May 22

Hip pain or low back pain; which is the culprit?

Posted on May 22, 2017 by admin

Hip pain or low back pain; which is the culprit? by Olivia O’ Leary D.C BSc Hons

Hip pain

Hip pain or low back pain; which is the culprit?As a sufferer of low back or hip pain it can be sometimes difficult to pinpoint what structure is responsible for the pain you experience. Back problems can masquerade as hip problems with a lot of overlap noticeable. Most pain from hip and back problems has occurred as a result of ordinary strain and wear and tear on the body. Sometimes accidents such as falls have potential to contribute to the development of injury and pain.

When the Hip is the Usual Suspect

Surprisingly to patients, hip problems usually produce groin pain on the painful side. That’s because the actual joint of the hip is close to the groin rather than where most people think.

Hip or back pain

Groin pain is usually treated as a hip issue until proven otherwise through a full orthopaedic and neurological evaluation as well as X rays if deemed necessary. This type of evaluation process can conclusively determine the cause of the pain. Pain above the belt line is not deemed a hip issue but is typically related to the spine and pelvic joints instead.

One common cause of hip pain is osteoarthritis of the hip joint. You may have hip arthritis if:

Pain is in your groin
Discomfort comes and goes, becoming more frequent over time
Pain worsens with standing, walking and activity, and is relieved by rest
You feel stiff
You walk with a limp

Other common causes of hip pain include Trochanteric Bursitis and Adductor Muscle (groin) strain.

When the Spine is the Likely Culprit

Prolapsed disc

Many lower spine problems are caused by a herniated/prolapsed disc that presses on delicate nerves in the lower back. This can produce a pain known as sciatica, which can be felt in the hip. You may have a herniated disc if your pain:

Is limited to your back, buttocks or hip
Shoots down your leg
Worsens with sitting or bending
Improves when standing or walking

Unfortunately some people develop problems in both the hip and lower back. It’s not surprising, since malfunction of one area has a knock on negative compensatory affect on others. A diagnosis process will identify the main sources of pain and restriction and will ascertain how that disorder has the potential to cause aggravation to structures elsewhere.

FIRST STEPS FOR RELIEVING HIP PAIN

If your Hip Pain is Failing to Improve; it is likely you will need to seek help from a specialist. At Gorey Family Chiropractic our clinical team has extensive experience in the diagnosis, treatment and management of hip pain and our team can recommend the most appropriate plan of management whether that involves treatment, exercises or a combination of both for your disorder. Referral to can be arranged should your condition not be suitable for treatment.
Lose Weight. Shedding extra pounds is critical in relieving certain types of hip pain. Losing weight often helps reduces symptoms of osteoarthritis and can delay further deterioration. It also increases your chances of a successful outcome if replacement surgery is one day warranted.

FIRST STEPS FOR RELIEVING BACK PAIN

For Acute Back Pain: Initially rest is appropriate but research advocates avoiding prolonged bed rest of more than 24 to 48 hours. Instead try to remain mobile.

Ho Cold compress

Ice applied to the injured area through a tea towel for 15-20 mins 3-4 times daily can assist with reducing inflammation. Meanwhile, try to stay active. Activity can and should be continued to avoid a loss of muscle tone essential for good spinal stability. Anti inflammatory medication can be used to help reduce inflammation and discomfort in the short term, but National Institute of Clinical Excellence in the U.K clinical guidelines recommend consultation with a practitioner such as chiropractor with trained expertise in the treatment of these disorders if the problem is persistent see below..

Gorey Family Chiropractic Clinic

Schedule Chiropractic if needed after two weeks. If you’re still in pain after two weeks, a chiropractor can diagnose the underlying cause of the pain and recommend and administer appropriate treatment to relieve pain and improve mobility as well as showing you exercises that can help strengthen the muscles supporting your spine. Consideration and advice is given to patients concerning causation factors as well as prevention of recurrence.
Lose Weight, take Exercise and quit Tobacco. Maintaining your ideal weight will take the pressure off your spine. Exercises have been shown to be an excellent way of maintaining spinal mobility as well as strengthening your spine which guards against injury. It’s important to avoid tobacco products too. Nicotine impedes microcirculation, so your spine will degenerate at a faster rate.

Gorey Family Chiropractic; Supporting your Recovery and Helping Maintain It

If the source of your pain is difficult to pinpoint, our specialist Clinical team are trained and hold extensive experience in the diagnosis, treatment and management of hip and back pain.

For your convenience all of our Gorey Family Chiropractic team are registered with VHI, Glo, Aviva and Laya Healthcare allowing clients claim reimbursement from a wide range of private healthcare Insurance providers. We also provide care under the GAA injury scheme.

Opening hours Mon 8-7, Tues 9-5, Wed 8-7, Thurs 9-5, Frid 8-7

Tel: 053 94 83338 or alternatively email info@chiropractor.ie

Jul 05

Preventing back pain on the farm

Posted on July 5, 2013 by admin

by Olivia O’ Leary D.C BSc Hons

TEAGASC URGES FARMERS “TO THINK BEFORE YOU LIFT”

Back pain and other joint injuries can keep farmers away from work for weeks at a time. Research conducted by Teagasc supported by the Health and Safety Authority and supervised by UCD revealed that every year almost 1 in 10 farmers suffer from problems such as back pain, hip and knee pain. Back pain was found to be the number one troublesome condition representing 31% of farmers surveyed.

LOST FARMING TIME

What was noticeable was these injuries were often quite severe with almost 4 in 10 farmers with these problems missing over 4 days of work in the previous year with nearly a quarter having missed more than 15 days in the year. The impact financially and in terms of stress is significant particularly at busy times of farming year.

Given the large numbers of farmers that Gorey Family Chiropractic treat, a specific Guide to Safe Practice on the Farm to Prevent Injury was created.

Additionally Teagasc are urging farmers to review their farming operations for work involving heavy lifting and to seek alternative methods of handling heavy loads.

From our Guide to Safe Practice on the Farm for Back Pain we have pulled some useful tips and information to help farmers prevent back pain and work safely on the farm.

HOW TO PREVENT FARM RELATED INJURY

Farmers are commonly affected by muscle and ligament strains and sprains. Lifting objects that are too heavy, twisting and bending while carrying a load, sudden jolts, trips, falls or even bad posture over a period of time can injure soft tissue and joints causing back pain, hip pain and knee pain.

Prolonged sitting on machinery as well the impact force on joints jumping down from tractors can all also contribute to the development of back and joint problems.

In the 2012 Teagasc study “larger scale full time farms, particularly dairy farms, were found to have the highest risk of work related musculoskeletal problems”
General Tips for Preventing Back Injury on the Farm

Ways to reduce back pain and prevent injury include:
•    Warming up cold muscles thoroughly before engaging in any manual work. Ask your chiropractor or physiotherapist for advice on safe stretching techniques to avoid further injury especially If you are regularly stiff or sore.
•    Organise your work area to reduce the amount of lifting, bending, twisting and stretching required.
•    Use mechanical aids or get help to lift and carry heavy loads whenever possible.
•    Lift and carry heavy loads correctly. Bend your knees rather than your back to pick up a load and lift with your thigh muscles. Keep the load close to your body. Avoid lifting whilst twisting.

•    Maintain correct posture. Slouching driving or having to look behind at machinery for prolonged periods is strenuous on muscles and joints and eventually causes tension and pain. Stretching exercises can combat this as well as Chiropractic treatment including massage for those where exercises and rest do not help.
•    Take frequent breaks or break up repetitive tasks if possible i.e picking stones, shearing sheep.
•    Try to take exercise regularly to strengthen muscles and promote flexibility, ease stiffness.
•    Maintain a healthy body weight to reduce stress on joints and large joints like the hip and knees.

If you are sitting for a long time (for example, as a contractor on tractors or machinery) you should try to get up to stretch and move periodically.

•    Be aware that mattresses that are too hard or too soft can contribute to back ache. Poorly designed or worn-out seating (in tractors or other large machinery) can also cause problems.
•    Climb down slowly from tractor cabins and other large machinery, rather than jumping, to avoid jolting impacts on your joints particularly your knees.
•    Wear appropriate footwear with support as well as protection to minimise stress on joints and the spine. This is especially important if standing for extended periods or on hard surfaces such as cement yards, milking parlours. Orthotics (shoe inserts) may be beneficial for support and improved alignment from the foot upwards.

LIFTING HEAVY LOADS ON THE FARM

General suggestions for lifting heavy loads include:
•    Whenever possible, use wheelbarrows, trolleys, quads and other equipment to move heavy loads.
•    Ask someone for help if you must move a heavy load by hand.
•    Wear a supportive back brace as a temporary measure if your back is painful and you must lift. Make sure however to get the cause of the pain investigated and treated and do not rely on your belt as a prop.
•    Make sure teenagers and children lift correctly and do not lift loads excessive for their size to prevent potential lifelong injury.

HANDLING ANIMALS ON THE FARM

Lifting animals like pigs, calves or sheep commonly causes back injuries. Be cautious of grappling with stock particularly at activities like dosing cattle wherever possible. If you must lift or carry a heavy animal, use mechanical lifting aids or get help if you can. If possible, change the design of your workplace to minimise the need to lift, for example, install drafting and drop gates in yards, and hoists on the back of your vehicles.

If you have to lift the animal alone:
•    Face the animal away from you.
•    Sit it back on its haunches.
•    Squat down behind the animal.
•    Take hold of its back legs.
•    Tip the animal back against your body.
•    Make sure the animal can’t turn its head and face you.
•    Keeping your back straight, lift with your thigh muscles.
•    Work from the same side of the fence as the animal, rather than attempting to drag it over from the other side.

Suffering from Farm related Back Pain, Hip Pain or Knee Pain? Obtain Professional Help Today

With two out of three of our Chiropractors from a farming background, we personally recognise and understand the hazardous and physically demanding nature of daily farming. Our team is highly experienced in the diagnosis, treatment and management and prevention of injuries sustained from farming whether it might be back pain and sciatica or hip pain and knee pain amongst others. We have on site X ray facilities and can rapidly refer directly for MRI if neccessary. Our goal is to get you back working to your full ability whether you are farming or contracting.

Our practice is registered with Aviva, VHI, Laya etc and you may claim tax relief on our services making necessary treatment more affordable than ever.

Should you wish to make an enquiry call 053 94 83338 or email info@chiropractor.ie

Jun 19

Managing knee pain from knee osteoarthritis

Posted on June 19, 2013 by admin

by Olivia O Leary D.C BSc Hons

KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS: WHAT IS IT?

Also called “wear and tear” arthritis or degenerative joint disease, knee osteoarthritis (OA) is the progressive breakdown of the knee joints’ natural shock absorbers causing knee pain and stiffness.

This causes discomfort or knee pain particularly when you use your knees; or perhaps an ache when you bend your knees, with morning stiffness or creaking joints often observed.

Most people over 60 have some degree of OA, but it also affects people in their 40’s and 50’s particularly if they have participated in activities causing significant knee impaction over time through sports or heavy physical work or if they are significantly overweight.

KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS: SYMPTOMS
The symptoms of knee osteoarthritis tend to develop slowly. Common symptoms include:

knee pain that increases when you are active, but gets a little better with rest
knee swelling
feeling of warmth in the joint
knee stiffness, especially in the morning or when you have been sitting for a while, making it difficult to get in and out of chairs or cars, use the stairs, or walk
creaking, crackly sounds that are heard when the knee moves

KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS: WHAT CAUSES IT?
Every joint comes with a natural shock absorber in the form of cartilage. This firm, rubbery material cushions the ends of the bones and reduces friction in healthy joints. As we age, our joints become stiffer and our cartilage is more vulnerable to wear and tear particularly as the knee joints represent major shock absorbers in our bodies.

Over time, repetitive use of the knee joints irritates and wears the cartilage. If it deteriorates enough, bone rubs against bone, causing knee pain and stiffness in the knee joints.

RISK FACTORS YOU CAN CONTROL
Because injured joints are more vulnerable to osteoarthritis, doing anything that damages your knee joints can raise your risk of OA causing knee pain including previous injury to the knees which could have been ligamentous or cartilage. Impactive exercise like running or games such as football also have a high rate of knee injury and jobs that require repetitive motion, such as bending the knees to install flooring over a long period of time, or jumping down off a tractor all increase the likelihood of knee wear and tear.

Being overweight is another risk factor — it has been linked specifically to osteoarthritis of the knees and hips.

IMPACT ON DAILY LIFE

Osteoarthritis affects each person differently. Some people have few symptoms despite the deterioration of their knee joints. Others experience knee pain and knee stiffness that may interfere with daily activities. Osteoarthritis of the knees can lead to a limping gait.

Evidence of the joint wear associated with knee OA is seen with the bones of the femur and tibia too close together

DIAGNOSING KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS
Making an accurate diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis requires our Gorey Family Chiropractic team or your health professional to ask you questions concerning the knee pain or knee stiffness and you’ll need to describe your symptoms in detail, including the location and frequency of any knee pain.

Our chiropractors will physically examine the affected knee joints and perform standard orthopaedic tests and may also take X-rays to check for osteoarthritic damage as well as ruling out other joint conditions.

LONG TERM COMPLICATIONS
Unlike rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis does not affect the body’s organs or cause illness. But it can lead to deformities that take a toll on mobility. Severe loss of cartilage in the knee joints can cause the knees to curve out, creating a bow-legged appearance worsening knee pain, impeding flexibility and causing compensatory problems requiring treatment potentially in the hips and lower back.

CHIROPRACTIC TREATMENT FOR KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS
Our Chiropractic team are specialised in the non surgical treatment and management of joint conditions such as knee osteoarthritis. We follow the accepted goal of all medical rehabilitation experts with the patient who has knee osteoarthritis which is to improve your knee function, minimise your knee pain or discomfort, and limit further knee joint injury to prevent premature surgery.

We also concentrate on reducing the pain to also ease patient reliance on anti-inflammatory and pain killers which can cause complications. This is achievable with non surgical treatment if the disease has not progressed to an advanced end stage where then surgery may be the only option. Our team can advise as to what the most appropriate course of action should be and will liase with your GP as necessary.

At Gorey Family Chiropractic the Treatment and Management process is comprised of several elements depending on the individual case and severity of symptoms

Patient education,
Improving flexibility and reducing pain through the, hip, knee, ankle and foot where necessary through physical hands on treatment.
Strengthening of the affected knee joint as well as the hips which has an important bearing on knee function.For example, strengthening the quadriceps your large muscle at the front of your thigh has been shown to reduce pain in the knees.
Aerobic exercise which could be water based or non impactive like cycling. People with osteoarthritis may avoid exercise out of concern that it will cause pain. But low-impact activities such as swimming, or bicycling can improve mobility and increase strength.
A programme of non impactive exercises against the resistance of water can be very helpful for strengthening the osteoarthritic knee.
The use of assistive devices such as knee braces and custom made shock absorbing and corrective shoe inserts called orthotics as is necessary dependent on the case.
Acupuncture has been shown by research to help with pain relief in some knee osteoarthritis sufferers.
Weight management and dietary guidance if appropriate.
Some studies have shown benefit from nutritional supplementation for osteoarthritis.

GOREY FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC : A PROACTIVE MANAGEMENT APPROACH TO OSTEOARTHRITIS

Due to the fact that Knee OA is often asymptomatic in its initial stages and later becomes symptomatic as the disease process progresses means that many patients are not seen until they have significant wear. Signs and symptoms of end-stage knee osteoarthritis include severe knee pain, and stiffness surrounding the involved joint, joint swelling, a limping gait pattern.

We encourage clients to take a proactive approach and to control the process using the latest evidence based guidelines in non surgical management of knee osteoarthritis. We are disappointed to hear clients often say that they had been told that nothing can be done for knee osteoarthritis. It is true that some may leave it so late that surgery is the only option but there are helpful non surgical options before this level of severity.

If you or a family member are concerned by knee osteoarthritis we would be pleased to consult with you and following a thorough physical evaluation which may include x rays offer a professional opinion as to the non surgical options available to you.

For your convenience the clinical team at Gorey Family Chiropractic Clinic are covered by all major Irish health insurers.

Contact: info@chiropractor.ie or Tel: 053 94 83338

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