living life on your terms.

PREVENTATION
Not all of us will be able to prevent Sciatica, but following a few healthy habits can increase your chances: 

Keep moving, avoid sedentary lifestyles
work to maintain a healthy weight
use proper lifting technique
work on proper posture
avoid prolonged periods of sitting
exercise regularly

WHAT TO DO NEXT
Any pain in the lower back that limits your movement or stops you from enjoying life requires attention. Your first step is to schedule a consultation and wellness exam with Dr. Dukes. She'll help you learn the cause and then you'll work together to learn your treatment options to get you back living life on your terms. 

Make health your top priority, call Dr. Dukes at (813) 752-2524 and schedule your wellness consultation today.

We see many patients who are frustrated with the lack of solutions to their serious health conditions, and are resigned to a life of daily chronic pain and illness.

If you’re discouraged with traditional medical options, and have tried everything to find relief, Dr. Dukes can help. Pulse Electromagnetic Field Technology (or PEMF) has radically transformed the quality of life for a number of our patients. In fact, many patients come in for the treatment of a particular issue then end up finding relief and healing from multiple conditions. 

This reparative technique is most commonly used in the field of orthopedics for the treatment of non-union fractures, failed fusions, congenital pseudarthrosis and depression. In the case of bone healing, PEMF uses electrical energy to direct a series of magnetic pulses through injured tissue whereby each magnetic pulse induces a tiny electrical signal that stimulates cellular repair. Many studies have also demonstrated the effectiveness of PEMF in healing soft-tissue wounds; suppressing inflammatory responses at the cell membrane level to alleviate pain, and increasing range of motion. The value of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy has been shown to cover a wide range of conditions, with well documented trials carried out by hospitals, rheumatologists, chiropractors, physiotherapists and neurologists.

Although electromagnetic therapy has a long history in Europe, the FDA first approved non-invasive devices using pulsed electromagnetic fields designed to stimulate bone growth in 1979. Then in 2004, pulsed electromagnetic field system was approved by FDA as an adjunct to cervical fusion surgery in patients at high risk for non-fusion. Over the years, the use of PEMF stimulation has been proven safe and effective in treating a wide variety of conditions.

There is hope for chronic pain. Contact Dr. Dukes today to learn more about PEMF, and experience real freedom from pain. Call 813.752.2524 and schedule your examination. Learn if PEMF exercise therapy is right for you. 

Did you know that just one hour a week of brisk walking has been shown to stave off disability in older adults? A recent Northwestern Medicine study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine reveals that an estimated 14 million older adults in the U.S. have symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. Approximately two in five people with osteoarthritis —most of whom have it in their lower joints —develop disability limitations.

The study found an hour of weekly moderate-to-vigorous physical activity allowed older adults to maintain their ability to perform daily tasks. The weekly hour of exercise reduced their risk of mobility disability (walking less than one meter per second) by 85 percent and reduced their risk of daily living disability (difficulty performing routine tasks such as walking in the home, bathing and dressing) by almost 45 percent.

Some health guidelines recommend older adults participate in at least 2.5 hours a week of moderate-intensity activity. But that level of activity can be daunting for many inactive adults.
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If you are currently inactive and are looking for a path to a healthier lifestyle, call Dr. Dukes at (813) 752-2524. Schedule an exam to learn if you're ready to walk your way to the benefits of a more physically active lifestyle. She’ll help you begin your path to wellness safely and for maximum benefit.