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What You Need To Know About Occipital Neuralgia

Occipital NeuralgiaWhat You Need To Know About Occipital Neuralgia

Many headaches that people classify as migraines are actually not migraines at all. Two of the most common headaches confused with migraines are sinus headaches and occipital neuralgia.

The condition can be debilitating but there are treatments, including chiropractic, that are very effective. Understanding occipital neuralgia can help patients better manage it so they can minimize the pain and symptoms of the condition.

What is occipital neuralgia?

Occipital neuralgia is a neurological condition that affects the occipital nerves which run from the top portion of the spinal cord, through the scalp, transmitting messages to and from the brain. There are two greater occipital nerves, one on each side of the head, from between the vertebrae located in the upper neck through the muscles that are located at the base of the skull and back of the head.

While they do not cover the areas on or near the ears or over the face, they can extend over the scalp as far as the forehead. When those nerves are injured or become inflamed, occipital neuralgia is the result. A person with this condition may experience pain at the base of their skull or the back of their head.

What are the symptoms of occipital neuralgia?

Pain is the prevalent symptom of occipital neuralgia. It often mimics the pain of migraine headaches or cluster headaches and is described as throbbing, burning, and aching.

There may also be intermittent shooting or shocking pain. Typically, the pain begins at the base of the skull but may radiate along the side of the scalp or in the back of the head. Other symptoms include:

  • Pain is experienced on one side (but sometimes both sides)
  • Pain behind the eye of the side that is affected
  • Tenderness in the scalp
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Pain triggered by neck movement

What causes occipital neuralgia?

Irritation or pressure to the occipital nerves are what actually cause the pain. This may be due to tight muscles in the neck that squeeze or trap the nerves, injury, or inflammation.

However, much of the time doctors are unable to determine the cause. There are several medical conditions linked to occipital neuralgia:

  • Tight neck muscles
  • Diabetes
  • Trauma or injury to the back of the head
  • Gout
  • Tension in the neck muscles
  • Whiplash
  • Inflammation of the blood vessels in and around the neck
  • Infection
  • Neck tumors
  • Cervical disc disease
  • Osteoarthritis

What are the treatments for occipital neuralgia?

Occipital neuralgia treatment focuses on pain relief. It often begins with conservative treatments that include:

  • Rest
  • Heat
  • Physical therapy
  • Anti-inflammatory over the counter medication
  • Massage
  • Chiropractic

In more severe cases the patient may be prescribed a stronger anti-inflammatory medication, muscle relaxants or in some cases an anti-convulsant medication.

If these therapies are not effective or do not bring about the desired level of pain relief, then doctors may recommend percutaneous nerve blocks and steroids. Sometimes surgery is recommended in cases where the pain is severe, chronic, and is unresponsive to more conservative treatments.

Chiropractic for occipital neuralgia

Chiropractic was once considered an “alternative” treatment for occipital neuralgia, but now it is often a regular part of recommended patient care. The advantage of chiropractic over medication or surgery is that chiropractic does not come with the side effects of drugs or the risks of surgery.

Another advantage is that chiropractic seeks to correct the root of the problem, not just manage the pain like other treatments.

Chiropractic treatment for occipital neuralgia may include spinal manipulation, heat, massage, and traction. This will help restore motion and function into the spine and take the pressure off of the nerves as it loosens the neck muscles.

The patient stands a better chance of staying pain free when taking this treatment route.

If you are in need of a Chiropractor in Friendswood (Houston area), Select Spine & Sports Medicine is here to help!

Truth: Why Doctors Don’t Like Chiropractors

Chiropractors

It’s embedded in their roots . . .

But I would say some Chiropractors are improving their relationships with Medical Doctors, as of recent. Historically, the medical associations have demonstrated resentment to any other community treating the ill.  So first and foremost, it started out as a turf war.  Secondarily, Medical Doctors don’t really understand what Chiropractors do, as they were not trained in spinal manipulation techniques.  Usually, the only information they receive about Chiropractors is a one sided opinion from patients who did not have success with Chiropractic treatment.  Think of it like this, if 100 people went to a Chiropractor for lower back pain and 90 of them got better, but the 10 who didn’t get better went to the surgeon and told him, “I wen to a Chiropractor and didn’t get better!”, what is the surgeon hearing?  A one sided story, because he never heard from the 90 who did get better and avoided his office all together.  Now, as with any profession, there are certainly some bad apples among the Chiropractors.  But, when someone, including Medical Doctor hears a story about a bad Chiropractor, all of the Chiropractors get lumped into the same bunch. Then, there’s that age old saying, once you go to a Chiropractor, they want you to come back forever! Ugh!  That’s another topic, you can learn more about here.

Finally, many Chiropractors overstep their boundaries.  Some make false claims of treating symptoms and diseases there is no evidence to support, as well as preaching anti-medicine beliefs to patients.  Medical Doctors don’t take kindly to other healthcare professionals telling patients they don’t need to see their doctor anymore and not to take their prescribed medications.

But, I have some great news for you!

The true story is, not all Chiropractors are the same.  And some, like the Chiropractors at our office, actually have a working relationship with many Medical Doctors within the community.  That’s right, Medical Doctors like our Chiropractors and they refer patients here to get better!  How and why does this happen?  Because there are good Chiropractors that are looking to change the field of Chiropractic for the better.  Honestly, there is no turf war.  Medical Doctors are at the forefront of healthcare and have a broad scope of practice.  However, when it comes to musculo-skeletal conditions, like neck and back pain, the entire healthcare community knows (and many research articles have proven), movement is medicine.  Medication is okay for short term relief, but patients need to move, stretch and strengthen the proper areas to have the opportunity for a full recovery.

Also, some patients are not well suited for medications that may be indicated for pain.  For example, patients who have high blood pressure, previous heart attack, stomach or intestinal ulcer, pregnancy, and those who make a habit of drinking alcohol should not be prescribed to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen due to potentially harmful side effects.  Also, when taking muscle relaxers, individuals are advised to not operate heavy machinery or drive automobiles.  Many people cannot adhere to these restrictions due to daily responsibilities like work or taking care of children.  For these people, taking a drug free approach to managing pain is a much better option.  In fact, there is a significant amount of research that states spinal manipulation is safe and effective for neck and back pain, and even more research that states manipulation along with a home exercise program is just as good or better for long term effectiveness in reducing back and neck pain when compared to using medications alone.

The best part of all, and to put an end to an old rumor, at Select Spine & Sports Medicine, we don’t want you to come back forever! In fact, we want to get you better as quickly as possible and get you back to your normal life!

When most patients and doctors think of Chiropractors, they think getting their “back popped” or what we call spinal manipulation.

Spinal manipulation creates movement in the facet joints of the spine, which helps decrease pain as well as helps to restore motion and function to the spinal joints.  However, that is not the only treatment option our profession is limited to.  At Select Spine & Sports Medicine, not only is that not all we do, our office has a full list or conservative treatment methods including:

Non-surgical spinal decompression therapy for individuals with herniated discs;

Electrical muscle stimulation to help relieve pain, inflammation and muscle spasm;

Massage to reduce pain from tension and tight muscles;

Physical medicine and rehabilitation to help restore flexibility, strength and function to an injured joint or muscle;

Low level laser therapy to reduce pain and inflammation; and

Kinesiology taping methods to help support injured areas during their recovery.

Using these techniques, we have found a great amount of success in treating an array of different musculo-skeletal conditions like neck pain, back pain, herniated discs, sciatica, whiplash, sports injuries, shoulder injuries, tennis elbow, carpel tunnel syndrome, hip pain, knee pain, IT band syndrome, patella tendonitis, ankle sprains and much more.

If you are in need of a Chiropractor in Friendswood (Houston area), Select Spine & Sports Medicine is here to help! We are located at:

1100 S. Friendswood Dr. Ste B

Friendswood, TX 77546 P: 281-993-2122

Why You DONT Have To Go To A Chiropractor Forever!

Why You DONT Have To Go To A Chiropractor Forever!

Chiroprtactor in Friendswood, Dr. Joe Denke discusses that old saying, “Once you go to a Chiropractor once, you have to go forever!”?

Find out why this is completely false and you should find a great Chiropractor in your area who is looking to help patients get out of pain fast!

If you are in need of a Chiropractor in Friendswood (Houston area), Select Spine & Sports Medicine is here to help!

1100 S. Friendswood Dr. Ste B Friendswood, TX 77546 P: 281-993-2122

Website: https://selectspineandsports.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/selectspineandsportsmedicine

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/selectbodydoc

Google +: https://plus.google.com/+JoeDenkeDC

Chiropractor Forever

What Is All That Popping? Answered Chiropractor in Friendswood

What Is All That Popping?

Your Questions Answered with Dr. Joe Denke, A Chiropractor in Friendswood

Your Questions Answered with Dr. Joe Denke, A Chiropractor in Friendswood

Chiropractor in Friendswood, Dr. Joe Denke often gets asked, “What is that popping sound?” And it’s a fairly simple answer. Check out this quick video for all the details and a compilation of spinal manipulation pops!

If you are in need of a Chiropractor in Friendswood (Houston area), Select Spine & Sports Medicine is here to help!

1100 S. Friendswood Dr. Ste B Friendswood, TX 77546 P: 281-993-2122

Website: https://selectspineandsports.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/selectspineandsportsmedicine

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/selectbodydoc

Google +: https://plus.google.com/+JoeDenkeDC

Questions Answered Chiropractor in Friendswood

(Super Fit) Mom Gets Full Spine Adjustment

(Super Fit) Mom Gets Full Spine Adjustment

Mom Gets Full Spine Adjustment: Chiroprtactor in Friendswood, Dr. Joe Denke treats Mandy, a mother of 4 and Personal Trainer, who has dealt with her fair share of setbacks.

Thankfully, she has chosen us as one of her health partners when she needs to get back in the game of life.

Whether it’s a bulging disc, sciatica, hip pain or tension in the upper back and neck, we’ve got it covered! Don’t let injury slow you down when there are people out there that can help you!

If you are in need of a Chiropractor in Friendswood (Houston area), Select Spine & Sports Medicine is here to help!

1100 S. Friendswood Dr. Ste B Friendswood, TX 77546 P: 281-993-2122

Website: https://selectspineandsports.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/selectspineandsportsmedicine

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/selectbodydoc

Google +: https://plus.google.com/+JoeDenkeDC

Mom Gets Full Spine Adjustment

Fitness Competitor Treated For Tension Headaches With Spinal Manipulation

Fitness Competitor Treated For Tension Headaches With Spinal Manipulation

 

 

Chiroprtactor in Friendswood, Dr. Joe Denke, treats tension headaches, which can be very painful and debilitating for some. As seen in this video, Chelsey, a nurse, was treated in our office for tension headaches and was able to get quick relief.

After just one treatment with Chiropractor in Friendswood – Dr. Joe Denke, she had immediate relief. We have provided her with massage, active rehab exercises for strengthening and stretching the proper muscles as well as spinal manipulation which allows the joints in the spine to move easier, without restriction.

If you are in need of a Chiropractor in Friendswood (Houston area), Select Spine & Sports Medicine is here to help! Dr. Joe Denke is a Certified Chiropractic Sports Practitioner at:

1100 S. Friendswood Dr. Ste B Friendswood, TX 77546 P: 281-993-2122

Website: https://selectspineandsports.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/selectspineandsportsmedicine

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/selectbodydoc

Google +: https://plus.google.com/+JoeDenkeDC

Tension Headaches With Spinal Manipulation

IT Band Fixed By Chiropractor In Friendswood

IT Band Fixed By Chiropractor In Friendswood

How can the IT band be fixed by a Chiroprtactor in Friendswood?  Dr. Joe Denke, discusses the IT Band, which can be a very pesky injury. Most common in runners and cyclist, the IT Band can cause knee pain. A common self help treatment option is typically the foam roller. However, as stated in one of our previous videos, the IT Band does not benefit from foam rolling. The hip MUST be strengthened to make a full recovery from IT Band syndrome. This video explains why and how to best strengthen the hip for IT Band pain.

If you are in need of a Chiropractor in Friendswood (Houston area), Select Spine & Sports Medicine is here to help!

Dr. Joe Denke is a Certified Chiropractic Sports Practitioner at: 1100 S. Friendswood Dr. Ste B Friendswood, TX 77546 P: 281-993-2122

Website: https://selectspineandsports.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/selectspineandsportsmedicine

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/selectbodydoc

Google +: https://plus.google.com/+JoeDenkeDC

IT Band Fixed By Chiropractor In Friendswood

Intern Gets Best Adjustment Ever By Chiropractor In Friendswood

Intern Gets Best Adjustment Ever By Chiropractor In Friendswood

 

Intern Gets Best Adjustment Ever By Chiropractor In Friendswood

Chiroprtactor in Friendswood, Dr. Joe Denke, treats Briana , a Chiropractic intern.

If you are in need of a Chiropractor in Friendswood (Houston area), Select Spine & Sports Medicine is here to help!

Dr. Joe Denke is a Certified Chiropractic Sports Practitioner at: 1100 S. Friendswood Dr. Ste B Friendswood, TX 77546 P: 281-993-2122

Website: https://selectspineandsports.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/selectspineandsportsmedicine

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/selectbodydoc

Google +: https://plus.google.com/+JoeDenkeDC

Intern Gets Best Adjustment Ever By Chiropractor In Friendswood

What You Need To Know About Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction

Sacroiliac JointSacroiliac Joint Pain:

You try to stand up from a seated position and feel a stab of pain in your lower back. It may even shoot through your hip, buttock, or down the back of your thigh. The pain may even get worse then you walk uphill or sit for a long period of time. While these symptoms could mean a pinched nerve, lumbar disc herniation, hip bursitis, or degenerative hip disease, it could also be sacroiliac joint dysfunction.

What is Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction?

The sacroiliac (SI) joint is located in the pelvis. It is very strong as it is a weight bearing joint connecting the pelvis to the sacrum. It is surrounded by tough ligaments that reinforce it, providing added support.

There is an SI joint located on each side of the sacrum and they work together, moving as a single unit to act as a shock absorber for the spine and for transmitting force of the upper body. Just like any other joint in the body, the SI joint can be injured or diseased, causing it to become unstable and inflamed, causing pain and limited mobility.

What Causes SI Joint Inflammation?

While doctors have not established how the pain is generated, it is believed that it is due to a change in the normal motion of the joint. This could occur due to:

  • Hypermobility (Instability or Too Much Movement) – This can cause the pain to reside in the lower back. It can also be felt in the hip or both the hip and lower back and may even radiate into the groin.
  • Hypomobility (Fixation or Too Little Movement) – This can cause the pain to reside in the lower back or buttocks and may radiate down one leg, usually in the back of the thigh. It usually doesn’t reach the knee, but sometimes can even reach the ankle and foot. In this way, the condition mimics sciatica.

Sacroiliac joint dysfunction typically affects women who are young or middle aged. Older women and men are rarely affected although it does happen.

What are Treatment Options for Sacroiliac Joint Pain?

When SI joint pain is initially diagnosed the treatment is usually fairly conservative. Medication, physical therapy, and injections are used by doctors for pain management.

NSAIDs and other similar medications decrease inflammation and reduce pain, while physical therapy can readjust the SI joint in cases where it is dislocated or immobilized. It also includes exercises that stabilize the joint for pain management over the long term.

Steroid injections directly into the sacroiliac joint can help with the reduction of inflammation and pain while making physical therapy more effective. When steroid injections are effective but the effects are temporary there is another non-surgical treatment that is sometimes used called RFA, or radiofrequency ablation.

In cases where the conservative methods do not achieve the desired results there are surgical options that provide pain reduction and stabilization on a more permanent scale. SI fusion involves fusing the joint, providing relief.

However, there is a treatment option that is non-invasive, doesn’t involve steroids or medications that could have harmful side effects – chiropractic.

Chiropractic for Sacroiliac Joint Pain

There are two chiropractic treatments that are typically used to treat SI joint pain:

  • Spinal manipulation – This is the traditional chiropractic adjustment that is also known as high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) thrust.
  • Spinal mobilization – This is a less forceful, gentle chiropractic adjustment also known as low-velocity, low-amplitude thrust.

Chiropractic is proven to be an effective, non-invasive, gentle method for relieving the pain and inflammation of SI joint dysfunction. No medication, no surgery, just relief.

So if you’ve been suffering from sacroiliac joint dysfunction, give us a call! Our Doctor of Chiropractic is here to help!

What You Need To Know About Selecting A Mattress

Mattress selectionGetting a good night’s sleep is absolutely integral to good spinal health. Sometimes, though that isn’t possible. According to the National Sleep Foundation, 92 percent of people believe that a comfortable mattress is important for good, restful sleep. A bad mattress, or one that is old, or one that is simply wrong for your body can contribute to sleep deprivation, lower back pain, headaches, stiff neck, and anxiety and depression. With so much at stake, it’s easy to see just how important it is to select a good mattress.

Ask about how the Mattress is Made

Learn about the construction of a mattress and what the different components mean for your comfort. Different mattresses have different coils and they are arranged differently. The padding can vary in thickness. The depth of the mattress can range from 7 inches to 18 inches on the average. Understanding the various components of a mattress can make it easier for you to find the one that is right for you.

Look for Comfort as well as Support

A good mattress is comfortable and has good support. Support is good but if you don’t have comfort your mattress won’t be effective.

If a mattress is too firm (too much support) it will cause pain on your body’s pressure points. You want your hips and shoulders to slightly sink into the mattress. However, if you prefer a mattress that is firmer to support your back, you can get one with padding on top.

Don’t let Price be the Determining Factor

You naturally want to get the most for your dollar, but remember that you get what you pay for. A cheap mattress can translate to a poor quality mattress.

Look for quality and value rather than price. If money is an issue, do some comparison shopping to find the mattress you want for the best price.

Sales are another way to save money on your mattress purchase, but look out for advertising gimmicks. Know the meaning of the terms that are used and know what you are looking for before you go for that so-called great deal.

Educate yourself on the Different Mattress Types

Do you want a memory foam mattress or would a latex mattress work better for you? What exactly is an innerspring mattress? Are adjustable beds really all they are cracked up to be? Do some research and brush up on the different types of mattresses so that you can approach your shopping trip with confidence and as an educated consumer. It will definitely work in your favor.

In the end, it’s all about personal preference

There is no mattress that is a one size (or type) fits all. Different people will respond differently to mattresses. The best thing to do is try them out. Spend at least 20 minutes laying on the mattress before you make the decision to purchase or not.

Finally, if you find that your quality of sleep has recently gotten worse, that you are tossing and turning or wake up with pain in your back, neck, or head, it could be time to change your mattress – or pillow. If you can see your mattress sagging, that could be another indication that it is time to get a new one.

Mattresses are designed to withstand a certain degree of wear and tear, but they don’t last forever. The quality of the mattress, the weight that is on the mattress, and other factors contribute to how quickly it wears out. So if you notice any of the warning signs it may be time to get a new mattress so that you can get back to peaceful, restful sleep.

– Your Trusted Chiropractor In Friendswood,

Dr. Joe Denke