Cody B. Doyle DC, DIANM | Chiropractor Roanoke Tx 76262 | Board Certified Chiropractic Orthopedist

Board Certified Chiropractor Serving Patients in Roanoke, Keller, and Fort Worth Texas

Archives for July 2018

Roanoke, TX Back Injury: Treating a Bulging Disc with Chiropractic Care

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woman sitting at desk with back injury

Are you experiencing lower back pain? Discomfort between the shoulder blades? What about sciatic pain? If so, you could be suffering from a bulging disc. This condition is characterized by the protrusion or displacement of a vertebral disc, which places excessive pressure on surrounding nerves. Oftentimes, this condition is the result of injury or trauma. Fortunately, patients suffering from symptoms of a slipped, herniated, or bulging disc can find relief through noninvasive, compassionate care at Doyle Chiropractic & Acupuncture. If you have a Roanoke, TX back injury, read on for more information.

What Causes a Slipped, Bulging, or Herniated Disc?

Oftentimes, a bulging disc is caused by a traumatic event, such as a car accident or sporting injury. However, this condition can also develop from consistently poor posture or from being overweight. In many cases, a herniated disc begins as a small issue, then progresses as painful symptoms become more apparent.

Symptoms of a Bulging Disc

A slipped disc alone does not cause pain. It is only when the displaced vertebral disc begins to press on the backbone or the associated nerves that uncomfortable symptoms occur. When this happens, you may start to notice:

  • Numbness or tingling: It is not uncommon to experience a “pricking” or numb sensation in the affected area.
  • Muscle fatigue: When nerves become damaged, it can cause the associated muscles to weaken. As a result, you may not be able to lift or hold objects as you once did. This condition can also cause you to stumble as you walk.
  • Pain in the extremities: When a slipped disc is in the neck, you are likely to experience pain in the arms, shoulders, and neck. If the herniated disc is in the back, symptoms often occur in the buttocks, thighs, calves, or feet.

Diagnosing a Bulging Disc

To diagnose a slipped disc, Dr. Cody Doyle will first review your medical history in detail. During this interview, he will ask you about any previous injuries, surgeries, and health problems, as well as your current symptoms. Next, he will perform a thorough assessment of your spine, reflexes, and muscle strength, and will determine how each of these elements is affecting your overall health. Typically, medical imaging will be used to confirm the diagnosis, using a CT scan or MRI.

Chiropractic Treatments for a Bulging Disc

There are several treatments that can be used to alleviate the painful symptoms of a herniated disc. Some of the most common methods include:

  • Flexion-distraction technique: Using a specialized table, Dr. Doyle can gently stretch the spine. This effectively isolates the affected area while flexing the spine simultaneously. This can reposition the disc, moving it further away from the inflamed nerves.
  • Manipulation under anesthesia (MUA): Occasionally, Dr. Doyle may recommend chiropractic adjustments while you are in a twilight sleep state. This helps your back muscles relax completely as he gently stretches and manipulates the spine.
  • Pelvic blocking techniques: In some cases, cushioned wedges may be placed underneath the pelvis on both sides. Physical therapy exercises may also be used in conjunction with these cushions to bring the slipped disc away from the inflamed nerve root.

Benefits of Chiropractic Treatment

While herniated discs are sometimes treated by a neurosurgeon, many patients prefer to seek chiropractic care first, as it can offer several advantages. For example, a chiropractic approach:

  • Is noninvasive
  • Does not require controlled substances, such as pills or injections
  • Is performed by a trained and licensed specialist
  • Is holistic

Seek Treatment for Your Roanoke, TX Back Injury

Are you suffering from a Roanoke, TX back injury or related back pain? If so, a herniated disc could be the culprit. To learn more, or to schedule a consultation at Doyle Chiropractic & Acupuncture, call us at 817-767-5430 or contact us online anytime.

Back Pain During Pregnancy

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Keller TX chiropractorWhen a woman’s body is nurturing the development of a new person, it understandably goes through a number of structural and chemical changes. Just about every part of the body may be affected—from the hair on the top of your head to the swelling in your ankles! The spine is no exception. As a pregnancy progresses, the extra weight that a woman carries in her belly can put stress on the vertebrae and lead to muscular and nervous system dysfunction, all of which may come with painful symptoms. Understanding what’s happening in the body can help you stay comfortable and find ways to relieve pain during your pregnancy.

To learn more about the effects of pregnancy on the spine and your musculoskeletal functioning, contact Keller TX chiropractor Dr. Cody Doyle. Call us at 817-767-5430 to make an appointment.

Lower Back Pain During Pregnancy

Most women gain about 20 pounds or more when pregnant, and most of it is concentrated in the belly. This increases lumbar lordosis (the arch of the lower back), which strains the vertebrae. This can cause constant lower back pain and muscle soreness. Another factor is the fact that pregnancy hormones relax the ligaments and joints to prepare the pelvis for delivery. This happens most significantly in the third trimester and can worsen any lower back pain a woman may be feeling.

If the pregnancy is not her first, an expectant mother might also be looking after an infant or toddler at the same time. This can mean carrying a child in her arms for several hours a day, bending over to pick up the child constantly, and all the other related activities that come with small children (e.g., picking up toys).  These factors make back pain a real challenge for many expectant mothers.

Compressed Nerves

Sciatica is another common back problem during pregnancy, though it may be felt primarily in the buttocks. This condition can feel like a shooting pain in the lowest part of the spine (tailbone), that radiates down one or both legs. Sciatica is an example of pain resulting from a compressed nerve, as the sciatic nerve is located in the lower back. It may become compressed by weight gain, stress on the lower back from your shifting center of gravity, or even the position of the baby in the womb. Luckily this type of nerve pain usually goes away after delivery and recovery, but that doesn’t make it any easier to endure.

Keeping Your Spine Happy in the Third Trimester

There are several ways that expectant mothers can try to prevent these painful symptoms.

  • Go swimming when possible. The lower gravity environment in the water can take the pressure of your lower back and give your spine and ligaments a break. There’s no need to make it an intense lap-swimming workout; just walk around or let yourself float, and you’ll be doing your back a favor.
  • Make sure you sleep in a position that supports proper spinal alignment. Doctors recommend that pregnant women sleep on the left side, but it’s perfectly fine to sleep on the right if you are experiencing sciatic nerve pain on the left.
  • Use a body pillow or pregnancy pillow to support your back when sleeping.
  • Avoid sciatic pain when sitting by using a special pillow that keeps weight of the tailbone.
  • Avoid carrying heavy loads or bending over to pick things up in the third trimester.

How a Keller TX Chiropractor Can Help

Many women are unaware that chiropractic care is not only possible during pregnancy, but can be incredibly helpful at relieving pain. All chiropractors are trained in caring for expectant mothers, and adjustments may even help you achieve an easier birth through proper pelvic alignment. Depending on your symptoms, Dr. Cody Doyle may recommend a combination of chiropractic, acupuncture, and or myofascial release therapy.

If you need a Keller TX chiropractor to help you cope with pregnancy-related back pain, contact our office to make an appointment. We are located on Byron Nelson Boulevard, directly across the street from Hawaiian Falls Water Park. Call us at 817-767-5430 to make an appointment.