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.
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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. 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. 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. Sciatica have you down? Sciatica is most commonly caused by lower lumbar pressure on nerve groups which is why Dr. Dukes spinal decompression treatments can be so effective. Get back to living life on your terms. Duke's Chiropractic Health Clinic provides proven non-surgical, drug-free and comprehensive services that give you the relief you need and continuing care that may prevent chronic flare-ups. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Dukes today. Learn how if the drug-free therapies she specializes in are right for you. (813) 752-2524 When pinched or compromised, Sciatica symptoms can range from mild to debilitating:
Low back pain and sciatica do not have to reduce your quality of life. Our team is trained to help alleviate your pain so you can get back to doing the activities you enjoy. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Dukes today. (813) 752-2524 Stress is a reality of modern living. Left untreated, stress may compound minor health issues and lead to major health issues such as anxiety or depression. Luckily, chiropractic care can help you manage your stress because chiropractic focuses on the spine care. One of the effects of chronic stress is muscle tension and contraction, which can lead to dangerously unbalanced skeletal pressures which often cause headaches, migraines, muscle tension, and back and neck aches. Chiropractic adjustments and manual therapies help ease these painful symptoms through natural, drug-free treatment. Take control by scheduling an appointment. Chiropractic Care can help reduce stress in four primary areas:
Reducing Muscle Tension Helps Reduce Stress As you encounter stress, muscles tighten and become more tense. Over time, this takes a toll through chronic poor posture, loss of sleep, and difficulty focusing on tasks. Chiropractic care can help reduce tension and restore your body to its natural balance through manual therapies and spinal adjustments. Restore Natural Balance & Function Through Spinal Adjustments Your brain communicates everything with the help of your spine. As stress intensifies, you tense up causing your spine to move and become out of alignment. Chiropractic adjustments help restore proper alignment so that the body can begin to heal itself. Heal Faster with Proper Posture & Regular Stretching Posture refers to the position of the body while standing, sitting or lying down. Good posture and regular light stretching helps keep your spine in a neutral or balanced state which reduces the negative effects of stress and helps prevent regression of your condition through your course of care. Good Nutrition and Hydration Help Too Good nutrition and proper hydration are the foundation of maintaining your health. Eating the right foods, avoiding some foods and drinking plenty of water will help reduce your stress symptoms faster so you can get back to normal. Call Dr. Dukes today. Schedule an examination. Together, you can learn if chiropractic care is right for you. (813) 752-2524 Cancer & Supportive Chiropractic Care Did you know that chiropractic can benefit cancer patients as part of an integrated care plan? Oncology teams often prescribe Chiropractic care as a complementary modality because chiropractic techniques have been shown to greatly increase patient comfort and offer preventative care. Patients often report significant joint or muscle pain and stiffness during treatment and recovery periods. Chiropractic wellness care is often prescribed to increase patient comfort during treatment and prevent chronic musculoskeletal conditions from occurring through recovery. Potential benefits of chiropractic careCancer, the stress of diagnosis and its treatments take a toll on many body systems. The musculoskeletal and nervous system is no exception. Often the stress of the diagnosis of cancer alone is powerful enough to cause muscle tightness that creates pain and decreases spinal motion. It’s not uncommon for cancer patients to experience aches and pains, neck and/or back issues, joint stiffness, muscle tension, headaches, muscle weakness, difficulty walking, impaired balance and even peripheral neuropathy. Chiropractic care can help to reduce your stress and increase your mobility, flexibility, strength and function. Supportive Care Incorporating chiropractic care as a support to your oncology treatment plan may include non-invasive manual chiropractic techniques to correct bone, muscle and joint problems and restore nerve function. A variety of therapeutic procedures may be involved including:
A Powerful Treatment Tool Chiropractic care can be a powerful tool in your overall treatment plan. Like many complementary modalities, chiropractic care functions best as part of an integrated care plan designed to support a patient’s wellness so that he or she can receive optimal treatment results. Each situation is unique and proper diagnosis and treatment requires complete communication with all members of your healthcare team. Understand that chiropractic care may not be right for every patient. For example, chiropractic care may be limited or not recommended if your platelet counts are low or a bone metastasis is found. Share your complete medical history. Be sure to discuss all your health issues with your chiropractor before participating in a course of care. This will ensure a proper diagnosis and help facilitate the optimum care so that you can get back to living life on your terms. When you're ready to learn more, call Dr. Dukes to schedule your consultation. (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. |
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