Ever heard of someone “throwing their back out”? Or what about a rib slipping out of whack? Yes, it can happen, and it’s as unpleasant as it sounds.Rib injuries — from misalignments to breaks — cause all sorts of issues, from sharp pain to breathing difficulties. But here’s the great news: chiropractic care might just be the superhero coming to the rescue. With their magical touch, chiropractors can help bring your body back to its proper alignment by focusing on the affected rib.If you find yourself clutching your side more often than not, keep reading to learn how a chiropractor will get you back on the straight and narrow (literally)!
The Anatomy of the Rib Cage
The rib cage is the natural armor of the body, protecting vital internal organs like the heart and lungs.There are 24 ribs in total, 12 on each side, all hooked to the spine at the back. They arc around the front of the chest in pairs and connect to the sternum (that is, the long, flat bone you can feel in the center of your chest).
The top seven pairs are called “true ribs” because they connect directly to the sternum with a strip of cartilage. They play a major role in protecting your heart and its surrounding organs.
The next three pairs, known as “false ribs,” have a slightly different setup. Instead of connecting directly to the sternum, they share a single strip of cartilage with the 7th rib.
The last two pairs, called “floating ribs,” don’t connect to the sternum at all. They just hang out in the back, protecting the kidneys.
Let’s not forget the part the rib cage plays in our breathing! The ribs lift and expand when we inhale, creating more space for our lungs to fill with air, and then drop back down when we exhale.The rib cage is not just a static structure, but a dynamic one, always moving and adapting to our body’s needs. It’s like a built-in corset, shield, and bellows all in one!
When we talk about rib misalignment, we mean that one or more ribs have moved from their normal position. Think of it like a door off its hinges that no longer fits properly into the frame.Fortunately, a misaligned rib is seldom a permanent thing. Healthcare professionals such as physiotherapists, osteopaths, or chiropractors can help nudge that wayward rib back into its proper place. You might need medical intervention in more severe cases, but that’s even more rare.
The Causes Behind Misaligned Ribs
Several factors could cause your ribs to shift from their normal positions:
Injuries and Trauma: Maybe you took a tumble off your bike, got tackled hard during a football game, or were in a car accident. Any of these could cause ribs to become displaced.
Poor Posture: Spending a lot of time hunched over a computer or constantly looking down at your phone can put a strain on your neck and upper back muscles, which can lead to rib subluxation.
Repetitive Movements: Repetitive motions such as swinging a hammer or twisting to grab items off a shelf can slowly cause a rib to shift out of place.
Heavy Lifting: Incorrect lifting techniques can cause ribs to become misaligned.
Pregnancy and Childbirth: The strain and physical changes occurring during pregnancy and childbirth can sometimes cause ribs to move out of position.
Medical Conditions: Osteoporosis or severe muscle weakness can affect your bones and surrounding muscles and cause rib injuries.
The Symptoms of a Misaligned Rib
Here’s a rundown of signs that a rib might have gone rogue:
Rib Area Pain: It could be sharp, stabbing pain in the chest or back, especially when taking a deep breath, coughing, or moving in certain ways.
Tenderness or Swelling: The area around the injury might be tender to the touch, and you might notice some swelling.
Difficulty Breathing: Since your ribs help your lungs expand and contract, rib injuries will make it harder for you to take a deep breath.
Tightness: You might feel a sort of tightness or “twisted” feeling in your chest or back.
Restricted Movement: Are you having trouble bending or twisting as you usually can? A misaligned rib could be at fault.
Postural Changes: Sometimes, rib injuries cause patients to unconsciously change their posture to reduce the discomfort, such as leaning on one side.
Diagnosing Rib Misalignment
Diagnosing a rib misalignment starts with reviewing your medical history and undergoing a physical exam. You’ll chat with your physician about your symptoms and any injuries you’ve sustained to help them get a clear picture of your condition.Then comes the hands-on part. Your physician will feel your ribs, checking for any tenderness, swelling, or deformities. This is a straightforward way for them to check if a rib is out of place or if it’s causing you any pain. If preliminary investigative methods are inconclusive, your physician may order imaging tests like an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI.
Can Chiropractic Care Address Rib Misalignment?
Chiropractors can work real magic when it comes to rib misalignments!
Chiropractic Rib Adjustment: Chiropractors can manually adjust a misaligned rib back into proper alignment with immediate pain relief!
Flexibility Exercises: If your rib misalignment is due to muscle tension or tightness, your chiropractor might recommend some specific stretches or exercises to improve your flexibility and prevent future misalignments.
Posture Correction: A chiropractor can work with you to correct your posture, keeping your ribs in their proper place.
Pain Management: Chiropractors can use a variety of techniques, from ice and heat therapy to electrical stimulation, to help manage your pain while your rib heals.
Preventive Care: Once your rib is back in place, chiropractors can help you prevent future misalignments with ongoing care, such as regular adjustments, strengthening exercises, or lifestyle modifications.
Ready to Address Your Rib Injury Through Chiropractic Adjustments?
At Bergen Chiropractic and Sports Rehabilitation Center, our chiropractic team, led by Dr. Gregory Doerr, adheres to the highest and most professional medical standards to provide superior chiropractic help. Our mission is to provide unparalleled patient care and services in a comfortable healing atmosphere. Access our contact form or call us at (201) 945-4075 to learn more about our chiropractic treatment services! Our chiropractic offices at 532 Anderson Avenue, Cliffside Park, NJ 07010, and 62 Summit Ave, Hackensack, NJ 07601, are ready to welcome you as we proudly serve New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, PA, and Baltimore, MD, areas. Also, feel free to access our blog, Facebook, and Instagram pages for more information on chiropractic treatments!
References
“How Many Ribs Do Humans Have? Men, Women, and Anatomy.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-many-ribs-do-humans-have. Accessed 10 June 2023.
If you’re on a quest to relieve pain and keep your body in top-notch shape, let’s talk about an unsung hero in the world of chiropractic care: electrical muscle stimulation!
Picture this: an electrical stimulation device that sends gentle electrical pulses to your muscles, causing them to contract and then relax, just like they would during a workout, but without you having to lift a finger!
Electrical stimulation has been an effective therapeutic method in healthcare for years. It can help ease pain, reduce inflammation, promote muscle strength, and even speed up your recovery!
So, whether you’re dealing with an injury, chronic muscle tension, or just trying to take your fitness to the next level, adding EMS into your chiropractic care could be a game-changer!
What is Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS)?
Electric muscle stimulation is a therapeutic method that uses small electrical impulses to trigger muscle contractions. It’s like your body’s natural electrical signals, but on steroids, helping to improve muscle condition and tone.
Imagine you’re doing a bicep curl. Your brain sends an electrical signal down to your bicep, telling it to contract and lift that dumbbell. EMS works on a similar principle but instead, the gentle electrical signal is delivered through small pads placed on your skin!
It’s often used by physiotherapists, chiropractors, and even sports trainers to help patients:
Recover from injuries
Improve athletic performance
Get toned up faster
How Electrical Muscle Stimulation Works
Electric muscle stimulation uses a device that sends electrical pulses to stimulate your muscles, making them contract. This device is connected to several small pads attached to the muscles you want to work on. When you turn it on, these pulses go through the pads and into your skin stimulating your muscles.
The pulses are timed just right, so your muscles contract and then relax. It’s like doing a workout, but without actually moving! Plus, you can control the intensity, frequency, and duration of the impulses to match your comfort level and fitness goals.
However, EMS isn’t a replacement for good old-fashioned exercise; it’s always best used in conjunction with a regular exercise routine and a balanced diet.
The Other Types of Electric Stimulation
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS): It works by sending low-voltage electrical currents through the skin to the nerves underneath. TENS helps block or reduce pain signals sent to the brain, thus alleviating chronic pain.
Interferential Current (IFC): This type of electric stimulation uses two high-frequency currents that cross paths (hence the name). It’s used mostly for deep tissue pain relief because it can penetrate deeper than TENS or EMS. It’s also used to reduce inflammation and swelling.
Russian Electrical Stimulation: This type of EMS uses medium frequencies to stimulate muscle contraction. It was developed by the Russians (hence the name) and is often used in sports training to strengthen the muscles.
Microcurrent Electrical Neuromuscular Stimulator (MENS): It’s mostly used for healing soft tissue injuries and wounds by stimulating the body’s natural healing processes.
High Voltage Pulsed Galvanic Stimulation (HVPGS): This type uses short bursts of high-voltage electrical currents. It’s used mostly to manage acute pain, reduce swelling, and promote healing, especially for patients with poor circulation or sensation, like those with diabetes.
What are the Benefits of Electrical Muscle Stimulation?
Strengthening the Muscles
EMS gives your muscles a bit of a workout by triggering muscle contractions. This can be especially useful if you’ve been injured or had surgery and need a gentle way to start rebuilding your muscle strength without putting too much stress on the weaker muscles in your body.
Speeding Up the Workout Recovery Process
EMS is also a bit of a superstar when it comes to helping with recovery after a workout. By enhancing blood flow, it can flush out lactic acid (the culprit behind muscle soreness) and release tension.
Improving Muscle Stiffness
EMS also helps patients struggling with muscle spasms or stiffness by relaxing the muscles and increasing range of motion.
Boosting Your Blood Flow
With boosted blood circulation and more oxygen and nutrients reaching the tissues, EMS speeds up the healing process, especially when it comes to soft tissue injuries.
Who is Not a Candidate for Electric Muscle Stimulation?
While electrical muscle stimulation does benefit numerous patients, it’s not a one-size-fits-all therapy method. Certain conditions exclude EMS altogether, such as:
Pregnant Women: If you’re expecting, it’s generally advised to steer clear of EMS. The electrical currents could potentially affect the baby. It’s best to play it safe and wait until after delivery.
Patients with Pacemakers or Other Implanted Electronic Devices: EMS interferes with the performance of these devices, potentially causing serious health issues.
Patients with Heart Conditions: If you have a heart condition, check with your doctor before trying EMS, as electrical stimulation might affect your heart rhythm.
Patients with Epilepsy: Electrical stimulation could trigger a seizure.
Patients with Certain Skin Conditions: Avoid EMS if you have a skin condition in the area where the EMS electrodes would be placed. The stimulation can irritate the skin or worsen the condition.
How Does Chiropractic Care Include Electrical Muscle Stimulation?
Chiropractic care and electrical muscle stimulation make an amazing team!
In addition to manual adjustments, many chiropractors use EMS as part of their overall therapeutic approach. The goal of chiropractic care isn’t just to fix misalignments in the spine. It’s also about improving the function of the nervous system and helping the body heal itself. And EMS fits right into that philosophy!
Injuries or even chronic tension in your muscles can throw your whole body off balance, leading to pain and restricted movement. By targeting these problem areas directly, EMS stimulates the muscles, thus breaking up tension, reducing inflammation, and promoting the healing process.
Don’t be surprised if your chiropractor suggests EMS therapy when you go in for a chiropractic adjustment! They might use it before your adjustment to help your muscles relax and make your treatment more effective. Or, they could use it after the adjustment to help reduce any residual tension and speed up your recovery.
Like any therapeutic approach, EMS isn’t for everyone, so it’s always best to have a chat with your healthcare provider before jumping in. They can help you figure out if it’s the right fit for your health goals!
Let Chiropractic Electrical Stimulation Help You Achieve Pain Relief!
At Bergen Chiropractic and Sports Rehabilitation Center, our chiropractic team, led by Dr. Gregory Doerr, adheres to the highest and most professional medical standards to provide superior chiropractic help. Our mission is to provide unparalleled patient care and services in a comfortable healing atmosphere.
Access our contact form or call us at (201) 945-4075 to learn more about our chiropractic treatment services! Our chiropractic offices at 532 Anderson Avenue, Cliffside Park, NJ 07010, and 62 Summit Ave, Hackensack, NJ 07601, are ready to welcome you as we proudly serve New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, PA, and Baltimore, MD, areas. Also, feel free to access our blog, Facebook, and Instagram pages for more information on chiropractic treatments!
References
Bacharach, Elizabeth. “What Are EMS Workouts and Are They Really Worth the Hype?” Shape, Shape, 17 June 2022, www.shape.com/fitness/trends/electrical-stimulation-workouts. Accessed 5 Jun. 2023.
If you’ve ever experienced the discomfort of ear infections, you know it’s no picnic. But, have you ever considered turning to chiropractic care for some pain relief, too?
Chiropractic care is a non-invasive, drug-free approach that can help address the symptoms of ear infections. It’s all about aligning the body in just the right way to boost its natural healing abilities.
In this case, we’re talking about relieving tension in the neck, promoting drainage from the ears, and potentially even supporting your immune system to fight off the nasty bugs causing the infection!
Consider how chiropractic care can help you as a handy sidekick in your battle against ear infections, offering an added boost to your body’s natural defenses. So, add chiropractic adjustments to your treatment approach, and give your body that extra fighting power it deserves!
What is an Ear Infection?
An ear infection occurs when a bacterial or viral infection affects the middle ear (that is, the ear part just behind the eardrum). This section of your ear acts as a tiny echo chamber packed with lots of small parts that vibrate to create sound. But when an infection sets in, it can lead to fluid build-up, inflammation, and pain.
Most ear infections clear up on their own. If, however, that ear pain lingers or the infection keeps popping back, it’s time to consult a doctor. They will prescribe antibiotics or other treatments to kick that infection to the curb.
Who is More Predisposed to Ear Infections?
Anyone can get an ear infection, but some people do have a higher chance of getting one. Here’s the “usual suspect” list:
Kids: Children are more likely to get ear infections than adults. Their immune systems are still developing, and their Eustachian tubes (that is, the tiny tunnels connecting the middle ear to the upper throat) are smaller and more level, which means they can get clogged with fluid more easily. Plus, they’re often around other kids with colds, flu, and all sorts of germs at daycare or school.
Bottle-fed babies: Babies who drink from a bottle, especially while lying down, have a higher risk of ear infections than their breastfed counterparts.
People with allergies: But don’t worry, adults aren’t off the hook either. Allergies, sinus infections, and even changes in altitude (like when you’re on that awesome mountain hike) can block the Eustachian tubes in grown-ups, leading to a middle ear infection.
Frequent cold and sinus sufferers: If you’re someone who often catches a cold or battles with sinus infections, you’re also on the ‘more likely’ list. Colds and sinus infections can block the Eustachian tubes and create a nice, warm, moist environment that bacteria and viruses love.
People with weakened immune systems: This includes people undergoing certain medical treatments like chemotherapy or with conditions that lower the body’s defenses.
Smokers (and those exposed to second-hand smoke): Smoke can mess with the function of the Eustachian tubes and also irritate the tiny ear hairs keeping germs and bacteria at bay.
The Four Types of Ear Infections
Otitis Media: This is basically doctor-speak for a middle ear infection. It happens when the area behind your eardrum gets all inflamed and filled with fluid. It is a common condition in children, although it can also occur in adults. Middle ear infections can either be acute (they come on quickly, with nasty symptoms) or chronic (they’re long-lasting or keep recurring).
Otitis Externa: Also known as “swimmer’s ear“, otitis externa occurs when the ear canal becomes inflamed, usually due to water hanging out in there for too long. It’s not as common as a middle ear infection but can be a real pain when it happens.
Otitis Media with Effusion: It occurs when fluid sticks around or fills the middle ear, but without any bacterial or viral infection (and usually without symptoms). It often follows an acute infection episode.
Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media: It’s a long-term middle ear infection that can result in a persistent or recurring discharge from the ear. If untreated, it can potentially lead to hearing loss.
What are the Symptoms of Ear Infections?
If you’ve got a middle ear infection, you will notice pressure in your ear — like when you’re underwater or wearing earmuffs — potentially leading to a dull pain or a throbbing ache. Children with this type of infection can be extra fussy, have trouble hearing or balancing, or even get a fever.
An outer ear infection can cause your ear to feel itchy or even painful when you touch or tug on the earlobe. It could also lead to a bit of drainage. Don’t be surprised if things sound a bit muffled or if your ear feels full.
Last but not least, if you’ve got a more serious type of ear infection such as chronic suppurative otitis media, you might notice a persistent discharge from your ear, often accompanied by a fever, a feeling of fullness in the ear, and a decreased ability to hear.
Can Regular Chiropractic Adjustments Help With Ear Infections?
Chiropractic adjustments, especially those in the upper neck, have a significant impact on the nervous system. When your spine is in proper alignment, your nervous system can work more effectively, thus boosting your immune response. With a more efficient immune system, your body might be better equipped to decrease ear infections!
Another part of this puzzle involves the Eustachian tubes, which sometimes become clogged up, especially in children, leading to fluid buildup in the ear. Chiropractic adjustments relax the muscles around the Eustachian tubes, helping them drain more effectively and thus reducing the chances of an infection.
The connection between chiropractic and ear infections has already been scientifically established decades ago. A 1996 study conducted on forty-six children aged five and under found that combining routine chiropractic care with conventional medical treatment alleviated the symptoms of ear infections in 93% of the cases!!
However, while chiropractic adjustments help treat ear infections, they don’t replace the traditional medical treatments. If you’re considering a chiropractic approach to your ear infection, definitely talk it over with your healthcare provider first.
Ready to Deal With Your Ear Infection? Dr. Doerr Can Help!
At Bergen Chiropractic and Sports Rehabilitation Center, our chiropractic team, led by Dr. Gregory Doerr, adheres to the highest and most professional medical standards to provide superior chiropractic help. Our mission is to provide unparalleled patient care and services in a comfortable healing atmosphere. Access our contact form or call us at (201) 945-4075 to learn more about our chiropractic treatment services! Our chiropractic offices at 532 Anderson Avenue, Cliffside Park, NJ 07010, and 62 Summit Ave, Hackensack, NJ 07601, are ready to welcome you as we proudly serve New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, PA, and Baltimore, MD, areas. Also, feel free to access our blog, Facebook, and Instagram pages for more information on chiropractic treatments!
“Ear Infections.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2 Apr. 2022, www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/swimmers/rwi/ear-infections.html. Accessed 4 June 2023.
“Ear Infections.” Paediatrics & Child Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Sept. 2009, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2786955. Accessed 4 June 2023.
RM, Froehle. “Ear Infection: A Retrospective Study Examining Improvement from Chiropractic Care and Analyzing for Influencing Factors.” Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8728460. Accessed 4 June 2023.
The Webster technique is a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment that reduces interference to the nervous system and balances out pelvic muscles and ligaments, improving birth outcomes.
Dr. Gregory Doerr from Bergen Chiropractic has gone through the whole nine yards and earned a certification from the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) to perform the Webster technique. This way, you know you’re in good hands!
The Webster technique is a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment that can be a real boon for women seeking a more comfortable pregnancy and a smoother birth process. It focuses on reducing the interference in the nervous system, with a cool side effect — it helps to align the pelvis, a game-changer during pregnancy!
What is the History of the Webster Technique?
It all started with Dr. Larry Webster, a legend in the chiropractic world. Not only was he a successful chiropractor himself, but he also founded the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA), which is dedicated to the chiropractic family wellness lifestyle.
The Webster technique was inspired by Dr. Webster’s own daughter, who had had a difficult birth. Being a devoted dad and chiropractor, Dr. Webster thought of a better way to help pregnant women have a smoother birthing experience.
The technique was initially known as the “Webster’s In-Utero Constraint Technique” or “Webster’s Breech Turning Technique”. It was an innovative approach designed to help pregnant women whose babies were in a breech position, not ideally positioned for birth.
The goal was to balance the pelvis, reduce stress to the uterus and the supporting ligaments, thereby creating a more conducive environment for a baby to turn head-down naturally.
Over the years, however, understanding of the Webster technique evolved. The chiropractic community came to realize that the technique isn’t just about turning breech babies; it’s about creating optimal balance in the pelvis, which is beneficial for all pregnant women, regardless of the baby’s position.
How Does the Webster Technique Help Pregnant Women?
The Webster technique zeroes in on the sacrum (that is, a large, triangular bone at the base of your spine) and the sacroiliac joint, which connects your sacrum to your pelvis. Chiropractors use gentle force to adjust the joint, reducing nervous system dysfunction and improving pelvic balance.
But it’s not just about the bones; it also involves soft tissue work. The chiropractor will use this technique to assess and relieve tightness in the round ligaments. These ligaments connect the uterus to the pelvic structure. When tight or twisted, they can contribute to a misaligned pelvis.
Does the Webster Technique Help With Breech Babies?
Breech births are the area where the Webster technique really shines. By helping to correct the mother’s pelvic alignment and reducing undue stress to the uterus and supporting ligaments, the baby is given the space it needs to turn head-down — the optimal fetal positioning!
But the Webster technique isn’t about turning breech babies. It’s about creating the ideal environment for the breech baby to do what it does best — grow, develop, and move into the optimal position for birth!
When Should Pregnant Women Undergo the Webster Technique?
Ideally, a pregnant woman should start seeing a chiropractor trained in the Webster technique as early in her pregnancy as possible. Think of it like a preventative measure — just as you eat well and exercise regularly to keep your body strong and healthy, you’ll want to maintain balance in your pelvis throughout pregnancy to support a more comfortable birthing experience.
But, even if you’re already midway through your pregnancy, or even in the final stretch, it’s never too late to start! The technique can still be beneficial, even late in the pregnancy.
There’s no specific ‘end date’ for the Webster technique either. Many women continue to see their chiropractor postpartum to help their bodies recover from the physical challenges of pregnancy and childbirth. It’s like taking your car in for service after a long road trip. You want to make sure everything’s still running smoothly!
What is the Success Rate of the Webster Technique?
A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics reported that the Webster technique had an 82% success rate in resolving a breech presentation.
But, it’s important to remember that every pregnancy is unique. What works great for one woman might not work as well for another. The key is to work with a chiropractor experienced in the Webster technique and to maintain open communication with them throughout the process.
Are There Any Risks Associated With the Webster Technique?
The Webster technique, like most chiropractic techniques, is considered low-risk. The adjustments involved are gentle and specific, focusing on your pelvis and surrounding muscles and ligaments to reduce tension and balance your body.
Any physical therapy, including chiropractic care, does carry minimal risks. Some pregnant women experience temporary soreness or discomfort after their treatment. However, the pregnant woman’s body is adjusting to the changes wrought by the technique, which can sometimes feel a little uncomfortable.
More serious complications, though, like injuries, are extremely rare, especially when the technique is performed by a trained, experienced chiropractor.
Searching for a Webster-Certified Chiropractor? Look No Further Than Dr. Doerr!
If you’re interested in trying the Webster technique, chat with a chiropractor who’s trained in this method. They’ll be able to answer any questions and help you weigh the risks and benefits to make the best decision for you and your baby. Remember, mama, you’re in the driver’s seat here!
At Bergen Chiropractic and Sports Rehabilitation Center, our chiropractic team, led by Dr. Gregory Doerr, adheres to the highest and most professional medical standards to provide superior chiropractic help. Our mission is to provide unparalleled patient care and services in a comfortable healing atmosphere.
Access our contact form or call us at (201) 945-4075 to learn more about our chiropractic treatment services! Our chiropractic offices at 532 Anderson Avenue, Cliffside Park, NJ 07010, and 62 Summit Ave, Hackensack, NJ 07601, are ready to welcome you as we proudly serve New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, PA, and Baltimore, MD, areas. Also, feel free to access our blog, Facebook, and Instagram pages for more information on chiropractic treatments!
References
“A Moment of Silence for Larry Webster, DC.” Dynamic Chiropractic, dynamicchiropractic.com/article/38156-a-moment-of-silence-for-larry-webster-dc. Accessed 2 June 2023.
“About the Webster Technique.” ICPA, icpa4kids.com/training/webster-certification/webster-technique/. Accessed 2 June 2023.
Recent Comments