Dr Todd P Sullivan Archives - Page 69 of 79 - Chiropractor in Burke, VA

The Power of TENS

If you suffer from acute pain as the result of an injury, finding relief is probably one of the most important things on your mind. In many cases, pain is treated separately from the underlying condition that is causing it. A doctor of chiropractic has a wide range of treatment options to reduce or eliminate pain resulting from soft tissue injuries to help restore quality of life while your body is healing itself. One of the most powerful tools your chiropractor has available to treat you is transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation, or TENS.

When an injury occurs, medical treatment is used to help it heal. However, it is not unusual for patients who have experienced serious injuries to suffer from severe pain during the healing process itself. Obviously, this kind of pain can interfere with the person’s ability to function normally in common day-to-day situations. However, it can also reduce the speed at which the body is able to repair itself. TENS therapy is used extensively because of its versatility and effectiveness at reducing pain throughout the body.

How TENS Works

TENS units are often used by chiropractors during office visits in connection with physical rehabilitation. In some cases, portable models are also prescribed for treatment at home. The units have electrodes that are attached to the skin with adhesive so that they can send electrical pulses across your skin and to the nerve endings that send pain signals. The electrical pulses interfere with the signals so they do not tell the brain that the body is in pain. At the same time, the electrical pulses also increase the endorphins released in the brain. These natural pain killers lead to even greater pain relief without the need for risky medications. When using TENS to treat joint and muscle injuries, the heat produced during the treatments can also increase function.

TENS therapy is used by chiropractic physicians for a number of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, including:

Osteoarthritis
Fibromyalgia
Low back pain
Neck pain
Bursitis
Tendinitis

What to Expect from TENS Therapy

TENS therapy is safe and effective when used by your chiropractor in a clinical setting. If you have been prescribed a TENS device for home use, it is important for you to realize that your results—and safety—will depend on using it as directed. Patients often find that the relief they get from TENS eliminates the need for conventional pain treatment. However, you should never discontinue any medications or therapy without discussing them with your doctor.

The prescribing physician should show you how to use the TENS unit and will usually demonstrate in their office before you use it at home. Most units are small, about the size of a pocket calculator. The unit will be set for the wavelength frequency that your doctor has recommended for your condition. Most sessions last about 15 to 20 minutes. The number of sessions you will have each day and the duration of the treatment will depend on your specific needs. If you have any questions feel free to contact us at (703) 912-7822 or visit us at Chiropractor in Burke, VA.

When it Comes to Posture, the Little Things Matter. Like Sitting on Your Wallet…

Posted on 02.4.15 | Leave a Comment

You know the big things that impact your posture, such as the height of your keyboard or whether you slouch on the couch, but it’s easy to overlook the little things. By the way, where is your wallet right now? If it’s currently in your back pocket, we need to have a talk…

Little Things Matter When it Comes to Posture

Your wallet fits so perfectly in your back pocket. Certainly it can’t hurt to keep it there, right? Unfortunately, sitting on your wallet can cause a host of posture problems, which can lead to pain in your back, shoulders, and neck. When half of your posterior is higher than the other, your pelvis twists, the spine becomes misaligned, and your shoulders have a tendency to slump. This isn’t good, but there is a simple solution: just keep your wallet in the front!

Now that your wallet is in the right place, it’s time to look at your feet. What kind of shoes are you wearing? If you’re a woman wearing high heels, think about giving your back a break. Tall heels put you off balance, which your body compensates for by flexing at the hips and spine. The forward curve in your lower back decreases, your knees are stressed, and the muscles in your back, hips, and calves tense. All of this can lead to poor posture and back pain. Switch to flats to solve the problem.

Guys, you aren’t off the hook in the footwear department. If it’s been a while since you’ve bought a new pair of shoes, take a closer look at your soles. Wear and tear in this area can throw off your gait, leading to posture issues and—you guessed it—back pain. Maybe it’s time for some replacements…

Women with large breasts might find it particularly difficult to maintain proper posture. This is more likely to be true without the support of a proper bra. If this situation is causing you to slouch or experience back or shoulder pain, consider looking into a posture bra. These bras have bands that are designed to carry your chest’s weight, reducing pull on the shoulder straps and allowing you to sit or stand straight and without strain.

Do you carry a heavy bag or purse with you? If you’re constantly carrying a heavy weight on one side of your body, you are also constantly shifting to the side to compensate, which can lead to back pain and even nerve trauma. Take some time to clean out your bag, and try to alternate the side you carry it on to reduce the damage.

Correcting the Damage

Life is full of little things that can lead to poor posture and pain, many of which you might not be aware of. Consulting with a chiropractor can help you gain a better understanding of how your daily life affects the way you sit and stand. If your posture has already been compromised or you are already experiencing back or neck pain, chiropractic care can also help to correct it. With expert guidance and a few changes, little problems can stop being a big deal. Give our office a call at (703) 912-7822 or visit us at Chiropractor in Burke, VA.

Why Do Ligament and Tendon Injuries Take So Long to Heal?

Posted on 01.20.15 | Leave a Comment

Ligaments and tendons both play an important role in the stability and function of the musculoskeletal system. The tendon connects muscles to bones while ligaments connect bones to other bones. Both are made of fibrous connective tissue that is relatively inelastic. Unlike muscle tissue, fibrous connective tissue does not have a significant blood supply to bring necessary fluid and nutrients to the site of an injury. Unfortunately, these nutrients are still essential for repairing the damage.

The Knee is a Common Site for Injuries

The knee is the body’s largest joint and it is made up of both tendons and ligaments. Four ligaments are in the knee, forming a strong support to hold together the bones and provide stability. There are two tendons connected to the joint with the quadriceps connecting thigh muscles to the knee cap and the patellar tendon stretching between the knee cap and the shin.

Sprains and tears are among the most common types of injuries to the knee, along with soft tissue tears. Injuries occur to the ligaments when the knee is twisted beyond the joint’s normal range-of-motion, often as a result of a sports accident. Tendons are often injured when they are stretched and torn while running, jumping or from an impact to the front of the knee.

Treating Serious Injuries to Tendons and Ligaments

Due to the lack of nutrients available to ligaments and tendons, surgery can often be required to restore full function to the joint. Arthroscopic surgery provides surgeons with a less invasive method of repairing the damaged tissue by working with small instruments through small incisions. But what about less serious types of injuries?

A Replacement for RICE?

For many, many years, that standards advice given to individuals who have suffered a knee injury has always been to follow the RICE system:

R – Rest

I – Ice

C – Compress

E – Elevate

However, some researchers and clinicians are suggesting another approach called MEAT, or Movement, Exercise, Analgesics and Treatment. Some studies have indicated that the RICE method can cause further damage to already injured ligaments and tendons. Some professionals who have reviewed this work now believe that any treatment that reduces inflammation or interferes with the body’s own response to the trauma will delay healing by further limiting blood flow, including the application of ice. Their view is that inflammation actually aids in the recovery of muscle cells and also helps to regenerate soft tissue. Immune cells release insulin-like growth factor into damaged tissue which aids in healing. When athletes or others with injuries to ligaments or tendons apply ice or take NSAIDs to decrease inflammation, they interfere with the body’s natural action and prevent healing from occurring.

Chiropractic physicians are experts in diagnosing and treating a wide range of acute injuries and chronic health conditions that affect the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. So if you’ve recently suffered a soft-tissue injury, we can design a treatment plan that will help you heal as quickly and completely as possible, getting you out of pain and back to your active lifestyle. Call our office today at (703) 912-7822 or visit us at Chiropractor in Burke, VA.

How to Choose the Right Foam Roller

Posted on 01.14.15 | Leave a Comment

Foam rolling is gaining in popularity as more people learn about its benefits in treating soft tissue injuries and conditions such as piriformis pain and sore muscles. The first foam rollers were simple pieces of rounded foam. These days, countless alternatives to plain white foam abound to meet a wide variety of needs, uses and preferences. While having lots of options is often a good thing if you know exactly what you’re looking for, it can be overwhelming if you have no idea where to begin when choosing the right foam roller.

Why are there so many types of foam rollers?

Not every foam roller is made the same way. Neither are people. Firmer foams may be uncomfortable or painful for some people, while other people prefer the added pressure of a firm touch. Similarly, a simple round shape may not penetrate into deeper tissues, whereas a contoured shape might be a better fit for massaging hard-to-reach areas. In addition to firmness and shape, other factors to consider are purpose (sometimes called “application”), quality and cost. Choosing the foam roller that is right for you will help get the results you want, prevent injury and keep you loving your foam rolling routine for a long time to come.

Basic Types of Foam Rollers

EVA foam roller. This is the most common, standard type of foam roller and can be used by nearly everyone. EVA foam rollers are usually 3-ft long with a diameter of 6 inches. This general-use roller is made of softer foam material, so it’s great for people new to foam rolling and for people who don’t need more aggressive or specialized foam rollers to achieve their goals.

High-density foam roller. Firmer than the EVA foam roller, a high-density foam roller is made of more solid material that can withstand more weight than softer rollers. This denser material is more durable than standard foam, but the additional resistance or pressure it applies may take longer to get used to.

Rumble roller. This firm foam roller is lined with bumps that produce a massaging effect. The solid core inside this roller helps it stand the test of time and provides increased pressure and a deeper feel while you roll.

Grid roller. The grid roller boasts similar density to the rumble roller, but with a hollow core and smoother outer area. This option might suit someone who enjoys firmness, but without the bumpy texture of a rumble roller.

Foam rolling can be a great complement to chiropractic care and is often a useful addition to structured exercise and stretching programs. If you are considering buying a foam roller, doing your research can certainly help. However, there’s really no substitute for actually trying a particular type of foam roller and learning how to use it the right way. If you’re unsure about which type of foam roller is best for you or don’t know how to use one yet, your chiropractor can help. Just call us at (703) 912-7822 or visit us at Chiropractor in Burke, VA.

How Do Spinal Decompression Tables Work?

Posted on 01.12.15 | Leave a Comment

The vast majority of adults—some estimates say 80% or more—will experience back pain at some time in their lives. For some people, this back pain may be uncomfortable and occur only intermittently. However, other people will experience chronic back pain that interferes with their ability to work or participate in normal, everyday activities. When it comes to treating back pain, most physicians recommend trying more conservative, non-invasive treatments before resorting to spinal surgery. One type of non-surgical treatment that is gaining in popularity for relieving back pain is spinal decompression.

One of the most frequent causes of back pain is herniated or “bulging” discs. The discs themselves are fluid-filled sacs that lie between the vertebrae in the spinal column to add a layer of cushioning that prevents the individual bones from rubbing together. Over time, wear-and-tear can cause the discs to degenerate. They also naturally lose some of their fluid content as part of the aging process. This allows more friction to occur between the vertebrae. Discs can also put pressure on surrounding nerves, sometimes causing pain.

What is Spinal Decompression?

Spinal decompression is a non-surgical treatment that is used for the purpose of relieving back pain and helping herniated discs to heal. It uses a kind of motorized traction that provides gentle stretching of the spine. As the vertebrae shift position, the negative forces within the spine are changed. This relieves pressure on the discs, causing those that are protruding out of place to retract. It also allows for the flow of nutrients and water back into the discs to promote healing.

A computerized spinal decompression machine is operated by the doctor while you lie fully-clothed on a table. Two harnesses are fitted around the pelvis and the trunk of the body. The doctor will operate the computer during the treatment to provide the appropriate stretching for the specific condition of the patient. Multiple treatments are given over a period of several weeks and they may be used in combination with other types of treatment such as chiropractic adjustments, electrical stimulation or heat or cold therapy.

Who Can Benefit from Spinal Decompression?

Any injury or condition that causes pressure on the discs can cause them to slip out of place. Some conditions that can benefit from spinal decompression include:

Bulging or herniated discs
Degenerative disc disease
Facet syndrome
Pinched nerve
Sciatica

If you’d like to learn more about spinal decompression and other conservative, non-invasive back pain treatments, please call our office at (703) 912-7822 or visit our office website at Chiropractor in Burke, VA. There are many safe and effective options available, and we would be happy to discuss your situation with you. Under the right circumstances, spinal decompression can be quite effective in treating both acute and chronic back pain. In addition to providing non-surgical relief, the treatment also speeds up recovery and reduces time away from work and other activities so that you can enjoy a better quality of life.