Spinal Curvature in Older People

Since so many people look to chiropractors to help them manage back pain, at the Carolina Chiropractic Center, we get asked one question a lot: why do people stoop over as they age? Often, the answer is osteoporosis.

Once people are over the age of thirty, they usually begin to lose bone matter in their spines faster than they can replace it, which is what osteoporosis is. Women are especially susceptible to this. As the vertebrae lose matter, they become vulnerable to developing small compression fractures. These fractures can result from everyday activities and, while often painful, usually are not considered significant enough by the victim to be worth investigating. But people who get one compression fracture are at high risk of getting another, and as the spine breaks down, the patient stoops over. This is medically known as hyperkyphosis.

Osteoporosis can be prevented by maintaining a balanced diet, including sufficient calcium intake, and by regularly doing weight bearing exercises. If we suspect osteoporosis in a patient, we can test for it with x-rays and recommend therapeutic exercises, as well as spinal decompression and manipulations to improve the patient’s comfort.

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 CarolinaChiroCenter.com and fill out a contact form.

 

Plantar Fasciitis

As specialists in the musculoskeletal system, chiropractors are interested in the relationship between gait and overall health. When people have foot pain, they tend to walk in a manner that is not optimal for spinal alignment. Fortunately, the Carolina Chiropractic Center has a number of ways to help.

The most common form of foot pain is plantar fasciitis. It is the inflammation of the connective tissue on the bottom of the feet which stretches from the heel to the toes. Plantar fasciitis is the kind of wear-and-tear injury which builds up over years but which causes sudden pain, usually located in the heel. Patients most commonly feel it after they have been still for a long time.

People who have put an unusual amount of stress on their heels are more likely to develop plantar fasciitis, but most people’s feet will wear down over time. Plantar fasciitis is one of the ailments which responds best to electric muscle stimulation. To reduce their discomfort outside the office, patients can be fitted for custom 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 CarolinaChiroCenter.com and fill out a contact form.

 

Spinal Stenosis

If you understand the principles of chiropractic, it will come as no surprise to you that at the Carolina Chiropractic Center, the narrowing of patients’ spinal channels is one of our top concerns. Scientifically, compression of the spinal cord is called spinal stenosis, and it is a cause of many of the conditions we provide treatments for.

Spinal stenosis is usually caused by bony spurs growing in the spaces through which the spinal nerves and cord travel. This most commonly occurs in the lower (lumbar) region, in which case the patient may feel leg pain, numbness, or tingling. It can also occur in the neck (cervical) region and cause weakness and tingling in the hands.

The growth of bone spurs is a slow process usually associated with arthritis. Chiropractic therapies are usually aimed at relieving pressure on the spinal column through methods such as manipulations and use of decompression machines. However, other conditions, such as a herniated disc, can also cause similar symptoms to spinal stenosis induced by bone spurs, so Dr. Huggins will need to do diagnostics before determining the best course of action.

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 CarolinaChiroCenter.com and fill out a contact form.

 

Spondylosis

Spondylosis, also known as spinal osteoarthritis is a common condition that develops with age. Patients typically begin to notice symptoms around the ages of 20-50 years, and more than 80% of individuals older than 40 years have X-ray evidence of the condition. Spondylosis is treatable, usually with non-invasive methods, but a proper diagnosis will need to be made by Dr. James Huggins Jr. of Carolina Chiropractic Center before going any further.

In some people, spondylosis causes back pain and neck pain due to pinched nerves. This nerve compression may be caused by bulging discs and/or bone spurs on the facet joints. Symptoms of spondylosis include localized pain in the back, neck, or lumbar spine. If you experience a tingling sensation that radiates in the shoulder or legs, it is recommended that you visit us for a consultation. During your physical examination, Dr. Huggins will examine the shape of the spine, and search for tender spots, muscle tightness, as well as inflammation and signs of weakness.

If you have questions or concerns about spondylosis, 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. 

Importance of Stretching

Do you consider yourself flexible? If not, you may be able to increase your flexibility by stretching on a daily basis. Stretching is an excellent way to improve your range of motion and keep your muscles in a healthy state. Whether you decide to stretch before exercise, or afterward, Dr. James Huggins Jr. of Carolina Chiropractic Center wants to explain the importance of stretching every day.

Regular stretching is just as important as daily exercise. This is because without flexibility and a solid range of motion in our joints our muscles will shorten and become tight. Even stretching for a short amount of time can calm the mind, and give your body a chance to recharge. Adding stretching to your daily routine also provides a flexibility that decreases the risk of day-to-day injury. An added benefit of stretching on a daily basis is that it assists in correct posture by lengthening tight muscles that pull areas of the body away from their intended position.

If you have questions or concerns about 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. 

Your First Chiropractic Visit

Dr. James Huggins, Jr. and the staff at Carolina Chiropractic Center have seen many first-time chiropractic patients.  New patients often arrive frustrated, having tried other treatment methods and not found relief from their pain or discomfort.  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.

Chiropractic takes a systemic approach to care, meaning the body as a whole and your body’s own self-healing properties 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.

Chiropractors not only treat damage to hard and soft tissue, but help patients experiencing injury or disease find relief from the stress their body is under.  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 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. 

Laser Lipo

Dr. James Huggins, Jr. at Carolina Chiropractic Center utilizes lasers in his chiropractic treatment and has seen how effective the targeted treatment they allow for can be.  Dr. Huggins now offers laser liposuction, using the power of lasers to help patients cosmetically improve stubborn areas of fat.

Traditional liposuction removes fat cells and requires a hospital stay.  Laser lipo works by aiming lasers at your lower body and is specifically designed to puncture holes in your fat cells so that they deflate.  The fat cells remain in the body, but once they have deflated they are much smaller.  This outpatient procedure is a way to target problem areas of fat without major surgery.  Just like traditional liposuction, laser lipo is not a fast track solution to weight loss.  It is meant to target stubborn areas of fat that haven’t improved with diet and exercise alone.  A consultation is the only way to know if laser lipo will be effective in achieving your goal, and you must schedule a consultation before proceeding with treatment.

To learn more about laser lipo 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.