Headaches and Migraine

Headaches can present in many ways. Tension headaches are common due to stress or anxiety causing tightening of the muscles in the shoulders and neck with the pain presenting in a band across the forehead and the base of the skull

Migraine headaches can be very distressing and can last for several days. Symptoms can include severe head pain, dizziness, nausea, flashing lights and visual disturbances. Migraine can be caused by irritation of the nerves close to the vertebrae in the neck or muscular tension, a person can also suffer from these due to hypersensitivity to light, certain foods and aromas (smells).

(A review is being carried out of the evidence as to whether chiropractic may ease some of the symptoms of: headaches, including migraines).

Jaw Pain

Jaw problems can be caused by dental abnormalities, which can lead to muscular tension around the jaw and abnormal mechanics in the jaw itself, or by Bruxism (grinding of the teeth, especially at night) which can not only lead to muscular tension around the jaw but also to abnormal mechanics within the jaw. It can also be caused by a direct blow during a fall or playing sport.

Neck Pain

There are so many causes for neck pain, however they are commonly due to whiplash injuries, falls, strained muscles, arthritic changes in the spine, poor posture or stress. Neck pain can refer into the shoulders and down the arms and, if there is irritation of the nerves, that come from the neck and supply the arms and hands, you may also experience pins and needles, numbness or tingling in these areas.

Shoulder Pain

The shoulder is a very mobile joint and can be injured very easily if placed under immense stress. Pain in the shoulder/s can also occur due to repetitive exercises or poor posture i.e. rounded shoulders and head stooped forward. This places untold stresses to the muscles or ligaments that surround the shoulder joints or even to the joints themselves. Shoulder pain can also be referred from the neck and also from the upper limb.

Frozen Shoulder

This is a chronic shoulder condition that is characterised by pain and limited ranges of motion in all directions with inflammation of the joint capsule, bursa and tendons. Initially there is a severe aching pain in the shoulder and upper arm that can disturb sleep, this is followed by stiffness in all ranges of movement. The pain eventually subsides, however stiffness of the shoulder remains. Access to adequate treatment can help manage the pain can be managed and restore the ranges of motion to the shoulder, however recovery can be slow and can take between six and twelve months for complete resolution.

Back Pain / Backache (Lumbago)

The spinal column is the main support for our bodies, it starts at the base of our skull and ends at the low back. It carries the spinal cord and the nerves that make up the body's nervous system. Nerves branch off your spinal cord from between each spinal joint. A mechanical dysfunction of the joints of the spinal column can lead to back pain - this is commonly caused by incorrect lifting, carrying heavy objects, or poor posture. It can lead to restriction, swelling and pain of the joints in the spine. Pain in the back can also refer to the groin, the buttocks and down one or both legs, therefore an examination and correct diagnosis is necessary to achieve the right management of this compliant.

Back Pain due to Pregnancy

During pregnancy it is not uncommon to experience low back pain, this is due to the enlarged abdomen, which puts great strain on the low back area. A difficult birth, breast feeding and inadequate rest during or after giving birth, as well as lifting your other children can also cause low back pain.

Disc Problems / Slipped Disc

A slipped disc is a frequently used term a person may use to describe back pain or leg pain, however this is an inaccurate term to describe a damaged disc as spinal discs don't just slip out and they certainly cannot be slipped in as some patients are led to believe.

Intervertebral discs are the flexible pads that separate one vertebra from another and act as shock absorbers. When damage occurs they may rupture or protrude and can cause back or leg pain by pressing on to surrounding structures such as the spinal nerve exiting the spine at that level.

Spondylosis (Arthritic Pain)

Spondylosis is the term used to describe arthritis of the spine. Arthritis means inflammation of the joints. There are many forms of arthritis including osteoathritis, which is due to wear and tear on the joint surfaces, and rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic progressive disease causing inflammation and stiffening and can affect any of the joints throughout your body, it is less common but affects all ages.

Sciatica

Sciatica is a low back pain condition that is characterised by leg pain, which can radiate down the back / out side of one or both legs along the distribution of the sciatic nerve to or below the knee into the calfe, ankle and foot.

This is another complaint some people can be confused about as any form of leg pain tends to be regarded as Sciatica so it is important you are examined by a qualified professional i.e. Chiropractor, Osteopath or Physiotherapist for the correct diagnosis and treatment.

Causes can include nerve compression, disc herniation (protruding disc in the spine pressing on a nerve) degenerative joint disease and sports or occupational injuries.

 Arm Pain

Referred pain from the neck, shoulder, elbow or wrist are the most common causes of arm pain, however it can also be caused by injuries to the elbow or wrist or overuse of the muscles in the arm itself.

Tennis Elbow (epicondylitis)

Tennis elbow characterised by pain and acute tenderness at the outside aspect of the elbow joint where the forearm extensor muscles attach. It is believed to be caused by strain of the forearm extensor muscles.   Although it can occur from playing tennis other common causes are repetitive action of the wrist and fingers during activities such as typing or DIY activities etc. Adequate rest from the activity that caused this complaint and treatment is very effective in managing this complaint.

Golfers Elbow (epicondylitis)

Golfers elbow is similar to that of Tennis elbow, the forearm flexor muscles affected, however it occurs to the medial aspect of the arm at the elbow joint.

Wrist Pain

There are so many reasons this can occur, however the most common causes are due to a fall or a strain due to a repetitive action. This can lead to muscular strains or restriction in joint movement in the wrist or hand. Wrist pain can also be as a result of referred pain from a neck injury, shoulder or elbow.

Muscle Pain

Muscle pain tends to be more of a throbbing ache, it can occur in any part of the body. It can be due to a simple strain caused by a sudden overstretching injury to the muscle or it can be caused by a joint injury, which leads to muscle spasm around the injured joint. Poor posture is also a common cause of muscle pain especially in the neck, shoulders and lower back and buttocks.

Pelvic Pain

This can be caused from carrying or lifting incorrectly, being inactive and overweight, poor posture or pregnancy can lead to pain in the low back, buttocks, hips, lower abdomen, groin and thighs. A thorough examination is important to rule out the cause.

Hip Pain

This be as a result of arthritis, strains of the muscles around the hip, joint injuries or referred pain from the spine and is commonly confused with pelvic pain. The knee can also cause a referred pain into the hip, which is why a thorough examination is needed to obtain a correct diagnosis and allow correct treatment plan.

Leg Pain

This may be due to strains in the muscles or damage to the hip, knee or ankle. It can also be due to irritation of the sciatic nerve (see under Back Pain) or can be caused by referred pain from the low back or pelvis.

Knee Pain

This can be caused by many things, including wear and tear on the surfaces of the joint itself, which can lead to damage to the cartilage within the knee. It can also be due to a sprain of the ligaments that hold the knee together or a strain of the muscles, which surround the knee and help it to move, due to a fall or whilst playing a sport such as rugby or football. The kneecap (patella) can also cause pain due to muscular imbalance. Referred pain from the back, pelvis, hip or ankle are also causes for knee pain.

Ankle and Foot Pain

Ankle and foot pain may be a result of a direct injury to the joints, ligaments or muscles.   The injury is most commonly on the outside aspect of the ankle or foot. Sciatica or a referred pain from the knee, hip or back may also cause this (see Back Pain). Fallen arches (flat feet) can also cause sole of the foot pain due to an abnormal strain being placed on the sole of the foot. Heel pain is also very common especially if you are on your feet for long periods of time. Arthritis and gout are other causative factors of ankle and foot pain.

Nerve Pain

Nerve pain can occur in any area of the body as a result of inflammation due to a mechanical abnormality of the joint, a muscle spasm or due to a spinal disc problem.

Sports Injuries