Severe Upper Back Pain
Sever upper back pain is very limiting. Most patients who report this type of problem usually are unable to work and frequently have difficulty driving to our office. The term ”paralyzing” has even been used to describe this type of pain. The good new? It is commonly not a serious injury or condition and many patients report significant reduction is pain with one visit to our office. Occasionally upper back pain can be related to more serious conditions, but it usually is a simple rib joint dysfunction. For our purposes we are going to address the most common source of upper back pain.
This type of severe upper back pain begins almost spontaneously with stabbing pain located just to the side of the spine and in between the shoulder blades. This occurs when a rib joint is dysfunctional- meaning that where it attaches to other bones (vertebra in the back, sternum in the front) the joint can not move or function the way it is supposed to. Common reasons for this dysfunction are muscle imbalance, poor posture, certain unguarded movements, or even just strain from repetitive improper motion.
What can we do about it?
By adjusting the rib, vertebrae, and other joints the dysfunction will be reduce and proper motion restored. Some muscle therapy may be required to improve healing time. And most importantly a full examination of the structures involved should be completed in order to isolate the exact cause in each individual patient. Once we have identified the source of the problem we can help the patient make the corrections (minor or major) in order to prevent the problem from recurring.
How many visits will it take to eliminate the pain from one particular episode?
Usually the first adjustment provides significant pain relief. We often recommend 2-3 treatments to optimize healing time and give us opportunity to educate the patient on how to avoid the problem again. This amount of treatment will also help us to identify other potential causes that could result in other problems in left untreated.
If you currently have sever upper back pain please contact our office to schedule an appointment. We create our schedule to allow for same day appointments and often we are able to get you in for treatment within a few hours. Call 801-810-4144 to schedule.
Natural Relief For Joint Pain- Cold Laser
Are you looking for natural relief for joint pain? Do you endure pain just to be able to function at a minimal level? Do you avoid activities that you love because the pain just is too excruciating? Have you tried to find relief but haven’t found anything that is worth the side effects? We have good news for you- There may be a new treatment for you to try. Cold laser therapy is a fantastic way to find joint pain relief. It is based upon adding light or energy to each individual cell helping it to function at a healthier state. This therapy enjoys a wide range of benefits.
First, it has no significant side effects when properly applied. “Cold” laser means that it does not create heat inside the tissues it is targeting. This prevents it from incurring inflammation. Additionally, it doesn’t simply hide the pain, but helps the area to heal faster by providing it with energy. In our opinion, this therapy is vastly superior to any synthetic drug or surgery due to its natural effects. In addition, this therapy is affordable and can be applied to almost any condition other than to the eye or thyroid gland.
Cold laser therapy has been tested for use on neck pain, carpal tunnel pain, and for plantar fascists to name a few. For each of these and many more conditions it has seen great results with no side effects. For some this therapy is a fantastic, conservative and natural alternative to surgery. It can reduce pain, help tissues to heal, and avoid any damage to the liver, stomach, blood stream, or any other body system. These organs and systems are allowed to function without interference and may actually be improved.
There are different types of cold lasers on the market today. Some of the brands have specific wavelengths that have been tested to provide specific benefits- neurological improvement, superficial tissue healing, and decreased inflammation. The laser therapy we provide includes two different laser wavelengths which optimize pain relief and tissue healing in one treatment. We combine this treatment with our chiropractic care to provide patients with the best possible pain relief.
For a treatment to be successful it not only needs to provide pain relief, but it also must provide that relief in a long-lasting manner. When chiropractic care is used in conjunction with cold laser therapy we are more likely to see that relief being enjoyed for a long period of time. This is due to our approach of finding the source of the pain, along with its contributing factors. This not only provides relief, but corrects the cause of the condition and prevents recurrence.
If you are interested in natural relief for joint pain consider cold laser therapy. Chiropractic adjustments supplemented with cold laser therapy have a very high success rate at pain relief and elimination. Contact our office to schedule a no charge consultation with Dr. Reynolds to answer any questions you might have concerning this treatment of any other treatments that we can offer. Call 801-810-4144 to schedule today.
How To Relieve Neck Pain
Let’s talk about how to relieve neck pain. Neck pain is a common complaint after a motor vehicle collision. It is also a common concern among football players and other athletes. Some individuals think that their best solution is to receive massage therapy. Although this can be a very helpful therapy other structures besided the muscles are likely involved. The source of the neck pain needs to be addressed. This commonly includes a complete analysis of the spinal curve of the cervical spine. If trauma has occurred each structure should be evaluated for injury- ligaments, discs, nerves, joints, and muscles.
Ligaments attach bone to bone. They are structured to provide stability and do not receive much blood flow. As such, if they are damaged they generally do not heal as quickly as other structures, such as muscles. Ligaments are often involved in any trauma injury because they are so important for stability and are positioned to support. If lagaments are injured it is referred to as a sprain.
Discs are similar in that they are positioned between each vertbrae and act as shock absorbers. They have a higher rate of blood flow, but do not possess strong abilities to heal. If the discs have been damaged it often effects the nerve root that travel through the spinal column and exit at each vertebral level. Often when discs are damaged and no care provided they can become the source of pain and nerve endings will actually begin to innervate the damaged tissue resulting in pain sensation being reported to the brain.
Muscles are like ligaments in that they are almost always effected with neck trauma. They are also likely involved when the problem is postural or related to injury. Muscles also support the skeletal structure. There is high blood flow through muscular tissues which allows for quicker healing time than most tissues, although the process can still be very painful. If treated properly recovery speed can be increased.
Damage to joints of the spine can be very painful. The worst thing for a joint is to stop moving. When this occurs the joint begins to degenerate and make it more difficult to maintain function. When examining the cervical spinal joints it is also important to note that a range for proper curvature exists. If the curve is significantly decreased or even reversed the neck will be more susceptible to injury and symptoms such as pain or discomfort. Muscle pain will also be present as one of the responsibilities of the muscles is to protect against further injury by strengthening the area. If muscles are relaxed without addressing the issue of the spinal structure the pain may increase instead of resolve.
All of these structures- ligaments, discs, joints, and muscles abenefit from receiving chiropractic care.
The best way to relieve neck pain is to receive chiropractic adjustments. Then , follow up with an analysis of daily neck health habits. The effects of a chiropractic neck adjustment are many. First, they can restore proper motion at each segment. Additionally, inhibitory neurons fire to help reduce or alleviate the pain. Muscles also are affected by adjustments in that they reflexively relax.
When evaluating the neck, stress must also be analyzed. This includes physical, chemical, and emotional stress. Physical stress can include posture and positioning while standing, seated, and lying down. The emotional stress component is also very important when addressing neck pain. This can greatly affect pain levels.
So what is the best answer for the questions how to relieve neck pain? First, contact our office to schedule an appointment. We will walk with you through a complete history of your condition and establish a treatment plan that you can take part in and that will help you to find relief from pain and increased health. 801-810-4144.
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.
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.
Sleeping Positions
I have been told your preferred sleeping position can tell a lot about your personality. Your sleeping position can also tell a lot about your physical health as well. The average person spends about 1/3 of each day sleeping, yet most of us don’t concern ourselves with our quality of sleep health .
So are you a healthy sleeper? Ask yourself the following questions:
- Do I awake refreshed?
- What position do I sleep in?
- How old is my mattress?
- Do I experience morning back pain?
- What is the quality of my pillow?
- Do I experience morning neck pain?
- How many hours do I sleep continuously
The best position for sleep is usually on your back. For most people putting a pillow under your knees can reduce any low back strain that may be present while in this position. Most therapeutic grade pillows are designed to accomodate a ‘back-sleeper.’ Side sleeping is a fine alternative for those who don’t like back sleeping. In this case be sure to place a pillow between the knees to reduce the amount of low back rotation that can occur. Stomach sleeping is not recommended. When sleeping on the stomach the head and neck are in extension and rotation. This happens to be the most problematic position for your neck and can cause multiple problems. There is no healthy way to sleep on your stomach when it comes to posture. Morning neck pain frequently accompanies stomach-sleeping. Deneration of the cervical spine can also be perpetuated by stomach sleeping postures.
If you are waking up with neck pain you should first evaluate your pillow. Does it support your head and neck? Does it support your head away from your shoulder if you are sleeping on your side? If your shoulder needs to be raised in order to sleep you should look for a new pillow as this may be the source of your neck pain.
There are many types of pillows that claim to solve sleep problems and range form $20 to $150. To decipher which pillow might work best for you identify which sleep position you prefer- on your back, side, or stomach. (Remember- it is highly recommended to avoid sleeping on your stomach).
If you are experiencing morning back pain there are some simple things to do to help alleviate that pain. If the pain does not diminish within a few days after adjusting your posture you should seek professional advice as your condition may be more serious. Chiropractic has an outstanding track record for alleviating low back pain. Additionally, you should evaluate your mattress. Most mattresses have a five to nine year warranty. This is due to the wear and tear that occurs. If your experience back or neck pain or diminished sleep quality consider the age of your mattress.
For any specific questions about sleeping position or morning low back or neck pain please contact us at 801-810-4144 to schedule a no charge consultation with Dr. Reynolds. We have offices in Draper, Utah and Salt Lake City, Utah.
Auto Insurance & Auto Collision Injury
There seems to be so many questions regarding auto insurance following an accident (or collision). Most people who are not seriously injured seem to take care of their vehicle first without thought as to their own health or wellness. This is understandable. What is very interesting to note is that so few people understand their own auto insurance coverage. Here are a few of the most common questions regarding an auto collision injury.
- “Should I (or can I) see a doctor?”
- ”What is it going to cost me?”
- ”Will my insurance cover the exam?”
- “Which is the best type of professional to see?”
- “How long should I wait to be treated?”
- “How much treatment will my insurance cover?”
- “Do I need a personal injury lawyer?”
Many patients that contact their claims adjuster after a collision come away thinking that medical expenses will not be covered. This can be due to the verbage used by the insurance adjuster. Phrases such as “not guarenteed,” or “the decision is yours,” can ceate a concern. Do not be alarmed by these type of statements. A physical examination will almost always be covered by an auto insurance company following an auto collision to verify that there is no serious injury or that potential health issues are identified. Insurance companies do not like to pay out for treatment when there is little evidence of such damage. They need to see that the treatment being provided is medically reasonable. As such, they will do their best to reduce their payout.
As far as options for treatment, chiropractic is a great choice. We will be able to best identify and treat injuries that are sustained in an auto collision injury. We will also provide you with home care exercises to help restore your function to pre-injury status. You do not need to wait for any particular amount of time before receiving an examination. It may be best contact our office as your earliest convenience to begin thed diagnosis and treatment process quickly.
My advice to everyone is to be aware of your insurance coverage now- before you are involved in any type of injury. Find an insurance agent that is willing to spend the time with you to help you understand what coverage you are paying for, not just someone who can get you the ‘lowest rate” (aka weakest coverage). Additionally, understand what PIP (personal injury protection) is and what is might cost to raise it above the state minimum. It may just be a matter of $5 over a 6 month period to have your PIP coverage raised from $3,000 to $10,000.
To further explain, PIP- Personal Injury Protection- is the amount that you are covered for in any auto collision injury that is medically reasonable or necessary. This includes any related chirorpractic, medical, x-ray, rehabilitation, surgical, ambulance, or hospital expenses. This amount also includes any lost wages. The total amount can be quickly exhausted in one trip to the hospital in an ambulance with no treatment provided. All this should be taken into account now as to where to set your PIP coverage.
If any of this information seems confusing please consult a personal injury lawyer who can explain the details more fully. Please contact our office for a list of Attorneys whom we recommend in the Salt Lake Valley area, including Draper and Salt Lake City.
How Many Visits?
Who hasn’t heard the myth that once you see a chiropractor you’ll have to keep going back for the rest of your life.
Most chiropractic patients arrive at their doctor’s office with months or years of problems. They are in pain and just want to get relief. Most often it hasn’t dawned on them that their condition is a result of months or years of habits, behaviors, and stress that have allowed pain to result. This can even be true when the source of the pain is an acute injury.
Chiropractic is a unique profession. Our philosophies and protocols differ from the traditional allopathic approach. We do not proclaim that all your problems can be cured with a magic little pill. We do not suggest that we go ahead and open you up to see if there is something we can find wrong with you. We much prefer to help you make small changes to lifestyle, posture, or biomechanics that can help result is significant changes.
When determining how many visits or treatments one might need there needs to be an understanding about expected outcomes. Which of the following is your purpose for treatment?
- I want to find out if this pain is serious
- I want pain relief only
- I want to do something I currently am unable to do because of pain/discomfort (i.e. play with kids, golf, ski, sleep)
- I want to be healthy & well
- I want to stay healthy & well
Those who are seeking to be healthy and well and to stay that way will find that chiropractic can be a fantastic source for assistance towards that goal and may seek care throughout their life. Those who simply want pain relief may simply choose to be treated a handful of times. The key here is that the patient determines what their purpose for treatment is.
So, how many visits do you need? You decide. But first, come see how we can help you.
We have offices in Draper, Utah and Salt Lake City, Utah. Call 801-810-4144 to schedule.
