Dr. Parker Andrew Neill

The short answer is yes, shoulder pain can be fixed! Shoulder pain is common & can be caused by issues with the shoulder joint. Or it can be caused by issues with the surrounding soft tissues. These soft tissues include muscles, ligaments, tendons & bursae. Shoulder pain that comes from the joint generally gets worse with arm or shoulder movement. Also, certain health conditions of the neck, chest or stomach can cause shoulder pain. These include nerve issues in the spine, heart disease & gallbladder disease. When other health issues cause shoulder pain, it's known as referred pain. If your shoulder pain is referred, it shouldn't get worse when you move your shoulder. If your shoulder pain is getting worse or has lasted more than a couple of days, you should consider an evaluation to determine the cause & appropriate treatment.

We recommend Schroth exercises. Schroth exercises are asymmetric scoliosis-specific postural exercises that aim to improve posture and pain and to teach patients to consciously maintain the correct posture in daily living activities.

Yes, Chiropractors can usually help with a bulging disc. Chiropractic care focuses on the musculoskeletal system & spinal health, which can be beneficial for individuals with bulging discs. The first step is receiving a proper diagnosis. This involves a thorough physical exam & often advanced imaging by MRI or CT, to confirm the condition's severity & rule out other underlying issues. In most cases, conservative chiropractic care will prove beneficial for patients suffering with a bulging disc. Severe cases are referred or co-managed with medical specialists. Chiropractors use non-invasive techniques such as spinal adjustments along with physiotherapy techniques to alleviate pain & symptoms, improve mobility & reduce pressure on the affected disc. As patients improve, Chiropractors expand care to include exercises, stretching & rehabilitation programs aimed at strengthening the surrounding muscles & improving posture. These additional measures help relieve pressure on the bulging disc & reduce pain over time. In cases where spinal manipulation alone is not yielding the desired results, Swank Chiropractic Sports Medicine offers non-surgical spinal decompression therapy. This technique involves using a sophisticated, computer controlled table that gently stretches & decompresses the spine, creating negative pressure around the affected disc. This promotes the retraction of the bulging disc material & alleviates pressure on nerves, offering relief to patients who have not responded to manual adjustments. It is estimated that 95% of bulging discs do not require surgery. Therefore, it simply makes sense to start with conservative care. Plus, Chiropractors successfully treat bulging discs without the use of addictive prescription drugs!

Chiropractic Care: Easing Bunion Pain & Discomfort Bunion (hallux valgus)a condition where the joint at the base of the big toe shifts out of placeis not only painful but also can lead to severe discomfort. This joint, responsible for supporting body weight while walking, is prone to misalignment due to abnormal pressure & motion. Bunions, often hereditary, can also result from walking patterns & footwear choices. Dr. Neill points out that woman are more susceptible, especially with age. Flexibility in joints seems to provide some tolerance, while stiff joints or arthritis exacerbate the pain & could lead to earlier onset. Bunions need not always necessitate surgery. Dr. Neill presents a range of alternatives to ease discomfort & potentially slow the condition's progression: 1. *Custom Orthotics:* Tailored shoe inserts position the foot correctly, alleviating pressure. 2. *Appropriate Footwear:* Well-fitting shoes with ample toe space are essential. 3. *Chiropractic Interventions:* Chiropractic adjustments of the feet can increase movement & align affected bones. 4. *Protective Measures:* Gel-filled pads or moleskin may be helpful. 5. *Night Splints:* Wearing splints at night, with professional guidance, may provide relief. 6. *Physiotherapy:* Therapeutic ultrasound, interferential current, dry needling, heat or ice packs & massage decrease pain. 7. *Weight Management:* Maintaining a healthy weight reduces pressure

Feeling muscle soreness after a workout validates your effort. However, when discomfort turns to borderline pain, it's time to heed your body's warning. Known as delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), it's a normal response to intense exercise. Micro-tears in muscle fibers cause inflammation and pain, peaking 24-72 hours after workouts. This process drives muscle growth and strength. Excessive soreness isn't a shortcut to results. Eccentric exercises trigger more soreness. But remember, moderation is key. Differentiate between types of soreness: DOMS, acute during exercise, and injury pain. Gentle activity aids recovery, avoiding overworking sore muscles. For relief and prevention: - Light movement boosts circulation and healing. - Hydration reduces waste product accumulation. - Gentle stretching eases tension and improves range. - Protein aids muscle repair and growth. - Heat or ice can alleviate discomfort. - Self-massage via tools like foam rollers helps. - Adequate sleep supports muscle recovery. Preventing DOMS means gradual progression and cautious introduction of new exercises. Listen to your body. Seek medical attention for severe symptoms. Achieving a balance between pushing limits and effective recovery is the goal.

Chiropractic care can help with some of the effects of stress; muscle tension, headaches, pain, etc. This is because there is clinical evidence that when people have chronic muscle tension, their brains perceive that they are under stress. Stress equals tension, therefore, tension equals stress. Plus, constant pain is stressful. Chiropractic care should be a part of stress management. Additionally, it is equally important to determine what the stressors are in your life. Once accomplished, change or eliminate as possible. Other lifestyle choices are helpful; exercise, relaxation, proper diet & eliminating unhealthy habits (too much alcohol, withdrawal, too much sleep). Hope this helps!