DOUGLAS MORRIS

I'm sorry to hear about the severe knee pain you're experiencing. Given your recent increase in activity after a long break from running, a stress fracture could be a potential cause of your pain, especially if you're feeling sharp pain around your kneecap. Other possibilities include tendinitis, bursitis, or patellofemoral pain syndrome.

Here are some steps you can take to help manage your pain and facilitate recovery:

Rest: Avoid activities that worsen your pain, especially running or any high-impact exercises. Giving your knees a break is crucial.

Ice: Although you mentioned that icing can sometimes be painful, it can still be beneficial for reducing swelling and inflammation. Try applying ice for 15-20 minutes every few hours, but if it causes too much pain, listen to your body and take a break from icing.

Compression: Using a knee brace or compression wrap can provide support and help reduce swelling.

Elevation: When resting, try to keep your knee elevated above heart level to minimize swelling.

Gentle Stretching and Strengthening: Once the acute pain subsides, gentle stretching and strengthening exercises can help restore mobility and strength to the knee. Focus on strengthening the muscles around the knee, like the quadriceps and hamstrings, but only do this once you're comfortable and have consulted with a healthcare professional.

Consult a Professional: Since your pain has been severe and persistent, it’s essential to see a healthcare professional, such as a chiropractor, physical therapist, or orthopedic specialist. They can assess your knee, rule out a stress fracture or other injuries, and recommend a tailored treatment plan, which may include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, or other interventions.

If your symptoms worsen or if you experience swelling, warmth, or fever, seek medical attention promptly. It's important to address these issues early to prevent any long-term damage.

Both hot and cold therapies can be effective for managing upper back pain, but they serve different purposes:

Cold Therapy: Applying ice packs or cold compresses can help reduce inflammation and numb the area, which is particularly useful if you have acute pain, swelling, or any recent injuries. Apply cold for about 15-20 minutes at a time, ensuring to use a barrier, like a cloth, between the ice and your skin to prevent frostbite.

Heat Therapy: Heat can help relax and soothe tight muscles, improve blood flow, and reduce stiffness. This is especially helpful for chronic pain or tension in the upper back. You can use a heating pad, hot water bottle, or take a warm shower. Apply heat for about 15-20 minutes, and make sure it’s warm, not hot, to avoid burns.

Combination Therapy: Some people find relief by alternating between hot and cold treatments. Start with cold to reduce any swelling, then follow up with heat to relax the muscles.

Ultimately, it depends on what feels best for you. If your pain persists or worsens, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and tailored treatment plan.

It sounds like you had an unexpected experience during your chiropractor appointment. It's important for chiropractors to communicate clearly with their patients about the techniques they will use and why they are necessary.

Usually, a pubic bone adjustment is done with the patient on their back with their knees bent. The doctor places their hands (crossed) at the inner portion of your knees while you squeeze inward with your knees.

The pubic bone is a sensitive area, and some chiropractic techniques can involve working on the pelvic region to help with alignment and alleviate pain. However, it’s essential that patients feel comfortable and informed throughout the treatment process.

It’s crucial to feel safe and respected during any treatment. If you're ever uncomfortable with a specific technique, don’t hesitate to speak up and ask for alternatives. Your comfort and well-being should always come first!

It depends on what is causing your low back pain. Different problems and diagnoses have different treatment paths. Common causes of low back pain include muscle strains, herniated discs, and spinal stenosis, each requiring specific approaches. Treatment options may include physical therapy, chiropractic care, medication, or lifestyle modifications.

Chiropractors have a variety of tools and techniques to help manage low back pain, such as myofascial release, non-surgical spinal decompression, chiropractic adjustments, ultrasound, laser therapy, and other physiotherapies. It’s essential to get a proper diagnosis from a healthcare professional to determine the most effective treatment for your specific situation.

Chiropractic adjustments are generally considered safe during pregnancy, and there's no evidence to suggest that they can cause a miscarriage. Many pregnant women seek chiropractic care to help alleviate discomfort associated with pregnancy, such as back pain and pelvic discomfort.

However, it's essential to choose a chiropractor experienced in treating pregnant women. They will be familiar with the necessary precautions and adjustments that are safe during pregnancy.

Before starting any chiropractic treatment, it's a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider to discuss your specific situation and ensure it aligns with your overall care plan.

Yes, it is possible to manage scoliosis without surgery, especially in cases where the curvature is mild to moderate. However, the effectiveness of non-surgical treatments largely depends on the severity of the curve, the age of the individual, and whether the spine is still growing.

For adults like yourself, where ossification centers have closed (typically around age 18-25), the primary goal of non-surgical treatment is often to manage symptoms and improve function rather than to completely straighten the spine. Here are some non-surgical options:

Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises can help improve posture, strengthen the muscles around the spine, and potentially reduce discomfort.

Bracing: While bracing is primarily effective for children and adolescents, adults may benefit from supportive braces to alleviate pain and improve posture.

Chiropractic Care: Chiropractors can help manage symptoms and improve spinal function through adjustments and other therapeutic techniques.

Pain Management: Medications, such as NSAIDs, can help manage pain associated with scoliosis.

Lifestyle Modifications: Maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular low-impact exercise, and practicing good posture can also support spinal health.

If the curvature is severe or if it leads to significant pain or functional limitations, surgical options may be considered. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional to discuss your specific situation and explore the best treatment options for you.

A disc herniation, also known as a herniated disc, can often be effectively managed, but the term "cured" can be a bit misleading. "Asymptomatic" is a better term that could be used. Many people experience significant relief from symptoms through various treatment options, but the underlying condition may still exist. This is becasue a herniated disc is a structural problem.

Here are some common approaches:

Conservative Treatment:

Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises can strengthen the muscles around the spine and improve flexibility.
Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications can help manage pain and swelling.
Epidural Injections: Corticosteroid injections can reduce inflammation and relieve pain in some cases.
Non-Surgical Options:

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression: This can help relieve pressure on the affected disc and promote healing. Look up the DRX-9000.
Chiropractic Care: Chiropractors can help with pain relief and improve spinal function through adjustments and other therapies.
Surgery:

If conservative treatments do not provide relief after several months, or if there are severe symptoms like significant weakness or loss of bowel/bladder control, surgery may be considered to remove the herniated portion of the disc.
Lifestyle Modifications: Maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular low-impact exercise, and practicing good posture can also help prevent further issues.

It's important to consult with a healthcare professional to develop a personalized treatment plan based on your specific situation.

Yes, tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) can often be treated effectively. As neuromusculoskeletal specialists, chiropractors are a great option here.

Treatment options include:

Rest: Avoiding activities that aggravate the elbow can help reduce inflammation.

Ice Therapy: Applying ice packs to the affected area can help alleviate pain and swelling.

Physical Therapy: A therapist can design a rehabilitation program focusing on stretching and strengthening the muscles around the elbow.

Bracing: Using a forearm brace can help relieve pressure on the elbow during activities.

Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce pain and inflammation.

Corticosteroid Injections: In some cases, a healthcare provider may recommend injections to reduce inflammation.

Surgery: If conservative treatments fail, surgery may be considered to remove degenerated tissue.

It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional to develop a personalized treatment plan based on the severity of your condition.

Short answer: If you want your midback "popped" and you have Herrington rods, going the length of you thoracic spine, the answer is no.
long answer: "popping" your back with surgical hardware MAY be possible; however, it is dependant upon what specific hardware you have and where it is. Some areas that are fused will move together as one unit or a chiropractor may foregoe adjusting the area that has hardware. I usually work around fusions and it is perfectly safe as long as the doc knows where everything is at and what is there exactly. It can be extremely beneficial for patients to have their atlas adjusted even if the rest of the cervical spine is fused.

Yes! shoulder impingement can often be improved or resolved with specific exercises, especially when combined with other treatment modalities. Shoulder impingment is caused by some muscles of the shoulder being too tight (mainly the pecs and the lats). Muscles that are too tight can be alleviated with stretching, or any type of soft-tissue therapy like massage. While there is another half of the equation where there are muscles that are weak (mainly the stabilizing muscles of the shoulder and rotator cuff). Targeted exercises can help strengthen the rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers. This can improve shoulder stability and reduce the likelihood of impingement.

I'm sorry to hear about the challenges you're facing with your health. It sounds like you have a complex set of conditions, and navigating through them can be overwhelming.

I wouldn't say that everything is coorelated persay. decreased parotid gland function is not something I would link to DDD, hypoparathyroidism (is actually not rare, it's rather common), Your calcium levels could be lower due to your hypoparathyroidism though.

Degenerative disc disease (DDD) and cervical spondylosis are indeed terms that can be used to describe the wear and tear of the cervical spine, often involving facet osteoarthritis, disc degeneration, and other related changes. "Osteoarthritis" or just "arthritis" is a part of aging; however, it can be advanced depending on your lifestyle, history of injuries, genetics, etc.

Fibromyalgia can sometimes be diagnosed alongside other chronic pain conditions, and it’s characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and tenderness in specific areas. However, it’s important to differentiate it from other potential causes of your symptoms, especially given your history of cervical issues and your current medications. The fact that your pain persists despite previous treatment raises valid concerns about the underlying causes of your symptoms. I am always leery of a fibromyalgia diagnosis as a lot of doctors use fibromyalgia as a "trashcan" diagnosis which basically says "I don't know, go away." The FM/A test is the only test out there for Fibromyalgia and is appropriate for your situation. It's essential to advocate for yourself and ensure all aspects of your health are considered as you navigate these complex conditions.

trouble being able to walk is a serious concern especially with pain that spreads from your arms down to the legs (this sounds like it could be le'hermittes sign). This could be coming from your brain or from something along the lines of a cervical myelopathy (when the spinal cord is pinched at the neck). I would recommend MRIs of your brain and cervical spine

disc herniations are really terrible and can cause all sorts of unwanted pain. The best thing to do is to get treatment for your disc herniation. There isn't a lot out there to treat disc herniations unfortunately; Physical Therapy, "non-surgical spinal decompression" on a machine like the DRX-9000, medications like gabapentin, nerve ablations, epidurals, minimally invasive surgery (like microdiscectomy), and surgical fusion. If you were looking for at-home things, ice will be your best friend, or a properly fitted brace for your back like a "lumbosacral orthosis" while your walking could also help.

As with any field, it depends on the chiropractor. There are many philosophies in my field and different kinds of chiropractors. Disc herniations can vary from physical therapy to surgery, it depends on what is specifically going on with your disc herniation. There are only a few options out there to specifically treat the disc. PT, medications like gabapentin, epidurals, nerve ablations, microdiscectomy, surgical fusion, and "non-surgical spinal decompression" on a machine such as the DRX-9000. Surgical fusion is required in some cases; however, it should be a last resort.

Sorry to hear about your back pain. Not being able to walk normally or for prolonged periods without sitting is concerning. There could be a variety of things going on that may or may not involve your scoliosis. It's important to monitor your scoliosis over time and be sure to have the degrees of the curve(s) measured if there is a significant concern. With back pain, it is important to get a definitive diagnosis on what the cause is and what the pain generator is. Different diagnoses have different treatments so that's why diagnosis is so important.

Yes, ankle arthritis can indeed cause heel pain. When arthritis affects the ankle joint, it can lead to inflammation, stiffness, and altered mechanics of the foot. This can result in increased stress on the heel and surrounding structures, leading to pain. Additionally, arthritis can cause changes in how you walk or bear weight, which may further contribute to heel discomfort.

If you’re experiencing persistent pain, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition. Options may include physical therapy, medication, or other interventions to help manage your symptoms and improve function.

Can massage make a herniated disc worse?
I have a disc hernia and want to get a massage for it. Can massage make a herniated disc worse?

It is actually really hard to injure people with massage. As long as the massage therapist knows what they are doing, it could actually help!

Massage can be beneficial for many people with a herniated disc, as it can help relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and reduce pain. However, it’s essential to approach it cautiously.

Here are a few points to consider:

Type of Massage: Certain types of massage, particularly deep tissue or aggressive techniques, may exacerbate symptoms. It's best to consult with a massage therapist experienced in treating clients with disc issues.

Communication: Make sure to communicate your condition and any specific areas of pain to your massage therapist. They can then tailor the treatment to avoid exacerbating your symptoms.

Listening to Your Body: Pay attention to how your body responds during and after the massage. If you feel increased pain or discomfort, it's essential to stop the session.

As far as making a herniated disc worse, I always use an analogy of an 800 pound gorilla sitting on a jelly doughnut (the doughnut represents your disc)--the jelly is out of the doughnut right? Once a disc herniates, the damage is pretty much done; so, apart from another traumautic injury like a car accident, it's likely not to "worsen." Possibility of flaring up the pain, definetly, but causing more damage no.

Consult with a Healthcare Provider: Before getting a massage, consult with your healthcare provider or chiropractor. They can offer personalized advice based on the severity of your condition.

Overall, a gentle, targeted massage can often be helpful, but caution and professional guidance are crucial.

The duration of a back adjustment can vary depending on several factors, including the technique used and the specific needs of the patient. Generally, a typical chiropractic adjustment session lasts between 15 to 30 minutes.

During this time, the chiropractor will typically conduct an initial assessment, which may include reviewing your medical history and performing a physical examination. The actual adjustment itself may take just a few minutes, but the entire visit often includes other aspects like consultation, follow-up care discussions, and possibly other therapies.

If you have any specific concerns or conditions, it's always a good idea to discuss them with your chiropractor during your appointment.

Yes, you can go to a chiropractor for a back hernia. Chiropractors can provide valuable assistance in managing the symptoms associated with a herniated disc, including pain relief and improved spinal function. However, it's essential to consult with your healthcare provider first to determine if chiropractic care is appropriate for your specific condition.

There are a few different treatments available for herniated discs, which include:

Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises to strengthen the muscles around the spine.
Epidurals: Corticosteroid injections can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
Nerve Ablations: Procedures that can help relieve pain by interrupting nerve signals.
Medications: Options like gabapentin can help manage pain.
Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression: Techniques like the DRX-9000 can relieve pressure on the affected disc.
Minimally Invasive Surgery: Procedures like microdiscectomy to remove the herniated portion of the disc.
Spinal Fusion: This is generally considered a last resort when other treatments have failed.
Make sure to discuss all your options with your healthcare provider to develop a comprehensive treatment plan.

The concept of "toxic release" in chiropractic care refers to the idea that certain treatments, such as adjustments or other therapies, may help the body release accumulated toxins or stress that have built up in the muscles and tissues. However, scientific evidence supporting this idea is limited and somewhat controversial.

Here are some key points to consider:

Physiological Changes: When the body undergoes chiropractic adjustments or soft tissue therapies, there may be physiological changes, such as increased blood flow and lymphatic drainage, which can help the body function more efficiently. This might lead to an overall feeling of well-being.

Emotional Release: Some patients report feeling emotional relief or a sense of lightness following chiropractic adjustments. This can be attributed to the release of physical tension and the psychological effects of pain relief.

Detoxification Myths: The idea of "detoxifying" the body often lacks scientific support. The body has its own natural detoxification systems, primarily the liver, kidneys, and lymphatic system, which effectively eliminate toxins.

Subjective Experiences: Some individuals may feel a sense of relief or improvement in their symptoms after chiropractic care, which they might interpret as "toxic release." This can be more about the overall benefits of pain relief and improved mobility rather than an actual release of toxins.

Consulting Professionals: It's essential to consult with a qualified chiropractor and discuss any concerns you may have about treatment and its effects. They can provide more personalized information based on your health needs.

In summary, while patients may experience various benefits from chiropractic care, the specific concept of "toxic release" is not widely supported by scientific evidence. If you're considering chiropractic treatment, focusing on its potential benefits for musculoskeletal health and well-being is advisable.

You can generally see a chiropractor right away after a car accident, but it’s crucial to consult with your healthcare provider first. A "good" chiropractor will prioritize your safety and perform a thorough exam to determine what treatments are appropriate for your condition. Make sure to avoid chiropractors who do not conduct an exam before treatment, as this can lead to inappropriate care.