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.

Cupping

Carolina Chiropractic Center uses multiple methods together to heal patients.  The oldest practice we utilize from traditional Chinese medicine is cupping. Cupping therapy is performed by placing cups on the skin to create suction. The suction of the cups encourages blood flow to promote the healing of a broad range of medical ailments. The treatment can be used to treat respiratory conditions, arthritis, gastrointestinal disorders, and is recommended for sore muscles.

During a cupping treatment, glass cups are warmed using a cotton ball or other flammable substance soaked in alcohol and placed inside the cup. The cups can be made of a variety of materials, and are most commonly glass. Burning a substance inside the cup uses all the oxygen it contains, which creates a vacuum on the skin. This helps release rigid soft tissue, lifts connective tissue, and helps blood flow to skin and muscles.  Depending on the patient and their condition, cups can be left in place for between 5 and 10 minutes.

To learn more about cupping therapy and all the services we provide, visit www.carolinachirocenter.com. To schedule an appointment with Dr. James Huggins, Jr. at Carolina Chiropractic Center in Florence, SC, call 843-665-9192. 

Car Accidents and Chiropractic Treatment

When someone is involved in a car accident that isn’t a major collision, it may seem more like a nuisance than trauma.  We typically worry more about being late for work or an insurance claim, and don’t always stop to assess what damage may have been done to our bodies. At Carolina Chiropractic Center, we know some drivers and passengers feel the effects of whiplash injuries immediately following an accident, while others may walk away not feeling injured and experience pain later. This is why you should always visit Carolina Chiropractic Center and see Dr. James Huggins, Jr. for evaluation.

Whiplash occurs when a person’s head moves backward and then forward very suddenly with great force, causing the tendons and ligaments in your neck to tear. The most common site of pain and stiffness for passengers involved in an accident are the neck and back.  A chiropractor can evaluate these injuries, as well as treat damage to both hard and soft tissue. Depending on a patient’s evaluation the chiropractor may perform an adjustment or assign exercises to help heal a particular injury.  If you have been involved in a car accident of any severity, please contact us. 

To learn more about all the services we provide the practice, visit www.carolinachirocenter.com. To schedule an appointment with Dr. James Huggins, Jr. at Carolina Chiropractic Center in Florence, SC, call 843-665-9192. 

The Effect of Stress on the Body

Stress is known to have negative effects on a person’s mental and physical health. This is because stress can trigger and intensify headaches, raise blood pressure, and wear a person down emotionally. Everyone experiences stress in an acute form such as the fight or flight response when we need to complete a task, but when stress becomes chronic and doesn’t go away no matter what you do, consider scheduling a consultation with Dr. James Huggins, Jr. of Carolina Chiropractic Center.

Stress negatively impacts the nervous system, the musculoskeletal system, the respiratory system and even the reproductive system. Under stress, muscles tense up and the tension can lead to headaches, migraines, and various musculoskeletal conditions. Stress can also make a person breathe harder and cause rapid breathing as well as hyperventilation which can cause panic attacks. In men, excess amounts of cortisol – the stress hormone – can affect the normal functioning of the reproductive system. In women, stress can cause absent or irregular menstrual cycles.

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. 

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. 

Is Chiropractic New To You?

At Carolina Chiropractic Center we are happy to welcome first-time chiropractic patients.  New chiropractic patients often arrive frustrated, having tried other treatment methods and not found relief from their pain or discomfort.  Chiropractic takes a systemic approach to care, meaning the whole body and the body’s ability to heal itself are considered in every case. This is why your initial consultation and assessment with a chiropractor is especially important.  We will work to understand your goals for treatment, and take a very detailed record of your current condition using a physical exam and sometimes x-rays.  From there, we can form a treatment plan to target any issues and improve overall health.

What surprises most new patients is that chiropractic does not incorporate drugs as part of treatment.  Chiropractic focuses on treating the root cause of any pain, rather than masking symptoms with medication.  Whether you are in serious pain or looking to restore your body’s natural balance, we welcome you to experience chiropractic treatment and find the relief you’re looking for.

To learn more about the services we provide, visit www.carolinachirocenter.com. To schedule an appointment with Dr. James Huggins, Jr. at Carolina Chiropractic Center in Florence, SC, call 843-665-9192. 

Icing An Injury

Dr. James Huggins, Jr. and the staff at Carolina Chiropractic Center help patients rehabilitate from all kinds of injuries.  The method of icing an injury, called cryotherapy, is known to provide cooling relief and help numb painful soft tissue injuries. Applying ice safely by using an ice pack or cold compress is an excellent way to treat muscle spasms and injuries like sprains and strains.  If icing an injury does not provide relief or your pain worsens, contact us for help.

After an injury, affected soft tissue will be inflamed and icing the area reduces inflammation and pain, as well as cools the skin to constrict blood vessels and heal the area.  The healing effects of ice pack therapy can also be helpful after a flare-up in chronic pain like in the back or knee, and is a cheap option or at-home relief. Cryotherapy is an effective way to manage pain at home without medication, and we also provide custom cryotherapy in the office.

To learn more about cryotherapy and all the services provided at the practice, visit www.carolinachirocenter.com. To schedule an appointment with Dr. James Huggins, Jr. at Carolina Chiropractic Center in Florence, SC, call 843-665-9192.