Extremities and Chiropractic

It’s tempting to think that pain in your wrist means there's a problem in your wrist. After all, that’s where the pain is. But we take a larger view, looking for nerve interference in several possible places.

Double Crush

No, it’s not the latest football defense! The Double Crush is a common phenomenon in which nerves going to or from the wrist are being pressured in the carpal tunnel, as well as the spine, shoulder, neck or elbow. Resolving carpal tunnel problems requires looking beyond the wrist.

The Tunnel

Feel the ridges along the backside of your hand. The eight small bones that run from your knuckles to your wrist are called carpals. They form a “tunnel” held together with ligaments that form a passageway about the size of your pinky finger. The nerves and tendons that control your fingers pass through this narrow tunnel. If one or more of the bones forming this tunnel loses its proper relationship with the others, nerve pressure, inflammation and painful symptoms can result.

Can Chiropractic Help?

In carpal tunnel cases, we conduct a thorough examination of the upper spine, shoulder and elbow. If our evaluation reveals neurological compromise, chiropractic adjustments can often produce excellent results. If someone you know has a problem that plagues their wrist, have them conduct a simple test. If the findings suggest further evaluation, email our office using the link below, or give us a call: (800) 381-2956

Obesity Causes Knees to Suffer

Obesity can lead to a wide range of health problems including osteoarthritis. Like the degenerative changes often seen in the spine, osteoarthritis can play havoc with other joints of the body. This is especially true of the hips and knees.

A Canadian study examined the relationship between obesity and hip- or knee-replacement surgery. The researchers looked at the records of 17,000 people. It’s no surprise that 81% of joint replacement patients were classified as overweight or obese. Most knee problems can be avoided:

Assume a Healthier Weight. Carrying around that extra fat puts needless wear and tear on your joints and spinal discs, reducing their ability to offer a lifetime of proper function.

Proper Stretching. Before exercising or participating in sports, warm up with some slow stretching of the muscles in the front and back of the thigh.

Strengthen Leg Muscles. Something as simple and inexpensive as walking or climbing stairs can do wonders to strengthen your knees.

Wear Supportive Shoes. Put aside the high heels. Ask about shoe orthotics. When properly fitted, they can help support the arches of your feet, giving your entire body a more stable platform.

The Power of Positive Feedback

We seem especially skilled at pointing out the deficiencies in others, but we often forget to give praise when things go well. The old adage, “What gets rewarded is what gets done” is at work here. Giving positive feedback can be a powerful tool to reinforce a desired behavior. It’s a skill anyone can learn:

Do it Now. Positive feedback is most effective when it is delivered as quickly after the desired behavior as possible. Don’t let it slide.

Do it Publicly. While negative feedback is always delivered privately, positive feedback should be given in front of others, multiplying its effects.

Be Specific. Don't give a general, "Good job, Sally." Instead, identify the specific reason or detail that’s prompting your acknowledgment.

Do it Often. Since positive feedback is “emotional fuel,” don’t neglect the small victories. Celebrate them too.

Be Authentic. Don't offer empty praise. People can see right through you. Mean it when you give positive feedback.

Giving positive feedback takes practice. Today, be on the lookout and try to catch someone doing something great. You’ll make their day and yours too.