Bendable, Twistable, Flexible Joints Courtesy of Your Chiropractor in Clovis, CA
When we think of the joints of the body, we often think of the knees and elbows. We might, for a moment, consider fingers or ankles. Rarely, however, do we think of the spine when we are thinking of joints. Yet, each of the vertebrae in the spine is connected by zygapophyseal joints, or more commonly, facet joints. These joints allow for the bending and twisting that the spine must undergo. However, when the facet joints get inflamed or irritated, not only does bending and twisting become difficult, but the area of the spine and the limbs or regions of the body associated with that area can become extremely painful. This is where your chiropractor in Clovis, CA comes to your rescue.
Interestingly, facet syndrome is one area of medicine in which the chiropractor and the traditional practitioner find much agreement. Both will advocate a treatment plan of therapy, relative rest, and proper body mechanics. Neither recommends bed rest for an extended period as both recognize the negative effects that inactivity will have on bones, tissue, joint, and surrounding muscles. The chiropractor and the traditional practitioner might also both recommend alternating hot and cold packs applied to the painful area.
However, the traditional practitioner might also prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs and/or muscle relaxants, whereas the chiropractor will opt for spinal manipulation and traction or spinal decompression therapy. Spinal decompression therapy increases the blood flow to the inflamed joints, thus speeding healing and reducing pain. Facet syndrome responds remarkably well to a chiropractor’s care.
The symptoms of facet syndrome include pain that is often described as deep and achy in either the low back or the neck. Usually, the pain is experienced as one-sided rather than down the center of the spine. Many patients complain that the pain is aggravated by bending back or toward the side where the pain is located. Morning stiffness is often cited as a symptom that decreases with stretching exercises or with daily activity. All of the symptoms are said to increase with prolonged standing. Some patients also note increased pain with prolonged sitting.
Because facet syndrome is the result of the facet joints being compressed together, traction or spinal decompression therapy is extremely beneficial in chiropractic care because it helps to provide separation to the bones of the spine. As the vertebrae are stretched from one another, pressure is reduced on the facet joints. Oxygen, fluids, and nutrients can also reach the joints that have previously been restricted by the pressure.
Contact a chiropractor in Clovis, CA if you believe that you may be suffering from facet syndrome or from any other back ailment. Even if you do not need traction or any similar therapy, your chiropractor will be able to provide you with relief from your pain symptoms.
Chiropractor Clovis, CA Your chiropractor in Clovis, CA is the medical professional to turn to for unrelenting back and joint pain. Contact the Neck and Back Center at Champlain Chiropractic for a free initial consultation with a chiropractor in Clovis, CA.