1. Home
  2. Expert
  3. Bradley M. Shepherd

expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Bradley M. Shepherd, D.C.

Chiropractor

Dr. Bradley Shepherd is a chiropractor practicing in Las Cruces, NM. Dr. Shepherd specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating conditions associated with the neuromusculoskeletal system while improving each patient's functionality and quality of life. Conditions treated include sciatica, neck pain, and arthritis pain, among many others. He specializes in nutrition and offers meridian therapy. Dr. Shepherd seeks to reduce pain and discomfort through manipulation and adjustment of the spine. Through nutrition, he seeks to improve quality of life. Nutrition can help with weight loss, headaches, fatigue, blood pressure, sugar handling, digestion, and many other health complaints.
Learn More About Me
16 years Experience
Dr. Bradley M. Shepherd, D.C.
Specializes in:
  • Chiropractor
  • Las Cruces, NM
  • Logan University
  • Accepting new patients

How does chiropractic relieve pain?

That is a great question. The best evidence of how it relieves pain is that it frees up joint motion. Motion reduces pain. A chiropractic treatment also releases endorphins, READ MORE
That is a great question. The best evidence of how it relieves pain is that it frees up joint motion. Motion reduces pain. A chiropractic treatment also releases endorphins, which are feel-good chemicals. It reduces stress on the body as well, because the muscles don't have to work as hard to move the joints. There are other factors involved as well.

Are hot baths good for pinched nerves?

That really depends on where the nerve is being pinched and what is causing the pinched nerve. If you think you have a pinched nerve, you need to get evaluated by a health care READ MORE
That really depends on where the nerve is being pinched and what is causing the pinched nerve. If you think you have a pinched nerve, you need to get evaluated by a health care professional to determine IF you have a pinched nerve, WHICH nerve is being pinched, how long it has been pinched for, and what the appropriate treatment is. Your chiropractor should take a good history and do a thorough examination in order to make a proper diagnosis and recommend the appropriate treatment. A hot bath is great for sore muscles, though.

Can spinal misalignment cause anxiety?

Spinal dysfunction can put stress on the body, for sure. I don't think it can cause anxiety, if you are talking about the debilitating anxiety that results in panic attacks and READ MORE
Spinal dysfunction can put stress on the body, for sure. I don't think it can cause anxiety, if you are talking about the debilitating anxiety that results in panic attacks and the like, there is something also going on. For that type of anxiety, it would be helpful to talk to a professional counselor, especially if it is disruption your life, work, or social activities.

Do you have to take your clothes off for chiropractor?

Some chiropractors will have you change into a gown for an examination or some of the modalities. They should offer you privacy. Most chiropractors, however, will adjust you READ MORE
Some chiropractors will have you change into a gown for an examination or some of the modalities. They should offer you privacy. Most chiropractors, however, will adjust you in whatever you wear to the office, even though in school, everyone is wearing a patient gown.

Is ice or heat better after chiropractic adjustment?

I usually recommend ice if there is soreness after an adjustment, if it is needed at all. Most of the time, none is necessary. Having said that, a good rule of thumb is that READ MORE
I usually recommend ice if there is soreness after an adjustment, if it is needed at all. Most of the time, none is necessary. Having said that, a good rule of thumb is that ice reduces swelling, and heat relaxes muscle. If you are unsure, please consult your chiropractor, as your chiropractor will know more about your condition and history.

What should I wear to the chiropractor appointment?

Whatever you're comfortable in. Some chiropractors will have you change into a patient gown if you're doing extra modalities, like electrical stimulation or ultrasound, and some READ MORE
Whatever you're comfortable in. Some chiropractors will have you change into a patient gown if you're doing extra modalities, like electrical stimulation or ultrasound, and some will have you do some therapeutic exercises.

Can a chiropractor damage your spine?

Every medical procedure has its benefits and risks. If you have osteoporosis, cancer, or some bone softening disease, that will increase your risk of damage. A good chiropractor READ MORE
Every medical procedure has its benefits and risks. If you have osteoporosis, cancer, or some bone softening disease, that will increase your risk of damage. A good chiropractor will take a detailed history and do a thorough examination to rule out those red flags, making it much safer than other forms of treatment (like surgery).

Can a chiropractor help a dislocated rib?

Let's discuss the difference between dislocation and dysfunction. Dislocation is when a joint completely detaches. Dysfunction is when a joint is not moving properly. Depending READ MORE
Let's discuss the difference between dislocation and dysfunction. Dislocation is when a joint completely detaches. Dysfunction is when a joint is not moving properly. Depending on the state, reducing a dislocation is not done by a chiropractor, as this may require surgical intervention or anesthesia.

I think you are talking about dysfunction, which involves abnormal motion of a joint, and often involves muscle spasms. Chiropractors can help with this.

Can a chiropractor help with a sprained ankle?

Yes, indeed. They may recruit the help of a physical therapist, or they may have in-house physiotherapy. They can advise you on proper care of a sprained ankle and show you exercises READ MORE
Yes, indeed. They may recruit the help of a physical therapist, or they may have in-house physiotherapy. They can advise you on proper care of a sprained ankle and show you exercises to help. Some may give you nutrition advice that will help the ligaments heal. You should find a chiropractor that will take a thorough history and do a comprehensive exam before treating.

How long does a pinched nerve in the neck last?

If you think you have a pinched nerve, you should get it checked. A good history and proper exam can help the chiropractor or other health care professional determine if you truly READ MORE
If you think you have a pinched nerve, you should get it checked. A good history and proper exam can help the chiropractor or other health care professional determine if you truly have a pinched nerve or if it's joint dysfunction or muscle spasm. The amount of time that it takes to get better depends on the severity of the problem and the type and frequency of treatment involved.

Should I see a chiropractor for neck pain?

You should see a chiropractor that will take a detailed history and perform a thorough exam. Yes!

What will happen if a pinched nerve goes untreated?

If you truly have a pinched nerve in your neck, if gone untreated you will lose feeling in your arm and/or hand, and you will lose muscle strength and muscle mass, until you can READ MORE
If you truly have a pinched nerve in your neck, if gone untreated you will lose feeling in your arm and/or hand, and you will lose muscle strength and muscle mass, until you can no longer use it.

Having said that, it is unlikely that you have a pinched nerve, but you should get it checked out. If you are having neck pain, you have a problem that needs to be treated. Find a chiropractor that will take a good history and do a comprehensive exam. This lead toward proper diagnosis and treatment.

Can a chiropractor help with carpal tunnel?

A good chiropractor will take a thorough history and do an examination to determine if you have carpal tunnel syndrome or if it's something else. Chiropractors get extensive training READ MORE
A good chiropractor will take a thorough history and do an examination to determine if you have carpal tunnel syndrome or if it's something else. Chiropractors get extensive training on the diagnosis and treatment of many musculoskeletal conditions that include not only the spine, but also extremities. Most chiropractors try to find the underlying problems to your
symptoms and treat the cause of those symptoms. They should also give you advice on things you should do at home in addition to the treatments you receive in the office. Your chiropractor may make a referral for physical therapy or massage therapy in conjunction with your treatment, but not as a replacement for your treatment.

Can a chiropractor help hand pain?

It depends on the cause of the hand pain. If the hand pain is musculoskeletal in nature, a chiropractor may be able to help. Make sure you see a chiropractor who will take a READ MORE
It depends on the cause of the hand pain. If the hand pain is musculoskeletal in nature, a chiropractor may be able to help. Make sure you see a chiropractor who will take a detailed history and perform a thorough exam. This will help the chiropractor determine the cause of your pain and make appropriate recommendations for treatment.

How do I prevent neck pain when exercising?

If you are having neck pain while you are exercising, there is something wrong. You should get it checked out. A good chiropractor will take a detailed history and do a complete READ MORE
If you are having neck pain while you are exercising, there is something wrong. You should get it checked out. A good chiropractor will take a detailed history and do a complete examination to find the reason for your pain, make a proper diagnosis, and recommend the appropriate treatment. Your chiropractor may make suggestions on what you should do to change your workout routine, if that is part of the problem.

How can I stop neuropathic pain?

If you are experiencing neuropathic pain, you have a potentially serious problem, most likely to the nervous system, that needs to be evaluated. The sooner the better! There READ MORE
If you are experiencing neuropathic pain, you have a potentially serious problem, most likely to the nervous system, that needs to be evaluated. The sooner the better! There are many possible causes to this type of pain. You need to find a health care provider who will take a detailed history and perform a comprehensive examination to find out the cause of your pain, make a proper diagnosis, and make appropriate recommendations.

How do I know if I pulled a muscle or pinched a nerve?

The best way to know is to visit your chiropractor or health care provider who will take a history and do an examination. There are some clues, but without the examination it READ MORE
The best way to know is to visit your chiropractor or health care provider who will take a history and do an examination. There are some clues, but without the examination it is difficult to say. Some of the things you may experience with a pinched nerve is numbness, tingling, and weakness. A pulled muscle usually hurts more when you move the muscle. Again, if you think you have either of these problems, please visit your chiropractor or other health care provider.

What causes pain in the shoulder and down the arm?

There are several possibilities. It could be a muscle spasm in the neck, a bulged disc in the neck, a shoulder joint problem, a rotator cuff problem, the list goes on. If it's READ MORE
There are several possibilities. It could be a muscle spasm in the neck, a bulged disc in the neck, a shoulder joint problem, a rotator cuff problem, the list goes on. If it's the left arm, it could be a problem with your heart (it is unlikely for a 22 year old to have this problem, but it can't be ruled out based on symptoms alone). If you are experiencing pain in the shoulder and arm, you seek help from a health care practitioner that will take a good history and do a comprehensive examination to discover the underlying cause of your problem, make a proper diagnosis, and recommend the appropriate treatment.

Can chiropractors treat tendonitis?

A good chiropractor will not only treat your tendonitis, but figure out why you have it in the first place, and give you some advice to prevent this in the future. I would recommend READ MORE
A good chiropractor will not only treat your tendonitis, but figure out why you have it in the first place, and give you some advice to prevent this in the future. I would recommend supplementation that may aid in the recovery and strengthening of the damaged tissue.

Can a chiropractor help with plantar fasciitis?

There are several things that chiropractors can do to help with plantar fasciitis. First the chiropractor will take a history and do an examination to confirm that diagnosis and READ MORE
There are several things that chiropractors can do to help with plantar fasciitis. First the chiropractor will take a history and do an examination to confirm that diagnosis and rule out other possible conditions you may have. The chiropractor may also try to figure out why you have the problem in the first place and make recommendations for treatment and prevention.