Neck and Arm Pain – The Herniated Disk?
September 14, 2009
Scotch Plains and Bayonne Chiropractor Comments: Patients that present with neck pain along with arm numbness, pain, and/or weakness, often ask, “…what’s causing this pain down my arm?” The condition is often caused from a bulging or herniated disk pinching a nerve in the neck. The cause of this complaint can include both trauma as well as non-traumatic events. In fact, sometimes, the patient has no idea what started their condition, as they cannot tie any specific event to the onset.
The classic presentation includes neck pain that radiates into the arm in a specific area as each nerve affects different parts of the arm and hand. Describing the exact location of the arm complaint such as, “I have numbness in the arm and hand that makes my 4th and pinky fingers feel half asleep,” tells us that you have a pinched C8 nerve. This nerve can also be pinched at the elbow and make the same two fingers numb. The difference between the two different conditions is when the nerve is pinched in the neck, the pain is located from the neck down the entire arm and into digits 4 & 5 of the hand. When the nerve is pinched at the elbow, the pain/numbness is located from the elbow down to the 4th & 5th digits, but no neck or upper arm pain exists.
Examination findings usually include limitations in certain cervical (neck) ranges of motion (ROMs) – usually in the direction that increases the pinch on the nerve. Another common finding is the arm is often held over the head because there is more stretching on the nerve when the arm is hanging down and pain in the neck and arm increases. Hence, raising the arm over the head reduces the neck/arm pain. To determine where the nerve is pinched, there are a number of different compression tests that can recreate or increase the symptoms. Some compression tests include placing downward pressure on the head with the head pointing straight ahead, bent or rotated to each side. Other compression tests are performed by pressing in areas where the nerve travels such as in the lower front aspect of the neck, in the front of the shoulder where the arm connects to the chest/trunk, at the elbow and at the wrist. If there is a pinched nerve, numbness, tingling and/or pain will be reproduced when pressure is applied to these regions. Other tests include testing reflexes and muscle strength in the arm. When a nerve is pinched, the reflexes will be sluggish or absent and certain movements in the arm are weak when compared to the opposite side. Another very practical test is called the cervical (neck) distraction test where a traction force is applied to the neck. When neck and/or arm pain is reduced, this means there is a pinched nerve. This test is particularly useful because when pain is reduced, the test supports the need for a treatment approach called cervical traction. It has been reported that the use of cervical traction when applied 3x/day for 15 minutes each, at 8-12 pounds, 78% of 81 patients reported a significant improvement in symptoms, which is very effective. Other forms of care that can be highly effective include spinal manipulation, spinal mobilization, certain exercises, physical therapy modalities, and certain medications.
To learn more about Neck and Back Pain Relief, sign up for a free report, or click here to register for a Free, In- Office Evaluation. If you are looking for faster service, feel free to give us a call at one of our two New Jersey locations. For our Bayonne, NJ location, call 201-339-8889, and for our Scotch Plains, NJ location call us at 908-490-1800. Just tell them that you read this article and you will receive our complimentary in-office evaluation (a $245 Value).
Article by Dr. Eric Chludzinski, DC. Dr. Chludzinski is the founder of Hudson Center for Spinal Care located in Bayonne and Scotch Plains, New Jersey. In preparation for his career, Dr. Chludzinski attended St. Peter’s College in Jersey City, NJ graduating in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science in Natural Science. He continued his studies at Life University School of Chiropractic in Marietta, GA graduating in the class of 2002 as a Doctor of Chiropractic. Dr. Chludzinski services both Hudson County and Union County in New Jersey
Do You Have Pain Radiating Down Your Leg?
July 8, 2009
I see many patients come through my office with pain related to “Sciatica”. Sciatica is actually a symptom consisting of leg pain which can be a shooting pain, a burning sensation, a tingling feeling, and/or general weakness in the leg. The most common condition that causes sciatica is a herniated or slipped disc that causes pressure on the nerves. The sciatic nerve is the thickest nerve in the body and it branches off to the lower spinal nerve roots and spinal nerves. It runs down the back of the leg.
Most commonly I see a disc irritating these nerves which causes the pain (or numbness and tingling or weakness) down the leg. Essentially patients have trouble standing or walking on the leg because when they stand they put more loading from the disc onto the nerve and that causes heightened irritation. If it’s a disc issue and you qualify for spinal decompression, in my opinion that is the best form of treatment.
The other key to long-term success is proper alignment through Chiropractic care. We make sure we’re addressing any type of abnormal loading on the spine, in other words any poor alignment. If there is additional pressure on the nerves from poor posture, that can contribute to recurring injuries. We make sure everything is balanced by utilizing specific postural adjustments by means of a low force spinal adjusting instrument know as the IMPULSE. For more information, visit www.neuromechanical.com. Additionally, we always follow up with physical rehab and stretching of the muscles to aid in stabilizing the spine.
But whatever you do, make sure you fully understand the risks associated with any procedure to treat your sciatica. I’m always so surprised with how few people know about spinal decompression technology and its proven success. Nearly all the patients that HAVE been through a spinal surgery wished they knew about spinal decompression first.
Take a look at this video for more information:
What is a Herniated Disc and how can it be treated?
June 24, 2009
A lot of patients come into my office complaining of chronic back pain. On occasion they suffer from a herniated disc (or multiple herniations) and are surprised by the pain that this causes. So, a lot of people ask, what a herniated disc is. Basically, the space between your vertebrae in your spine is filled with a small, spongy disc. This disc, when healthy, acts as a shock absorber for the spine and keeps the vertebrae from rubbing against each other. When the disc is damaged, it can dry out, thus becoming less effective, or even bulge or break open. This is what we refer to when we talk about a herniated disc.
As you can tell, this is a very painful condition. Most medical doctors are taught to treat this with a painful (yet most ineffective) back surgery. At my office, we do what we can to help our patients avoid surgery and recover in a more natural manner. Often times drugs and painful shots are also ineffective. To learn more about whether back surgery is really needed, view my blog post on that here.
Depending on the severity of the disc herniation, chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy, or spinal decompression may be your best option. We have had a lot of success treating herniated disc patients using the DRX 9000 Spinal Decompression Machine.
One of my patients was nice enough to share her experience here:
“MY WHOLE LIFE CHANGED, NOT BEING ABLE TO ESCAPE THE DISABLING PAIN.”
I have been in pain for about 6 years and I have been going to different doctors and therapy. After having an MRI on my back, I was diagnosed with having three herniated discs. The pain was like a knife jabbing me in my buttocks down to my leg. My whole life changed, not being able to escape the disabling pain. Then I found a doctor with the Spinal Decompression. After going through treatments, painless treatments for about a year the pain had gone away 90%. Thank you to Hudson Center for Spinal Care!
Cecilia Pangilinan ~ Hoboken Accountant
Who is a candidate for Spinal Decompression?
June 10, 2009
Often times there is a lot of confusion around patients who come into my office and think that their back pain warrants a treatment like spinal decompression. Many times, spinal decompression is not needed, and a comprehensive adjustment will relieve the pain. However, in cases that are more chronic, spinal decompression may be needed. I have a report that I wrote that clarifies in more depth some of the requirements for candidacy, you can find it at http://www.NewChronicBackPainRelief.com
Most of the patients that we have in our office for spinal decompression have severe lower back pain, pain that radiates from their lower back to their leg (also known as sciatica), extreme numbness or tingling in their legs as well as herniated discs, bulging discs, and believe it or not, a lot of our patients have had back surgery already. Since the failure rate of back surgery is so high, they are amazed at the results that come from the use of the DRX 9000 decompression machine.
You don’t have to take it from me, see what some of my patients say:
“…TREATMENTS HAVE HELPED ME GET BACK TO A PAIN FREE LIFE…”
For the last 4 years I have suffered from a degenerative disc in my lower back. I have been through a gamut of therapy or therapeutic treatment, even 4 rounds of epidural injections. Just before setting up the appointment for round #5 my wife found and add for a new treatment for lower back problems; the DRX 9000. We sent our information for more on this treatment and met Dr. Chludzinski whose treatments have helped me get back to a pain free life, which started after the second week. Before treatment I would work my 8 hr. shift, go home and recoup the entire night just to be able to return to work the next day. Now I have been able to continue my normal activities both at work and with my family. I would recommend this treatment to anyone who suffers from back pain instead of drugs or surgery.
Richard Yuditsky ~ Jersey City Radio Repair Supervisor
Why Should You Find a Chiropractor with a DRX 9000 Spinal Decompression Machine?
June 3, 2009
Spinal Decompression is starting to gain visibility in the medical field as one of the best options for relieving chronic back pain, herniated, bulging, and degenerative discs, sciatica, spinal stenosis, and pinched nerves. The fact that patients suffering from these painful conditions can now get relief without the use of pills, shots, or an agonizing surgery really brings a lot of joy to my life when I see the reactions of my patients. While the importance of having a doctor who is well trained and has a great understanding of the spine is important, the equipment that they use for spinal decompression is also important. At my offices in Bayonne and Scotch Plains NJ, we prefer the use of the DRX 9000 by Axiom.
There are several other machines that claim to have the same results as the DRX 9000, however, from my experience and the experiences of my patients, the DRX 9000 provides top notch relief. There are other traction machines out there (traction basically just pulls the entire spine and doesn’t focus on just the problem areas), that do not have the ability to cycle the forces on the spine at the appropriate disc level. These machines just aren’t as effective as using the DRX 9000.
There are also some actual spinal decompression machines that are out there that are more similar to the DRX 9000, however the sophistication and high quality of the DRX 9000 makes a difference that our patients can attest to. Here is what one of our patients has to say about the DRX 9000:
“…INVEST IN YOURSELF – YOU DESERVE IT….”
Stop right now and take your life back! If you suffer from back pain you know it not only affects you at work or simple everyday chores, but it affects your family and the time you spend with them. Dr. Chludzinski can help you with all of this. Not only is the DRX 9000 a state of the art machine, it’s a modern day miracle, and it parallels Dr. Chludzinski’s practice. He uses up to date techniques, (not the same old back cracking style used by other doctors), to treat the pain and strengthen and heal the body. He and his staff give everyone the personal care and attention needed to make your road to recovery a smooth one. They can also accommodate anyone’s schedule.
Now although I was skeptical at first, I weighed my options, it was a no-brainer. Let’s see – a choice of epidurals, maybe surgery, or just more visits to the old school back crackers, which could do more harm than help, or Dr. Chludzinski and the DRX 9000. Well you know what choice I made. So find out if it works for you and invest in yourself – you deserve it. Thank you Dr. Chludzinski and Staff.
Walter Chowanec ~ Jersey City Police Officer
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