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 February 2019

Put a Name to Your Head Pain: 4 Common Types of Headaches

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4 Most Common Types of HeadachesOh, the dreaded headache: this annoying and sometimes debilitating condition can mean lost productivity, irritability, and a host of other side effects in addition to head pain. “Headache” is a catch-all term, since you’ve probably had lots of different types of headaches, each feeling a little different, or coming on at different times, for different reasons. Today, we’re exploring the four most common types of Roanoke, TX headaches, and how chiropractic care and alternative therapy from Dr. Cody Doyle can help chronic headache sufferers.

If you experience frequent headaches that cause you to put your daily life on hold, know that chiropractic care can help alleviate many underlying causes of headaches. Dr. Cody Doyle provides a drug-free, nonsurgical approach to achieving total wellness for Roanoke, TX patients who suffer from headaches and other conditions. To discover the benefits of chiropractic care, contact our office today at 817-767-5430.

Tension Headaches

More than likely, you’ve experienced a tension headache at least once; it’s the most common headache complaint for American adults. While the side effects generally do not prevent you from completing normal daily activities, symptoms can still be painful and annoying. Many patients report feeling a dull ache on one or both sides of the head and/or behind the eyes. Sometimes, tension headaches are described as a band around the head which tightens or pulses with pain. These headaches’ lifespans vary greatly: they usually last anywhere from a few minutes to even several days. Common triggers include:

  • Hunger
  • Lack of sleep
  • Poor posture
  • Stress
  • Injury or misalignment in the neck, back, or shoulders

Cluster Headaches

As the name implies, this headache occurs with short episodes of pain, usually on just one side of the head. Unusually, it can be followed by allergy or cold symptoms like watery eyes, runny nose, or congestion in the sinuses. Cluster headaches often are as painful as migraines, but do not last as long. Usually, sufferers go long periods of time before experiencing these headaches. Doctors aren’t sure exactly what causes cluster headaches, but one theory suggests that abnormalities with the body’s hypothalamus (or the “biological clock”) could be to blame.

Sinus Headaches

Sinus pressure, as the result of a cold or allergies, can lead to an increase in pressure throughout the face and head. This pressure is accompanied by facial swelling, runny nose, and congestion, and pain is usually localized around the sinuses and eye area. Depending on the severity of the cold, sinus infection, or allergies, symptoms can for days or weeks.

Migraine Headaches

If you suffer from migraines, or know someone who does, you know that these types of headaches can be extremely debilitating, causing a host of secondary side effects in addition to head pain. These can include nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and noise. Sometimes, patients experience flashes of light in the peripheral vision (called an ocular migraine) before a migraine sets in. Migraines are well known for occurring frequently, usually multiple times a month. Triggers are different for each patient, but can include:

  • Lack of sleep
  • Stress
  • Poor nutrition
  • Hormone imbalance
  • Environmental factors, such as lighting, strong smells, or sounds

Chiropractic Care for Headaches in Roanoke, TX

Dr. Doyle offers holistic health treatments to treat underlying biological issues that can contribute to headaches. As vertebrae shift out of place, it can tighten surrounding muscles and affect the blood flow in the major arteries of the neck. When these major arteries are restricted, it inhibits continuous blood flow from the spinal cord to the brain, resulting in chronic or acute headaches. Therefore, regular chiropractic adjustments and alternative therapies such as acupuncture can help to maintain even oxygen flow and relieve tension. In addition, Dr. Doyle may offer tips for improving posture, managing stress, and other ways to reduce your headaches.

Ready to schedule your appointment? Contact us today! We look forward to seeing you soon.

Protect Your Back While Spring Cleaning

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Protecting Your Back During Spring Cleaning in Roanoke, TXDid you know the spring season will officially begin on March 20th? After the cold winter months, warmer temperatures and a little sunshine can leave us itching to clean out dusty garages or organize an overcrowded coat closet. However, if you suffer from chronic lower back pain, or have injured your back recently, protecting your spine while spring cleaning could prevent muscle pain, stiffness, and fatigue. A visit to Roanoke, TX local chiro, Dr. Cody Doyle, can help you experience improved alignment and better circulation to reduce painful or debilitating symptoms. This spring, take care of yourself — and your spine —by keeping in mind these tips as you prepare your home for warmer months.

Does your back feel stiff, sore, or painful? Do you regularly apply heating pads and muscle ointment to help find relief? If you are experiencing uncomfortable symptoms in the back or shoulders, visit Dr. Cody Doyle. As a Roanoke, TX, local chiro, Dr. Doyle can help promote healing through alternative therapies such as chiropractic adjustments or myofascial release therapy. Don’t let back problems keep you immobile this spring. Contact our office now to schedule your appointment with Dr. Doyle.

Prepare with a quick warm-up.

It may seem silly to “warm-up” for household chores, but some cleaning and organizing tasks end up being rather strenuous. It’s always a good idea to prepare your muscles for activity by gently warming them up and opening up their range of motion. A few quick dynamic stretches can get your blood flowing and help prevent sore muscles the next day. Here are a few examples to get you started.

Always lift with the legs.

If you are carrying heavy boxes or loads of laundry, don’t bend at the waist to lift them off the ground. Always bend down at the knees into a squatting position when lifting. If it’s too heavy to comfortably carry, have your spouse or neighbor help out; carrying more than you can handle elevates your risk of injuring your back.

Don’t twist and turn.

For some home projects, such as replacing a hard-to-reach lightbulb, you may find yourself twisting or contorting to try and complete the task. However, whenever possible, avoid over-twisting or turning to the point that your spine is out of natural alignment. Overstretching the spine could result in a slipped disc which can lead to painful pinched nerves. Also, when your body isn’t able to balance, the chance for a fall or other injury increases. And home injuries are no joke; about 21 million Americans last year ended up at the hospital due to at-home injuries.

Consider a back brace.

At your next appointment with Dr. Doyle, ask about whether a supportive back brace is right for you. Different types of braces can help support different areas of the back, or help patients with certain chronic pain issues. Wearing a back brace while working around the home may offer the extra support you need to prevent spinal misalignment or inflammation.

See your Roanoke, TX local chiro.

If you have chronic or new back pain, it’s important to treat the underlying complications which could be contributing to your symptoms. Dr. Doyle offers a range of holistic treatments that work with your body’s natural ability to heal. He can help increase circulation and reduce areas of tension or inflammation. Regular appointments with Dr. Doyle can proactively help reduce back pain.

If you are interested in chiropractic therapy, or any of our other holistic treatments, please contact our Roanoke, TX practice today. We look forward to meeting with you soon!

Shedding Some Light on Popular Acupuncture Myths

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Shedding some light on acupuncture myths in Argyle, TX

Acupuncture has its roots in early Chinese medicine (some scholars believe it began as far back as 480 B.C). Throughout acupuncture’s long history, and as Western culture began adopting this complementary therapy, certain myths began circulating. You’ve probably heard of, or even believe, a few of these myths! But myths about this treatment can discourage some Argyle, TX, patients who may truly benefit from this therapy’s pain management benefits. Today, we’re busting a few of the most popular myths about acupuncture and its effects. Read on to learn more!

Dr. Cody Doyle offers acupuncture therapy as part of his holistic approach to alternative medicine. Recently, more and more research is showing acupuncture’s effects in treating inflammation, chronic and acute pain, and other musculoskeletal issues. If you are interested in acupuncture treatment, it’s important to see a trained and experienced practitioner like Dr. Cody Doyle. Call our practice now to schedule an appointment and see for yourself the truth about acupuncture.

Acupuncture hurts.

Many people have a fear of needles, and acupuncture’s use of needles may prompt a fear that the therapy is painful or invasive. However, the needles used during acupuncture therapy are extremely thin—usually just slightly thicker than a human hair. Most patients experience a mild “aching” sensation during treatment, or sometimes a slight “shock” feeling. Dr. Doyle may slightly manipulate the needles during treatment to increase their stimulation effects, but once the needles are removed, many patients experience a feeling of relaxation and pain relief, though other patients with more intense pain may require additional treatments for full pain relief benefits. It’s not uncommon for some patients to even fall asleep during treatment, because the process can be a very relaxing and calming experience.

Acupuncture is outdated.

While acupuncture has ancient roots, it is more and more being research and studied as a modern solution for different painful side effects and symptoms of medical conditions like cancer, arthritis, TMJ disorders, digestive disorders, and more. A 2012 study of over 18,000 participants found that acupuncture was effective in offering pain relief for chronic pain sufferers. The National Institutes of Health also reports that while the positive effects of acupuncture have been verified, the depth of understanding in regards to acupuncture is only just beginning. More research could help us understand the full power of this alternative therapy.

Acupuncture offers a placebo effect.

The ancient practice of acupuncture started to help the body regulate its flow of energy, referred to in Chinese medicine as qi. Today, that idea still guides many practitioners of acupuncture, though we now can explain the effects of acupuncture in more modern terminology.

It’s thought that the reason acupuncture is effective for pain relief is because it stimulates nerves throughout the body. The nerves then trigger a response for the brain to release hormones such as beta-endorphins, which can increase the body’s pain threshold.

Another theory that researchers are studying is acupuncture’s ability to help stimulate nerve re-growth and repair in painful areas of the body. The stimulation of acupuncture therapy helps nerve endings to regenerate and reduces their sensitivity to pain.

As linked above, the study of acupuncture has proven its ability to effectively reduce painful symptoms for patients, but the understanding as to why this occurs is still under much research.

Acupuncture near Argyle, TX

If you are experiencing painful symptoms, or are ready to supplement your medical treatments with holistic therapy, contact our Argyle-area practice. Our therapies better align and stimulate your body’s natural structure and functions so that it can heal itself from the inside out. If you are interested in learning more about our approach to alternative medicine, call us today at 817-767-5430.

Degenerative Disk Disease–Can a Chiropractor Help?

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Degenerated disc in x-ray viewYou awaken with a slight backache that is unresponsive to medications, heating pads, Epsom salt baths, or other remedies. You have run out of options and have decided that the problem may be bigger than you thought.

Knowing you have degenerative disc disease, you scour the internet for help. Surprisingly, you find out many people with your symptoms get help from a chiropractor.

Today, Dr. Cody Doyle explores several aspects of this painful condition. We will also discuss how we can help reduce or eliminate your symptoms at our Roanoke, TX practice.

What is Degenerative Disk Disease?

Degenerative disk disease (DDD) involves damage to the spinal discs between the vertebrae, which results in pain. The pain usually occurs in the cervical spine, lumbar spine, or mid-back, and may radiate down the arms or legs.

Consider thinking of your spinal disks like the shock absorbers on a car. Your spinal disks have the job of buffering any impact your body may encounter. With repeated impacts, the disks get less effective at absorbing the shocks.

Eventually, those disks may not work well in absorbing the impacts your body encounters. Over time, this wear and tear causes more damage, leading to DDD.

What Are the Causes and Effects of Disk Disease?

The causes and effects of disc degeneration are intertwined into the aging process and can become a long term issue.

As your body matures, your structure changes, including bones, joints, and disks. You may begin to develop pain in areas that were once pain-free.

DDD begins with your intervertebral discs changing, which also affects your mobility. You may also notice differences in your spine and joints.

Things you used to do easily now leave you with pain because of your damaged discs. Sometimes, it can progress to a herniated disc.

Several factors can cause your disks to deteriorate. Some of the most common include:

  • Condition of the disc: As we age, our disks lose water, causing them to dry out and shrink. Therefore, they cannot absorb the shocks that occur with impacts on our bodies as well as they used to.
  • Your daily activity level: Exercise, sports, and other physical activities may exacerbate any symptoms.
  • Accidents and injuries: Trauma can cause pain, weakness, and swelling. You may even notice “pops and cracks” down your spine when you get out of bed and as you attempt to walk or bend over.

What are the Symptoms?

DDD has an array of symptoms with some of the most common being:

  • Numbness and “tingling” sensations in your limbs
  • Tolerable pain that escalates into unbearable agony
  • Pain that worsens when you bend over, walk, sit, or even standstill
  • Pain that reaches down to your lumbar spine, buttocks, and thighs
  • “Shooting” pain or pain that spikes without warning

What Does A Diagnosis of Disk Disease Include?

A diagnosis of DDD may include:

  • A thorough examination of your back and body, including X-rays and other digital imaging
  • A review of your medical history
  • Description of the symptoms you are having

How Can Doyle Chiropractic & Acupuncture Help Me?

At Doyle Chiropractic & Acupuncture, we understand that pain is uncomfortable, debilitating, and for many, depressing. Waking up every day to lower back pain, or “tingling” sensations in the arms and legs is not productive.

Our caring team provides comprehensive care to address your symptoms.

Dr. Cody Doyle has over two decades of experience in treating pain with numerous alternative medicine options. He has the knowledge, experience, and compassion you are looking for. We can provide you with an effective treatment plan that is customized for you and your unique needs.

Dr. Doyle’s back and neck pain treatments consist of:

  • Chiropractic care
  • Acupuncture
  • Massage therapy
  • Education and information
  • Physical therapy

 Contact Doyle Chiropractic & Acupuncture Today

You deserve a pain-free life, and Dr. Doyle will work to ensure you have one. During a consultation, he can discuss treatment options, which may include some of the most innovative approaches to alternative medicine. Contact Doyle Chiropractic & Acupuncture online, or by dialing 817-767-5430.