Back Pain

Twisting, lifting and degenerative changes can affect parts of the spinal vertebrae.

Back pain can refer to anything from the upper-back and shoulder area, all the way down to the pelvis—because this is such a large area, there can be many different types of pain, as well as causes.

  • Upper and mid-back pain can be associated with scoliosis, postural pain and organ pain.
  • Acute injury to the low back or lifting and twisting can cause muscle sprain/strain, making movement difficult.
  • Degenerative changes (arthritis) in the joints of the spine, can affect the relationship between vertebrae and nerves, resulting in tingling or burning down the leg(s).
  • Pelvic pain, felt in the lower back and over the buttock, is typically caused by spinal dysfunction and tight muscles.

 

Through a neurological exam and treatment, Dr. Christie can help you be your healthiest self.

Your issues and symptoms are unique to you.  The scope of the examination can vary greatly and several approaches are taken to fully understand your pain.

  • Detailed health history is obtained to assist in outlining the onset of the pain and also its triggers.
  • Vital signs are taken and a general examination is performed.
  • Neurological exam of the reflexes, nerve sensation and muscle strength will be done to evaluate involvement of different body systems.
  • Orthopedic testing helps to pinpoint the origin of the pain.
  • X-rays or MRI’s may be needed if you have a complex case.

 

Get an adjustment and other therapies that are right for your situation, and better enable to take care of yourself.

Relief begins with the creation of a working diagnosis and a discussion about treatment options available to you.  The first priority is always to move you out of the state of pain.  Next, the focus is a treatment protocol and overall plan that will give you the tools to manage and resolve your condition.  Various treatments include:

 

Any or all methods can all be utilized in your recovery.  A realistic conversation with you will always determine the plan moving forward.

Many factors play a role in a quick recovery, but your understanding of what changes can be made at home or work, will make an invaluable contribution to your continued, healthier self.  Educating you, about how to better take care of yourself when you are away from the clinic, is an important difference in Dr. Christie’s approach. Looking for treatment for back pain contact Dr. Christie here.

 

Neck Pain

What’s causing your neck pain?

There are a multitude of neck pain causes.  Created from such as the obvious car accident, to a slip on the ice, to the all too often, “I think I slept funny”–the most common ones are:

  • Acute injury causing “whiplash”
  • Poor ergonomics (work/sleep habits)
  • Tight muscles
  • Athletic injury
  • Arthritis

 

The symptoms created by neck pain are just as many–a few include:

  • “Stingers” that run through the arms
  • Postural pain and stiffness
  • Headaches
  • Muscle tightness
  • Limited range of motion

Get an exam, get a solution, and get back to your best health.

If you are saying to yourself, “I can’t turn my head,” or are experiencing any symptoms related to neck pain, it is important to have a clinical examination to determine what is causing your pain.  Your issues and symptoms are unique to you.  The scope of the examination can vary greatly and several approaches are taken to fully understand your pain.

  • Detailed health history is obtained to assist in outlining the onset of the pain and also its triggers.
  • Vital signs are taken and a general examination is performed.
  • Neurological exam of the reflexes, nerve sensation and muscle strength will be done to evaluate involvement of different body systems.
  • Orthopedic testing helps to pinpoint the origin of the pain.
  • X-rays or MRI’s may be needed if you have a complex case.

Get treatment through the chiropractic adjustment.

Relief begins with the creation of a working diagnosis and a discussion about treatment options available to you.  The first priority is always to move you out of the state of pain.  Next, the focus is a treatment protocol and overall plan that will give you the tools to manage and resolve your condition.  Various treatments include:

 

Any or all methods can all be utilized in your recovery.  A realistic conversation with you will always determine the plan moving forward.

Many factors play a role in a quick recovery, but your understanding of what changes can be made at home or work, will make an invaluable contribution to your continued, healthier self.  Educating you, about how to better take care of yourself when you are away from the clinic, is an important difference in Dr. Christie’s approach. Get treatment for your neck pain contact Dr. Christie.

Home Tip:

Rolling up a hand or bath towel and placing under the back of your neck while lying flat helps relax neck muscles by restoring the natural curve in your neck.

 

Headaches

Tension headaches and Migraines can be caused by the structures in the neck. Sinus headaches cause pressure and tenderness.

Headaches can have a serious impact on a person’s quality of life and getting chiropractic treatment to resolve them is an excellent investment in your health. Many factors can influence the development of a headache, among them:

  • Spinal dysfunction
  • Dehydration
  • Metabolic causes
  • Hormones
  • Lack of sleep
  • Poor diet

 

Headaches come in different categories with varying symptoms.  Determining which kind you have is critical to designing the most effective treatment.  A few types are:

  • Tension headaches are generated by stressed structures in the neck, with pain at the base of the skull, muscle tightness and pain that increases with movement of the neck and head.
  • Cluster headaches exhibit severe pain on one side of the head, eye or temple pain that can last from 15 minutes to a couple hours and then suddenly stop.
  • Sinus headaches can often be attributed to allergies and colds, which aggravate sinuses, causing painful pressure around the eyes and nose and even the teeth.
  • Migraine headaches are the most debilitating, with intense pulsating pain that can last from 4 to 72 hours, sometimes accompanied by nausea and light sensitivity.

 

 After reviewing your medical history, and a detailed examination we’ll help you craft a design for your recovery.

Chiropractic care can be very effective in the treatment and prevention of headaches.  Your issues and symptoms are unique to you.  The scope of the evaluation can vary greatly and several approaches are taken to fully understand your pain.  They may include:

  • A detailed health history, with careful attention paid to your headache history in particular, is obtained.  This will assist in determining the type of headache, and the circumstances surrounding the onset of the pain (known as “triggers”).
  • Vital signs are taken and a general examination is performed.
  • Neurological exam of the reflexes, nerve sensation and muscle strength will be done to evaluate involvement of different body systems and rule out secondary causes.
  • Orthopedic testing helps to pinpoint the origin of the pain.
  • X-rays or MRI’s may be needed if you have a complex case.

 

Through chiropractic adjustment, further therapy, and coaching you for any lifestyle changes, you can be on the road to the prevention of recurrences.

Following a diagnosis, the creation of a multi-faceted treatment protocol will be designed with your input.  A combined effort of clinical treatments and “homework” could include:

 

Any or all methods can all be utilized in your recovery.  A realistic conversation with you will always determine the plan moving forward.  The ability to determine your headache causes, and steps to prevent their severity or return, is key to improving your quality of life.

Many factors play a role in a quick recovery, but your understanding of what changes can be made at home or work, will make an invaluable contribution to your continued, healthier self.  Educating you, about how to better take care of yourself when you are away from the clinic, is an important difference in Dr. Christie’s approach.  For headache treatment contact Dr. Christie here.

Home Tip:

The use of a Neti pot two times a day can relieve the symptoms of seasonal and environmental allergies which can reduce sinus headache pain.

 

Injuries

Pain doesn’t always show up right away after an injury.

Injury from a car crash, sports, work incident or mishap at home, can all result in different types of pain and symptoms.  It is important to know that pain is not always instant after an injury—sometimes it can present itself up to 2 weeks after the trauma occurred.  It is time to make an appointment if you notice any change in the way your body feels including:

  • New pain
  • Unusual headache
  • Dizziness
  • Restricted movement
  • Changes in bodily functions

We can help you recover,  An examination will help determine a treatment strategy.

Determining the best course of treatment will follow a thorough examination based on the cause of the injury. Your issues and symptoms are unique to you. The scope of the evaluation can vary greatly and several approaches are taken to fully understand your pain.  They may include:

  • A detailed health history, with careful attention paid to the event that caused your injury in particular, is obtained.  This will assist in determining the severity and circumstances of your injury.
  • Vital signs are taken and a general examination is performed.
  • Neurological exam of the reflexes, nerve sensation and muscle strength will be done to evaluate involvement of different body systems and rule out secondary causes.
  • Orthopedic testing helps to pinpoint the origin of the pain and the extent of the injury.
  • X-rays or MRI’s may be needed if you have a complex case.

Cold packs, chiropractic adjustment, and further treatments are available.

Following a diagnosis, the creation of a multi-faceted treatment protocol will be designed with your input.  A combined effort of clinical treatments and “homework” could include:

 

Any or all methods can all be utilized in your recovery.  A realistic conversation with you will always determine the plan moving forward.  Also, as you begin to feel better, your treatment plan will be reevaluated and customized—this flexible approach is valued because it takes into account how your body is responding to the treatments.

Many factors play a role in a quick recovery, but your understanding of what changes can be made at home and/or work, will make an invaluable contribution to your continued, healthier self.  Educating you, about how to better take care of yourself when you are away from the clinic, is an important difference in Dr. Christie’s approach.  For injury treatment contact Dr. Christie here.

Home Tip:

For acute injury ice the affected area. Icing will reduce inflammation and decrease pain. To correctly ice an area you need to achieve numbness. This means going through a series of sensations during icing: cold, burning, aching and numbness (CBAN). Typically this will take about 15 minutes.

 

Lower Body Pain

Weight bearing joints take a beating, and can suffer from overuse causing inflammation or irritation.

There can be many causes of pain and decreased mobility in the lower extremities, but most can be attributed to overuse, degeneration or injury.  Many times the problems can stem from the pelvis and spine, and very often they are rooted in daily activities or things we enjoy—such as:

  • Recreational sports
  • Climbing (mountains or ladders)
  • Running, jogging, cardio
  • Extended sitting (desks or cars)
  • Gardening
  • Athletic training
  • Weekend Warrior behavior

 

When something isn’t working well within the body, pain is typical indicator of irritation, inflammation and trauma to an area.  Here are some examples of lower body pain you can experience when you are in need of chiropractic care:

  • Throbbing
  • Numbness
  • Tingling and burning
  • Pain radiating from one area to another
  • Muscle tightness
  • Joint pain:  hips, knees and/or ankles

Tests can determine the direction for treatment, and treatment can help you fully recover.

Determining the best course of treatment will follow a thorough examination based the discomfort you are experiencing.  Your issues and symptoms are unique to you.  The scope of the evaluation can vary greatly and several approaches are taken to fully understand your pain.  They may include:

  • A detailed health history.  This will assist in determining if your issue may have ties to specific activities.
  • Vital signs are taken, a general examination is performed, along with a comprehensive evaluation of the lower back, pelvis and lower limbs.
  • Neurological exam of the reflexes, nerve sensation and muscle strength will be done to evaluate involvement of different body systems and rule out secondary causes.
  • Orthopedic testing helps to pinpoint the origin of the pain and the extent of the problem.
  • X-rays or MRI’s may be needed if you have a complex case.

Get help and we’ll help you find relief for your pain through treatment and home care.

Following a diagnosis, the creation of a multi-faceted treatment protocol will be designed with your input.  A combined effort of clinical treatments and “homework” could include:

 

Any or all methods can all be utilized in your recovery.  A realistic conversation with you will always determine the plan moving forward.  Also, as you begin to feel better, your treatment plan will be reevaluated and customized—this flexible approach is important, because it takes into account how your body is responding to the treatments.

Many factors play a role in a quick recovery, but your understanding of what changes can be made at home and/or work, will make an invaluable contribution to your continued, healthier self.  Educating you, about how to better take care of yourself when you are away from the clinic, is an important difference in Dr. Christie’s approach. For lower body pain treatment contact Dr. Christie.

Upper Body Pain

Often upper body pain can originate form the neck and spine.

There can be many causes of pain and decreased mobility in the upper extremities, but most can be attributed to overuse, degeneration or injury.  Many times the problems can originate in the neck and spine, and very often they are rooted in daily activities or things we enjoy—such as:

  • Repetitive motions from work (grip and twist)
  • Computer work
  • Repetitive motions from recreation (swinging a racket or club)
  • Gardening
  • Athletic training

 

From big muscle movement to smaller scale work, from rotator cuff and tennis elbow concerns to carpal tunnel in the wrists—pain can have a major impact on your ability to do your job and/or enjoy your free time.  Pain is an indication of trauma to an area.  Here are some examples of upper body pain you can experience when you are in need of chiropractic care:

  • Throbbing
  • Numbness
  • Tingling and burning
  • Pain radiating from one area to another
  • Muscle tightness
  • Joint pain:  shoulder, elbows and wrists

Through a thorough examination, treatment can be determined and you can get back to your daily activities.

Determining the best course of treatment will follow a thorough examination based on the discomfort you are experiencing.  Your issues and symptoms are unique to you.  The scope of the evaluation can vary greatly and several approaches are taken to fully understand your pain.  They may include:

  • A detailed health history is obtained.  This will assist in determining if your issue may have ties to specific activities.
  • Vital signs are checked and a general examination is performed.
  • Comprehensive evaluations of the neck, upper back and upper extremities are conducted.
  • Neurological exam of the reflexes, nerve sensation and muscle strength will be done to evaluate involvement of different body systems and rule out secondary causes.
  • Orthopedic testing helps to pinpoint the origin of the pain and the extent of the problem.
  • X-rays or MRI’s may be needed if you have a complex case.

 

Get help, relieve the pain caused by underlying causes.

Following a diagnosis, the creation of a multi-faceted treatment protocol will be designed with your input.  A combined effort of clinical treatments and “homework” could include:

 

Any or all methods can all be utilized in your recovery.  A realistic conversation with you will always determine the plan moving forward.  Also, as you begin to feel better, your treatment plan will be reevaluated and customized—this flexible approach is important, because it takes into account how your body is responding to the treatments.

Many factors play a role in a quick recovery, but your understanding of what changes can be made at home and/or work, will make an invaluable contribution to your continued, healthier self.  Educating you, about how to better take care of yourself when you are away from the clinic, is an important difference in Dr. Christie’s approach.  For upper body pain treatment contact Dr. Christie

Home Tip:

If a joint feels inflamed, icing the entire joint will reduce the pain and decrease inflammation. The stages of icing are cold, burning, aching and numbness (CBAN). It’s important to ice until you reach the point of numbness, about 15 minutes.

Pregnancy Pain

Many pregnancies cause lower back pain because of pelvic misalignment.

The body goes through an amazing transformation during pregnancy to accommodate the baby.  Most commonly, lower back pain is the major pain problem.  Several factors that can contribute to this pain are:

  • Expansion of the pelvis during pregnancy.
  • An altered center of gravity/change of balance.
  • Abdominal muscles and ligaments stretch and create misalignment
  • Sleeping position changes

 

We can help you by diagnosing what your particular problem is.

Determining the best course of treatment will follow a thorough examination based on the discomfort you are experiencing.  Your issues and symptoms are unique to you.  The scope of the evaluation can vary greatly and several approaches are taken to fully understand your pain.  They may include:

  • A detailed health history and pregnancy history is obtained.
  • Vital signs are checked and a general examination is performed.
  • Comprehensive evaluations of the lower back, pelvis and lower limbs are conducted.
  • Tests to establish your range of motion
  • Orthopedic testing helps to pinpoint the origin of the pain and the extent of the problem.

 

Through chiropractic adjustment and The Webster technique we can restore function and relieve pain.

Following a diagnosis, the creation of a multi-faceted treatment protocol will be designed with your input.  A combined effort of clinical treatments and “homework” could include:

  • Chiropractic adjustment
  • Muscle and soft tissue work
  • The Webster Technique:  a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment protocol for reducing pelvic dysfunction.

 

Any or all methods can all be utilized in your recovery.  A realistic conversation with you will always determine the plan moving forward.  Also, as your pregnancy progresses and you begin to feel better, your treatment plan will be reevaluated and customized—this flexible approach is important, because it takes into account how your body is constantly changing.

Post partum is also a good time to come in to ensure that your body regains its best functioning after such an extraordinary feat!

Many factors play a role in a quick recovery, but your understanding of what changes can be made at home and/or work, will make an invaluable contribution to your continued, healthier self.  Educating you, about how to better take care of yourself when you are away from the clinic, is an important difference in Dr. Christie’s approach.  For pregnancy pain treatment contact Dr. Christie

Home Tip:

Side sleeping with a pillow in between your knees helps to keep your pelvis and hips in alignment and decreases the aggravation of low back pain due to pregnancy.

Fussy Babies & Unhappy Kids

We can do a lot for infant and child health.

Being a little human is rough work.  There are injuries and illnesses that have to be navigated by both of you.  Chiropractic is an effective tool to ensure your child’s best health, whether they are just newborn or suddenly taller than you!  Following are a few of the problems faces by little ones that Dr. Christie can help make better:

  • Colic
  • Gastro-intestinal pain or reflux
  • Asthma
  • Ear infections
  • Bacterial or viral infections
  • Growing pains (biomechanical changes of growth)
  • Sports injuries

 

When recovery is needed we can help with treatment.

Determining the best course of treatment will follow a thorough examination based on your child’s injury or illness.  The issues and symptoms of your child are unique, so the scope of the evaluation will vary.  Several approaches are taken to fully understand your pain.  They may include:

  • A detailed health history is obtained.  This may include the mother’s pregnancy and delivery for infants.
  • Vital signs are checked and a general examination is performed.
  • Assessment of physical and mental milestones in development.
  • Comprehensive evaluations of the injured area in combination with relative reflexes, nerve sensation and muscle strength.
  • Orthopedic testing helps to pinpoint the origin of the pain and the extent of the problem.

Following a diagnosis, the creation a treatment plan will be designed with your input.  There are three clear objectives in your child’s plan

  1. Relieve your child’s pain or discomfort.
  1. Clearly explain your child’s diagnosis and what can be done to help them moving forward.
  1. Give you, the parent, the tools and information necessary to successfully assist your child in their recovery.

 

Chiropractic for kids can be pain-free, and we can help you with ongoing home treatment as well.

A combined effort of clinical treatments and “homework” could include:

(A gentler version of chiropractic adjustments is used for infants and children)

  • Muscle and soft tissue work
  • Lifestyle changes
  • Avoidance of “triggers”

 

Any or all methods can all be utilized in your child’s recovery.  A realistic conversation with you will always determine the plan moving forward.  Also, taking into account how quickly kids can heal, the treatment plan will be reevaluated and customized at each session—a flexible approach that makes sense. For more information on chiropractic care and children you can visit the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association website.

Many factors play a role in a quick recovery, but your understanding of what can be done, or continued, at home will make a big contribution to your child’s growth and health—and is an important difference in Dr. Christie’s approach.  If you are looking for infant and child treatment contact Dr. Christie.

Home Tip:

A child’s Eustachian tubes connect the middle ear to the back of the throat. Helping to open these tubes to drain infectious fluid can relieve the symptoms of ear infection. Think of the way your ears pop on an airplane. By massaging the arch (palatoglossal arch) behind your child’s teeth you can help open the Eustachian tube. Gently take your index finger and insert it along the side of the mouth, between the teeth and cheek. When you get to the back of the teeth, take your finger and make a gentle upward massaging motion along the arch. Now repeat on the other side. This can be done several times a day to help drain fluid and relieve the pressure in the ears.

Foot Problems

Most foot pain stems from changes in the soft tissues of the foot, or from improper footwear.

Most foot complaints are due to a lack of proper footwear. When your feet hurt, it can be hard to ignore—they are after all involved in how we get from ‘A’ to ‘B’.  For such a relatively small area of the body, there are quite a few things that can go wrong.  For instance:

Bottom of the foot pain

  • Degeneration of the heel pad
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Tarsal tunnel (Carpal tunnel in the feet!)

Big toe pain

  • Bunions
  • Repeated sprains
  • Gout
  • Acute injury

Ankle pain

  • Sprains (new and old)
  • Knee issues
  • Tendonitis
  • Arthritis
  • Joint dysfunction

 

Have a doctor examine your foot, ankle, and knee and get answers.

Alleviating pain and determining the best course of treatment will follow a thorough examination based the discomfort you are experiencing.  Your issues and symptoms are unique to you and several approaches are taken to fully understand your pain.  They may include:

  • A health history is obtained, with a focus on any injuries and specific pain occurrences.  This will assist in determining if your issue may have ties to specific activities.
  • A cursory general examination is performed, along with a comprehensive evaluation of the foot, ankle and knee.
  • Neurological exam of the reflexes, nerve sensation and muscle strength will be done to evaluate involvement of different body systems and rule out secondary causes.
  • Orthopedic testing helps to pinpoint the origin of the pain and the extent of the problem.
  • X-rays or MRI’s may be needed if you have a complex case.

 

Treatments can include an adjustment, and Graston Technique to relieve and help you work through joint dysfunction and tight soft tissues.

Following a diagnosis, the creation of a multi-faceted treatment protocol will be designed with your input.  A combined effort of clinical treatments and “homework” could include:

 

Any or all methods can all be utilized in your recovery.  A realistic conversation with you will always determine the plan moving forward.  Also, as you begin to get relief, your treatment plan will be reevaluated and customized—this flexible approach is important, because it takes into account how your body is responding to the treatments.

Many factors play a role in a quick recovery, but your understanding of what changes can be made at home and/or work, will make an invaluable contribution to your continued, healthier self.  Educating you, about how to better take care of yourself when you are away from the clinic, is an important difference in Dr. Christie’s approach.  To get treatment for foot pain contact Dr. Christie.

HOME TIP:

If the bottom of your feet feels tight, especially in the morning, rolling a golf ball under the foot while gently applying downward pressure can help loosen the fascia on the bottom of the foot.

Chiropractic Adjustment

What is a Chiropractic Adjustment?

The definition:  A chiropractic adjustment is a procedure in which board certified chiropractor uses their hands, or a small instrument, to apply a controlled, sudden force to a joint.

The objective:  To correct structural alignment by manipulating the spine and or joints, thus improving your body’s physical function.

The concept:  Acknowledgement that your body’s structure—nerves, bones, joints and muscles—and capacity for healthy function are closely intertwined.  By restoring your body’s structure through chiropractic adjustment, you restore its function—relieving pain and promoting healing.

The benefits:   Speak for themselves.  Click here for what some of Dr. Christie’s happy, healthy patients have to say.

The bottom line:  If you are experiencing pain, discomfort, headaches or just plain don’t feel your best—chiropractic can help.  It is a branch of medicine that focuses on setting your body to rights so that it can heal itself—something that it is designed to do if given half a chance.  To get a Chiropractic Adjustment contact Dr. Christie.