Common conditions we treat

Jump to: Allergies Carpal tunnel syndrome Degenerative disc disease Disc problems Fibromyalgia Headaches Joint dysfunction Neck and back pain Osteoarthritis Pinched nerve Sciatica Maintenance care

Allergies

Allergies are an immune reaction to substances that are normally harmless, causing sneezing, coughing, congestion, hives and rashes. Chiropractic doesn’t work like an antihistamine. Some research suggests the nervous system and immune system are closely linked, and some patients find their allergy symptoms less troublesome with regular chiropractic care.

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is most often linked to repetitive work such as typing, especially with poor posture. Symptoms include pain, numbness, weakness or burning in the hand and wrist. The nerves to your fingertips run through the wrist, up the arm and into the neck, so Dr. Moe looks at the whole path, with adjustments to the spine and the joints of the arm and wrist.

Degenerative disc disease

Despite the name, degenerative disc disease isn’t really a disease: it describes changes in the spinal discs as we age. Discs have a tough outer layer and a soft center, and act as shock absorbers between the vertebrae. Over time they lose fluid and flexibility, which can lead to herniated or bulging discs, spinal stenosis and osteoarthritis.

Some people have no symptoms at all; others have pain in the back or neck that can travel to the buttocks, arms or legs, with numbness or tingling. Age, weight, smoking, repetitive physical work and injury all play a part. If you have frequent back or neck pain, come in for an examination so we can make a plan for you.

Disc problems

The discs between your vertebrae allow movement, create space between the bones and absorb shock. Injury, or simply age, can cause a disc to bulge, herniate, slip or even rupture, putting pressure on nearby nerves.

Before considering surgery, many people find relief with chiropractic care: by improving the alignment and movement of the spine, pressure on the nerves and discs can be eased.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia brings chronic pain throughout the body, often in the joints, and may come with trouble sleeping, headaches, depression and anxiety. There is no known cure, but a full examination helps us understand what may be driving your pain. Gentle adjustments and massage can help ease it.

Headaches

Noise, tiredness and stress can all bring on a headache, and many headaches start in the neck: tight neck and shoulder muscles and stiff joints. A typical neck-related (cervicogenic) headache starts at the base of the skull and spreads to the temples, eyes and forehead. Massage of the neck and shoulders can release tension, and gentle adjustments can help the neck move freely, to address the cause rather than just the symptom.

Joint dysfunction

Joint dysfunction is when a joint becomes stiff and can’t move fully, from injury, poor posture, overuse or underuse, or muscle imbalance. Like arthritis, it can cause pain in and around the joint, and problems elsewhere as the body compensates.

One common example is sacroiliac joint dysfunction, where the base of the spine meets the pelvis. It causes low back pain and is often mistaken for sciatica or a herniated disc. Specific adjustments can restore movement and ease pain.

Neck and back pain

Pain along the spine, in the neck or back, often comes from joints that are stiff or out of alignment and the muscles and nerves around them. Left alone, it can lead to muscle spasms and more pain. Adjustments help the spine move and line up properly, relieving pressure on joints and nerves, and address the cause rather than masking it.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the wearing down of the cartilage in a joint, most often in the knees, hips, back, neck and hands. Arthritis in one joint can lead to problems in another as you compensate: a sore left knee can mean more strain on the right hip.

Painkillers can give temporary relief. Chiropractic care aims to restore healthy joint movement and help you move well, looking at the body as a whole rather than one sore spot.

Pinched nerve

When a nerve is squeezed or compressed, by a misaligned joint, a bulging or herniated disc or something else, it can cause inflammation, pain and sometimes muscle spasms. An examination finds the cause, and treatment works on relieving the pressure. More about pinched nerves.

Sciatica

Sciatica happens when the sciatic nerve is irritated, by a bulging disc, a misaligned joint or a muscle spasm. It causes pain, numbness and weakness in the lower back and leg. The key is finding and treating the cause. More about sciatica.

Maintenance care

The best way to deal with many of these conditions is to prevent them. Regular visits can help keep problems and injuries from starting, and many patients notice better flexibility and mobility, more energy, better posture and an overall sense of well-being.

Brochures from the office: Low back pain and sciatica (PDF) · Neck pain (PDF)