Low Back Pain

Lower back pain and pain radiating down the leg is one of the most common maladies that humans experience. Next to colds and the flu, it is the most common reason why we miss work and go to the doctor. It is the most common work injury. It is estimated that today, in the United States, 75 million people suffer from back pain and that there are 7 million new victims each year. The financial costs of lower back pain are staggering. It is estimated that one third of the entire cost of the worker's compensation system is spent on treatment, disability and benefits for lower back pain. Most back problems are mechanical in nature.

Chiropractic care has been effective for treating low back pain more than any other type of treatment. Major studies show that Chiropractic not only gives short term relief, but over the long term patients return to work faster and have less frequent re-injuries.

Headaches

Headache Relief Without Drugs is a major goal in my office. There are many common causes of headaches including high blood pressure, low blood sugar, hormonal changes, hangover, and dental problems. These, however, are small in number in comparison with headaches that are caused by tension of the neck and head muscles and irritation to nerves. Another common cause of headache is the vascular phenomenon known as migraine.

Alteration in the normal alignment and function of the spinal bones in the neck and upper back can cause irritation and inflammation of the muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. This can result in the common types of headaches that many experience. Before any treatment is initiated, we will examine you thoroughly to identify the causes of your headaches.

Chiropractic care focuses on improving and correcting the alignment, balance and function of the spinal joints and muscles. This can provide relief from recurring headaches, without the use of drugs and medications.

Fibromyalgia

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain and fatigue disorder for which there is no known cause. Fibromyalgia means pain in the muscles, ligaments and tendons, the fibrous tissues of the body. In addition to pain and fatigue, other symptoms include un-refreshed sleep, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic headaches, morning stiffness, cognitive or memory impairment, reduced coordination and decreased endurance.

The most common symptoms of fibromyalgia are muscle pain, fatigue, insomnia, joint pain and headaches. In addition, restless legs, numbness and tingling, impaired memory, leg cramps, impaired concentration and nervousness are accompanying symptoms. Major depression is found in approximately 20% of fibromyalgia patients. While there are no known lab tests that will diagnose this malady, recent research has shown that spinal fluid substance P levels are elevated three-fold in fibromyalgia patients. Spinal levels of nerve growth factor are elevated four-fold in fibromyalgia patients.

How is Fibromyalgia Treated?

Chiropractic adjustments - Manipulation of the spine has many benefits, these include enhancing and improving joint mobility, normalizing functioning of the nervous system, enhancing endorphin release, relieving pain generated by joint nerve receptors.

Massage - Skillful deep muscle therapy rendered at the hands of a certified massage therapist can reduce muscle spasm, increase circulation, break up fibrous adhesions and effectively relieve emotional stress that builds up in skeletal muscles.

Flexibility exercise - Stretching and yoga are used to enhance blood flow to the muscles, relieve morning stiffness, and rid the muscles of waist products that accumulate as the muscle fatigues. This type of exercise also increases joint flexibility, and can produce endorphin release.

Neck and Arm Pain

Neck pain, which is sometimes accompanied by arm pain or numbness, is the second most common problem that is treated at my office. The neck has a lot more flexibility than the low back and can easily become misaligned. There are so many other symptoms that can arise from the neck, such as headaches, radiating pain down the arm, bells palsy, ear pain and earaches, asthma, heart palpitations, trouble swallowing, face pain, and eye issues just to name a few.

Chiropractic care is far and above effective in treating neck and related issues. Dr. Kosek prides himself on giving gentle Chiropractic treatments especially to the Cervical spine.

Scoliosis and Posture Correction

Scoliosis is a lateral or sideways curve in the back that can not only alter appearance but can cause pain and sometimes shorten life expectancy. Dr. Kosek has done school scoliosis screenings and helped hundreds of children and adults reduce their curvature and relieve pain.

Most back and neck pain is mechanical in nature. When the spine is at a disadvantage by work positioning or repetitive motions, it adapts by changing body posture and spinal alignment. This can create a forward carriage of the head and neck, a humped middle back, and other pain-producing distortions. To the left is an abnormal curve of the neck. If left alone this will cause early degeneration.

Chiropractic adjustments restore a normal curvature which not only relieves pain, improves posture, but also slows degnerative arthritis. Pictured to the left is a more normal curvature that is the ideal we strive to attain.

What Conditions Can Chiropractic Help?

While chiropractic is best known as an effective treatment for lower back conditions, it is much more than that. The same principles of rehabilitation, when applied to other areas of the body, make chiropractic effective in treating whiplash injuries, sports injuries, strains, sprains, and even in managing some types of arthritis.

The greatest benefits of chiropractic care come when it is used as a preventative tool. The primary function of the spine is the protection of the spinal cord and nerve roots. Because Chiropractic adjustments improve spinal alignment and function, it can reduce stress and irritation of the spinal nerve roots thereby promoting overall health. Chiropractic should be utilized on a regular basis, in conjunction with exercise, good nutrition, rest, not smoking and stress management to promote maximum health.