How To Relieve Neck Pain From Sleeping
What is the trick on how to relieve neck pain from sleeping? The answer is in the question: sleep habits. We spend almost one-third of our lives sleeping, but we rarely put any sort of priority on our sleep habits. This includes sleep equipment (mattress, pillow, etc.), bodily posture or positioning, as well as approach to sleep (time allowed, routines, etc.).
As a chiropractic physician, I consult with patients daily about their lifestyle habits and preferences. I find that there is a definite correlation between neck pain and poor sleep habits, the easiest to identify being preferred sleeping position. Admittedly, it is easier and much more common to find ways to alleviate neck pain by improving posture while awake, sleeping posture must be addressed if the pain relief is going to be long lasting.
Let’s look at different sleep positions, their benefits, and their potential shortcomings.
- Sleeping on the back: This is a preferred position due to the uncomplicated nature of the spine and its curvature. If the neck is supported with an above average pillow ans the low back isn’t susceptible to stress this position might suit you well on almost any occasion.
- Side-sleeping: This is another good choice for healthly sleepers, but requires additional equipment. With the assistance of a pillow placed between the knees this posture allows for high levels of comfort. By placing the pillow between the knees the possibility of rotation in the lumbar spine (or low back) is diminished. One tendency with this position is to sleep with one arm under the head, which is not recommended and is not considered optimal for the shoulder or the neck. This positioning may create compression on the structures of the shoulder leading to numbness, tingling, or even weakness in the arm or hand. A supportive pillow is advised to help avoid this pitfall.
- Stomach-sleeping: Those who sleep in this position can experience neck pain, arm pain, low back pain, and more difficulties breathing at night. I have also found that those who prefer this position often find it extremely challenging to change this habit. If you sleep on your stomach and have yet to experience any neck or low back problems do not assume you are out of the woods here. Sometimes pain doesn’t express itself until after additional stress has been added. By then it may be much more difficult to change your sleeping position.
So how do you relieve neck pain from sleeping. First address your sleep habits. In our office, we can help walk you through this process by asking certain questions and evaluating your neck to see what is causing certain issues.
The next step in relieving neck pain from sleeping is to seek corrective care. Once you identify the problem it is time to fix it. We provide each patient with an in depth treatment plan which includes exact diagnoses, frequency of visits, modalities (treatment types) to be done during each visit, home care, useful recommended products, and treatment outcome markers and goals. These treatment plans target correcting the source of the problem, not just pain relief. Each patient has the option to chose a pain relief treatment plan or a corrective care plan. We strongly suggest to nearly all patients that a corrective care package is the most effective plan because the problem is addressed and corrected. With a pain releif plan sometimes the issue can return if the patient hasn’t completelycorrected lifestyle habits.
Our invitation to you is to setup an appointment with Dr. Reynolds to find out how to relieve neck pain from sleeping and discuss your sleep habits. We can also we can help you make correct changes to your lifestyle which can optimize the benefits of healthy sleep and eliminate all neck pain from sleeping. Call 801-810-4144 to schedule.
Back Pain In The Morning
Have you ever experienced back pain in the morning? Do you wake up and struggle to get yourself out of bed because of pain? Have you tried different ‘miracle remedies’ for back pain but have never found a solution? Don’t give up. There is always hope. Let’s first help you find what the source (or sources) of your pain is, then we can look for solutions.
We need to address your sleeping position, your mattress, your pillow, your sleep habits, and some of your basic everyday habits or lifestyle during the waking portion of your day. You may need to spend a few days paying closer attention to yourself, your habits, and your posture or body positioning to be able to isolate the best possible solution to your back pain in the morning. This article is not intended to diagnose or treat any condition or disease. It is simply meant to help provide options or solutions that the consumer can contemplate or ask his or her healthcare provider about.
As far as the mattress goes, you may want to try different types of mattresses to find which best suits you. Most mattress sellers allow for a money back trial. Don’t just search for the mattress that feels the softest or most comfortable on first contact. In fact, for ‘bad backs’ we find that firmer mattresses provide much better results. Some of the more popular brands are sleep number, temperpedic, and intellibed. These are sometimes priced higher and you may be able to find an improvement in your sleep by using a less expensive brand.
If your back pain is a lower back issue than consider your sleeping position. If you sleep on your back you may need to better support your lumbar (low back) spinal curve by placing a firm pillow under your knees. This lessens the pressure on the lumbar spine and allows for easier sleep. If you sleep on your side you will need to use that same pillow, but place it between your knees. This will decrease the chances that you are causing a rotation in your lower lumbar vertebrae which may be the source of your morning pain. If you are sleeping on your stomach your first step is to learn how to sleep on your side or your back. Your back and neck with thank you in the long run as this position is very strenuous on all portions of your spine.
The steps listed above are good things to be aware of when trying to overcome back pain in the morning. Yet the most beneficial thing you could do for your pain is to seek chiropractic care. We help our patients address each of these issues as well as inspecting the spine and muscles to help identify what the main issues are. Chiropractic adjustments are also very effective at decreasing pain, increasing mobility, and improving healing. Our office can also provide you with exercises and stretched that reduce back pain, promote spinal health, and empower the patient as to which habits may be helpful and which to avoid. Home care exercises are always included with our treatments. Call 801-810-4144 to schedule an appointment today. Don’t delay your care. You will be glad you spent the effort to help yourself awake refreshed and pain free each day.
Back Pain In Early Pregnancy
One of the most common complaints we hear is back pain in early pregnancy. This can occur in patients who are pregnant for the first time or in women who have had one or more previous pregnancies. For those who have been through pregnancy before this pain is usually not new their first bout with this complaint, but that is not always the case. Either way there is a treatment available which can help to manage the pain or even completely resolve the issue altogether.
When looking for the source of back pain it is important to understand the many changes that occur in the body during pregnancy. Hormones have an enormous impact on the entire system. The one that is most influential with back pain is Relaxin. As you may have guessed, this hormones effect is to loosen the ligaments of the body, particularly in the pelvis, to prepare for labor and delivery. As a result, those joints that depend heavily on the ligaments may be weakened and more susceptible to biomechanical or physical stresses.
The most common place for this to express itself is the sacroiliac or SI joint. This joint is found at about the waist line on the back and includes two bony landmarks that can readily be felt on either side of the spine. If you have experienced back pain in early pregnancy and have been able to point directly to one of these two points it is highly likely that you have SI pain. There exist a few popular habits that can contribute to the dysfunction of this joint after relaxin has begun to take effect. All of the following may be habits that seem inconsequential and never have resulted in back pain previously, but remember that the joint is now loosened and preparing for labor and delivery making it less capable of enduring any moderate stressers.
- Leg crossing while seated
- Hip sinking (leaning toward one side while standing- usually seen in mothers carrying children)
- Sitting cross-legged on a flat or soft surface
- Driving a large vehicle in which one leg is constantly being lifted or overused.
So how can we help? Chiropractic has been successful for many years at helping to identify and correct imbalances and stresses on the body. More specifically, our office is certified in the Webster Technique- a technique created specifically for the treatment and management of pregnant women. Here we focus on the entire pelvis, including the sacrum (part of the SI joint) and associated ligaments, in a effort to restore balance, decreased tension and stress, and allow for proper motion.
We have seen fantastic success in helping pregnant women reduce or eliminate low back pain in early, middle, or even late pregnancy. The result of such sucess means that these women see a significant increase in mobility, improved sleep quality and quantity, and enjoy shorter labor and delivery times. In short, they are able to enjoy their pregnancy and can continue to function throughout pregnancy. Let’s face it, life doesn’t slow down or get easier when you become pregnant. Our goal is to help you stay happy and healthy. When you can stay active most of the concerns that can occur during pregnancy can be resolved.
If you are experiecing back pain in early pregnancy contact our office and schedule an appointment with Dr. Reynolds to begin finding relief from your discomfort. We also have no charge consultations to help answer your questions. We have two locations in Salt lake City, Utah and Draper, Utah. Call 801-810-4144 to schedule.
Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction- SPD
“I feel like my body is going to split in two. The pain is almost unbearable. I don’t even want to move.” This is a common expression of a pregnant woman who is experiencing SPD or Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction.
SPD is where the joint of the anterior (or front) of the pelvis isn’t functioning properly. This can occur during pregnancy when the hormone relaxin has taken effect loosening the ligaments of the pelvis to allow for labor and delivery. As the joint loses the support of the ligaments it begins to be susceptible to aberrant motion or painful separation at the joint. When there is misalignment pain occurs and loss of function soon follows. After this pain begins it is difficult to perform such simple tasks as getting in or out of a car or standing up. In fact, any movement might prove painful and difficult.
So how can chiropractic help with SPD? We are Neuromusculoskeletal specialists; we work with the nerves, muscles, and joints. We can help to position the joint correctly and allow for proper movement. By adjusting the joint proper function returns and muscles tone is stimulated via the nervous system. The best way to help reduce the chance of malposition or dysfunction returning is to strengthen the muscles of that region, specifically the leg adductors- those that bring the legs together. These muscles are located on the medial (inner) side of each leg and attach to the pubic rami very close to the pubic symphysis joint. We provide our patients with certain simple exercises that help reduce their pain and allow them to return to normal function. By strengthening this joint and having the joint in proper position most of the discomfort can be avoid or alleviated. It is essential to find a chiropractor who is experienced in pregnancy care, not just one who utilizes the same technique and approach during pregnancy as with any other patient.
Additional benefits of receiving chiropractic care during pregnancy include:
- Pain relief
- Increased mobility
- Improved sleep
- Optimal positioning of fetus
- Shorter labor and delivery time
There are other therapies that can prove very useful during pregnancy. Massage therapy is a great way to help the muscles to stay balanced. We recommend Salt Lake Prenatal Massage to our patients. It is a fantastic clinic and can provide experienced pregnancy massage therapy that is unparalleled.
If you are suffering (and we do mean suffering) from SPD please contact us today to schedule an appointment. We would love to help you get back to normal function. 801-810-4144. We have offices in Draper, Utah and Provo, Utah.
Should I get examined after an Auto Collision?
If you have been involved in an auto collision chances are you have sustained injuries. The smallest of collisions can cause injury to the structures of the neck, spine, and musculature. While it is true that some injuries with heal naturally without any intervention, the vast majority of injuries can be helped and improved in the healing process with conservative chiropractic care. Additional benefits include prevention of further injury or recurrence of injury, increased speed of healing, improved function, increased range of motion, pain reduction, and education about the influence of posture and other everyday stresses.
Being involved in an auto collision is extremely stressful. While you are dealing with the difficulties involved with repairing your vehicle you may not be as aware of the damage that has occurred within your body. Many times these auto collision injuries are hidden and remain undetected for months or even years. If the injuries are not treated they may result in problems that surface after the accident victims have settled their case with the insurance company.
Why would this be a problem? If your case is settled you have no claim on your insurance company to pay for your care. It is always best to understand your rights before you make any decision. We believe that treatment should be provided until you reach the same functional level you were at before the collision. The insurance company shouldn’t be required to cover more than this. They cannot be held responsible for pre-existing injuries, but have a responsibility for those injuries caused by the collision. It occurs frequently that the perceived injuries from an auto collision are minor, such as soreness or fatigue. But these ‘minor injuries’ very easily could result in more severe pain including headaches, stiffness, numbness, loss of function or arthritis if left unexamined or untreated. The best thing to do is to get examined by a professional. Sometimes the worst thing to happen is to have no pain at all. This may cause the person to believe they have no injuries when serious underlying problems exist.
The biggest distraction to an auto collision injury victim is the vehicle. They often focus on their car long before they worry about their own body. Nothing should be more important than your own health.
So what is the worst thing that can happen if you don’t get care? One not so happy result is post-traumatic osteoarthritis. This can alter your posture and can allow your spinal discs to degenerate at an increased rate. This leads to scar tissue formation and chronic stiffness and ultimately results in significantly reduce mobility. In other words, you may find yourself feeling much more aged than you are.
It is important to note that many physicians are not specifically trained in the detection of certain auto collision injuries. Auto collision victims need a doctor who is educated in biomechanics. In addition, radiographic films should be used to identify any structural damage. There are also cases where treatment by more than one specialist is optimal. We will make such referrals as necessary. Our primary goal is to provide care when needed. We also make sure that correct records are kept to submit to the insurance company. This protects the rights of the patient.
Please contact our office to schedule an appointment for an examination. 801-810-4144.
Chiropractic Care or Physical Therapy
As I encounter potential patients I am occasionally asked whether chiropractic care of physical therapy might be more effective for their particular condition. I have learned that there seems to exist a feeling among some that one should always seek physical therapy after an auto collision injury and not for chiropractic care. Although I fully respect and honor what physical therapist provide for their patients I must admit I was puzzled at some of the reasoning for this sentiment. I found that those who favored PT after auto collision injuries simply believed that chiropractic did not actually help the patient find pain relief and that their treatments were based upon non-medical criteria and had no research to support such care. They claimed that there was no data to support the success of chiropractic care. They also argued that chiropractic physicians have insufficient education and quailifications. These two statements are simply wrong.
There has been a lot of research into whether of not chiropractic care can provide pain relief to auto collision victims. These studies also showed that chiropractic patients not only found relief from pain quicker, but were able to return to work faster and experienced fewer recurrent episodes of pain than those who sought care from other types of care. I need to add that there is a wide array of chiropractors and the types of care they provide are varying. Chiropractors who provide care for auto collision injury patients and do not prescibe home care- exercises and stretching- are not providing the standard of care they ought to be.
In regards to education, chiropractic college admission requirements include courses that most often add up to over 3 years of undergraduate studies. This being the case most students chose to finish their bachelor’s degree before admission into chiropractic college. And as is the standard for a doctorate degree chiropractic college is a four year academic endeavor, bringing the total years of education to approximately 8. In addition, Chiropractic Physicians are portal of entry providers and are professionally qualified to examine, diagnose, and treat auto collision injuries. Those who specialize in this care are usually very experienced and have additional education and credentials for auto collision injury care.
If you have been involved in an auto collision and are seeking care, please consider this information when making your decision. Often times patients seek advice from an MD who may not be fully aware of this information or may not be familiar enough with chiropractic care to make a proper referral. Remember, you are in charge of your own healthcare. Educate yourself before making any decision.
If you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Reynolds please call 801-810-4144. We are available to treat patients in Draper, Utah as well as Salt Lake City, Utah.
If you woul
Cold Laser Therapy
We are excited to announce the addition of a new service to our clinic. Cold Laser Therapy (also referred to as Low Level Light Therapy- LLLT) is now available. This service can be received in conjunction with chiropractic adjustments and other therapies or can be experienced without other treatment options.
What does Cold Laser Therapy do? It reduces pain by altering the levels of specific compounds that are active during the inflammation process. It also stimulates the mitochondrion in each cell to increase the production of ATP causing an increase in oxygen delivery and use in the cells. This improvement of biochemistry allows for an increase in overall cell energy and is used to transform live cells from a condition of illness to a healthy, stable state. General therapeutic laser biological effects include increased cell growth, increased metabolic activity, faster wound healing, anti-inflammatory action, increased vascular activity, reduced fibrous tissue formation, and stimulated nerve function.
Cold laser therapy is widely used for treatment of acute and chronic conditions. Below is a short list of conditions that have been shown to be treated successfully with Cold Laser Therapy: (* denotes conditions we have seen in our office)
- Ligament sprains (including ankle sprains)*
- Muscle strain (such as a hamstring or shoulder muscle)*
- Auto Collision injuries*
- Tendonitis*
- Arthritis (rheumatoid & osteoarthritis)*
- Elbow and wrist pain
- Back pain*
- Neck pain*
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
- Bursitis
- Earaches*
Here are some of the advantages of cold laser therapy treatments.
- Easy to apply
- Extremely safe
- Non-Toxic , Non-Invasive
- Painfree application
- No side effects
- Highly effective in reducing pain (more than 90% efficacy)
- Superior pain relief over analgesics, NSAID’s and other medications
- Significantly reduces the possibility of surgery
If you wish to receive Cold Laser Therapy for any condition please contact our office at 801-810-4144. We would be glad to assess your condition and help identify which treatment options would be optimal for your care and answer any questions you may have. Our office is located in Draper, Utah. We are a chiropractic pain relief clinic.
Pregnancy Chiropractic Statistics
There are limited resources for accessing information and statistics about chiropractic care during pregnancy. Our patients have reported wonderful results regarding chiropractic care during pregnancy, but few publications have research the matter. In an effort to consolidate information and identify thebenefits of receiving chiropractic care during and throughout pregnancy we have compiled statistical information here. Please note this information is gathered from many sources with varying degrees of credibility from scientific reviews to survey reports. Please contact our office with questions regarding specific resources.
Back pain during pregnancy
- 50% of all pregnant women experience back pain during pregnancy
- 50-75% of women experience back pain during labot and delivery
- 21% of pregnancy women seek medical consultation regarding nack pain
Success rate of chiropractic care during pregnancy
- 75%-84% of women who receive chiropractic care during pregnancy report relief of back pain
- Substantial relief from back pain is experienced with an average of 1.8 chiropractic treatments.
Benefits of chiropractic care with regards to labor and delivery
- Women who seek chiropractic care during pregnancy report a 24% shorter labor and delivery time than those who don’t seek care
- Women who seek chiropractic care while pregnant with multiple babies first report a 31-39% shorter labor and delivery time
- Breech presentations are reduced using the chiropractic Webster Technique with a success rate of 84%-92%
Postpartum care
- It takes approximately 8 weeks for pelvic and uterine ligaments to return to normal after labor and delivery.
There are many ways to interpret the above information. What is generally clear throughout the research and data is that chiropractic care during pregnancy is safe and gentle. It is also considered successful and effective treatment for a variety of issues experienced during pregnancy.
Please contact our office to schedule a no charge consultation to answer any further questions you may have about receiving chiropractic care during your pregnancy. 801-810-4144. Please remember that we also have 2 offices to serve your needs- Salt Lake City, Utah and Draper, Utah.
Desk Posture
The number of people with desk jobs has increased significantly over the last 10-15 years. In addition, the amount of time spent at a computer or desk at home or at work similarly risen dramatically. As such, there has been a plethera of posture related conditions that are much more common. With a quick look at the common posture of desk or computer workers can give a good idea of where these problems are coming from. Posture.
The common conditions that arise from this posture include headaches, arm and hand pain, neck pain, possible anxiety, and even panic attacks (usually involving more than posture). Breathing patterns and biomechanics are altered and organ function can actually be lowered due to this posture. There are other effects as well. The muscles of the back can become stretched and weakened. Chest muscles become short and tightened (don’t mistake this for becoming stronger). All in all, one may begin to change their appearance due to the sustained posture they hold while seated at a desk or computer.
It is common for anyone who spends any significant amount of time at a computer to begin to slouch or lean forward. The common position is where the chin begins to jut out and the shoulders roll forward while the upper back begins to round. I like to call this the “Melted Position” and it is commonly seen among high school students.
To begin to correct any problem created by poor or incorrect posture the cause must be properly evaluated. Chiropractic care is optimal for this. Full evaluation of the spine and seated and standing posture are examined. Chiropractic adjustments allow the spine to improve its range of motion and quality of motion. It also stimulated the nervous system to decrease pain and improve muscle function by optimizing innervation. Home care should also be provided to help overcome poor habits and allow the body to heal and correct itself.
Some simple advice can help one to avoid poor desk posture. This advice is intended to help one evaluate their need for further assistance or needed improvement and is not intended to diagnose or treat any condition. First, pay attention to chin position. If it is kept tucked in and not allowed to jut out that is a positive. Second, be aware of the shoulder blades. They should be tucked together gently in back without any assistance from the chest or shoulder muscles. These steps, when done properly and following the advice of a healthcare professional can be instrumental at avoiding pain and problems and allow for a healthy posture and body function.
Call to schedule an initial examination at our Draper, Utah office.
801-810-4144
Arm & Hand pain
Are you experiencing hand or arm pain? There are many possible causes for this and almost all of them can be addressed through chiropractic treatment and ancillary therapies offered at our clinic. It’s true that the source of the pain may be at the area the pain is felt in, but it may be more complicated. In fact, many times pain in the arm or hand may originate in the shoulder, neck, or upper back.
To be able to correctly diagnose the source of hand or arm pain a full examination of the neck and back as well as the arms and hands must be completed. While visiting our clinic you will receive an examination including neurologic, orthopedic, and chiropractic portions, as well as a general evaluation of the areas of complaint. When present we are able to correctly identify if involvement of the spine, be it the cervical (neck) or thoracic (upper back) region. Sometimes the arm or hand pain manifests after prolonged pain or dysfunction in the back or neck. When hand and/or arm pain results from an initial complaint of upper back or neck pain chiropractic care may be the best option for treatment.
There are particular habits that are common among those with hand or arm pain. Here is a short list.
- Sleeping position- The recommendation is to sleep on one’s back or in a side-lying position. Stomach sleeping can be the cause (or an exacerbating issue) of pain in the neck or down to the arms or hands. An evaluation of a neck pillow should be done to ensure the proper support for the preferred sleeping position.
- Posture- Improper sitting or standing posture may be another cause of pain, especially when a certain position is required for an extended period of time, such as a desk job. A postural evaluation can be performed to identify the issues and to provide corrective advice.
- Breathing- Many times improper breathing accompanies hand and arm pain. Panic attacks or anxiety is another condition that can accompany arm pain. If you have a history of arm pain and anxiety of panic attacks your breathing technique not be optimal.
In addition to chiropractic treatment, home care is an essential part of correcting the pain. To be able to avoid recurrence of pain correction of habits must be made. Home care exercises focused on improving functionality can help to change those imperfect habits and allow for strengthening of the body. Most of the home care that is beneficial for this type of pain is focused on upper back exercises.
To schedule an appointment with our office call 801-810-4144. We have offices in Draper,Utah and Salt Lake City, Utah.
