Are Stand-Up Desks Really Any Healthier for Office Workers?

chiropractor Wilmington NCStanding desks or stand-up desks are not a new fad. They’ve been around since at least the time of Benjamin Franklin, the founding father who used one over two hundred years ago. However, there remains a great deal of controversy regarding the benefits and drawbacks of stand-up desks.

More Energy and More Alert?

A number of sources agree that standing up while you work gives you more energy and keeps you more alert. The University of Chester performed a study in 2013 that showed heartbeats rose by ten beats per minute because of standing. This increased the number of calories burned each day. In addition, blood glucose levels after lunch returned to normal far faster in those study subjects who stood as they worked.

Reduces Back Pain?

Others have found that standing helps reduce lower back pain. Users of stand-up desks found that they engaged more fully with their colleagues and felt more ready for action if something called them away from their desk. They felt their minds wandered far less and they stayed more focused. Some users even found that stand-up desks lent themselves to certain “power poses” that benefited physiology, increasing testosterone and decreasing cortisol, the stress hormone.

Getting Used to the Stand Up Desk

Stand-up desk users seemed to agree, though, that leg and foot soreness can be a problem. This may be a particular problem for individuals who are just starting to use a stand-up desk user and whose bodies aren’t yet accustomed to the new way of working. More comfortable shoes and an anti-fatigue mat can help reduce this problem. Gradually building up the amount of time spent at a stand-up desk can also help.

If you do opt for a stand-up desk, it’s important to get one at the right height. Because each person is different, getting a custom desk built can be prohibitively expensive. A better alternative is to get an adjustable desk. One with hydraulic power can be lowered for occasional sitting and increased to a custom height to suit your individual needs.

Sitting for long periods each day can lead to all manner of illnesses—heart disease, diabetes, vein disease and more. But standing for long periods can also create health risks, especially vein disease.

What to Do

A Cornell University ergonomics team found that the real solution was simply to move around regularly. If you’re sitting at a desk, stand up every 20–30 minutes and move around for two minutes. The movement gets the blood pumping, increases calorie burn, and decreases the risks for heart disease, diabetes and other ailments. This doesn’t require vigorous exercise. Simply pacing for a couple of minutes will be enough to undo the damage of sitting for half an hour. This, of course, requires an awareness of the time and a measure of discipline to move when the appointed time arrives. Adding some moderate exercise to your daily routine can do wonders for your health, even without the use of a stand-up desk.

At Southeastern Healthcare, we are here to help! Call us at 910-790-3666 to schedule your chiropractor Wilmington NC appointment now.

What Type of Massage is Best for You? Here’s What You Should Consider.

chiropractor wilmington ncOnce upon a time, people thought about massage as a luxury—a service available only to well-to-do clients at luxury spas or elite sports clubs. These days, though, you can find massage offered in the workplace, in airports, in hospitals, and in health clinics. The benefits of massage have been so well-established through research that your medical doctor or chiropractor may even refer you to a massage therapist as an integral part of their overall treatment plans. Massage has been found to be beneficial for treating anxiety, fibromyalgia, chronic headaches, digestive disorders, insomnia related to stress and a wide range of soft tissue injuries, including those caused by auto, work and sports accidents. And that’s a conservative list. Besides, massage feels good. So what do you need to know about massage before having one?

Some Basic Facts About Massage

Massage is a very general term for rubbing, pressing, kneading, and manipulating your muscles, tendons, ligaments, and skin for health-related reasons. Many massage therapists use only their hands and fingers for massage, but others may perform specialized forms of massage that use their forearms, elbows, or even their feet. The force used during the massage can vary from light stroking to deep pressure. There are many styles of massage, including:

  • Swedish Massage – This gentle form of massage uses long strokes and kneading, deep circular movements, tapping, and vibration to relax and energize the patient. It is an effective way to relax after a long, stressful week, but research indicates it has health value as well because it reduces the stress hormone cortisol and improves your immune system performance.
  • Deep Tissue Massage – This massage type is considered best for relieving deep knots in the muscles and freeing up trapped tissue structures that may be restricting movement, so if you’re looking for a calm, relaxing massage, this type should probably not be your first choice. The masseur applies deep pressure to dig deep into muscles to release trigger points and improve mobility.
  • Sports Massage – Masseurs who specialize in sports massage can help you heal from sports-related injuries or actually improve your sports performance.
  • Trigger Point Massage – This form of massage focuses on identifying and releasing areas of tightly bound muscle fibers that can form in your body after injury or overexertion.
  • Shiatsu Massage – This type of massage comes from Japan, where the title means “finger pressure.” True to its name, practitioners of this type of massage barely touch the patient, applying gentle pressure to areas considered pressure points or “tsubo,” with the goal of promoting natural healing and improving energy flow.

There are many other specialized types of massage, of course, but the above list covers most general types. As for what you should look for in a massage therapist, the magic words are qualifications and communication. The process for licensing, registering, or certifying massage therapists varies from city to city and state to state, but your prospective massage therapist should be proud to tell you about their training, credentials and experience. Similarly, they should be forthcoming about their approach and willing to offer references from other patients or clients.

Naturally, any massage therapist you are considering should also welcome practical questions such as “How many sessions do you think I will need?” and “How much will it cost, and is it covered by my health insurance?” One of the best ways to find a good massage therapist is to ask your chiropractor. Doctors of chiropractic often work in conjunction with highly-qualified massage therapists, and thus can refer you to professionals whose work they trust.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care in the Workplace: What Managers Should Know

It can be really tough owning or managing a business. Not only do you have to worry about making a profit, you also have to look after the welfare of your most important resource, your employees. Your business, after all, is dependent on them being healthy enough to come to work, and to work productively while they’re there. So most businesses these days view their employee healthcare costs as an investment, a way of keeping the company healthy by keeping employees healthy. The challenge for managers is how to keep these healthcare costs as low as possible.

With this in mind, the findings of a recent study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine are encouraging, because they suggest that one way to enhance your employees’ wellness while reducing costs is to offer on-site chiropractic care.

How on-site chiropractic care lowered several companies’ health care costs

In the study, conducted between 2010 and 2012, the cost of care was tracked for 1,635 employees who received chiropractic care. About half of the employees received their care from off-site providers, while the other half received treatment from chiropractic offices established on-site, in the workplace itself. The company was willing to make this investment in chiropractic care because it has been shown to deliver effective treatment for musculoskeletal conditions, which are the primary cause of disability in the workplace.

The researchers found that, while both groups of workers received chiropractic care, the on-site group required fewer visits than the group traveling to off-site chiropractors. The on-site group also required fewer expensive diagnostic imaging tests (38% on-site vs. 56% off-site) and X-rays (27% on-site vs. 46% off-site). The off-site group required more office visits for treatment and physical therapy than the on-site group, and they also logged more visits to the emergency room. As a result, the study authors reported that chiropractic care “demonstrated significant improvements in headache, neck pain, and low back pain functional status in patients utilizing on-site services over a short time frame while still showing lower utilization and cost outcomes than community-based care,” and that “This study demonstrates that users of on-site chiropractic services have lower health care utilization than those who obtain their care at off-site community care centers.”

In a similar study at Anheuser-Busch brewing company in Peoria, IL, on-site chiropractic care provided in workplace wellness centers significantly improved care for workers who spend most of their time moving heavy cases and kegs of beer. Study authors reported that “In the two years since it was implemented, the number of employee sick days has declined by 22 percent, while the accident rate has been cut in half. Consequently, the company’s workers’ compensation costs have experienced a dramatic reduction, with premiums declining by more than 25 percent.”

These and other studies make a clear case for the establishment of on-site chiropractic clinics in workplaces because it provides employees more convenient access to safe, effective care for musculoskeletal conditions. Since it reduces employees’ pain and disability, it improves both their productivity and their job satisfaction. Plus it leads to lower overall healthcare costs for the company in the long run. In short, providing on-site chiropractic services has been found to benefit the workforce as well as employers in a variety of important ways—it’s a “win-win” investment for companies looking to improve productivity and reduce expenses.

Are Drivers of Small Cars Really at Greater Risk in Auto Accidents?

auto accident chiropractorThere’s a lot to consider when picking out a new car, but fuel efficiency and safety are two of the most commonly considered factors. Small cars are usually much more fuel efficient, but recent scrutiny suggests that they might not be as safe as larger vehicles. Read on to get the facts behind small vehicle safety.

Are Smaller Cars Less Safe Than Larger Cars?

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), a car’s size and weight both impact its safety during a crash. Bigger, heavier cars tend to offer more protection to their occupants. Large cars tend to have a longer distance between the front of the vehicle and the driver’s seat. This distance gives the car a bigger “crush zone,” which lowers the amount of force transmitted to the driver and passengers in a front-end crash. Heavier cars also tend to push lighter vehicles backwards, further reducing the amount of force.

When tested, small cars tend to receive good safety ratings against other small cars, but tend to test poorly against midsize or large cars. SUVs and pickup trucks are particularly dangerous as small cars run the risk of under-riding them. Conversely, drivers or larger, heavier vehicles are less likely to experience deadly injury than drivers of small cars.

IIHS data also suggests that drivers of small cars tend to suffer from more serious injuries than drivers of large cars. While more stringent safety standards have dramatically reduced the number of injuries and deaths due to traffic accidents over the past few decades, the simple fact is that small car drivers are more likely to suffer from concussions, whiplash, back and neck injuries, and fractures.

Recovering From a Car Accident

If you are thinking of purchasing a new car, this information might be enough to sway your decision. However, cars of all sizes can and do become involved in accidents that cause serious injuries. If you’re in a car accident, it is important to seek medical assistance immediately. Some injuries are not immediately apparent, making a medical professional’s guidance particularly important.

The sudden, jarring movements that result from a car collision can lead to lingering pain and disability. Working with a chiropractor promptly after an accident can help to ensure that these impacts are short-lived. Your chiropractor will work to identify any stretched ligaments or tears as well as ensure that your spine is in correct alignment. This is particularly important in the case of whiplash, which can cause severe pain as well as blurred vision, dizziness, neck stiffness, headaches, low back pain, and a reduced range of motion in the neck.

Remember—drivers of smaller cars are at a greater risk of injury in an auto accident than drivers of bigger cars. However, there are several smart things you can do to reduce your overall risk no matter what kind of car you happen to drive. Develop strong defensive driving habits, make good use of all your vehicle’s safety features and be sure to visit your chiropractor promptly if you are involved in a collision. Chiropractic physicians are experts at diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal problems, including those related to auto accidents. Our goal is to help you recover as quickly and completely as possible!

Why Are Chiropractic and Massage Therapy Often Used Together?

Chiropractic medicine is based on the idea that your body can help to keep itself healthy if your spine, neck, and head are aligned properly and free from abnormalities that impair the proper flow of energy along your spinal column. Doctors of Chiropractic thus work with spinal structures, using manipulative techniques to correct injuries and abnormalities and to speed healing of health problems—particularly musculoskeletal and neurological ones—that arise from misaligned bones.

At the same time, however, the bones of the spine are surrounded by muscle tissue and connective tissues (such as ligaments and tendons) that enable and control its movements. These soft tissues are affected by the spinal abnormalities, and may either cause or exacerbate structural problems. So massage therapy (which works to relax muscles, increase blood flow and improve mobility of connective tissues) is often a perfect complement to chiropractic manipulation (which works to resolve the structural problems).

Chiropractic and massage are not only compatible, they are complementary.

Massage is often recommended as an integral part of a broader chiropractic treatment plan, either in the form of massage to loosen muscle tightness before an adjustment, or after an adjustment to help the muscles adapt to the newly-repaired spinal structures. Many patients report that the combination of these two therapies works better than either therapy alone.

There is even objective evidence of this, in the form of an extensive survey of alternative health care treatments conducted by Consumer Reports magazine. Asking over 34,000 readers to rate both conventional and alternative treatments as to whether they “helped a lot,” “helped some,” or “helped a little,” the researchers found that chiropractic and massage rated higher than any other alternative health care methodologies, and in some cases higher than conventional medical care. Chiropractic, for example, was rated most effective in relieving back pain, while deep tissue massage was rated most effective in treating osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia. As researcher Tiffany Field explained, “Moderate pressure to muscles and soft tissues stimulates a cascade of biological effects… We find that moderate pressure is essential for the effects we see from massage, and may be one way that chiropractic works as well, because typically a chiropractor applies moderate pressure.”

How is massage integrated into chiropractic treatment?

Many Doctors of Chiropractic work closely with trained massage therapists to provide the proper combination of therapies. For example, massage is often recommended before spinal adjustment because it relieves muscle tension that may be pulling joints out of alignment, and makes it easier for the chiropractor to move them back into place. Alternatively, many patients who seek pain relief from massage therapists but find that their discomfort persists experience more lasting relief by adding chiropractic care to their health regimen.

Many patients have discovered that they recovery from injuries much more quickly and much more completely with the combination of chiropractic care and massage therapy. This is most noticeable with conditions that cause chronic pain—the chiropractor works to relieve the structural problems and the massage therapist works to resolve the soft tissue problems. Most chiropractors who work hand-in-hand with massage therapists collaborate to find the most effective treatment regimen for each patient—the one that returns them to a feeling of health and well-being as quickly as possible.

So massage therapy can be seen as almost a perfect “partner” for chiropractic care. Both treatment methodologies are holistic and focus on helping patients without the use of drugs or surgery, and both are dedicated to finding and treating the underlying cause of your pain rather than just treating the symptoms.

Why do People Seek out a Chiropractor?

Today, a growing number of people are seeking a chiropractor in addition to—or even in place of—a traditional medical doctor. As chiropractic care continues to grow in popularity as a non-invasive treatment for a broad range of illnesses and injuries, it is also proving to be the choice of many who want to take steps now to enhance their health and to prevent the future onset of disease.

The Demand for Chiropractic Care

Not only is chiropractic care becoming increasingly accepted as an effective method of treatment for a number of medical conditions, the consumer demand for more expansive chiropractic treatments is growing. While it’s not surprising that an increasing number of people are looking to chiropractic care for musculoskeletal conditions, there are still many who do not realize the impact that chiropractic care can have on overall health and well-being. Chiropractic care has been shown to be highly effective for relieving pain and restoring function, but it can do so much more!

The Focus on Holistic Care and Wellness for the Future

In many instances, people seek out chiropractors as part of their larger healthcare team, often to enhance medical treatments they are receiving or to provide a more holistic approach. Within today’s universe of complementary and alternative medicine, chiropractic is the type of non-allopathic healthcare service chosen most often by patients. Changes to health insurance that expand coverage for chiropractic services have also helped make these services more accessible to larger numbers of people.

The fact that chiropractic physicians work closely with their patients to build healthy lifestyle habits—principally in the areas of exercise, nutrition, sleep and stress management—appeals to a large segment of the population that has grown skeptical of “sickness care” and is interested in taking a more active role in their own health and well-being. And this trend is clear outside the U.S. as well. A recent survey of Australian chiropractic patients cited by researchers in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics highlights just one of the important reasons people choose chiropractic care in the first place. Of 486 patients receiving care at 96 clinics, 92% EITHER AGREED OR STRONGLY AGREED that chiropractic care helped them take more responsibility for their own health.

In terms of the specific health and wellness goals that motivated surveyed patients to seek out a chiropractor, most were related to musculoskeletal issues (69%) or general health (21%). A relatively small minority visited their chiropractor about headaches or non-musculoskeletal conditions.

The Growing Attraction of Chiropractic Care

Today patients visit their chiropractic physicians for a wider variety of reasons than they did in the past, including:

  • Digestive Problems
  • Allergies
  • Migraines
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Sleep Issues

In addition to being safe and effective, chiropractic care appeals to patients who want to avoid the risks that come with drugs and surgery. The Australian survey results suggest they see chiropractic as a sound investment in conservative treatment as well as prevention. Interestingly, about two-thirds of chiropractic patients view chiropractic as a first choice (65%) rather than as a last resort (12%) for their complaint, and 96% either strongly agree or agree that chiropractic care helps with general health and well-being. Plus, 98% would seek chiropractic services again and were satisfied with the treatment they had received.

So if you’re wondering whether chiropractic care might be right for you, we encourage you to call or visit our office today. We’ll be happy to discuss your situation with you and explain our approach. Come learn why so many others trust us with their health and well-being!

Four Things You May Not Know About Chiropractic Care in the 21st Century

Even as adults, a surprising number of our beliefs are shaped by “casual” or “informal” sources of information, including watercooler conversations with colleagues at work, social media exchanges with friends and family and pop-culture references on TV. Most of the time, we’re not aware of the cumulative effect that this sort of information has on our view of the world—or how much of worldview is really second- or third-hand. Not surprisingly, this is even true when it comes to heath and healthcare. 

According to the Pew Research Center, people look to a variety of sources for health-related background, advice and support. For example:

  • 13% Consult online reviews of drugs
  • 21% Get information, care or support from others with the same condition
  • 28% Go online for a diagnosis
  • 33% Have participated in an online social activity related to health in the last year
  • 50% Gather health information online
  • 54% Get information, care or support from friends and family

While access to high-quality health information is undeniably a good thing for the public at large, it can be difficult for most people to judge the accuracy and appropriateness of what they read or hear. This is particularly true on the Internet, where the flow of new misinformation is often accelerated and amplified and where old ideas and misconceptions can be easily repeated and sustained.

In light of new media trends, we thought it might be a good idea to share three facts about chiropractic care in the 21st century—facts that sometimes get lost in all the “noise” about healthcare.

Chiropractic care is NOT on the “fringes” of modern healthcare.  And it hasn’t been for years.

According to the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners, chiropractic is the third largest primary healthcare profession in the U.S. (surpassed only by medical doctors and dentists), with over 70,000 active licenses.  In addition, the National Center for Health Statistics has reported that 8.5% of the American adult population used chiropractic or osteopathic manipulation in 2012—and that this percentage was significantly higher in many regions of the country.

Chiropractic care has a proven track record in treating a variety of musculoskeletal conditions—particularly back and neck problems—without the use of drugs or surgery.

Over the years, teams from leading academic institutions have published study findings that document the effectiveness chiropractic care in a variety of well-respected, peer-reviewed journals. Public health and consumer research organizations have also regularly reported on the high level of patient satisfaction achieved by chiropractic physicians.

Back in 2010, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services delivered to Congress a report that detailed its findings from a “demonstration project” designed to assess the effects of expanding Medicare coverage for chiropractic services. As part of this work, researchers conducted a satisfaction survey of chiropractic patients. Here’s an excerpt of what they found:

“Sixty percent of respondents indicated that they received ‘complete’ or ‘a lot’ of relief of symptoms from their chiropractic treatments. Satisfaction with care was high, with 87 percent reporting levels of 8 or higher on a 10-point scale and 56 percent indicating a perfect score of 10.”

Interestingly, the Consumer Reports Health Ratings Center came to a very similar conclusion based on its own survey data. The Center reported that a larger percentage of patients (59%) were highly satisfied with the back pain treatment and advice they received from chiropractors than were satisfied with the care provided by any other type of healthcare professional. By way of comparison, 44% of patients were highly satisfied with care provided by a specialist physician and only 34% were highly satisfied with care provided by a primary care physician.

Chiropractic care is increasingly provided as part of an integrated, cross-disciplinary approach to the treatment of musculoskeletal problems at leading medical centers and local clinics.

Here’s just one example: At the prestigious Cleveland Clinic, “Chiropractic physicians are established members of the mainstream medical team. They treat problems involving the muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, cartilage and nervous system.”

Get Relief From Your Lower Back Pain or Neck Pain – See Your Chiropractor Wilmington NC

If you suffer from pain in your back or neck, Southeastern Healthcare can help you find lasting relief and improved mobility. And best of all, we can do it without using dangerous, habit-forming drugs or other risky treatment methods. Call us today at 910-790-3666. We are here for you. Our chiropractic team can help you manage your pain naturally and effectively. Discover for yourself the difference that safe and effective chiropractor Wilmington NC care can make. With six locations throughout the Wilmington area, we have an office conveniently close to you.

Are Men and Women Different When it Comes to Exercise?

When it comes to losing weight and getting fit, everyone wants to look and feel better.

Still, men and women approach fitness in different ways.

Men typically want more muscle mass and women usually want to be slimmer, and each gender goes about reaching those goals differently. Women wanting to lose body fat tend to seek out exercises that lengthen muscle and burn calories, such as yoga and dancing. On the other hand, men are more likely to go for strength training or boot camp-style exercise.

Anatomical and physiological differences can translate into different workout preferences and performance.

There are also differences between the sexes (in terms of typical body structure and composition as well as hormonal balance) that can affect the way men and women exercise. For example, women have wider hips that can cause the leg bones to angle in a way that makes women more prone to knee injuries. A woman’s menstrual cycle and various hormonal fluctuations may help or hinder her motivation and performance. Men, for their part, tend to have more lean muscle but also tend to be less flexible than women, whose higher estrogen levels play a role in keeping connective tissues more pliable.

It’s important to note that these types of differences DON’T mean that men and women can’t perform the same types of exercises. For example, while some extreme CrossFit workouts may be more difficult for women, women are certainly able to do them. Similarly, men can benefit from yoga’s stretching and mindfulness even if many lack the kind of natural balance and flexibility that many women have.

Each gender benefits from different activities throughout life.

Whether you happen to be a man or a woman, good health requires regular physical activity—ideally, exercise that promotes strength, stamina, balance, flexibility and coordination. But the kinds of activities that benefit each gender most can vary depending on age.

Bone density in women can decrease rapidly (particularly in women over 40), while the bone density of men usually remains somewhat more consistent throughout life. For this reason, young women may want to focus on higher-impact exercise such as running and jumping to help maximize bone mass early on. Weight training can also help women of all ages increase and maintain healthy bone and muscle mass.

Heart health is certainly important for everyone, but men are more likely to develop heart disease and at a younger age. Younger men can decrease their risk by focusing on lower impact aerobic exercises such as cycling and swimming.

Since cross-training and “muscle confusion” have the potential to jump-start stalled workout programs and to produce more well-rounded results over time, it might be a good idea for men and women to cross the traditional “gender line” for exercise once in a while.

Whether you’re a man or woman, maintaining optimal fitness can also help your spine stay healthy.

No matter your gender, men and women can both suffer from poor posture, spinal pain and discomfort. Many times these symptoms can be prevented or corrected through the right combination of cardiovascular, anaerobic and flexibility exercises.

Get Pain Relief Today – See Your Back Pain Chiropractor in Wilmington NC

If you suffer from pain in your back, Southeastern Healthcare can help you find lasting relief and improved mobility. Call us today at 910-790-3666. We are here for you. Our chiropractic team can help you manage your pain naturally and effectively. Discover for yourself the difference that safe and effective chiropractor Wilmington NC care can make. With six locations throughout the Wilmington area, we have an office conveniently close to you.

neck pain chiropractor wilmington nc

Chiropractor vs. Massage for Neck Pain

When you’re suffering from neck pain, your first instinct might be to have your neck massaged. But, the truth is, you might be suffering from something that a simple muscle massage may not be able to treat effectively. In cases such as these, professional chiropractic treatment may be required. Neck pain can develop for a wide range of reasons, from something as simple as a stiff neck from being online too long to something as serious as a pinched nerve or a cervical spine that’s out of alignment. But, regardless of the reason, you want relief. And, choosing the right care provider is the first step in finding the lasting relief you’re looking for. Here’s how to tell when you should seek a neck pain chiropractor Wilmington NC over a massage.

7 Signs You Should See a  Neck Pain Chiropractor Wilmington NC

A massage only deals with soft tissue ailments. So, if sore or tight neck muscles are at the basis of your neck pain, then a simple neck massage may suffice. But, in more serious cases, a visit to a neck pain chiropractor may be recommended.

Here are seven key signs that you should see a chiropractor for your neck pain:

  1. The pain and/or stiffness in your neck doesn’t improve after a few days
  2. The pain affects your ability to turn your head left or right
  3. You take over-the-counter pain medications just to make it through the day
  4. Your neck pain has progressed to include numbness or tingling in the wrists and/or hands
  5. The pain is severe in the morning but improves throughout the day
  6. Your pain started a few days after an auto accident
  7. You feel as if the pain is being caused by something more serious than tense muscles

The Benefits of Chiropractic Treatments for Neck Pain

One of the key differences between a masseuse and a chiropractor is the chiropractor has an in-depth understanding of the body’s musculoskeletal system as a result of years of training and education. This provides a chiropractor with the innate ability to perform a thorough examination of your neck, arms, and hands. In some cases, an x-ray or MRI may be required to assist in the chiropractor’s diagnosis.

Once diagnosed by your chiropractor and treatment is initiated, your neck pain should start lessening in its intensity. The muscles around your neck will start loosening up and you’ll find it easier to move your head. In a large number of cases, routine chiropractic care can result in a substantial reduction or complete elimination of neck pain.

Southeastern’s Neck Pain Chiropractor Wilmington NC Can Help You Manage Your Pain

If you have neck pain that’s severe enough to be impacting your daily life, it’s time you sought the help of an experienced neck pain chiropractor. With the right treatment, your pain could be substantially reduced or even eliminated. Call Southeastern today at 910-790-3666 to schedule an appointment with one of our chiropractors. We are here for you. With six locations throughout the Wilmington area, we have an office conveniently close to you.

chiropractor in wilmington nc

Latest Innovative Chiropractic Treatment Options for Herniated Discs in the Lower Back

Herniated discs are among the most common causes of pain in the lower back. And, when the disc bulges to the point that it is putting pressure on the spinal nerve root, the result can be even more significant with shooting electrical-like pains, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the legs and buttocks occurring regularly.

For years, the traditional treatment for herniated lumbar discs in the medical profession has been via the use of oral steroids and epidural injections of cortisone. The problem is, both of these treatment options have produced extremely limited success rates and in some cases, serious adverse side effects. So, what options do back pain sufferers have besides these ineffective methods?

Using Chiropractic Care to Treat Lumbar Disc Herniation

Recently, the Journal of Manipulative and Physiologic Therapeutics published the results of a study in which it was discovered that both chronic and acute herniated disks in the lower back can be effectively treated by chiropractic adjustments. The study was performed over one year and involved 148 patients with MRI-confirmed herniated lumbar discs. Prior to the study, each of the patients suffered from serious back pain, sciatica, and radiating leg symptoms. Of the 148 participants, 79 had experienced the symptoms without noticeable relief for more than three months.

Over the course of the study, the patients were treated with high-velocity, low-amplitude spinal manipulation and adjustments deemed appropriate for their individual cases. The patients were asked to self-assess the results of the treatments at specific intervals, including within two weeks, one month, three months, six months, and one year. They were also examined by doctors at those same intervals.

Since just 36% of patients with lumbar herniated disk show improvement after two weeks of traditional treatments, researchers were surprised to discover that 69% of the patients in the study reported significant improvement in both mobility and pain reduction after only two weeks of receiving regular chiropractic treatments. At the one month interval, 79.6% reported significant improvement in their conditions. Amazingly, by the end of the third month, 90.5% had reported improvements in their pain levels and mobility. The chiropractic care portion of the study ended after three-months, but the patients still reported their assessments at the six-month and 12-month points with the results showing that 88% still considered their condition substantially improved.

 Chiropractor Wilmington NC Care Offers Zero Side Effects for Herniated Disc Treatment

One of the other significant advantages of using chiropractic care to treat patients with disc herniation is the fact that the patients in the study reported no adverse side-effects from the treatments. This re-confirms what chiropractors already know – that patients with acute and chronic lumbar disk herniation can experience pronounced improvement in their conditions with zero risk of side effects using drug- and surgery-free chiropractic treatment methods. Whereas pain killers and epidural injections only mask the symptoms of the herniated discs, chiropractic care alleviates the patient’s pain naturally and helps their bodies to heal themselves.

Get Relief From Your Lower Back Pain – See Your Chiropractor Wilmington NC

If you suffer from pain in your lower back, Southeastern Healthcare can help you find lasting relief and improved mobility. And best of all, we can do it without using dangerous, habit-forming drugs or other risky treatment methods. Call us today at 910-790-3666. We are here for you. Our chiropractic team can help you manage your pain naturally and effectively. Discover for yourself the difference that safe and effective chiropractor Wilmington NC care can make. With six locations throughout the Wilmington area, we have an office conveniently close to you.