Sacroiliac Joint Pain

Have you ever felt an unexplained pinch in your lower back and/or hip that becomes irritated when you move from the sitting-to-standing position? If so, then you may be experiencing sacroiliac joint pain. The sacroiliac (SI) joints are formed by the connection of the sacrum and the right and left iliac bones. The function of this joint is to transfer weight and forces due to movement to your upper body through the pelvis, to your legs and vice versa. When this joint becomes injured and/or moved out of place, Dr. James Huggins, Jr. can fix the problem.  

The primary role of the sacroiliac joint is to provide stability for the pelvis and to bear the upper load of the body. It acts as a shock-absorbing structure and does not have much motion, but it can cause pain once it’s moved out of its groove. While it is not clear how the pain is caused, it can develop because of too much movement or too little movement. If you feel inflammation in this area, the longer you wait to find relief, the longer it will take to correct the problem.

If you think you may benefit from chiropractic care, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our office, be sure to contact Carolina Chiropractic Center for an appointment. Our Florence, SC office can be reached by phone at (843) 665-9192 or through our website, www.carolinachirocenter.com. 

Wellness Tips

The motions of daily life, if done incorrectly, can result in injury to the spine. According to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) wellness is defined as “an active process that promotes health and enhances your quality of life.” We all stand, sit, lift, sleep, talk on the phone and partake in some sort of physical activity on a daily basis and at Carolina Chiropractic Center Dr. James Huggins Jr. wants his patients to utilize wellness tips so that they can add potential to their everyday lives.

When sitting, choose a chair that is firm enough to support you comfortably, and don’t slouch. When standing, stand with your head level. When you have to stand in one place for long periods of time, put one foot on a 4-6-inch stool to help keep pressure off your spine. If you work at a desk, be sure to take frequent stretch breaks if you have to sit for a long time. When lifting an object, plant your feet about 12-18 inches apart, kneel or squat in front of the object, and lift as you straighten up. Be sure to lift with the big muscles of your thighs, arms, and shoulders, not with your back. When using the telephone, avoid cradling the receiver between your neck and shoulder. Hold the phone in your hand or use speakerphone instead. Be sure to get plenty of sleep every day to allow your body to rest and recuperate.

To learn more about the services we provide at our office, be sure to contact Carolina Chiropractic Center for an appointment. Our Florence, SC office can be reached by phone at (843) 665-9192 or through our website, www.carolinachirocenter.com. 

Spend Time with Yourself

Most of us advise that self-care is essential for happiness, but many of us don’t practice what we preach. At Carolina Chiropractic Center, we understand that you’re busy and finding the time to take proper care of yourself can be hard. However, Dr. James Huggins Jr., encourages you to spend a few moments to concentrate on your own health and wellness so that you can reap the benefits of alone time.

Alone time has the ability to reboot our brains, help us unwind, and make us more productive overall. It also allows time for deep thinking, gives space for self-discovery and improves our concentration. It’s true that reserving time for yourself is good every now and then, but it’s the constant repetition of this habit which soothes you and makes sure that you’re functioning at your optimum – mentally, physically, and emotionally. If you can’t visit us for a massage or some form of chiropractic treatment, at least do us the favor of activating your own self-soothing system by utilizing time for yourself.

To learn more about the services we provide at our office, be sure to contact Carolina Chiropractic Center for an appointment. Our Florence, SC office can be reached by phone at (843) 665-9192 or through our website, www.carolinachirocenter.com. 

Acute Pain Characteristics

We’ve all experienced different levels of pain. Acute pain, however, is a type of pain that typically lasts less than three to six months, or pain that is directly related to soft tissue damage, such as a sprained ankle or even a paper cut. Acute pain is normal and it warns you that you’ve been injured. It has the ability to start suddenly but usually doesn’t last long. If you are experiencing acute back in your back or your neck, you may just need a chiropractic adjustment from Dr. James Huggins, Jr. at Carolina Chiropractic Center.  

The main characteristic to remember about acute pain is that it doesn’t last long. For example, if you burn yourself on the stove, the pain usually lasts up to a few days, if not a few hours. When the injury heals and you continue having pain beyond the time of expected recovery, that is when pain becomes chronic and that is what you want to avoid. Chronic pain can last for weeks, months, even years. This is why it’s important to let us know if your pain is lasting longer than expected.

If you are experiencing acute pain in your neck or back, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about the services we provide at our office, be sure to contact Carolina Chiropractic Center for an appointment. Our Florence, SC office can be reached by phone at (843) 665-9192 or through our website, www.carolinachirocenter.com. 

Sports Injuries and Chiropractic Care

If you have teeth, you should have a dentist, and if you play a sport, you should have a chiropractor. Whether you are a weekend athlete or a professional, there are a few things that all athletes have in common, they both get injured. When they do, Dr. James Huggins, Jr. at Carolina Chiropractic Center can help.

The most common injuries from sports activities include damage to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. An acute twisting or overextension of a joint can lead to muscle or tendon tears called strains, and tears of ligaments called sprains. Chiropractic offers a balanced approach to the treatment and the healing of sports injuries. By using the chiropractic adjustment to return spinal segments to their normal mobility and by using physical therapy to help the supportive tissues (muscles, tendons, and ligaments), chiropractic physicians such as Dr. James Huggins, Jr. help the supportive tissues return to their normal function.

If you have been injured in a sport, give us a call so we can help you get back to your best shape. To learn more about the services we provide at our office, visit www.carolinachirocenter.com. To schedule an appointment with Dr. James Huggins, Jr. at Carolina Chiropractic Center in Florence, SC, call 843-665-9192. 

Pregnancy and Chiropractic

During pregnancy, there are several physiological changes that occur in preparation for creating the environment for the developing baby. Such changes include a protruding abdomen and increased back curve, pelvic changes, and postural adaptations. Added weight causes stress to the spine. When there is no interference, your nervous system controls the healthy function of virtually every cell, tissue, organ, and system of your body. To alleviate pregnancy symptoms, Dr. James Huggins, Jr. at Carolina Chiropractic Center may recommend chiropractic adjustments as well as pregnancy massages.

Chiropractic care during pregnancy can provide a variety of benefits for women who are expecting and these benefits are not limited to just the baby. They include maintaining a healthier pregnancy, controlling symptoms of nausea, reducing the time of labor and delivery, relieving back, neck or joint pain, and possibly preventing a potential cesarean delivery.

If you are pregnant and have questions about receiving chiropractic care, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our office, visit www.carolinachirocenter.com. To schedule an appointment with Dr. James Huggins, Jr. at Carolina Chiropractic Center in Florence, SC, call 843-665-9192. 

Benefits of Chiropractic Massage Therapy

Many types of massages offer benefits beyond simple relaxation. Throughout the years, massage therapy has been known to fight a large number of conditions. Some of the benefits of this therapy include relief from joint and muscle pain, increased blood circulation, as well as stress and depression reduction. With this type of therapy utilized at Carolina Chiropractic Center, our staff can help bring your body back to its natural state.

There is a wide variety of massage therapy styles with a wide variety of pressures, movements, and techniques. These all involve pressing, rubbing, or manipulating muscles and other soft tissues with hands and fingers. Chiropractic massage therapy is recommended for a number of conditions and illnesses. Some of the conditions it is recommended for include: arthritis, TMJ disorders, immune system issues, muscle spasms, insomnia, fibromyalgia and many others.

If you believe you will benefit from chiropractic massage therapy, wait no longer and give us a call today! To learn more about the services we provide at our office, visit www.carolinachirocenter.com. To schedule an appointment with Dr. James Huggins, Jr. at Carolina Chiropractic Center in Florence, SC, call 843-665-9192. 

Treatment for Joint Pain

Joints form the connections between bones. They provide support and help you move. Unfortunately, due to all of the strenuous activities we humans endure on a daily basis, our joints can sometimes become strained and inflamed. At Carolina Chiropractic Center, Dr. James Huggins, Jr. utilizes therapeutic exercise to strengthen the muscles around the problematic joint, stabilize the joint, and improve your range of motion. 

Many different conditions can lead to painful joints, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis, gout, strains, sprains, and other injuries. In fact, knee pain is typically the most common complaint from patients in addition to shoulder and hip pain. However, joint pain can affect any part of your body, from your ankles and feet to your shoulders and hands. Dr. James Huggins at Carolina Chiropractic Center can develop an individualized treatment plan to reduce your joint pain and stiffness, as well as help manipulate damaged joints to make them more mobile – and therefore help you become more active.

If you are suffering from joint pain, give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about the services we provide at our office, visit www.carolinachirocenter.com. To schedule an appointment with Dr. James Huggins, Jr. at Carolina Chiropractic Center in Florence, SC, call 843-665-9192. 

Chiropractic X-ray: When is it Necessary?

At Carolina Chiropractic Center, our staff wants patients to know that when Dr. James Huggins, Jr. determines the need for an X-ray, it is always for your safety, benefit, and diagnosis. X-rays are often completed to give the doctor an inside look as to what is going on with the bone structure of the entire spine and surrounding skeletal structure. An X-ray allows Dr. James Huggins, Jr. to view your current spine angles and develop a more individualized treatment plan.

Many patients do not require X-rays, however, as a general guideline X-rays are recommended if the patient has sustained a significant traumatic injury, as a bone may be broken or a joint may be dislocated. They may also be suggested when an infection is causing the patient’s pain and/or if any significant joint disease is suspected (arthritis). Because X-rays expose patients to radiation, unless there is a valid reason to have one, we only recommended them as needed.

If you think you may benefit from chiropractic care, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our office, visit www.carolinachirocenter.com. To schedule an appointment with Dr. James Huggins, Jr. at Carolina Chiropractic Center in Florence, SC, call 843-665-9192. 

Benefits of a Chiropractic Adjustment

Chiropractic is a natural method of health care with the proven ability to relieve back pain, increase vitality, and promote well-being. At Carolina Chiropractic Center, Dr. James Huggins, Jr. specializes in gentle, non-cracking chiropractic treatments, because you don’t need to twist and pop your joints to achieve outstanding relief from pain and injuries. Chiropractic adjustments are only one of our many services we offer that will leave you feeling brand new, so allow us to tell you a little bit about them.

Adjustments, or manipulation as they are sometimes referred to, are the minor movement of vertebrae in the spine. The objective of this movement is to realign vertebrae that have moved out of place for a number of reasons ranging from normal daily activity to serious trauma from a car accident. These adjustments restore movement to areas that have “locked up” and may be impinging nerves. When Dr. James Huggins, Jr. performs an adjustment, it can help coax the muscles surrounding stiff joints to relax, which is important to restoring your overall ability to move efficiently. In addition to helping your body function at its fullest potential, adjustments speed pain relief to the point where you will notice a difference after walking out the door. 

If you think you may benefit from a chiropractic adjustment, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our office, visit www.carolinachirocenter.com. To schedule an appointment with Dr. James Huggins, Jr. at Carolina Chiropractic Center in Florence, SC, call 843-665-9192. 

Headaches and Chiropractic Care

There are many different types of headaches with a multitude of symptoms including achy, throbbing, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, numbness, blinding, noise, light and/or odor sensitivity, and more. Thankfully, Dr. James Huggins, Jr. at Carolina Chiropractic Center can alleviate your symptoms through non-surgical techniques such as spinal adjustments and manipulation.

Headaches have many causes, or “triggers.” These may include foods, environmental stimuli (noises, lights, stress, etc.) and/or behaviors (insomnia, excessive exercise, blood sugar changes, etc.). If you suffer from constant headaches, Dr. James Huggins, Jr. may suggest one or all of the following as a treatment option:

• Spinal manipulation or chiropractic adjustments to improve spinal function and alleviate the stress on your system.


• Nutritional advice, recommending a change in diet and perhaps the addition of B complex vitamins.


• Improve posture, ergonomics (work postures), exercises and relaxation techniques. This advice should help to relieve the recurring joint irritation and tension in the muscles of the neck and upper back.

If you experience severe headaches and think you may benefit from chiropractic care, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our office, visit www.carolinachirocenter.com. To schedule an appointment with Dr. James Huggins, Jr. at Carolina Chiropractic Center in Florence, SC, call 843-665-9192. 

What is a Subluxation?

The term “subluxation” is used by doctors of chiropractic to depict the altered position of the vertebrae and subsequent functional loss, which determines the location for the spinal manipulation. Subluxations can be caused by a wide range of issues ranging from a minor slip to something as serious as a car accident or sudden trauma. At Carolina Chiropractic Center in Florence, SC, we believe the body is an amazing machine. Therefore, if yours is causing you pain, coming to visit us can only help improve it.

In very basic terms, a subluxation is when one or more of the bones in a person’s spine move out of position creating pressure on or irritating the nerves in their spine. As time goes by and subluxation remains untreated, the spine and surrounding features such as discs can begin to degenerate. This degeneration becomes more difficult to reverse as time goes by as the surrounding muscles, nerves and bones begin to adjust to the new shape. Subluxation symptoms can vary depending on the person, but if you are experiencing any type of spine or nerve pain, please give us a call.  

If you think you may benefit from chiropractic care, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about the services we provide at our office, visit www.carolinachirocenter.com. To schedule an appointment with Dr. James Huggins, Jr. at Carolina Chiropractic Center in Florence, SC, call 843-665-9192. 

Spinal Decompression Basics

Nonsurgical spinal decompression therapy involves stretching the spine, using a traction table or similar motorized device, with the goal of relieving back pain and/or leg pain. Here at Carolina Chiropractic Center, our spinal decompression devices use the same basic principle of spinal traction. Both traction and decompression therapy are applied with the goals of relieving pain and promoting an optimal healing environment for bulging, degenerating, or herniated disks.

When the spine is gently stretched, this takes pressure off the spinal disks, which are gel-like cushions between the bones in your spine, by creating a negative pressure in the disc. As a result, bulging or herniated disks may retract, taking pressure off nerves and other structures in your spine. This, in turn, helps promote movement of water, oxygen, and nutrient-rich fluids into the disk so they can heal.

If you have back pain that you can’t seem to find relief for, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about the services we provide at our office, visit www.carolinachirocenter.com. To schedule an appointment with Dr. James Huggins, Jr. at Carolina Chiropractic Center in Florence, SC, call 843-665-9192. 

Degenerative Disc Disease

Also known as DDD, degenerative disc disease is not really a disease but a term used to describe the normal changes in your spinal discs as you age. As we age, our spinal discs break down, or degenerate, which may result in degenerative disc disease in some people. DDD is typically diagnosed with a medical history and a physical exam, so if you are experiencing any aches and pains out of the ordinary, visit Dr. James Huggins, Jr. at Carolina Chiropractic Center, today.

Spinal discs are soft, compressible discs that separate the vertebrae that make up the spine. The discs act as shock absorbers for the spine, allowing it to flex, bend, and twist. Symptoms of DDD are most commonly concentrated in the low back or neck, depending on where the degenerated discs are. Where the pain occurs depends on the location of the affected disc. Common symptoms include pain that ranges from nagging to severe and disabling and periods of severe pain that come and go, lasting from a few days to a few months. Treatments that Dr. James Huggins, Jr. may recommend include physical therapy and exercises for strengthening and stretching the back.

If this condition sounds all too familiar, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about the services we provide at our office, visit www.carolinachirocenter.com. To schedule an appointment with Dr. James Huggins, Jr. at Carolina Chiropractic Center in Florence, SC, call 843-665-9192. 

Self-Care for Back and Neck Pain

 

Almost everybody who experiences tight shoulders and neck accompanied with tension headaches knows how unpleasant the pain can be. Here at Carolina Chiropractic Center, we offer a variety of treatments to treat your back and neck pain. However, when you can’t make it to the office, here are some self-care tips to keep your discomfort under control. 

1. Take it easy – contrary to popular belief, studies on acute back pain actually show that a few days of restricting your activity, and taking the appropriate over-the-counter medication, is all that many people need to allow the strained muscles to relax and unbind.

2. Ice, then heat – Ice and heat can alleviate local pain that comes from muscle and ligament strain. Ice slows swelling and inflammation and using heat afterwards increases blood flow to the deep tissues and relaxes muscle spasms. 

3. Massage -- if you have a willing companion, gentle massage may provide some relief by stretching tight muscles and ligaments.

If you are suffering from back and neck pain, give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about the services we provide at our office, visit www.carolinachirocenter.com. To schedule an appointment with Dr. James Huggins, Jr. at Carolina Chiropractic Center in Florence, SC, call 843-665-9192. 

Almost everybody who experiences tight shoulders and neck accompanied with tension headaches knows how unpleasant the pain can be. Here at Carolina Chiropractic Center, we offer a variety of treatments to treat your back and neck pain. However, when you can’t make it to the office, here are some self-care tips to keep your discomfort under control. 

• Take it easy – contrary to popular belief, studies on acute back pain actually show that a few days of restricting your activity, and taking the appropriate over-the-counter medication, is all that many people need to allow the strained muscles to relax and unwind.

• Ice, then heat – Ice and heat can alleviate local pain that comes from muscle and ligament strain. Ice slows swelling and inflammation and using heat afterward increases blood flow to the deep tissues and relaxes muscle spasms. 

• Massage -- if you have a willing companion, gentle massage may provide some relief by stretching tight muscles and ligaments.

If you are suffering from back and neck pain, give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about the services we provide at our office, visit www.carolinachirocenter.com. To schedule an appointment with Dr. James Huggins, Jr. at Carolina Chiropractic Center in Florence, SC, call 843-665-9192. 

 

Obtain Relief from Knee Pain

Knee pain is incredibly common and can be caused by injuries, mechanical problems, types of arthritis and many other conditions. Fortunately, whatever the cause, at Carolina Chiropractic Center our staff offers countless methods of treatment to provide you with relief. The first step on the road to treatment is to diagnose what’s causing your knee pain. Dr. James Huggins, Jr. does this by completing a thorough exam.

Symptoms vary depending on your specific knee injury, but things to look out for are a pain, often when bending or straightening the knee, swelling, difficulty bearing weight on the knee, and limited range of knee motion. Treatment for knee pain depends on the cause, which only Dr. James Huggins, Jr. can decipher, but until you can make it into our office for a visit, we suggest resting your knee, icing it and elevating it.

If you are experiencing knee pain, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our office, visit www.carolinachirocenter.com. To schedule an appointment with Dr. James Huggins, Jr. at Carolina Chiropractic Center in Florence, SC, call 843-665-9192. 

Difference Between Sprains and Fractures

You can distinguish the difference between a sprain and a fracture depending on the physical pain that you feel. A sprain refers to stretched or torn tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels around a joint and can be caused by an accident, fall, or blow. A fracture, on the other hand, is a break or crack in a bone that can be caused by the same types of injuries, but instead, you might hear a snapping sound as the bone breaks. Here at Carolina Chiropractic Center, no matter what type of injury you have, Dr. James Huggins, Jr. is here to treat it.

Sprains are defined by the kind of tissue –bone, ligament, or tendon – that’s damaged. Meanwhile, a fracture describes a break in one or more of the bones. Injuries are the most common causes of foot and ankle sprains and fractures. Many fractures and sprains occur during sports, but with the winter months ahead of us, snowfall can increase chances of falling, leading to injury. Warming up prior to physical activity can prevent ankle sprains and fractures and so can wearing proper shoes.

If you’ve recently suffered an injury, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about the services we provide at our office, visit www.carolinachirocenter.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. James Huggins, Jr. at Carolina Chiropractic Center in Florence, SC, call 843-665-9192. 

Chiropractic and Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is an ongoing pain that persists beyond an expected time frame and it doesn’t respond to the typical pain management techniques. Chiropractic care may be a treatment option for you if you have chronic pain. Here at Carolina Chiropractic Center, we utilize a variety of non-surgical treatments, such as spinal manipulation, to address chronic pain symptoms, such as inflammation and muscle tension.

There are three basic components to the perception of pain: the sensory effect, which involves the electrochemical perception of pain by the brain; the emotional effect, which is our immediate response to pain; and the sensory-emotional effects of chronic pain. At Carolina Chiropractic Center, Dr. James Huggins, Jr. will conduct a physical exam and additionally run some tests to diagnose your type of pain. Once you’re diagnosed with a pain condition, Dr. James Huggins, Jr. will develop a treatment plan. Your treatment plan may include manual therapies and therapeutic exercises in addition to spinal manipulation.

If you are suffering from chronic pain, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about the services we provide at our office, visit www.carolinachirocenter.com. To schedule an appointment with Dr. James Huggins, Jr. at Carolina Chiropractic Center in Florence, SC, call 843-665-9192. 

What is Whiplash?

If you’ve recently been injured in a car accident, you probably think that taking care of your vehicle is more important than taking care of yourself. This should not be the case. If your body was jerked around during the accident, you might be suffering from whiplash without even realizing it. This is because symptoms of whiplash may be delayed for 24 hours or more after the initial trauma. Therefore, it is important to visit Dr. James Huggins, Jr. at Carolina Chiropractic Center immediately following the accident to discuss your treatment options.

Whiplash occurs when a person’s head moves backward and then forward very suddenly with great force.  The sudden motion is what causes the tendons and ligaments in your neck to tear, resulting in whiplash. Common signs and symptoms of whiplash include neck pain, stiffness, and headaches. Most people with whiplash recover within a few months after a course of chiropractic treatment.

It’s important to realize that whiplash does not occur in automobile accidents alone and can also be caused by sports or other traumatic injuries. No single treatment has been scientifically proven to treat whiplash, but at Carolina Chiropractic Center our doctors can recommend a variety of treatment methods to get your body back to its original state.  

If you’ve recently suffered a whiplash injury, don’t let it go untreated. To learn more about the services we provide at our office, visit www.carolinachirocenter.com. To schedule an appointment with Dr. James Huggins, Jr. at Carolina Chiropractic Center in Florence, SC, call 843-665-9192. 

Diagnosing a Condition

At Carolina Chiropractic Center, it doesn’t matter if you’re suffering from back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, or have recently been injured in a car accident because we are here to provide you with relief whatever the cause. Once you schedule an appointment with Dr. James Huggins, Jr. he will need to assess what is causing you strife. He does this by classifying your injury into one of three categories. These categories of chiropractic diagnosis include: 

• Potentially serious: tumor, infection, fracture, major neurological problem, local open wound or burn, prolonged bleeding, artificial joint implant problems, pacemaker problems, joint infection


• Nerve problem: when the nerve root in the low back is pinched or compressed, causing a radiculopathy (sciatica). Typical causes of nerve root pinching include a lumbar herniated disc, spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis


• Non-specific: mechanical back pain in the lumbar spine. This type of lower back pain is the most common presentation and includes pain for which there is no identifiable cause.

If you think you may benefit from chiropractic care, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our office, visit www.carolinachirocenter.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. James Huggins, Jr. at Carolina Chiropractic Center in Florence, SC, call 843-665-9192. 

Allergies and Chiropractic Care

 

Allergy season is among us, and we’re sure most of you aren’t thrilled. Even though chiropractic care is not a specific allergy treatment, At Carolina Chiropractic Center, our doctor would like to explain why patients may find allergy relief from chiropractic care. The goal of chiropractic treatment focuses on optimizing the overall health function of the nervous system in your body. When the body becomes optimized, the body begins to function as it should. Because of this, your immune system develops a “boost” and decreases allergy symptoms.

Chiropractic treatment releases the pressure on the nervous system allowing the immune system to work more effectively. Since the beneficial effects of this treatment are very well documented, it’s no surprise that many chiropractic patients report of a reduction of allergy symptoms. Receiving regular adjustments realigns the spine and allows the body to heal itself and function at its highest performance. If you suffer from allergies, you may want to consider chiropractic as a treatment option. 

If you think you may benefit from chiropractic care, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our office, be sure to contact Carolina Chiropractic Center for an appointment. Our Florence, SC office can be reached by phone at (843) 665-9192 or through our website, www.carolinachirocenter.com. 

Allergy season is among us, and we’re sure most of you aren’t thrilled. Even though chiropractic care is not a specific allergy treatment, At Carolina Chiropractic Center, our doctor would like to explain why patients may find allergy relief from chiropractic care. The goal of chiropractic treatment focuses on optimizing the overall health function of the nervous system in your body. When the body becomes optimized, the body begins to function as it should. Because of this, your immune system develops a “boost” and decreases allergy symptoms.

Chiropractic treatment releases the pressure on the nervous system allowing the immune system to work more effectively. Since the beneficial effects of this treatment are very well documented, it’s no surprise that many chiropractic patients report of a reduction of allergy symptoms. Receiving regular adjustments realigns the spine and allows the body to heal itself and function at its highest performance. If you suffer from allergies, you may want to consider chiropractic as a treatment option.

If you think you may benefit from chiropractic care, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our office, be sure to contact Carolina Chiropractic Center for an appointment. Our Florence, SC office can be reached by phone at (843) 665-9192 or through our website, www.carolinachirocenter.com. 

 

Fix Your Poor Posture

At Carolina Chiropractic Center, we want our patients to understand that quality posture is an easy and very important way to maintain a healthy mind and body. When you practice correct posture, your body is in alignment with itself and this can prevent common problems such as back or neck pain, headaches, and much more. To help you stand tall and maintain good posture, we thought we would share the following tips with you.

• Imagine that a string is attached to the top of your head and pulling you upwards. The idea is to keep your body in perfect alignment, maintaining the spine’s natural curvature, neck straight and shoulders parallel with the hips.


• To stand correctly, you should always keep your shoulders back and relaxed while pulling in your abdomen and keeping your feet about hip distance apart.


• Balance your weight evenly on both feet and try not to tilt your head forward, backward or sideways. Finally, you should always keep your legs straight, but your feet relaxed.

If you have questions about posture, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our office, be sure to contact Carolina Chiropractic Center for an appointment. Our Florence, SC office can be reached by phone at (843) 665-9192 or through our website, www.carolinachirocenter.com. 

Ergonomic Principles

Whether you work nine-to-five in a cubicle, or do physical labor on the job, following proper ergonomic principles can improve your overall health, prevent musculoskeletal disorders, and most importantly, keep you safe in the workplace. Poor ergonomics is not only a hazard to your posture, but it can affect your productivity levels as well as increase your risk of work injury. As much as we love to see your face here at Carolina Chiropractic Center, we’d rather you follow these ergonomic principles to reduce the risk factors that may lead to discomfort.

• All work activities should permit the worker to adopt several different, but equally healthy and safe postures.


• Where muscular force has to be exerted it should be done by the largest appropriate muscle groups available.


• Work activities should be performed with the joints at about mid-point of their range of movement. This applies particularly to the head, trunk, and upper limbs.

No matter what the job is, the goal is to make sure that you are safe, comfortable and less prone to work-related injuries.

To learn more about the services we provide at our office, be sure to contact Carolina Chiropractic Center for an appointment. Our Florence, SC office can be reached by phone at (843) 665-9192 or through our website, www.carolinachirocenter.com. 

Therapeutic Exercise Benefits

Therapeutic exercise is defined as a bodily movement prescribed to correct impairment, improve musculoskeletal function, or maintain a state of well-being. It may vary from a highly selected activities restricted to specific muscles or parts of the body, to general and vigorous activities that can return a recuperating patient back to the peak of prime health. At Carolina Chiropractic Center, our doctor can tailor an individualized therapeutic exercise treatment plan that will meet your needs.

Whether you suffer from back pain, shoulder pain, knee pain, or more, we have exercises to assist your healing process. Low back extension, extended shoulder rotation and spinal rotation name a few. Therapeutic exercise aimed at achieving and maintaining physical fitness fall into the following major categories: endurance training, resistance training, and flexibility training. In general, no matter what exercise may be needed, the overall goal of rehabilitation is to achieve whenever possible an optimal level of physical fitness by the end of the program.

If you think you may benefit from therapeutic exercise, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our office, be sure to contact Carolina Chiropractic Center for an appointment. Our Florence, SC office can be reached by phone at (843) 665-9192 or through our website, www.carolinachirocenter.com. 

Tips for a Healthy Spine

Your spine keeps everything in your body aligned including both your frame and your health. This is why it is important to keep your spine in good shape. Here at Carolina Chiropractic Center in Florence, SC, we want our patients to know how to take good care of their spine at home.

Sleep Posture

Sleeping with the right posture allows your body to heal and rest properly while you sleep. This greatly depends on the type of pillow you have. Side and back sleepers will want a thicker pillow. Stomach sleepers should use a thin pillow or no pillow at all. Extra support may be needed in other areas of the body for each position, so make sure you do your homework and place the pillows accordingly.

A Strong Core

Add a few abdominal exercises to your routine a couple times per week. Having a strong core will help you keep good posture and good balance. This is not only healthy for your spine, but it also reduces the risk of injury.

Heavy Lifting

Lifting large or heavy objects is a very common way to injure your back. Make sure you are lifting with your legs while keeping a straight back. Also, never twist your body while picking up an object.

Sitting Posture

When sitting for a long period of time, make sure your feet are flat on the floor and your legs are bent at a ninety-degree angle. Give yourself good lumbar support and keep your computer monitor at eye-level. Sit up straight and keep your shoulders rolled back.

To learn more about good spine health, be sure to contact Carolina Chiropractic Center for an appointment. Our Florence, SC office can be reached by phone at (843) 665-9192 or through our website, www.carolinachirocenter.com. 

Auto Injury

Auto accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. Once you realize that you are not seriously injured, your mind starts thinking about all the hassle you will have to deal with like insurances and getting your car repaired. What we want you to know here at Carolina Chiropractic Center is that the spine is very sensitive to abrupt movements. Here in our Florence, SC office, we encourage you to come in for an evaluation as soon as possible following an auto accident. Even if it seems like you are okay, there could be hidden injuries.

Whiplash is a common injury that happens during auto accidents. This occurs when the spine is thrust forward and then whipped back quickly. The cervical spine and the surrounding structures can become sprained, strained, or even misplaced. Sometimes a whiplash injury is felt right away in the form of pain and stiffness. Other times, they pain may be hidden for a few days, weeks, or even months. The injury may be hidden by another more apparent injury or by the endorphins your body releases when it goes through trauma.

The potential for hidden injuries is why it is so important for patients who have been in an auto accident to see their chiropractor as soon as possible. To set up an appointment with Carolina Chiropractic Center in Florence, SC, call our office at (843) 665-9192 or visit our website, www.carolinachirocenter.com. 

Chiropractic Care for Sports Injury

An injury during the game is an athlete’s worst nightmare. No one wants to be on the sidelines when their team needs them. At Carolina Chiropractic Center in Florence, SC, we help athletes heal from injuries to get them back in the game quicker.

Chiropractic care is usually only associated with spinal care; however, chiropractors work with the joints, nerves, soft tissues, and hard tissues along with the spine. Understanding that the whole body works together as a whole, we treat the body as a whole.

Treating a sports injury is not what it used to be. Here at Carolina Chiropractic Center, we utilize advanced technology to speed up recovery. Some of these technologies include cold laser therapy, electrical muscle stimulation, and ultrasound. We can also perform adjustments and create a unique therapeutic exercise program.

Chiropractic care does not just treat the symptoms of an injury; it treats the injury from the source. If you have been recently injured or if you are an athlete, it is good to have an experienced chiropractic team on your sideline. To schedule an appointment with Carolina Chiropractic Center in Florence, SC, call our office at (843) 665-9192 or visit our website, www.carolinachirocenter.com. 

What is a Chiropractic Adjustment?

Probably the most well-known treatment in chiropractic is adjustments. At Carolina Chiropractic Center in Florence, SC, we perform adjustments, or manipulation as it is sometimes called, for our patients. An inline spine allows the whole body to run at peak functionality.

Adjustments are very minor movements to the spine and joints. The adjustment is quick and moves the spine or joint back into its correct position. When the spine or a joint is out of line, called a subluxation, the surrounding nerves can be pinched or otherwise hindered. These nerves are then not able to carry messages to and from the brain properly. Depending on where in the body the subluxation is, the nerves in that area will cause the body system they are connected with to function at a lesser level.

Your chiropractor will use their hands or a chiropractic instrument to move the spine or joint back into place quickly. There may be a cracking sound when it happens, which is just gas leaving the joint. There is often no discomfort and many patients experience a sense of relief afterwards.

Chiropractic adjustments can improve a number of different body ailments, however if you are experiencing frequent pain, numbness, or tingling to a limb or joint, you should not wait to come in for an evaluation. To schedule an appointment with Carolina Chiropractic Center of Florence, SC, call our office at (843) 665-9192 or visit our website, www.carolinachirocenter.com. 

What is Cupping Therapy?

Cupping is one of the oldest methods of traditional Chinese medicine and we utilize this type of therapy at Carolina Chiropractic Center. Cupping therapy is a form of alternative medicine in which cups are placed on the skin to create suction. The treatment is used primarily to treat respiratory conditions, arthritis, gastrointestinal disorders, and much more. The cups themselves can be made of a variety of materials, including glass, bamboo, and earthenware.

During cupping therapy, the suction of the cups mobilizes blood flow to promote the healing of a broad range of medical ailments. One way to think about cupping is that it is the inverse of massage therapy. Rather than applying pressure to muscles, the suction uses pressure to pull skin, tissue and muscles upward. In a typical cupping session, glass cups are warmed using a cotton ball or other flammable substance which is soaked in alcohol, let, then placed inside the cup. Burning a substance inside the cup removes all the oxygen which creates a vacuum on the skin. Depending on the condition being treated, the cups will be left in place for 5-10 minutes.

If you think you may benefit from cupping treatment, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our office, visit www.carolinachirocenter.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. James Huggins, Jr. at Carolina Chiropractic Center in Florence, SC, call 843-665-9192. 

Benefits of Custom Foot Orthotics

At Carolina Chiropractic Center, our custom foot orthotics are a great way to help with issues related to walking and alignment. These issues include, but are not limited to knee, foot, and lower back pain. Custom foot orthotics also reduce peak pressure due to shock absorption to provide patients with relief from daily stress and injury. Overall, this is a great investment into your overall health and wellbeing through a biomechanical standpoint.

The mechanical properties of foot orthotics help to ensure the correct positioning of the bones in the feet, ankles, and knees. This is because the muscles and ligaments leading up to the hips and holding leg bones in place are prevented from stretching over time, which can lead to further injury and aggravation. In general, orthotics are really for anyone with an issue or discomfort related to walking or have imbalances in the body that are known to cause related pain. Additionally, custom foot orthotics are made for you and only you so they offer optimal comfort!

If you think you may benefit from custom foot orthotics, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our office, visit www.carolinachirocenter.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. James Huggins, Jr. at Carolina Chiropractic Center in Florence, SC, call 843-665-9192. 

Diapulse Therapy Details

Diapulse is defined as a therapeutic device that uses radio waves to produce short, intense electromagnetic pulses, which penetrate into deep tissues. The heat that is generated by these pulses is believed to improve blood flow, reduce pain and inflammation as well as promote healing. At Carolina Chiropractic Center, Dr. James Huggins, Jr. utilizes this type of therapy as a safe, cost-effective treatment of postoperative edema and pain in superficial soft tissue and chronic wounds.

Diapulse has been used in the management of chronic wounds, soft tissues injuries, and other indications including a migraine, tinnitus, acute head injuries, and pelvic inflammatory disease. At Carolina Chiropractic Center we understand that although our patients may be diagnosed with the same condition, they respond very differently to treatments. For this reason, Dr. James Huggins, Jr. will tailor a specific plan of action to meet your needs, goals, and unique medical and physical condition.

If you think you may benefit from Diapulse therapy, please give us a call. To learn more about the conditions we treat and the services we provide at our office, visit www.carolinachirocenter.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. James Huggins, Jr. at Carolina Chiropractic Center in Florence, SC, call 843-665-9192.

Laser Lipo: What Is It?

We all want to look our best, but most of us don’t want to go to extremes to do so. This is why Dr. James Huggins, Jr. at Carolina Chiropractic Center provides patients with the technique of Laser Liposuction. Laser lipo is a new cosmetic procedure to remove body fat, claimed to be as effective as traditional liposuction without a hospital stay. However, it’s not for everyone, so you will need to schedule a consultation before proceeding with treatment.

This method of lipo works by aiming lasers at your lower body and is specifically designed to puncture holes in your fat cells so that they deflate. As a result, your body keeps all the fat cells – a good thing because removing them can have unintended consequences – but they’re much smaller. It’s important to remember that laser liposuction is definitely not a miracle cure, but it is designed to make your healthy eating and exercise more effective.

If you think you may benefit from laser lipo treatment or have further questions about the procedure, please give us a call. To learn more about the conditions we treat and the services we provide at our office, visit www.carolinachirocenter.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. James Huggins, Jr. at Carolina Chiropractic Center in Florence, SC, call 843-665-9192.

Spinal Decompression for Herniated Discs

Herniated or bulging discs can cause real pain that slows you down or even stops you from living your life the way you want to live it. Here at Carolina Chiropractic Center in Florence, SC, we offer spinal decompression to relieve pain and pressure and get our patients living their lives again.

Spinal decompression involves applying negative pressure on the disc that is herniated. This is performed by stretching the spine and relaxing it in a controlled manner. It is performed with through a computer-controlled machine which is programmed by one of our trained professionals. In our Florence, SC office, we use the DRX9000 and the ABS Spinal Decompression Machine. Depending on your condition, we will decide which machine and treatment plan will work best for you. Treatment plans are usually around 5 weeks long with varying frequency. The treatment is aiming at pulling the herniated disc material back into the disc.

Instead of turning to risky surgery or pain medication that just covers up the pain, why not seek to treat and eliminate the problem? That is exactly what spinal decompression is about.  To schedule your appointment with us at Carolina Chiropractic Center in Florence, SC, call us at (843) 665-9192 or visit our website, www.carolinachirocenter.com. 

Cold Laser Therapy in Florence, SC

Is pain keeping you from doing the things you like such as participating in sports or picking up your kids? It’s time to find a solution that works to relieve your pain and heal your body. At Carolina Chiropractic Center in Florence, SC, we utilize cold laser therapy to relieve our patients’ acute and chronic conditions.

Cold laser therapy can relieve pain, promote faster healing for injuries, reduce swelling and spasms, and increase functionality. This procedure involves emitting non-thermal light through the skin and into the tissue that is affected. The cold laser can react with all types of cells. The light reacts with elements in the cells and creates a photosynthesis-like reaction. It creates energy and events in the cells that lead to faster healing, reduced pain, and reduced inflammation.

There are many different types of conditions that can benefit from cold laser therapy including arthritis, tendonitis, neck pain, and back pain. In addition, soft tissue injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, and fibromyalgia are also able to be treated.

If you are living in pain, it is time to do something about it. To schedule an appointment in our Florence, SC chiropractic office, call us at (843) 665-9192 or visit our Carolina Chiropractic Center website, www.carolinachirocenter.com. 

Electrical Muscle Stimulation

Electrical muscle stimulation is an increasingly popular method of treatment. It is even being used to help athletes recover more quickly. Here at Carolina Chiropractic Center in Florence, SC, we use electrical muscle stimulation to treat patients with muscle spasms in their neck or back.

Muscle spasms can make muscles feel tight, swollen, and locked up. This can lead to a lot of back or neck pain, along with stiffness. This pain can occur all of a sudden or chronically. Electrical muscle stimulation works by transmitting an electrical current into the soft tissue muscle that is injured or in spasm. We do this by placing electrodes onto the skin in the affected area. During the treatment, the patient may feel tingling or muscle twitching, however, these feelings will subside when the machine is turned off or shortly afterward. Each treatment will vary depending on the location and severity of the patient’s injury or spasm. Electrical muscle stimulation helps the body release endorphins, our natural pain reliever.

If electrical muscle stimulation sounds like it may benefit you, be sure to schedule a consultation with us. To schedule in our Florence, SC office, call Carolina Chiropractic Center at (843) 665-9192 or visit our website, www.carolinachirocenter.com.