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.

 

When to Use Ice vs. Heat

Some of us are more accident prone than others but when we hurt ourselves, our natural reaction is to apply ice or heat to alleviate the pain. Using the appropriate temperature while recovering from injury will mean all the difference in making it better, or worse. Dr. James Huggins, Jr. of Carolina Chiropractic Center is here to inform patients on when to use cryotherapy (cold therapy) or thermotherapy (heat).  

Applying ice after injury calms down damaged tissues that are inflamed and swollen. Therefore, ice should be used if an injury occurs around a joint or a tendon. This is because it reduces blood flow to a particular area, which can significantly reduce inflammation and swelling that causes pain. Be careful as to apply ice to muscle pain as this can increase inflammation. Heat therapy should be used for muscle tension, chronic pain, and stress. If hot or cold therapy doesn’t help the injury you’ve sustained, you’ll need to discuss treatment options with Dr. James Huggins, Jr.

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. 

Chronic Pain Management

Chronic pain is a type of pain that is ongoing for a long period of time. Dr. James Huggins, Jr. of Carolina Chiropractic Center can treat your chronic pain once he determines the cause. If you already suffer from acute pain, it’s important not to let it go untreated, because it can develop into chronic pain. Before you visit us, it’s important to know where your pain is stemming from and what exactly is causing it.

If you wake up in pain and fall asleep with it, it’s time to seek medical attention. Chronic pain in the lower back may be a result of sciatic nerve damage, while unnecessary neck pain may be due to whiplash. Receiving treatment for chronic pain as soon as possible will prevent future problems from occurring. Treatment methods may include physical therapy, spinal manipulation, or electrical muscle stimulation, depending on the cause.

If you have questions or concerns about chiropractic treatment, 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. 

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.

 

The Proper Way to Lift a Heavy Object

Dr. James Huggins, Jr. of Carolina Chiropractic Center doesn’t need to remind you that there is a right way and a wrong way to do something. If we don’t follow directions clearly, or do something correctly, we risk hurting our performance or worse, injuring ourselves. To avoid injury when lifting a heavy object, there is a correct technique to follow. Next time you pick up a package from your front porch, utilize this method.

Before you lift something heavy, it’s important to have a strong foundation. Be aware of the weight of the object and check your pathway to make sure it’s clear. When lifting, get as close to the object as possible. The feet should be shoulder-width apart. Squat down, bending at the hips and knees only – if you are struggling, do not hesitate to ask for help. Be sure to keep good posture at all times by looking straight with your back straight, chest out, and shoulders back. Once the item is elevated, hold it as close to your body as possible and lead with your hips.  Once in place, set the item down carefully so that you don’t strain your back.

If you suffer from back pain, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about all the treatments available 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.