Blog Brooks Spinal Care

Chronic Pain Sufferers in Tulsa Oklahoma: Regain Your Life

Do You Know the Two Classifications of Vertigo?

6/11/2016

   You feel as though you are spinning or falling, but you are perfectly still. Vertigo is incredibly disorienting, and can affect the most basic of daily tasks. There are two classification types of vertigo, central and peripheral.

Peripheral
   ▪   Vertigo that is caused outside of the central nervous system (outside of the brain and spinal cord)
   ▪   Most common type of vertigo
   ▪   Possible nausea or vomiting
   ▪   Hearing loss and/or ringing in the ear may occur
   ▪   Sudden onset
Central
   ▪   Vertigo cause originates inside of the central nervous system (in brain and/or spinal cord)
   ▪   Gradual onset of vertigo episode
   ▪   Attacks are of lesser intensity than peripheral vertigo

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and vertigo download our complimentary e-book.

How is my neck related to my vertigo?

Your spine is responsible for protecting your spinal cord. Your spinal cord is essential for transmitting signals to and from your brain. When the top bone in your neck (atlas) is misaligned, this can create pressure within your spinal cord at the base of your neck. This can affect signals going to and from your brainstem, potentially leading to vertigo symptoms.

   Dr. Hanson and I have received extensive training in NUCCA. NUCCA is a chiropractic technique aimed at precisely adjusting the atlas vertebra. Through this gentle correction, the atlas is realigned. Proper atlas alignment allows for reduced spinal cord pressure, restoring normal joint position signals to and from the brain. This may reduce symptoms of vertigo.

   Elster conducted an analysis of 60 patients with chronic vertigo that received specific atlas corrections. 48 out of the 60 patients received complete resolution of vertigo symptoms. All of the cases received some reduction of vertigo severity and/or frequency over the course of one to six months of atlas care.

References:

1. Marl K. Central Vertigo Clinical Presentation: History, Physical, Causes [Internet]. Emedicine.medscape.com. 2016 [cited 18 April 2016]. Available from: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/794789-clinical

2. Elster E. Sixty Patients With Chronic Vertigo Undergoing Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care to Correct Vertebral Subluxation: A Retrospective Analysis. J Vert Sub Res [Internet]. 2006 [cited 18 April 2016];2006(Nov):1-9. Available from: https://vertebralsubluxation.sharepoint.com/Pages/2006_1174_Vertigo.aspx

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Hanson click the button below or call 866-587-7111

Proof That Fibromyalgia Can Be Reversed

5/30/2016

An interesting case was presented in the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractor Research. It was about a 45-year-old female who had fibromyalgia. She complained of migraine headaches, pain throughout her back, neck pain, sciatica, depression, duodenal ulcer, numbness in her fingers, and right knee pain.

Her history revealed that when she was 15 years old, she had a traumatic head injury from diving into a shallow pool. Over the next 25 years, she was in a total of 10 car accidents. Her doctor diagnosed her with fibromyalgia. She endured another injury five years later, falling down a flight of stairs. This increased her pain.

She found temporary relief over a 12-year period by seeing general chiropractors. However, she was still in pain and suffering from depression. She was prescribed Flexeril, Soma, and Vicodin. It was impossible for her to climb stairs, walk more than 20 feet, or swim. She ended up using a wheelchair to help her complete her daily tasks and conserve energy.

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and fibromyalgia download our complimentary e-book.

Upper Cervical Chiropractic and Fibromyalgia

We differ from general chiropractors in that we focus our attention on the upper two bones of the vertebrae. A person with head or neck trauma may likely have a misalignment here. This causes the central nervous system to malfunction and changes the way the body works.

The above-mentioned patient sought out the care of an upper cervical chiropractor. Here are her results:

Her first re-evaluation revealed that her left leg sciatica and fibromyalgia had completely resolved. She was able to perform daily functions and sleep comfortably. She felt relaxed and had more energy. She no longer took any prescription drugs.
Her headaches and constant back pain were resolved by her second evaluation.
At her fifth evaluation, six months later, her knee pain had gone away. She reported no longer needing to use a wheelchair. She was able to do house and yard work, and she could swim, stand for long periods of time, and walk distances without the aid of medication.

This shows how helpful seeking the care of an upper cervical chiropractor can be. Why not call us for an evaluation today?

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Hanson click the button below or call 866-587-7111

The Basics of Sciatica and How to Find Relief

5/23/2016

Let’s begin by discussing the sciatic nerve. There are actually two branches of the nerve, one running down the back of each leg. The nerves originate in the lower segments of the spinal cord, pass through the hip, and run down the back of the leg into the foot. They are the largest peripheral nerves of the body, about the size of the little finger. The job of the sciatic nerve is to relay messages to and from the brain about the lower body and sensations in the legs. Conditions such as sciatica alter these messages.
What Are the Symptoms of Sciatica?

An electric shock feeling down the back of the leg
Numbness and tingling
Muscle weakness in the lower extremities
Generally, only one side is affected
Consistent pain in the buttocks

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and lower back pain download our complimentary e-book.

When to Be Concerned

Pain from sciatica can vary. In mild cases, it will clear up on its own in a few weeks. However, if numbness is felt in the thighs or weakness in the muscles continues to get worse over time, it may be time to seek the care of a professional. Another sign that sciatica may be getting serious is the inability to control the bowels or bladder function.

Where to Find Answers

The good news is that sciatica does not have to be a permanent condition. Upper cervical chiropractors are specialists in treating conditions related to the spine and have seen success stories abound with their patients. A common misconception is that lower back pain must be treated by adjusting the lower back. The truth is that the problem often lies in the upper neck vertebrae. Misalignments of only a quarter of a millimeter can wreak havoc on the entire body. By realigning the subluxations in the upper neck, the rest of the spine follows by falling back into place. This often dramatically reduces or eliminates the symptoms of sciatica.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Hanson click the button below or call 866-587-7111

The Surprising Connection Between Epilepsy and Migraines

5/16/2016

As if migraines were not bad enough to have to deal with on their own, they can occasionally be connected to another serious health condition—seizures. Unfortunately, since the two conditions share some similar symptoms, they may be confused for one another, or a person may not realize that he is experiencing both. The term for migraines and seizures together is migralepsy.

What Is an Occipital Seizure?

One condition that can mimic the symptoms of a migraine is an occipital seizure. Symptoms include:

Vision loss
Hallucinations
Eye pain
Fluttering or side to side eye movement
Image repetition (a person sees the same thing, although it has passed)

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and migraines download our complimentary e-book.

How Does Migralepsy Differ?

One primary thing that can set migralespy apart is aura. If you experience aura before an attack, that is from a migraine and means that a migraine is presenting with the seizures.

Interestingly, another thing that connects the two conditions is what causes them to occur. Electrical signals that the brain receives through the nerves are abnormal in both cases. Because of this, the first goal has to be to get those nerves sending the right messages again.

One thing that can cause these abnormal signals is pressure on the brainstem. This can be the result of a misalignment of the C1 or C2 vertebrae which are situated at the base of the skull. Correcting such a misalignment can go a long way in reducing the frequency of migraines and seizures, perhaps even stopping the attacks completely.

Learn More About Migraine Treatment in Tulsa, Oklahoma

If that sounds too good to be true, I encourage you to give us a call at Books Spinal Care to schedule a consultation. Our upper cervical chiropractors can explain to you why the NUCCA method of upper cervical care is so effective at helping neurological conditions like migraines.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Hanson click the button below or call 866-587-7111

Understanding Chronic Fatigue and Finding a Solution

5/9/2016

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a complex condition, and the causes are little understood. Even so, the list of symptoms can make day to day life difficult. Extreme tiredness or fatigue that does not go away with sleep and rest, memory loss, muscle pain, and swollen lymph nodes are all classic signs of the condition. In most cases, a diagnosis is not found through testing. Other issues are tested for and once they are ruled out, chronic fatigue moves up higher on the list of possibilities. All of this takes time and can be a frustrating process.

Some researchers are looking into the matter as one that can be relieved with exercise and a positive outlook. They have explored the matter from the angle of the condition being more of a state of mind than an actual physiological condition. Studies that have been published on the matter have drawn some controversy. Sufferers of the condition know the issues are more complex than what was suggested. Patients and physicians alike find themselves at a loss when it comes to effectively treating this difficult and complicated condition.

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and fibromyalgia download our complimentary e-book.

Upper Cervical Chiropractic and Chronic Fatigue For physicians trained in upper cervical chiropractic care, the subject takes a turn for the better. Often the cause of such a condition is an impedance in communication with the brain and the other systems of the body via the nervous system. What can cause the obstruction? The two upper vertebrae, C1 and C2, can come out of alignment. If this occurs, stress is put on the brainstem. This region of the brain is what is responsible for many of the body's functions. When under duress, increased pain, lack of or disturbance in sleep, changes in hormones, and other symptoms can manifest. Fortunately, many of these functions can heal and return to normal when the upper cervical region is properly aligned.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Hanson click the button below or call 866-587-7111

Migraine Information That Is Not Well-Known

4/25/2016

Migraine headaches are very common in the fast-paced world that we live in. Some may feel that a headache can simply be resolved if you drink some water and rest in darkened room. This rarely works with a migraine. These headaches can last up to seventy-two hours and are excruciating. There are some facts about migraines that may be surprising to learn.

A trigger for migraines can be lightning. Yes, this is true. Researchers have discovered that people, particularly those in Ohio and Missouri, are at a higher risk for migraines when lightning occurs. It is not just a strange coincidence, although the exact cause is unknown. Some things that may contribute to this are electromagnetic waves, the amount of ozone or fungus spores in the air, and a rise in barometric pressure and humidity.
A greater risk for committing suicide. Although shocking, research has revealed that migraine sufferers have more thoughts of harming themselves and have more suicide attempts than those without migraines. Those sufferers that have an aura or similar sensory sensations with their headaches are at an even greater risk. A psychologist from New York, Dawn Buse, Ph.D., states that migraines and depression may be related because they share much of the same biology.
Using too much medication can actually make migraines worse. What is supposed to help, in some cases, can actually do more harm. Various types of medicine, such as NSAIDS (ibuprofen), acetaminophen, and medications specifically for migraines (triptans) can all cause medication overuse headaches if they are needed too often.

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and migraines download our complimentary e-book.

The Secret to Finding Migraine Relief
Migraines are actually a neurological disorder that may be caused by a tiny misalignment of only ¼ of a millimeter in the upper neck. If either of your top two vertebrae are out of alignment, they may be causing the body to not communicate the way it should. This leads to all kinds of health problems, including migraine headaches. Upper cervical chiropractors are trained in the latest techniques to detect and then correct injuries that may be affecting the brainstem. When these corrections are made, the body begins to heal, and migraines may be a thing of the past.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Hanson click the button below or call 866-587-7111

References:

Treating Workplace Injuries with Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care

4/18/2016

These days many of us spend most of our working life sitting down hunched over a computer sending emails rather than walking to meetings and being generally active.

When we think of workplace injuries, we tend to think of accidents that happen to people working in manual jobs such as building, catering, and factory work. For example, you may think of falls caused by loose carpeting or slippery floors. We may often think of trips, slips, and people falling off ladders.

However, office-based workers are also susceptible to these and other injuries that can have a detrimental effect on their quality of life.

The move to such a sedentary working life can wreak havoc with the health of a workforce. Therefore, employers need to consider new ways of working that limit the negative effects on a person’s health.

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and lower back pain download our complimentary e-book.

Research by the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the most common workplace injuries affect people’s shoulders and backs, arms, wrists, legs, and abdomens. However, most of these injuries can be avoided, and it’s up to each individual employer to introduce health and safety regulations to ensure staff remain healthy and are not at risk of falls and other accidents.

For those people who have suffered from an injury at work, it’s worth making an appointment with an upper cervical chiropractor. This is because often the pain caused by an injury of this nature can be relieved by manipulating the bones in a person’s upper neck.

At a patient’s first session, the practitioner will examine the upper neck vertebrae (the C1 and C2 bones) and see if they are in the correct position. If they are out of alignment, this may be the cause of a patient’s pain. Even a tiny misalignment can place pressure on a person’s brainstem and cause health problems. Correcting this problem, and realigning the two bones relieves this pressure and enables the body to function properly again.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Hanson click the button below or call 866-587-7111

Stages of Your Migraine in Tulsa OK

4/16/2016

Migraine headaches often come on in stages. In some patients, symptoms of a migraine may start as early as 24 hours before the actual headache sets in. Unfortunately, migraines that occur in stages only prolong the suffering of the patient.
Let us consider some of the stages of migraine headaches.

Prodrome – This refers to the symptoms leading up to the actual head pain. Symptoms may include mood changes, fatigue, diarrhea or constipation, sound and smell sensitivity, stiff muscles, depression, and more. Only about 3 in 5 patients who get migraines will experience a prodrome. It can begin hours or even a day before the next migraine stage.
Aura – This includes symptoms that occur right before the headache begins and can include visual disturbances (blurring, partial blindness, seeing zigzag lines, etc.), numbness, tingling, speech issues, motor function problems, and dizziness. The onset of aura is usually gradual and lasts less than 60 minutes. Only about 1 in 3 migraine patients will experience aura.
Migraine Pain – Once the head pain sets in, the actual migraine can last anywhere from just a few hours to up to three days. As a side note, it seems that neck pain is a common symptom during a migraine, primarily for patients who do not experience aura. Pain is generally moderate to severe, and physical activity may increase pain levels.
Postdrome – Symptoms of this final stage are generally the aftereffects of the previous stages. For example, a patient may experience soreness where the pain used to be, continued mood swings, weakness, cognitive difficulties, or gastrointestinal symptoms.

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and migraines download our complimentary e-book.

Finding Relief from Migraines in Tulsa, Oklahoma

At Brooks Spinal Care, we seek to treat the root cause of migraines. You may be surprised to know that many migraine symptoms can be traced back to a misalignment in the topmost vertebrae of the neck. If the C1 or C2 are misaligned by even ¼ mm, your brain may not be able to communicate with the rest of the body properly. Many patients find that symptoms are greatly reduced or even go away completely when such a misalignment is corrected.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Hanson click the button below or call 866-587-7111

Little Known Way to Treat Fibromyalgia in Tulsa

4/11/2016

Fibromyalgia involves more than just chronic pain, although that is one of the primary symptoms of this debilitating disease. What are some others?

Extreme tiredness
Stiff joints
Problems with bowel and bladder function
Problems swallowing
Tingling and numbness
PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder)
Problems with mental activities, such as memory and thinking clearly
Insomnia and other sleep issues
Depression and anxiousness

Many of these symptoms are due to a neurochemical imbalance. This type of imbalance begins in the inflammatory pathways and can cause a person to process pain improperly, feeling it more intensely.

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and fibromyalgia download our complimentary e-book.

Even though a person may not feel like they are experiencing any of the symptoms right now, it is important to be aware of what they are as this condition can affect anyone at any time. What may cause a person to be more prone to experiencing fibromyalgia?

Women are more likely than men to get it, particularly those of menopause age
Lack of exercise leading to poor physical condition
Genetic disposition
Those who have experienced trauma to the brain or spinal cord

Upper cervical chiropractors, such as those here at Brooks Spinal Care, have had success in helping patients with fibromyalgia find relief from their symptoms. We are a specially trained group within the chiropractic profession. Our focus is on making sure the central nervous system is working properly at the brainstem level. Such things as whiplash, sports injuries, car accidents, and falls can cause a misalignment to occur in the top two bones of the vertebrae. This can cause the head to shift position leading the entire body to begin to compensate for this disruption. The brain, brainstem, nerves, and spinal cord begin to function improperly sending the wrong signals to and from the body and the brain.
When this misalignment is corrected by an upper cervical chiropractor, normal flow of blood, oxygen, cerebrospinal fluid, and nerves can begin. Healing can take place, and the end result may be a decrease in many of the symptoms of fibromyalgia, or possibly a total remission.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Hanson click the button below or call 866-587-7111

References:

Sciatica - Relieving the Pain in Tulsa OK

3/28/2016

Unfortunately, pain is part of life for everyone. Sciatic pain makes life very uncomfortable. A person may deal with it on a daily basis. However, it is possible something can be done about it. So, where can a person begin to find relief?

Many think their first step should be to visit their family physician. Some are reluctant to do this because they basically know what will happen. They will be given medication to dull the pain, exercises to do, and lifestyle changes to make. This is not the answer everyone is looking for. This may alleviate some pain, but it is not addressing the root cause of sciatica. Are there any other options? Before we discuss that, let's take a deeper look into what sciatica is, so that we can understand how to treat it.

Symptoms associated with sciatic pain are the following:

Pain that radiates from your lower spine to your buttock and down the back of the leg
Tingling or pins and needles feeling
Feeling numb
Weakness or pain in your leg or foot
Usually, only one side is affected
Problems moving your leg
Worsens after sitting for long periods

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and lower back pain download our complimentary e-book.

What is sciatica? The sciatic nerve extends from your lower back through the buttocks and down the back of the leg. It consists of five nerve roots that are connected to the spine. When one of these nerve roots becomes irritated or compressed pain is the result. Some things that can cause this to happen are pregnancy, spinal disc herniation, car accidents, tumors, spinal stenosis, or piriformis syndrome.

One area of treatment that has seen much success in dealing with sciatic pain is that of upper cervical chiropractic care. Even though the pain is being felt in the lower extremities, the problem may lie in the upper part of the neck. A misalignment here of only ¼ of a millimeter can be putting undue pressure on the brainstem causing the body not to communicate properly with the brain. By getting a proper adjustment to this area, many have reported relief of symptoms.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Hanson click the button below or call 866-587-7111