Archives for May 2019

Can Chiropractors Help to Treat Scoliosis?

Posted on 05.24.19 |

Spine alignment

If you or your loved one lives with mild to severe scoliosis, you have probably wondered about alternative or holistic treatments. Scoliosis is most commonly treated with bracing and surgery. For patients who suffer from pain, doctors may also prescribe strong pain killers known as opioids, such as hydrocodone. While the drugs usually bring relief, there is the risk of addiction. Also, the longer you take an opioid, the less it works – so the prescription will be increased over time, which only increases the risk of addiction. To reduce this risk, consider seeing a chiropractor to treat your pain. Before you type “Roanoke chiro near me” into your browser, read on to learn about how Dr. Cody Doyle, a chiropractor and acupuncturist, provides treatment for scoliosis pain.

What is scoliosis?

Put simply, scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine that is greater than a Cobb angle of 10 degrees. Sometimes this is mild, in which case the patient may have very few complications. For others, the curvature is significant, and it causes severe pain. Even routine movements may be difficult. Most patients develop scoliosis during their teen to adult years. Some people may develop scoliosis due to physical trauma, such as being in the backseat of a vehicle during a rear-end collision. Some adults may not even be aware that their back pain is caused by scoliosis.

How can chiropractors treat scoliosis pain?

The first step of treating any disease is diagnosis. Because many adults are unaware of their scoliosis, a visit to the chiropractor may be how they receive that diagnosis. Dr. Cody Doyle may be able to determine not only if your spine has a curvature, but the degree of that curvature. An x-ray will confirm the diagnosis. At that point, Dr. Doyle will work with you to develop a treatment plan.

When a patient with scoliosis requests chiropractic care, Dr. Doyle provides a chiropractic adjustment. Depending on your case, Dr. Doyle may use to deliver an adjustment. Some common tools used in the office include the muscle stim, the drop table, the massager, and acupuncture needles. While acupuncture is not an aspect of chiropractic care per se, combining the two practices may improve results.

What are the reported benefits of chiropractic care?

When it comes to correcting curvatures of the spine, scientists and medical professionals have debated the effectiveness of chiropractic care for decades. While many people continue to question its legitimacy, a 2011 study published by the U.S. National Library of Medicine confirms that chiropractic care delivers numerous benefits to patients over time. The study involved rehabilitation of 28 patients and the findings included:

Reduction in Cobb angle of curvature by approximately 10 degrees
Reduced levels of pain by 36% after 6 months and another 21% at 24-month follow-up
Disability scores reduced from 60% to 30% in 6 months, and then dropped to 18% after 24 months

Outside of this particular study, patients who suffer from scoliosis report additional positive results following routine chiropractic care, such as:

Better flexibility
Reduced discomfort
Improved range of motion
Reduction in inflammation

Because Dr. Doyle may combine your chiropractic care with acupuncture, the benefits may be even more potent. In fact, another study published by the U.S. National Library of Medicine in 2009 confirms that acupuncture aids in pain control for patients diagnosed with mild to severe scoliosis. It also illustrated that acupuncture can help to improve curvature progression for patients, even when traditional medicine has failed.

Perhaps the best benefit of chiropractic care and acupuncture is that it is holistic and drug-free. Some insurances cover all or part of chiropractic visits. Would you like to find out if these treatments may be right for you? Instead of searching for “Roanoke chiro near me,” give Dr. Doyle’s office a call directly at 817-767-5430.

Osteoarthritis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

Posted on 05.23.19 |

Male Patient Visiting Doctor’s Office With Back Ache

Our Roanoak, TX clinic offers multiple treatments for patients seeking relief from osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a joint disease that disproportionately affects older individuals. The disease affects the joint’s cartilage, lining, ligaments, and bone. Osteoarthritis often occurs in the spine, hips, knees, toes, and hands.

During your visit to Doyle Chiropractic & Acupuncture, Dr. Cody Doyle will examine your areas of pain before recommending a customized course of treatment for your osteoarthritis.

Cause of Osteoarthritis

Age is a leading risk factor for osteoarthritis. The vast majority of patients who report symptoms of this disease are well over 40.

Possible causes of OA include:

Poor diet
Genetics
Family history of OA
Obesity
Overuse of joints
Trauma
Unequal leg length
Bowlegs
Knocked knees

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

During your visit to our Roanoak clinic, Dr. Doyle will look for symptoms of osteoarthritis. Patients with this condition may experienced increase pain while standing or sitting upright for prolonged periods of time. Some individuals experience discomfort while bending their back. It is not uncommon for the pain to expand to the pelvic areas.

Because osteoarthritis develops from worn joints, the symptoms may not be noticeable at first.

Other symptoms of osteoarthritis include:

Muscle spasms
Joint creaking
Stiffness
Decreased range of motion (especially in the lower back)
Joint pain
Swelling near the joint area
Decreased function of spine joint

Treatment Options for Osteoarthritis

Depending on the cause and extent of your osteoarthritis, Dr. Doyle will prepare a customized treatment plan. Weight loss and changes to your diet will be likely recommendations. Obesity is a common cause of wear on the spine.

Lowering your weight can also reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis. It is important to understand that there is no cure for OA, but the symptoms can be effectively treated at our clinic and through lifestyle changes.

To manage your pain and symptoms, Dr. Doyle may recommend:

Acupuncture
Chiropractic care
Myofascial release therapy
Complementary therapies (herbal and nutritional plans or home exercises)

Dr. Doyle may also have a lengthy discussion on how you can manage and live with OA. Many of our patients benefit from understanding how to properly position their neck and spine while sleeping. Individuals with OA may need to avoid repetitive motions and frequent bending. There are adaptive devices that can assist you with daily activities.

While undergoing treatments at our chiropractic clinic is an integral part of recovery, it is also important to reduce or eliminate the causes of your OA. If you are ready to commit to a healthy lifestyle, you may be able to significantly reduce your symptoms while regaining mobility and restoration of your quality of life.

Contact a Local Chiropractor in Roanoke, TX

Dr. Doyle has more than 20 years of experience diagnosing and treating muscle pain. To schedule an exploratory exam, contact Dr. Doyle at (817) 767-5430 or visit our website to set up an initial appointment.

3 Tips to Help Relieve Low Back Pain by Roanoke-Trophy Club Chiropractor Dr. Cody Doyle

Posted on 05.23.19 |

Over 80% of people have experienced low back pain in their life. If you experience frequent or chronic pain, there are options. Find out how to reduce your pain by simply improving your sleeping habits and stretching and learn the secret about a powerful all-natural painkiller.

Low Back Pain And Poor Sleeping Habits

Pain can interfere with a good night’s rest, and awkward sleeping postures can exacerbate your pain. Minimize the amount of pressure and stress placed on your back through the strategic use of pillows. Alignment is key. Your ears, shoulders, and hips should be lined up to maintain the natural curve of your spine.

Side-sleepers should put a pillow between the knees to maintain spinal alignment. Another option is the fetal position—drawing your knees to your chest. This increases the spaces between the vertebrae. To continue proper alignment, your head pillow should fill the space between your ear and shoulder.

Stomach-sleepers should put a pillow under the abdomen and pelvis to relieve the pressure and stress off the back. For proper alignment of the neck, try a thin pillow under your forehead so you can sleep facedown rather than have your head twisted to the side.

Sleeping on your back is the best, as it evenly distributes the weight of your body and minimizes pressure points. To keep the natural curve of your spine, place a pillow under your knees. If you have an adjustable bed, a reclined position is best. For neck positioning, you want a flat pillow under your head.

Don’t neglect the importance of your mattress. While a soft bed feels nice, it’s bad for your back. You want a firm or medium-firm mattress with quality springs or foam. If you need a new one and can’t afford it, try a mattress topper. If the mattress is too soft, put plywood under it.

Low Back Pain Relief Stretches

Tight muscles increase tension and worsen pain. For low back pain, the hamstrings are the most common culprit. These muscles go through the back of the thighs from hips to knees. Proper stretching lengthens the muscles, reducing tension and increasing range of motion and mobility.

Consistency is key. This isn’t something you force in a few days. Perform gentle, smooth stretching. Don’t bounce or go for pain, as this can tear your muscles. If it hurts, back off a bit, then hold the stretch for 30 seconds. Perform this one side at a time and repeat four times. Done twice daily, this routine will enhance coordination and reduce pain and stress.

Powerful All-Natural Pain Relief

Endorphins are amazing. They are the brain’s chemicals that, when released, reduce pain and stress and improve the immune system. Endorphins are the naturally occurring “feel good” painkillers we have free access to. When released, endorphins produce euphoria. This happens naturally when we feel pain, such as with an injury, but there are other ways to activate these powerful neurotransmitters.

Studies have proven endorphin’s power in the “runner’s high,” but the stress running puts on the back may not be best for someone already experiencing pain. The good news is, there are many other ways to get the endorphins pumping. Any type of cardiovascular exercise, such as biking or fast-walking, will do the trick. It has been shown that shared experiences are effective. Water aerobics with friends, yoga in a class, or dancing with that special someone are examples.

Other ways to boost endorphins include laughter, music, dark chocolate, and vanilla or lavender. Spicy foods also work. The burning sensation in the mouth triggers pain signals. Go ahead, add wasabi or cayenne peppers to your food for not only a burst of flavor but a boost of bliss. Volunteering and lending a helping hand produce pleasure, connection, and trust. MRI studies have shown the act of giving produces a “helper’s high.”

But My Back Still Hurts

If the above options don’t give the relief you hoped for, additional measures may be warranted. With over 21 years’ experience, Dr. Cody Doyle can help with a treatment customized for you. He provides not only chiropractic care but acupuncture, an effective way of enticing your brain to flood your body with endorphins.

To schedule an exam, contact Dr. Doyle at (817) 767-5430 or visit our website to set up an appointment.

Causes and Treatments for Muscle Pain

Posted on 05.9.19 |

Many of our patients come to our Roanoke, TX clinic seeking relief from muscle pain. During your visit to Doyle Chiropractic & Acupuncture, Dr. Cody Doyle, who has over 21 years of experience, will inquire into your symptoms and examine your areas of pain before recommending a customized course of treatment.

Common Causes of Muscle Pain

Muscle pain is commonly caused by stress-induced tension, overuse of a muscle, or injury. Localized pain affects one muscle or a group of related muscles while systemic muscle pain is felt throughout the entire body. Systemic muscle pain may be caused by illness, an infection, medication side effects, or another cause. During your consultation and examination, Dr. Doyle will determine if any of the following are causing your arm pain.

Misaligned vertebrae: Misaligned vertebrae and bulging disks can cause pain that radiates outward toward muscle groups. Dr. Doyle offers several effective treatments for misaligned vertebrae, including spinal manipulation.
Tendinitis: Inflammation of a tendon can cause muscle pain and reduced mobility. There are many effective treatments for tendinitis that do not require surgery.
Peripheral Neuropathy: This nervous system condition affects more than 20 million people in the United States. Peripheral neuropathy disrupts communication between the peripheral nerves and the central nervous system, resulting in muscle pain, tingling sensations, and skin sensitivity.
Arthritis: This autoimmune disease can be degenerative or inflammatory. Arthritis is characterized by inflammation of the joints.
Muscle cramps: A muscle cramp is a sudden and involuntary contraction of a muscle. Overuse, strain, and dehydration are common causes of muscle cramps.

Possible Treatments of Muscle Pain

Your customized treatment will be based on the causes of your muscle pain and other factors, including your medical history. Dr. Doyle may recommend one or more of the following treatments to address your muscle pain.

Spinal manipulation: Doyle Chiropractic & Acupuncture offers multiple spinal manipulation methods, including diversified method (hand-applied pressure), activator method (mechanical manipulation using handheld device), Thompson method (manual thrusts with drop table technique), and Gonstead Method (similar to diversified but using a variety of tables, positions, and manual thrusts).
Acupuncture: Dr. Doyle administers this minimally-invasive treatment by inserting a number of very small needles in varying depths into your skin. You may feel a mild stinging sensation, but most patients experience minimal discomfort. Once inserted, Dr. Doyle may move the needle up or down or in a circular motion. Some treatments involve heat and mild electrical pulses. The typical length of treatment is about 10 to 20 minutes.
Myofascial Release Therapy: Myofascial release is a hands-on treatment that is conducted under the skilled hands of Dr. Doyle. The treatment involves the use of massages of the myofascial connective tissue to provide relief from chronic pain or other symptoms.
Complementary therapy: Dr. Doyle may recommend one of several complementary therapies in addition to spinal manipulation and acupuncture. These may include nutritional, herbal, ultrasound, detoxification, and home exercise programs.

Contact a Local Chiropractor in Roanoke, TX

Drug-Free Pain Management for Sports Injuries

Posted on 05.1.19 |

Do you play golf in Trophy Club, shoot hoops at the park, or jog the beautiful nature trails that crisscross Northeast Tarrant County? Maybe you play volleyball or softball at the rec center. Roanoke, Trophy Club, Southlake, and Grapevine feature a wide variety of outdoor activities to enjoy — and Dr. Doyle hopes you’re taking advantage of them.

Should you twist an ankle or strain a muscle while trying to have fun, you may need to see a doctor. If pain persists, visit Dr. Doyle. Our Roanoke office provides our Trophy Club neighbors with holistic pain management, so you can heal quickly and get back to enjoying the activities you love.

Common Sports Injuries

The most common sports injuries are sprains and strains, but they only scratch the surface of the full list. Other common sports injuries you may experience include:

Achilles tendon injuries
Rotator cuff injuries
Knee injuries
Fractures
Dislocations
Swollen muscles

Some of our patients continue to have pain long after an injury. For instance, a low back injury sustained during high school sports could plague you with pain and stiffness in adulthood. Dr. Doyle may use chiropractic, acupuncture, or a combination of these with or without muscle stim and other holistic therapies to treat your pain.

Before Dr. Doyle can develop your treatment plan for pain relief, however, he must diagnose the source of your pain. Your initial interview and exam will take about an hour, and at the end of the appointment we will give you a proposed treatment plan. Lori in the front office will file your insurance, if you have chiropractic coverage.

“Does it work?”

We live in a society that questions the validity of holistic medicine. The truth is, you have to try it to find out if chiropractic and/or acupuncture will work well for pain management, for your unique case. Mounting research in both acupuncture and chiropractic prove the effectiveness of the therapies, whether provided separately or together.

“Acute and chronic chiropractic patients experienced better outcomes in pain, functional disability, and patient satisfaction; clinically important differences in pain and disability improvement were found for chronic patients.”

Haas et al (2005), Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics

Side Effects of Sports Injuries

The full extent of a sports injury is not always immediately obvious. In addition, some injuries develop over time due to repetitive motions, like passing a football or bending the knees when riding a bike. Holistic pain management treatment can often reduce or alleviate these types of pain, as well.

Not sure if you injured yourself? Some of the symptoms you may experience are:

Swelling, inflammation, or tenderness in particular areas
Stiffness that limits movement
Acute pain when you make certain movements
Extreme weakness in the arms or legs
Inability to place any weight on a hand or leg

If you experience dizziness, headaches, or disorientation, seek either emergency assistance or to schedule an appointment with your GP. If your symptoms persist after seeing a physician, schedule a visit with Dr. Doyle. His therapies can help reduce or relieve chronic headaches, migraines, and vertigo, in many cases.

Avoid Long-Term Use of Pain Medications

Doctors often recommend ibuprofen or acetaminophen to alleviate pain and swelling. If you’re prescribed an opioid, you might be concerned with the effects that the addictive drug can have on your health and life. Opioids are not the healthiest treatment for ongoing pain. Using ibuprofen long term can also cause health concerns. For many patients, chiropractic treatment and acupuncture provide sufficient pain management so that long-term pain meds are not needed.

For drug-free pain management, call us at 817-767-5430 or submit an email via the contact form. Dr. Doyle and our team look forward to seeing you back on the greens, the courts, the trails, and the fields very soon!