expert type icon EXPERT

Jonathan E. Woodward, D.C.

Chiropractor

Dr. Jonathan Woodward is a Chiropractor practicing in Dallas, TX. Dr. Woodward specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating conditions associated with the neuromusculoskeletal system, while improving each patients functionality and quality of life. Conditions treated include sciatica, neck pain, and arthritis pain, among many others. Dr. Woodward seeks to reduce pain and discomfort through manipulation and adjustment of the spine.
24 years Experience
Jonathan E. Woodward, D.C.
  • Dallas, TX
  • Parker College of Chiropratic
  • Accepting new patients

How do I know if my back pain is serious?

Back pain lasting 5 days or longer needs to be evaluated. Signs that indicate your back pain could be serious include: Severe pain especially if it doesn't let up and doesn't READ MORE
Back pain lasting 5 days or longer needs to be evaluated.

Signs that indicate your back pain could be serious include: Severe pain especially if it doesn't let up and doesn't improve with rest or over-the-counter pain medications. Numbness, tingling, or weakness in your legs, arms, or other parts of your body. Loss of bladder or bowel control. Back pain as a result of a fall, accident, or any form of physical trauma.

Your chiropractor can rule out serious causes and help you come up with a plan to address your back pain and get you back to normal as quick as possible.

When I move my neck I hear a cracking sound. Is it okay?

It is common for people to hear a cracking sound in their neck when they move it. In most cases, this sound is not a cause for concern. There are two common causes of cracking: READ MORE
It is common for people to hear a cracking sound in their neck when they move it. In most cases, this sound is not a cause for concern.

There are two common causes of cracking: joints shifting or tight tendons. Joints can make a popping sound as a result of small pockets of air that are released in the neck. This is known as cavitation and is similar to the sound you hear when you crack your knuckles. If the popping is from a joint then the popping will only occur once per 20 minutes or more. Tendons on the other hand can pop over and over and they rub or snap against each other from a muscle imbalance or built up scar tissue.

If the cracking sound is accompanied by pain, stiffness, or limited mobility in your neck, it may be a sign of an underlying issue that requires medical attention. These may include:

Osteoarthritis: This is a condition that affects the joints, causing them to break down and become inflamed, which can result in pain and stiffness.

Degenerative Disc Disease: This is a condition that occurs when the discs between the vertebrae in the neck break down, causing pain and discomfort.

Cervical Spinal Stenosis: This is a narrowing of the spinal canal in the neck that can put pressure on the nerves and cause pain, numbness, and weakness.

If you're experiencing neck pain, stiffness, or limited mobility along with the cracking sound, it's best to seek medical attention. A chiropractor or other medical professional can perform a thorough evaluation to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.

While it's common to hear a cracking sound when you move your neck, it's important to pay attention to any accompanying symptoms and seek medical attention if necessary.

Learn more at https://woodwardchiro.com/neck-pain-and-chiropractic-treatment/

Why does popping joints feel good?

Popping your joints increases flexibility and releases endorphins. It also stimulates parts of your brain that block pain. There is a fine balance between joints that are moving READ MORE
Popping your joints increases flexibility and releases endorphins. It also stimulates parts of your brain that block pain. There is a fine balance between joints that are moving well and are stuck. If you find yourself needing to pop your joints constantly or if it hurts to pop them, please visit a chiropractor for an assessment! And PLEASE never attempt to pop your own neck!

How should I sleep with neck pain?

The proper pillow is VERY IMPORTANT! Try lying on your back or sides but avoid laying on your stomach which forces you to rotate your neck. The “ideal pillow” is one that allows READ MORE
The proper pillow is VERY IMPORTANT! Try lying on your back or sides but avoid laying on your stomach which forces you to rotate your neck.

The “ideal pillow” is one that allows the neck to remain “neutral” or maintain its normal curve that is present when standing. The pillow should not be too thick or too thin. Since the neck is generally skinnier than the head, a “neck-friendly” pillow should be thicker on the edge. It fills in the space between the neck and bed and is thinner under the head. There are many contoured or “shaped” pillows available that are thicker on the outside edges and thinner in the middle. Some of these include foam pillows of different densities, air pillows, water pillows, memory foam pillows, feather pillows, and others. Some companies make a pillow based on the measurement between the neck and the point of the shoulder. This allows the person to pick the pillow size best suited for their neck size. It’s important to note that it can take about a week to get used to the “new shaped” pillow so, “BE PATIENT!” Since we spend 6-8 hours of time in bed sleeping (that’s 25-30% of our life is spent sleeping!), neck pain may be PREVENTED by using a contoured pillow.

For more information read the rest of my thoughts on sleep and neck pain here: https://woodwardchiro.com/neck-pain-and-sleep/

Can a chiropractor help a headache?

Yes! There are lots of studies showing the benefit of chiropractic care for headache pain relief. Its a great first line approach without the side effects of drugs. And it works READ MORE
Yes! There are lots of studies showing the benefit of chiropractic care for headache pain relief. Its a great first line approach without the side effects of drugs. And it works fast! See https://woodwardchiro.com/do-chiropractors-help-patients-with-headaches/ and https://woodwardchiro.com/can-chiropractic-help-my-headaches/

How long should it hurt after a chiropractic adjustment?

It is normal to feel sore 1-2 days after a chiropractic back adjustment. This is not necessarily a bad sign as the purpose of the adjustment is to get stuck joints moving again. READ MORE
It is normal to feel sore 1-2 days after a chiropractic back adjustment. This is not necessarily a bad sign as the purpose of the adjustment is to get stuck joints moving again. Some soreness is expected as you break down any 'spot welds' or scar tissue that may be restricting joint movement and as you rebuild muscles to access newly restored ranges of motion.

If you are super sore or keep getting sore after the first few session you may need to discuss this with your chiropractor. Sometimes they can select a lower-force technique, add therapies to your treatment plan, help you with a detox program if your system is overwhelmed, etc. Those with fibromyalgia, diabetes, taking certain medications, or a history of recent trauma are at higher risk for soreness after their first treatment.

Why do chiropractors recommend ice?

Ice is an effective method for reducing pain caused by swollen tissues. It is like taking an ibuprofen but having it only work right where you want it and without any of the the READ MORE
Ice is an effective method for reducing pain caused by swollen tissues. It is like taking an ibuprofen but having it only work right where you want it and without any of the the side effects. Ice is typically recommended for bursitis, tendonitis, fascitis, or any acute injury because it is cheap, safe, and effective.

If you try ice and feel temporarily worse that might mean your pain is coming from a muscle spasm or pinched nerve.

What is the fastest way to relieve neck pain?

Neck pain can be something simple as a tight muscle or a pinched nerve, but it can also be something more severe requiring immediate attention. Once you know what is causing it READ MORE
Neck pain can be something simple as a tight muscle or a pinched nerve, but it can also be something more severe requiring immediate attention. Once you know what is causing it then there often can be simple solutions to quickly relieve neck pain. Assuming your pain is something simple like you just woke up with it, or you know you overdid it at the computer or on your phone, then the best way is to start with some heat or ice for 10 min. If that helps you can repeat that every few hours for a couple of days. Topicals like Biofreeze can be helpful too. Try not to stretch it or exercise it right away as that can make it worse. For pain that is not getting better after a few days or that is severe, associated with headaches, or refers down your arms, please see your doctor or chiropractor.