back pain leland nc

Back Pain Leland NC: Elderly Hand Tremble

Everyone’s hands tremble a little bit. Hold your hands out in front of you and they will not remain perfectly still for long. However, some people’s hands tremble far more than usual, and this condition is more often observed in the elderly. Although Parkinson’s disease is sometimes the cause of trembling hands, more often than not, it’s a case of what is referred to as idiopathic or “essential tremor” (which means the cause is unknown). Our back pain Leland NC chiropractic specialist explains more.

An estimated 4 out of every 100 adults over the age of 40 has essential tremor. However, the condition is not confined to only the elderly. Though less common, children and young people can experience it too. What begins as a minor inconvenience can become practically disabling, making it difficult to perform the most simple everyday activities such as sipping a cup of tea or writing a check. Although the hands and arms are usually the body parts most greatly affected by essential tremor, it can also expend to other areas, such as the head and feet.
One of the things that distinguishes essential tremor from Parkinson’s disease is that, with essential tremor, the shakiness only occurs when the body is in motion, whereas with Parkinson’s, the body shakes continually, whether in motion or at rest. Shakiness in the voice and head is also characteristic of essential tremor, and only rarely in Parkinson’s.

Despite the fact that it is one of the most frequent neurological conditions, there is still no known cause of essential tremor. It tends to have a genetic component: there is a 50% chance that someone whose parent has essential tremor will also acquire the condition.
Findings from scientists at the American Academy of Neurology have shown that those with essential tremor are more than twice as likely to develop dementia as those without the condition. Although this may be disturbing news to those suffering from it, the findings may allow for earlier and more effective treatment so as to delay the onset and reduce the progression of dementia.
While Parkinson’s disease is a condition that leads to steady deterioration, essential tremor is a condition that is manageable and does not necessarily get worse. It is not uncommon for someone to have a minor case of it for most of his or her life without it ever progressing beyond a slight tremor.

Our back pain Wilmington NC specialist explains that as of today, there is no cure for essential tremor, and there are no particularly effective medications to help with the condition. However, for those who suffer from more than a mild case of it, there is some hope that increased research will lead to the discovery of the cause, and that subsequently a treatment or cure can be found.

If you or someone you care about has recently suffered a back, neck or other joint injury, we can help! If you are looking for a back pain specialis Leland NC call our office today! Proper treatment can make a big difference!

chiropractor shallotte nc

Chiropractor Shallotte NC: All About Shin Splints

Although the term may suggest it, a shin splint is actually not a rigid device to immobilize or protect your shin. A shin splint is instead a pain in the shin caused by strenuous activity. This condition is known in medical circles as medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS).
The front of the tibia (one of the bones in the lower leg) can become inflamed due to excessive or repetitive stress being placed on the lower legs. Typically, this kind of stress includes frequent stopping and starting in sharp bursts, such as the kinds of movement common in soccer, basketball, tennis or football. Those who run frequently on hard surfaces can also be at greater risk of shin splints. Our chiropractor Shallotte NC explains more
Specific sources for the kinds of impacts or pressure that can cause shin splints include the following:
• Running down a slope.
• Running on uneven terrain or non-level surfaces.
• Running in unsuitable shoes or once-suitable shoes that have become worn or damaged.
• Participating in athletic activities that include sudden stops and bursts of speed.
• Structural weaknesses or asymmetries in the foot.

The following symptoms may indicate a case of shin splints:
• Numbness and weakness in the feet (muscle swelling can aggravate the nerves).
• Soreness or tenderness down the inner part of the lower leg
• Modest swelling in the lower leg

Our chiropractor Wilmingto NC explains, whether the underlying cause is pressure or impact, the key here is “excessive”. Aggressive athletes will be tempted to push “through the pain”. The problem with this strategy is that the pain from shin splints is NOT the same type of discomfort that can be produced when your body is exerting itself under the positive stress of a good workout or competition. It’s not like the “burn” or “stretch” that most athletes will be familiar with. Instead, shin splints are your body’s way of telling you that damage has been done. And that damage can actually be made worst by trying to push through it. And continuing the same level of excessive activity will likely delay recovery.
Due to hormonal factors, women are at greater risk for shin splints, particularly if they have low bone density, such as that accompanying osteoporosis.
Rest is the primary form of treatment for shin splints. Typically, two weeks is recommended to give the shin time to heal properly. Ice packs applied to the affected area and raising the legs can help reduce swelling and pain.
Before you return to normal physical activity, check with your chiropractor to ensure your feet are structurally sound and that your spine is properly aligned. Even seemingly slight problems can change the biomechanics of walking and running, causing excessive stress on your lower legs and possibly leading to problems like plantar fasciitis and shin splints.
After two weeks of rest, it should be okay to return to your regular activities. However, most physicians recommend that patients build up gradually to their prior levels of exercise or athletic activity in order to avoid setbacks in recovery. And—as always—it’s important that you be properly warmed up before engaging in strenuous activity of any kind to reduce the likelihood of injury or re-injury.

If you or someone you care about has recently suffered a back, neck or other joint injury, we can help! If you are looking for a chiropractor Shallotte NC call our office today! Proper treatment can make a big difference!