Piriformis Syndrome

There are several potential causes of sciatica, including a herniated disc, a narrow spinal canal, and a misplaced vertebra. But if you are frequently experiencing shooting pain or numbness down one leg when you climb stairs or sit for a long period, you may have piriformis syndrome. This muscular disorder can result from acute injuries and overuse, but at the Carolina Chiropractic Center in Florence, South Carolina, we’ll identify its cause and help you find safe pain relief.

The sciatic nerve branches off from the spinal cord in the lumbar region of the spine and travels down the leg. On the way, it passes around, through, or on either side of deep muscle in either side of the pelvis named the piriformis. The piriformis muscle is shaped like a triangle and connects the sacrum, the part of the spine between the hip bones, to the top of the femur. It helps to stabilize the hip and rotates the leg away from the body. A swollen piriformis can compress the sciatic nerve, triggering sciatica symptoms.

People can develop Piriformis Syndrome by falling on their hips or by doing intense lower body work that jostles their hips a lot, such as if they run up stairs or rocky hills. Because the symptoms it causes are similar to those of other musculoskeletal disorders, Piriformis Syndrome is diagnosed through imaging and process of elimination. The body can usually recover from piriformis inflammation, so we focus on relieving the patient’s pain through noninvasive, non-addictive treatments such as manual adjustments, therapeutic ultrasounds, and electric muscle stimulation. Patients should gradually return to activity but avoid high-impact exercises and running on hard surfaces.

Dr. James Huggins runs the Carolina Chiropractic Center at 1627 Suite C, South Irby, Florence, South Carolina, 29505. To set up an appointment, call 843-665-9192 or visit Carolina Chiro Center and fill out a contact form.

 

Knee Pain

Have you taken a bump to your knee that’s still sore days later? Don’t wait any longer to get it checked out. At the Carolina Chiropractic Center in Florence, we frequently help people whose musculoskeletal systems have been disrupted by sports injuries and degenerative conditions. If your knee is out of alignment, you may find yourself compensating by throwing off the balance of your hips and lower back, leading to more pain. Our office will help you treat the pain and prevent it from returning.

Knee pain is formally called “patellofemoral syndrome.” The patella, or kneecap, is the largest of the body’s sesamoid bones. What this means is that the kneecap does not directly connect to other bones; it is anchored into a groove in the femur by tendons and ligaments and rests over a bed of cartilage. If there is something wrong with the ligaments, the kneecap may move out of place and rub against the cartilage, removing the leg bones’ cushioning and triggering inflammation. Soreness and stiffness will persist as long as the kneecap is displaced.

An adjustment can put the kneecap back in place and noninvasive therapies, such as electric muscle stimulation and ultrasound, can reduce swelling in the surrounding soft tissues. Our chiropractic office is dedicated to providing musculoskeletal solutions that are cost-effective and low risk. Strengthening exercises will allow the knee tendons to hold the patella more firmly in place in the future, and better posture and hydration will make them less likely to fray.

Dr. James Huggins runs the Carolina Chiropractic Center at 1627 Suite C, South Irby, Florence, South Carolina, 29505. To set up an appointment, call 843-665-9192 or visit Carolina Chiro Center and fill out a contact form.

 

Facet Joint Disorders

Do you suffer from pain that seems to radiate out of your backbone? Is it worse when you lean backwards, but mostly random? You may be suffering from a facet joint disorder. This kind of back pain often baffles patients, but at the Carolina Chiropractic Center in Florence, we’ll help you to understand its cause, resolve it, and prevent it from returning.

The term “facet joint” refers to the connections between the bony protrusions from the posterior sides of the vertebrae. These joints allow the vertebrae a limited degree of mobility, but also prevent them from sliding too far past each other or rotating too much. When the supportive tissue of the joint is torn, the joint may slide out of place, resulting in a subluxation. The pressure of the displaced vertebra can trigger muscle spasms and irritate the nearby nerves, resulting in radiating pain. Displaced bones can also erode the cartilage that cushions the joints, resulting in stiffness and the growth of bony spurs.

Because pain from a displaced facet joint radiates, it may be hard to identify the source of the problem. Our imaging tests and manual examinations will help us to pinpoint where a facet has broken and distinguish facet joint disorders from problems in the spinal discs or nearby organs. An adjustment can help to relieve pressure on nerves and other soft tissues, as can the application of heat. In the long-term, strengthening the muscles attached to the spine through therapeutic exercise will make vertebrae less likely to move out of place, and better posture will cause less cartilage erosion.

Dr. James Huggins runs the Carolina Chiropractic Center at 1627 Suite C, South Irby, Florence, South Carolina, 29505. To set up an appointment, call 843-665-9192 or visit Carolina Chiro Center and fill out a contact form.

 

National Chiropractic Health Month

October marks National Chiropractic Health Month, when chiropractors make particular effort to educate the public about the importance of maintaining musculoskeletal health. Back pain is extremely common, being one of the most frequent medical complaints for people of all ages. But chiropractic is about more than soothing tightness and inflammation in the back muscles. It’s also about ensuring that dislocated joints and swollen tissues won’t disrupt other bodily systems by compressing nerves. Let’s take a look at some basic aspects of joint health and how we at the Carolina Chiopractic Center in Florence can help to keep the body in optimal condition.

Joints are attached to each other by soft tissues called ligaments. Muscles are secured to joints by tendons, which are strong fibers, but are prone to fraying and heal slowly from injuries due to their limited blood supply. The bones that make up a joint are cushioned and lubricated by a substance called articular cartilage, which can be worn down with time or by bone spurs. Some joints are also cushioned by structures called bursae that produce a lubricating fluid called synovia.

Our chiropractic office offers many treatments for reducing inflammation and realigning joints. Manual adjustments correct backbones and shoulder bones that have been displaced by trauma or inflammation of the bursae or muscles. Soft tissue treatments such as electric muscle stimulation, low level laser therapy, and Diapulse combat inflammation directly. Stem cell therapy generates the growth of new connective and cushioning tissue. Furthermore, our knowledge of the musculoskeletal system allows us to not only relieve symptoms, but prevent their return by advising on strength-training and flexibility exercises, nutrition, and lifestyle improvements. With stronger muscles, healthier food, and better posture, you can stop subjecting your joints to stress and remain vibrant throughout life.

Dr. James Huggins runs the Carolina Chiropractic Center at 1627 Suite C, South Irby, Florence, South Carolina, 29505. To set up an appointment, call 843-665-9192 or visit Carolina Chiro Center and fill out a contact form.

 

Managing Osteoarthritis

Arthritis can mean several different things. The most common form, osteoarthritis, results from the breakdown of cartilage, a slippery substance that cushions and lubricates the bones where they form joints. At the Carolina Chiropractic Center in Florence, we have several safe, complementary means of providing patients with relief from this condition. Although osteoarthritis cannot be reversed, it can be managed.

It was formerly believed that osteoarthritis was purely the result of wear and tear to the joints over time. Recent evidence suggests that another factor is the body losing the ability to produce new collagen, which is the protein that comprises cartilage. As bones rub against each other, they may flake off, and the free-floating chips could trigger the body’s inflammatory response. But inflammation is not always triggered (the condition is sometimes called “degenerative joint disease”), and other possible consequences include the growth of bony spurs and painful stiffness.

People who are older are at greater risk for osteoarthritis, and joints that have previously been injured have a greater risk of developing it. Adjustments can help realign joints that are not currently inflamed. During outbreaks, our options for reducing inflammation include therapeutic ultrasound, electric muscle stimulation, and low level laser therapy. Therapeutic exercise can also keep the muscles surrounding arthritis joints strong and flexible, helping them to retain their shape and relieving cartilage from stress.

Dr. James Huggins runs the Carolina Chiropractic Center at 1627 Suite C, South Irby, Florence, South Carolina, 29505. To set up an appointment, call 843-665-9192 or visit Carolina Chiro Center and fill out a contact form.

 

Importance of Vitamin D

During the summer, we have more opportunities to produce Vitamin D. This hormone plays a crucial role in bone strength by facilitating the body’s absorption of calcium. But although sunlight is necessary for its production, many people may still not get enough, which is why we at the Carolina Chiropractic Center in Florence want the public to understand its importance.

Calcium is the mineral that strengthens bones. It is not produced in our bodies, but absorbed in our intestines when the cells there are made active by Vitamin D. (It is possible to absorb too much, which is why they can be deactivated.) Vitamin D is produced in cholesterol when skin is exposed to sunlight, but it can also be consumed from certain sources. Among the best dietary sources are fatty fish, eggs, beef liver, dairy, and green leafy vegetables. Orange juice and cereal are also commonly fortified with Vitamin D and calcium.

Deficiencies in Vitamin D are not always apparent, but over time, they can cause a person to have difficulty growing bone tissue. This may cause them to develop osteoporosis, which will cause them to stoop forward as they age. Besides increasing their sun exposure and improving their nutrient intake, people can also prevent bone fragility by strengthening their muscles.

Dr. James Huggins runs the Carolina Chiropractic Center at 1627 Suite C, South Irby, Florence, South Carolina, 29505. To set up an appointment, call 843-665-9192 or visit Carolina Chiro Center and fill out a contact form.

 

Back Tips for Long Trips

Many people will be driving or riding in planes or trains over the summer. You probably know about the toll prolonged sitting takes on office workers, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that travel can be rough on a person’s back, too. We hope that all our patients at the Carolina Chiropractic Center in Florence will exercise preventive measures, so we thought we’d share a few tips.

You don’t want to have to stretch your spine to reach the steering wheel or pedels. Scoot your chair up as close to the wheel as you comfortably can. It’s also a good idea to change your position on the steering wheel sometimes to prevent shoulder freeze. Office workers are advised to get out of their chairs and stretch about every half hour. This is good advice for people sitting in vehicles, as well, but at minimum, they should try to make sure they flex their legs and ankles that often. If your car seat doesn’t have lower back support, you can provide some by putting a small cylindrical pillow in the curve of your lower spine. A rolled up blanket or soft piece of clothing may serve, if necessary. Specialized cushions may be available for people with particular problems, such as sciatica.

Generally, anything that is causing you discomfort at the start of your trip will only get worse. Don’t sit with objects in your back pockets and if you’re not driving, keep your feet on a flat surface. Also, remember to keep your head upright and facing forward instead of at a mobile device in your lap.

Dr. James Huggins runs the Carolina Chiropractic Center at 1627 Suite C, South Irby, Florence, South Carolina, 29505. To set up an appointment, call 843-665-9192 or visit Carolina Chiro Center and fill out a contact form.

 

What is Spondylolisthesis?

A back injury presents a threat to the body’s nervous system. Some injuries are painful, but others may go undetected or cause nerve compression or muscle tightness without their cause being readily apparent. This week on our blog, we at the Carolina Chiropractic Center in Florence want to discuss spondylolisthesis, the condition in which one vertebra slips over another. It is a common injury that may be hard to identify without an x-ray.

Degenerative Spondylolisthesis is often related to Degenerative Disc Disease. As the spongy discs between vertebral bodies become less elastic with age, they are less able to prevent slippages in the vertebrae. This disorder is often found in women over the age of sixty. However, a vertebra can also slip forward due to a fracture in the facet joint that connects it to the rest of the spinal column. This is the leading cause of back pain among teenagers and often occurs in the upper lumbar region. Slipped lumbar vertebra can cause pain in muscles spanning from the lower back to the gluteal region and may compress a sciatic nerve, causing shooting pain down the leg.

We employ nonsurgical, minimally invasive techniques for guiding slipped vertebrae back into place. We will then aim to strengthen the patient’s core muscles to prevent relapses. Therapeutic exercise will increase flexibility and relieve stress from the spinal column. We can also provide pain-relieving therapies such as ultrasound and electric muscle stimulation for muscle tightness and inflammation.

Dr. James Huggins runs the Carolina Chiropractic Center at 1627 Suite C, South Irby, Florence, South Carolina, 29505. To set up an appointment, call 843-665-9192 or visit Carolina Chiro Center and fill out a contact form.

 

Shopping for Shoes

The balance of your feet can determine the balance of the rest of your body. We at the Carolina Chiropractic Center in Florence hope that our patients are keeping their lower backs in alignment. That’s a lot harder to do while wearing poorly-fitted shoes that encourage slouching or overcompensating by tensing up one side of the body, so we thought we’d provide some tips for when you go shopping.

Your feet need support under and on the sides of their arches. While high heels are terrible for your feet, flats—including most dress shoes and flip-flops—don’t help them, either. The best shoes are sneakers made of breathable material with a padded collar that will stabilize the ankle without restricting it. The bottoms should have a firm grip but not add a lot of weight to the shoe.

Shopping should be done late in the day, when the feet have flattened out slightly from bearing the shopper’s weight for hours. But shoppers should also give themselves lots of time to browse because shoes that still need to be broken in after being worn for ten minutes are probably not the right size. The toe box needs to be large enough that the toes won’t bunch up on each other and won’t be at risk of developing ingrown toenails. Shoppers should wear the socks they plan to pair with the shoes (and it is recommended that runners wear socks to wick away sweat). Shoes should be replaced when the treads wear out, which could occur after a few months if they are being worn during daily exercise. Although sneakers are the kind of shoe most often built for support, orthopedically-friendly sandals and dress shoes are becoming more popular. We can also provide patients with customized orthotics.

Dr. James Huggins operates the Carolina Chiropractic Center at 1627 Suite C, South Irby, Florence, South Carolina, 29505. To set up an appointment, call 843-665-9192 or visit Carolina Chiro Center and fill out a contact form.

 

Neck Stretches

Neck pain can often be treated through safe, minimally invasive means. At the Carolina Chiropractic Center in Florence, our treatments for cervical misalignments and the headaches and shoulder pain they cause include spinal adjustments, spinal decompression, and ultrasound therapy. But therapeutic exercise will likely be crucial to a patient’s recovery and continued well-being.

We don’t recommend that injured patients attempt to create their own workout routines, but it can be helpful for them to know what to expect from a visit to our office. Neck pain is often due to strain in the neck’s soft tissues as a result of an injury or overuse. We try to restore the neck’s flexibility through strengthening exercises and stretches. Some examples are slowly bending the neck forward or backward, rotating the head ninety degrees each way, and pressing the ear against the shoulder. The patient would need to hold the pose for a few seconds, with the length of time and the number of stretches gradually increasing.

Neck stretches should be a part of ordinary warm-up and cool-down routines. While it remains unclear whether stronger neck muscles can guard against concussions, they do help to take weight off the cervical spine and combat degenerative disease. Of course, there are other potential causes of neck pain, which is another reason why it is important for people to come in for a diagnosis as early as possible.

Dr. James Huggins operates the Carolina Chiropractic Center at 1627 Suite C, South Irby, Florence, South Carolina, 29505. To set up an appointment, call 843-665-9192 or visit Carolina Chiro Center and fill out a contact form.

 

Raking Safety

It’s the time of year to enjoy fall foliage, which means it’s also time for raking. At the Carolina Chiropractic Center in Florence, we highly value patient safety. People who are at risk for herniated discs or muscle spasms could injure themselves if they don’t rake properly, so we thought we’d pass along a few tips.

People commonly wear sweats or denim while doing yard work, and for good reason. The safest clothing is that which is form-fitting, yet breathable. You don’t want to be wearing anything that dangles or could get caught, such as large loops on the pant legs, and if you have long hair, you’ll need to tie it back. Pick shoes that have slip-resistant soles and that give you good arch support. They’ll need to be close-toed. Select a rake that has a long enough handle to be used without you needing to bend down.

Pick a time to rake when you anticipate the leaves will be dry; they’ll be too heavy to pick up otherwise. Prior to raking, do a five-minute warm-up that incorporates dynamic stretches to get blood flowing faster through your arms. Stand with your knees unlocked and your legs in a scissor position next to the leaf pile. Alternate which hand is higher on the rake about every five minutes, and if you have to turn, move your entire body instead of twisting your torso. While filling the leaf bag, test to see if you can lift it before it’s full. You’ll also need to do a cool-down after you’ve finished.

Dr. James Huggins operates the Carolina Chiropractic Center at 1627 Suite C, South Irby, Florence, South Carolina, 29505. To set up an appointment, call 843-665-9192 or visit Carolina Chiro Center and fill out a contact form.

 

Strained Back Muscles

Back pain is not always caused by a problem in the spinal column. Often, it is the muscles and ligaments supporting the spine which fray, resulting in a dull, throbbing ache. The good news is that if there hasn’t been a complete tear, the muscles are usually able to heal themselves. At the Carolina Chiro Center in Florence, we’ll help the patient control their pain in a safe manner and remain in a condition that optimizes the body’s self-healing.

There are several major muscle groups supporting the lumbar region of the spine. They make up the complicated connections between the lower back and the hips, as well as the abdomen, so pain may be felt in the pelvic region. However, pain that shoots along the lower legs is likelier to be caused by a pinched nerve, as is pain that persists during rest. The word “strain” technically refers to injuries to muscles and tendons while “sprain” refers to injuries to ligaments, but in either case, the patient will likely experience limited range of motion and inflammation.

Although spinal adjustments are an important part of maintenance, they may not be appropriate after a strain or sprain has occurred. However, we offer ultrasound therapy to prevent the formation of scar tissue, which could permanently limit the muscle’s motion. We also offer instructions on therapeutic exercise that will restore the back’s flexibility, prevent the muscles from losing their strength, and make injuries less likely in the future.

Dr. James Huggins operates the Carolina Chiropractic Center at 1627 Suite C, South Irby, Florence, South Carolina, 29505. To set up an appointment, call 843-665-9192 or visit Carolina Chiro Center and fill out a contact form.

Fight Inflammation

There are two kinds of inflammation that occur in the body – acute inflammation and chronic. While acute inflammation is a regular part of the healing process, chronic inflammation is more problematic and can leave a patient feeling fatigued, and may or may not be a cause of an underlying health condition. If you feel discomfort due to inflammation, schedule a consultation with Dr. James Huggins, Jr. at Carolina Chiropractic Center.

Inflammation in different parts of the body, including the joints, can have an impact on blood flow, tissue damage, and even cognitive decline. Simple tips for fighting inflammation of any kind include changing your diet to incorporate healthier foods such as fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, and anti-inflammatory beverages such as coffee or water. Most fruits and brightly colored vegetables naturally contain antioxidants which help reduce inflammation while junk foods that contain sugar and carbohydrates actually increase inflammation.

If you have questions or concerns about chiropractic treatment or pain management, 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. 

Spinal Anatomy

We believe at Carolina Chiropractic in Florence that patients should be fully informed about their treatments. To that end, we want our patients to know more about what the spinal column is and how different issues can affect it.

The backbone is not a single bone, but a combination of bones, joints, and connecting tissues. The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves which travels from the brain to the legs, with other nerves branching off it. The backbones, or vertebrae, are made up of flat main bodies and hollow protrusions surrounding the spinal cord. In between the bodies of most of the vertebrae are soft, spongy discs that cushion them. The neck contains seven vertebrae that move independently, the thorax includes twelve, and the lower back, or lumbar region, contains five. In the pelvis are the sacrum and the coccyx, both of which are made of vertebrae fused together without intervening spongy discs.

The guiding theory of chiropractic is that when vertebrae and their adjacent tissues are misaligned, the signals from and to the spine are disrupted. Sciatica would be one example of how this creates problems or prevents the body from healing optimally.

Dr. James Huggins operates the Carolina Chiropractic Center at 1627 Suite C, South Irby, Florence, South Carolina, 29505. To set up an appointment, call 843-665-9192 or visit Carolina Chiro Center and fill out a contact form.

Causes of Upper Back Pain

People suffering from upper back pain need look no further than the Carolina Chiropractic Center in Florence. Although neck and lower back pain are more common, pain in the thoracic portion of the spine is an issue which deserves attention and we want our patients to understand what factors into it.

There are some causes of pain in the upper back which are rare but should be tested for. These include infections or bony growths in the vertebrae putting pressure on the spinal cord. The thoracic vertebrae, which the ribs are attached to, do not have as much freedom of movement as other articulated vertebrae, but it is still possible for their discs to wear down or a fracture to develop in people with osteoporosis. However, most upper back pain is caused by muscle fatigue.

If people maintain bad posture, their back muscles will be strained and may tear. Slouching while seated, carrying heavy objects off-center or too high over the head, or even lack of a properly fitted bra may put excessive weight on the upper back muscles. For short-term relief, we provide spinal adjustment to ensure the muscles aren’t being further strained by misaligned parts of the spinal column. In the long-term, strengthening the torso muscles will allow them to take on more weight from the back muscles. Office workers should also remember to sit straight up with their feet on the floor and to keep their screens at eye-level.

Dr. James Huggins operates the Carolina Chiropractic Center at 1627 Suite C, South Irby, Florence, South Carolina, 29505. To set up an appointment, call 843-665-9192 or visit Carolina Chiro Center and fill out a contact form.

 

What is Fibromyalgia?

Many people inaccurately think of chiropractic as only treatment for the back. In fact, at the Carolina Chiropractic center in Florence, we are concerned with the entire body and overall wellness of our patients. One of the best examples of a disease which requires a whole-body approach is fibromyalgia. This condition has no known cure but is treated with the non-invasive, non-addictive therapies in our office.

Fibromyalgia is believed to be a dysfunction in how the brain processes impulses from the rest of the body. Most of the people who develop it are middle-aged women who have recently experienced enormous stress, physical trauma, or infection, but an exact cause is hard to pin down. People with fibromyalgia describe themselves as feeling constant aches throughout their bodies, as well as fatigue. They also frequently have psychological issues such as anxiety and depression and conditions that are linked to psychological stress, such as irritable bowel syndrome. One of fibromyalgia’s defining features is how afflicted people have difficulty remembering things or focusing.

Getting pain under control can only help with fibromyalgia’s psychological symptoms. The electric muscle stimulation we offer helps the body to release endorphins, which are its natural pain relievers. Spinal adjustments and other therapies to relieve pressure on the nerves can also improve the body’s internal communication system.

Dr. James Huggins operates the Carolina Chiropractic Center at 1627 Suite C, South Irby, Florence, South Carolina, 29505. To set up an appointment, call 843-665-9192 or visit Carolina Chiro Center and fill out a contact form.

 

National Arthritis Month

It’s impossible to overstate how important understanding of arthritis is to chiropractic. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States and one of the most common causes of pain. Therefore, this National Arthritis Month we want to help our patients understand it better and how our non-invasive therapies can help.

“Arthritis” actually refers to a number of conditions which cause joint swelling. The two most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the result of wear and tear. It affects the spinal column when the cartilage in between the facet joints, which link vertebrae together, erodes. Rheumatoid arthritis is an immune system disorder in which the body attacks its own tissues. However, there are other forms of arthritis which mainly affect the spine, including ankylosing spondylitis, which is usually felt near the pelvis, and spinal stenosis, which can cause the spinal canal to narrow and compress the spinal cord.

Genetics, lifestyle, and nutrition all play a role in the development of arthritis. Because other nerves in the body branch off from the spinal cord, joint dysfunction in the spinal column can affect the whole body. Proper treatment of arthritis requires realignment of the spinal bones and reduction of inflammation. We provide this through adjustments, electric muscle stimulation, and cold laser therapy, along with counseling on preventive measures.

Dr. James Huggins operates the Carolina Chiropractic Center at 1627 Suite C, South Irby, Florence, South Carolina, 29505. To set up an appointment, call 843-665-9192 or visit Carolina Chiro Center and fill out a contact form.

 

Neck Stiffness

Do you suffer from neck stiffness? You don’t have to anymore! At the Carolina Chiropractic Clinic, we offer holistic, non-invasive treatments for musculoskeletal problems, but we want our patients to understand how to avoid stiffness, as well.

When a patient comes in complaining of a stiff neck, we’ll run imaging tests and conduct an examination to determine the cause. Sometimes, the problem may be an infection such as meningitis. However, the vast majority of the time, it is strain and pressure on the levator scapulae muscles. These muscles are what link the neck vertebrae to the shoulders. They get worn down through frequent usage, such as in swimmers, who turn their heads with each stroke. They can also be strained through unhealthy usages, such as when people rest their chins on their palms, which pushes on the neck.

It is also possible for the levator scapulae muscles to be pinched by misalignments in the neck vertebrae. Through spinal adjustments, electric muscle stimulation, and cold laser therapy, we can manage discomfort while helping the body to heal itself. We can also recommend therapeutic exercises and lifestyle changes that will prevent a relapse.

Dr. James Huggins operates the Carolina Chiropractic Center at 1627 Suite C, South Irby, Florence, South Carolina, 29505. To set up an appointment, call 843-665-9192 or visit Carolina Chiro Center and fill out a contact form.

 

What to Know About TMJD

At the Carolina Chiropractic Center in Florence, we treat the entire musculoskeletal system and the problems elsewhere in the body that result from its neglect. One of the most infamous problems is temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD). This disease can cause pain from the head down to the shoulder.

The temporomandibular joint is one of the most complicated joints in the body. It links the lower jaw to the skull and has to be able to move in every direction and withstand the incredible forces put on it every time the patient chews. When it is misaligned, a person may have difficulty opening their mouth and hear clicking sounds when they try. They may also experience pain in their shoulder and neck as a result of the strain on their jaw.

There are a number of things that could cause TMJD, but our office offers a wide variety of treatments. Ultrasound, cold laser therapy, and electric muscle stimulation all help to relieve pain from overworked and stressed muscles, and they can also facilitate the faster healing of joints.

Dr. James Huggins operates the Carolina Chiropractic Center at 1627 Suite C, South Irby, Florence, South Carolina, 29505. To set up an appointment, call 843-665-9192 or visit Carolina Chiro Center and fill out a contact form.

 

Backpack Safety

Our patients span a wide range of ages at the Carolina Chiropractic Center in Florence, and we provide safe, effective treatments to all of them. But we’re also big believers in prevention, and when it comes to children, the most common cause of problems is improper backpack use.

A backpack should not weigh more than 15% of its wearer’s body weight. Lots of children will be starting a new class schedule next semester and will have to figure out when to remove items, but it’s best for them not to be carrying anything they won’t realistically need. Get a backpack that has wide, padded shoulder straps and a chest strap. This will allow the weight to be distributed evenly (a trait which makes backpacks superior to large shoulder bags) without cutting into the soft tissues. It may also be a good idea to stick with smaller backpacks if your child has a tendency to let theirs become cluttered.

Your child should know to lift the backpack by pushing up with their knees, not by pulling with their back. But the backpack shouldn’t be heavy enough to cause strain. It should sit at the center of the wearer’s back, not hang below the waist. Ask your child if they feel numb or tingly in their arms or shoulders. If they do, we have several treatments which can help.

Dr. James Huggins operates the Carolina Chiropractic Center at 1627 Suite C, South Irby, Florence, South Carolina, 29505. To set up an appointment, call 843-665-9192 or visit Carolina Chiro Center and fill out a contact form.