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

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Don’t Be Miserable: 4 Tips for Pain Relief

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woman with chronic painAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 70 million Americans lived with chronic pain in 2016. If you are one of the millions of people in America suffering from chronic pain, life can feel hopeless. Most likely you’ve been to multiple doctors and have tried several treatments only to be disappointed. Today, we want to give you some hope.

One of the best pieces of advice we can give you is to visit Dr. Cody Doyle at Doyle Chiropractic and Acupuncture near Justin. He uses alternative methods, such as myofascial release therapy and acupuncture, to treat chronic pain and other health conditions.

While this is a great long-term solution for pain control, here are 4 things you can try at home to help mitigate the pain:

1. Nutrition

On days when you wake up in pain, getting out of bed can seem impossible. And if you aren’t getting out of bed, you probably aren’t staying hydrated or eating properly– both of which might be contributing to your pain.

Studies have shown that dehydration can amplify your pain. So, make sure you are drinking at least 64 ounces of water a day. Buy yourself a giant water bottle or two and keep them next to your bed so you only have to get up once or twice to refill.

Ask yourself this question: What have I eaten today? If the answer is nothing, your pain is probably amplified by fatigue, irritability, and anxiety. Even without chronic pain, that’s a bad combination. If all you’ve eaten today is a donut or bag of chips, try eating some fruit, nuts, or vegetables. Your body needs nutritious food for energy to combat your pain.

2. Exercise

If you don’t exercise, your muscles lose their strength and cause more distress. When you begin exercising, start slow, listen to your body, and gradually work your way up. What begins as a five-minute walk down the street could eventually become a thirty-minute walk around the neighborhood.

Several studies have proven that exercise reduces chronic pain, increases nerve function, and helps relieve stress and anxiety. If you don’t know where to start, or what type of exercise would benefit you most, Dr. Doyle can create a plan that’s right for you.

3. Relaxation

Meditation, deep breathing, and a variety of other mind-body practices have been proven to enhance your overall health by calming your nervous system and regulating blood pressure. Find what fits your lifestyle and see how it affects your symptoms. Pair these relaxing practices with yoga or tai chi to cross exercise and relaxation off your to-do list!

4. Heating Pad/ Ice Pack

Depending on your pain, one or both of these options could be helpful. Use a heating pad or take a warm bath if your muscles are tense. The heat will increase blood flow to that area and cause your muscles to relax. If you have swelling, an ice pack can reduce the inflammation. It can also numb any pain in a specific area.

Learn How Dr. Doyle Can Help You

If you need help managing your chronic pain, chiropractic care is one of the best solutions. People from all over Texas come to Dr. Doyle for chiropractic care because of his expertise and success. Whether you have chronic neck and back pain, headaches or migraines, struggle with stress or anxiety, or are trying to lose weight, he can assist you on your journey to success.  Visit our Roanoke and Justin chiropractic and acupuncture office to discover how he can meet your individual needs. Call 817-767-5430 to schedule your appointment.

How Chiropractic Care Provides Relief from Spinal Disc Issues

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man suffering from spinal disc painSpinal discs are the sponge-like cushions between your vertebrae. These tiny pads are extremely important to our everyday life because they provide shock absorption, help with stability, and allow for movement. When discs are damaged, our physical abilities become extremely limited. If you are suffering from spinal disc issues, your Trophy Club chiro Dr. Cody Doyle at Doyle Chiropractic and Acupuncture can provide a drug-free pain management solution. He’ll help make sure that further injury doesn’t occur.

If you’re suffering from spinal disc issues, contact us to schedule a consultation with Dr. Doyle. Here is how our chiropractor can provide you with relief from your spinal disc issues:

Symptoms of Spinal Disc Disorders

Not sure if your back pain stems from a disc disorder? Here are some general symptoms:

  • Pain radiating down the legs
  • Worsening pain when bending over or sitting down for a long time
  • Worsening pain when you cough or sneeze
  • Numbness or pins-and-needles in an arm or leg

To determine if your symptoms are due to a spinal disc disorder, visit Doyle Chiropractic and Acupuncture. Dr. Doyle can identify exactly what is causing you pain and set you on a path toward recovery. Contact us online or at 817-767-5430 today for a consultation with Dr. Doyle.

Risk Factors

You may be more prone to disc problems if you have one or more of these issues:

  • Obesity
  • Poor muscle tone
  • Lack of regular exercise
  • Smoke cigarettes
  • Poor posture
  • Poor weightlifting techniques

Types of Disc Problems

When a disc shifts out of place, ruptures, or deteriorates, there is nothing to keep the vertebrae from rubbing against each other and causing immense pain. Types of spinal disc issues include:

Bulging Disc

Also known as a herniated disc, a bulging disc occurs when the disc shifts out of place and protrudes into the spinal canal. This is often caused by injury, poor posture, deterioration, or over-stretching. About 90% of bulging discs occur in the lower back. Symptoms of a bulging disc include:

  • Pain or a tingling sensation in the neck and upper extremities
  • Muscle spasms in the lower back
  • Radiating pain from the upper back to the chest or stomach
  • Lower back pain

Degenerative Disc Disease

Frequently occurring in the lower back and neck, degenerative disc disease is when the spinal cord loses fluid and begins to deteriorate. Discs then compress within the vertebrae and begin to tear or rupture. Symptoms of degenerative disc disease include:

  • Chronic or acute neck pain
  • Limited flexibility during daily activity
  • Lower back pain
  • Pain with the buttock or legs
  • Increased pain when sitting, bending, or twisting

Causes of degenerative disc disease include old age, smoking, obesity, lack of exercise, repetitive physical activity, injury, or trauma.

Contact Your Trophy Club Chiro Today

If you’re looking for a doctor that prioritizes total wellness and drug-free treatment, Doyle Chiropractic and Acupuncture is the place for you. Our team is prepared to create a personalized plan to bring your body back to its full strength and health. To learn more about our treatment methods and how Dr. Doyle can relieve your spinal disc issues, contact us online or at 817-767-5430.

What Are the Symptoms of a Pinched Nerve?

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Injury, poor posture, or repetitive movements can result in compression on a nerve. Over time, this pressure can result in a painful condition commonly known as a pinched nerve. Nerve compression tends to occur in vulnerable places where there is little soft tissue for protection. Often, these points of injury are near ligaments, tendons, and bone. The resulting damage (and pain) can be minor, moderate, or severe. 

Dr. Cody B. Doyle, a chiropractor and acupuncturist, treats pinched nerves in Roanoke, TX. Dr. Doyle has more than 21 years of experience in delivering holistic and effective treatment. If you are experiencing the symptoms of a pinched nerve, early treatment is critical to increasing your chances for optimal health outcomes and the prevention of further nerve damage.

Symptoms of a Pinched Nerve

A pinched nerve in your neck or spine can radiate pain outward. Early symptoms often include neck or low back pain. It is common for pain to reach the shoulders, arms, legs, and even the hands. Common symptoms include:

  • Neck pain
  • Lower back pain
  • Numbness
  • Tingling
  • “Pins and needles” sensations
  • Burning sensation
  • Pain during certain movements
  • Sudden onset of weakness

A pinched nerve can be the cause of other conditions, such as:

 

  • Peripheral neuropathy: Peripheral neuropathy results from nerve damage. The condition can interfere with muscle movement or restrict normal sensations.
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome: Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common form of mononeuropathy that results from strain. Individuals who perform repetitive tasks are at increased risk for developing this often painful condition. 

 

If left untreated, scarring and swelling near the nerve can result. For some patients, rest can alleviate the symptoms of a pinched nerve. By abstaining from the movements that led to the pinched nerve (such as improper sleeping posture), some individuals are able to naturally recover. If your symptoms perpetuate or become more pronounced, you should seek relief at our Roanoke chiropractic clinic. 

Treatment Options

While medications, injections, and even surgery are sometimes used to treat a pinched nerve, Dr. Doyle prefers using non-invasive treatments. Each condition is unique, so your treatment plans will be custom-tailored to your specific needs. After your thorough examination, Dr. Doyle may recommend any of the following:

  • Chiropractic (Diversified, Activator, Thompson, or Gonstead methods)
  • Acupuncture
  • Herbal remedies
  • Massage therapy
  • Therapeutic exercises
  • Auriculotherapy
  • Nutritional planning and detoxifications programs
  • Weight loss treatments

Once you have been fully treated, you will want to take proactive steps to prevent the return of a pinched nerve. It is important to understand common risk factors for a pinched nerve, which include diabetes, overuse of certain muscles, obesity, pregnancy, and prolonged bed rest. 

A few steps you can take to prevent this condition include:

  • Exercising regularly (with a focus on strength training and flexibility)
  • Maintaining good posture and body positioning
  • Limiting repetitive activities or taking frequent breaks
  • Maintaining a healthy weight

Treat Your Pinched Nerve Symptoms in Roanoke, TX

While other doctors may recommend injections and medications for a quick fix, Dr. Doyle will take the time to look at your body holistically. By changing certain habits and developing new ones, you can prevent pinched nerves from returning. To schedule your consultation or treatment with Dr. Doyle, please contact our office online or call (817) 767-5430.

 

Causes and Treatments for Upper Back Pain

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Upper back pain is often caused by poor posture, injury, or muscle overuse. By adopting proper habits, patients can proactively work to promote healing while preventing further injury. If you are seeking relief from back pain, Dr. Cody B. Doyle is an esteemed chiropractor and acupuncturist who has served the Roanoke, TX community for over 21 years. Our office is always welcoming new patients. To schedule your next consultation, contact our staff online or call (817) 767-5430.

Causes of Upper Back Pain

An article published in Occupational Medicine found that 17 percent of adult women and 9 percent of men experience frequent bouts of upper back pain, which is also known as thoracic spine pain or TSP. The upper back consists of the area between the base of the neck and the bottom of the ribcage. There are 12 bones that make up the upper back. The first bone of the thoracic spine is located at the base of the neck, and the last bone can be found just below the ribcage. Upper back pain can occur anywhere between these bones.

Common causes of TSP include:

  • Poor posture: Slouching and other forms of poor posture can lead to a weakening of the back muscles. This can lead to unnatural pressure on the spine, discs, neck, and ligaments. This pressure can lead to pain over time as well as other complications. 
  • Muscle strain: Repetitive movements can overuse and strain muscles. The same physiological factors that affect a baseball pitcher can affect an individual’s upper back.
  • Injury: Pain from an injury is often quickly noticeable. Sometimes, it can take a day or two to surface. The sooner you see a qualified chiropractor, such as Dr. Doyle, the sooner you can begin healing from an injury. 
  • Herniated disc: This cause of pain is more typical of lower back injuries. Dr. Doyle can determine if a herniated disc is the cause of your TSP. 
  • Pinched nerve: If a herniated disc puts pressure on a nerve, numbness or pain can result.  

Treatment Options

When treating your symptoms, Dr. Doyle will look at your back holistically. Our Roanoke medical office offers:

  • Chiropractic and myofascial release therapy
  • Acupuncture and auriculotherapy

Dr. Doyle may recommend behavioral and lifestyle changes as well. Exercise and stretching can help your back muscles to become stronger and more durable. Correcting your posture will be important as well. Other tips Dr. Doyle may recommend include:

  • Taking period rests
  • Taking breaks to walk around 
  • Using a standing desk 
  • Physical therapy

Tips for Preventing Injury to Your Back

Once you have been treated for upper back pain, you will want to take steps to prevent reinjuring yourself. Proven tips for preventing injury to your upper back include:

  • Taking breaks from long periods of sitting to stretch
  • Warming up before physical activities
  • Using proper form when lifting weights
  • Scheduling regular messages
  • Avoiding the use of heavy purses or backpacks
  • Becoming mindful of your posture 
  • Using a back support

Treat Upper Back Pain in Roanoke, TX

Dr. Cody Doyle has more than 20 years of professional experience treating upper back pain. If you recently injured your back or if you have experienced prolonged periods of back pain, we welcome you to schedule a consultation or examination online. You can also reach our office at (817) 767-5430.

 

Three Conditions You Didn’t Know Your Trophy Club Chiro Could Treat

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Senior couple on country walk

 

For most people, a chiropractor is associated only with neck and back pains, but did you know they can also treat allergies, stress and anxiety, and weight loss? At Doyle Chiropractic & Acupuncture, Dr. Cody Doyle has been successfully treating patients with these conditions through a variety of holistic, non-invasive methods for over 20 years.

To see how Dr. Doyle can help you, contact us online anytime or call our office at 817-767-5430 to set up a one-on-one consultation today at our office.

Allergies

A misaligned neck causes a disruption in communication between the spine and the central nervous system. In turn, this causes an imbalance which results in allergies. Symptoms of allergies include:

  • Runny, stuffy, or itchy nose
  • Watery or itchy eyes
  • Chronic or acute congestion
  • Post-nasal drip
  • Coughing
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • Excess mucus

If you are suffering from one or more of these symptoms, chiropractic care and acupuncture can help reduce these symptoms and strengthen your immune system.

Dr. Doyle can perform a spinal adjustment to realign your neck, repairing the communication between the spine and central nervous system. In addition to musculoskeletal manipulation, acupuncture focuses on specific pressure points that run along meridians in the body. By inserting hair-thin needles through the skin, brain chemicals that correct imbalances are released.

Stress and Anxiety

Stress and anxiety can be caused by any number of things and can affect your body in many ways. Symptoms of stress and anxiety include:

  • Being easily agitated
  • Feeling overwhelmed
  • Having difficulty relaxing
  • Low self-esteem
  • Low energy
  • Headaches
  • Stomach aches
  • Chest pains
  • Racing thoughts
  • Inability to focus
  • Being pessimistic

Rather than just treating the symptoms, Dr. Doyle’s goal is to fix the issue to improve your overall health. Through holistic methods and a personalized treatment plan, Dr. Doyle will help find the areas of your life that are causing stress and the ways those things are affecting your body.

Chiropractic care and acupuncture can improve your lifestyle by realigning your spine, reducing tight muscles, improving your musculoskeletal and nervous systems, and boosting your body’s natural ability to heal.

Weight Loss

There are three methods Dr. Doyle will use to help you on your weight loss journey:

  1. Chiropractic care- With a misaligned back, it can be exceedingly difficult to get up and exercise. Figuring out the source of the problem and using musculoskeletal manipulation to fix it will be our top priority to get you back on the walking trails.
  2. Nutritional therapy- To help this process, Dr. Doyle may recommend adding or removing certain foods for your diet.
  3. Auriculotherapy- Placing two acupuncture needles in specific areas around your ear will help curb your appetite by making you feel full faster. These needles stay in place for two to three weeks and continue working for two to three more months. Other benefits of auriculotherapy include:
    1. Strengthening the willpower
    2. Decreasing addictive behaviors
    3. Reducing stress and anxiety
    4. Speeding up the metabolism

If you are struggling with weight loss, our team at Doyle Chiropractic & Acupuncture are eager to walk with you through your weight loss journey to a healthier lifestyle.

Make an Appointment Today

Chiropractic care is more than just relief from back and neck pain, it’s about helping you live a healthy lifestyle through holistic methods. If you need relief from allergies, a plan for reducing stress and anxiety, or someone to help you reach your weight loss goals, call our Trophy Club, TX office today at (817) 767-5430.

Exercise the pain away in and around Roanoke! 

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couple exercising the pain away in local parkWhen struggling with back pain, most people tend to think that “resting my back” is the best option, but in reality sitting on the couch has the opposite effect. Too much rest allows muscles to weaken, tighten, and deteriorate. Muscles in the back need to be active unless they are torn or otherwise injured. Exercise is all about strengthening, stretching, and improving overall health.

As a chiropractor, Dr. Doyle often prescribes daily exercise to help reduce pain and discomfort, long term. If you want to explore drug-free treatments for pain relief, call Doyle Chiropractic and Acupuncture today at 817-767-5430.

A walk around the block or a few miles on the treadmill every day can get monotonous (but if you like it, don’t change it). If you find that working out by yourself seems uninspiring and unmotivating, you’re likely to stay on the couch watching Netflix. Exercise can be fun, believe it or not. In Roanoke and Trophy Club, you have access to many awesome parks with trees, amenities, and like-minded neighbors—and admission is cheaper than Netflix.

Walking, Jogging, or Running

Cardio will make your spine, and you, happy! Just a 30-minute walk or run triggers the release of endorphins—the happy hormone—to boost your mood. For those who love to run, don’t forget that running posture matters! Find out what that looks like here.

When cardio becomes a part of your daily routine, it helps the body stay comfortable doing everyday tasks, like tying shoes, walking upstairs, or playing with your kids and grandkids. So, grab a friend (even the four-legged variety) and start walking at any of these places near you:

  1. Cannon Parkway Park

Along with playground equipment, splash pad, basketball courts, and many other amenities, this park has a paved walking trail that is a little more than half a mile long. If you only want a short walk, shoot some hoops and cool off at the splash pad before heading home. A skateboard and BMX park is next to the sand volleyball courts. Hangout and get to know your neighbors while you’re there. There are public restrooms, as well–always a bonus. Our office is just across the street!

  1. Roanoke Community Park

Roanoke Community Park is full of activities for the whole family. The main entertainment is watching baseball and softball, but the park has much more to offer. Enjoy a scenic half-mile walk around the pond and bring your fishing gear. The pond features a pier that’s great for kids and adults alike. Picnic tables and restrooms are onsite, as well.

  1. Trophy Club Park

Not a fan of walking or running? How about disc golf? Trophy Club park features an 18-hole course, in addition to the woods around Grapevine Lake, which provide excellent hiking and horseback riding opportunities. Geocaching and fishing are also fun activities that this park offers. https://www.trophyclub.org/475/Trophy-Club-Park

Water Aerobics

For gentle resistance training, water aerobics is one of the best choices. This low-impact workout gets the blood flowing in your spine, which helps restore and strengthen your back, shoulders, hips, and neck. Many techniques focus on arms and legs, as well. You can try water aerobics on your own at Roanoke Community Pool or Trophy Club Pool. For instruction, check out this YouTube video that shows three water aerobics exercises for abdominal workouts.

Pilates Classes

Pilates is a great workout for strengthening core muscles which, in turn, help relieve back pain. When the core is strong, the body is more balanced and the back has more support. Starting a new exercise can be damaging if you jump in too quickly, so try these easy Pilates workouts and basic movements before pushing your body too far!

If you and Dr. Doyle decide that Pilates is a good match for you, consider joining any of these Pilates studios in the Roanoke area:

  1. Foreverfit Pilates Studio in Trophy Club
  2. Purely Pilates Center in Southlake
  3. C3 Pilates in Keller

To learn more about how Pilates helps strengthen core and back muscles and which exercises are best for managing pain, click here. There are also many YouTube videos and television shows that can guide you through yoga and Pilates exercises at home, at no cost. A little online research will help you find a favorite for your unique needs.

Before You Begin

If you are injured or suffer with chronic pain, before beginning a new exercise regimen, check with your general practitioner or Dr. Doyle to make sure you’re ready. If you’d like to also explore holistic pain relief options, call Dr. Doyle’s Roanoke, Tx office today at 817-767-5430 to set up a one-hour, comprehensive consultation and evaluation. The chiropractic and acupuncture clinic is convenient to Trophy Club, Keller, and Justin.

Trophy Club Chiro Explains How to Prevent Back Injuries

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woman holding back due to painBack injuries can occur for a number of reasons. Trauma resulting from falls, auto accidents, and sports-related injuries can certainly be to blame. However, in many cases, back injuries are the product of poor habits and posture. Here, Dr. Cody Doyle – your Trophy Club chiro – shares a few tips and tricks for preventing back injuries and stop them from progressing.

Are you suffering from back pain? Schedule an appointment with your Trophy Club chiro. Call Doyle Chiropractic and Acupuncture today at 817-767-5430.

Behaviors That Cause Back Pain

Before we discuss how to prevent back pain, let’s take a look at some common behaviors and habits that can cause the condition:

  • Poor posture: This strains the muscles and places stress on the spine. If left unaddressed, this can cause permanent changes in the spinal structure.
  • Incorrect lifting: A common cause of back injuries, trying to lift heavy objects incorrectly can result in strain.
  • Tobacco use: Though this is not commonly thought of as a culprit for back pain, research indicates that nicotine restricts blood flow to the cushioning disks in the vertebrae. Additionally, tobacco use prevents new bone growth by reducing calcium absorption. As a result, smokers experience slower healing when damage does occur.
  • Obesity: Extra weight around the midsection shifts the center of gravity forward. As a result, more strain is placed on the back.
  • Lack of exercise: Core strength is essential for overall health. Weak abdominal muscles can lead to poor posture, and consequently, back pain.
  • A sedentary lifestyle: If back pain is already present, then a sedentary lifestyle can actually make the problem worse. Lack of activity decreases blood flow to the affected area.
  • Lack of calcium and Vitamin D: Bone strength and density rely on certain nutrients. If you don’t consume enough, it can exacerbate back problems.

Prevention Tips from Your Trophy Club Chiro

While it’s impossible to prevent accidents and certain types of trauma, you can still promote spinal health by making well-informed choices. Modifying your behavior and eliminating harmful habits can improve your overall quality of life. Your Trophy Club chiro can give you recommendations based on your unique needs. In the sections below, we’ll discuss some general tips that can help reduce the risk of back pain.

Practice Proper Lifting

We lift objects every day. From heavy boxes to laundry baskets to a simple pair of shoes – what you lift (and how you lift it) – can have a profound effect on your spine. To lift correctly, bend your knees and keep the back as straight as possible. Remember to keep your feet firmly planted on the ground, keep your balance, and avoid any twisting motions. This helps keep the spine in alignment, reducing the strain on your back.

Aim for a Healthier Lifestyle

Improving physical health can drastically reduce the risk of back injury. Here are a few tips from your Trophy Club chiro:

  • Exercise a few times every week.
  • Stretch your muscles before any type of physical activity.
  • Lose any excess fat in the midsection, and strive to be within 10 pounds of your recommended healthy weight.
  • Strengthen your core muscles.
  • Consider sleeping on a firm mattress if you don’t already.

Address Issues Promptly

If you’ve sustained a back injury, it’s important to see your Trophy Club chiro as soon as possible. In many cases, back injuries progress if left untreated. Prompt chiropractic care can help increase blood flow and alleviate discomfort.

Contact Your Trophy Club Chiro Today

Is back pain keeping you down? Schedule a visit at our Roanoke, TX practice. Call us today at 817-767-5430 or contact us online anytime.

Drug-Free Pain Management for Pregnant Women

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pregnant woman on couch with husband, looking at bellyIt is no secret that pregnancy comes with all types of aches, pains, and problems: headaches, back pain, sleep loss, morning sickness, sciatica, and more. Most women find ways to cope with this, but because drugs only mask pain, they never actually achieve lasting relief. However, there are other options, like chiropractic and acupuncture. These holistic treatments work, whether you’re pregnant or not!

Reasons to Stay Away from Medications During Pregnancy

Your OB may tell you to take Tylenol (acetaminophen) to relieve headaches, back pain, and other aches that come naturally with pregnancy. However, taking medications during pregnancy could harm to both mother and baby. Research shows that some common, over-the-counter drugs taken while pregnant can cause:

  1. Birth defects
  2. Premature birth
  3. Heart complications for the baby
  4. Excess blood loss for the mother during birth

Enduring months of headaches and pains from hormone changes, on top of an enlarging body and fluid retention, would make anyone want to turn to medication. For many drugs, we don’t yet know their effect on fetuses and pregnant women. If you’re pregnant, uncomfortable, and craving relief, talk to your doctor about drug-free, holistic chiropractic or acupuncture or call Doyle Chiropractic and Acupuncture today at 817-767-5430.

What is acupuncture and how does it help?

Acupuncture originated in China thousands of years ago. It’s a completely drug-free, holistic treatment that can instantly help with a long list of health issues.

If acupuncture is the right treatment ease your pains, Dr. Doyle will insert hair-thin needles through the skin, in specific locations that run along meridians in the body. The needles cause a release of brain chemicals to correct imbalances and restore comfort. Acupuncture procedures are considered safe and come with very little risk.

Acupuncture can help relieve:

  1. Morning sickness
  2. Lower back and pelvic pain
  3. Depression
  4. Headaches
  5. Sleep problems

Although acupuncture can reduce lower back and pelvic pain, Dr. Doyle may want to do more than just treat your discomfort. With chiropractic care, he can provide musculoskeletal manipulation to address skeletal misalignments, which might be an underlying cause of your problems.

What does musculoskeletal manipulation look like for a pregnant woman?

Growing fetuses can cause misalignment of the mother’s spine or joints, as well as incorrect posture. It can even increase curvature of the back. If a growing womb causes the mother’s pelvis to become misaligned, the baby may not have enough space to grow and develop properly.

If you have been to a chiropractor before, this visit will look much like a regular visit but it will take a little more time. (If you’ve not been to a chiropractor, learn more about the first visit here.)

The chiro will ask you to lie face-down on an adjustable table that has cutouts for your belly and face. He’ll rely on techniques that don’t involve putting pressure on the abdomen. Hormones produced in a pregnant woman cause joints to soften, so Dr. Doyle will not need to use a lot of pressure to correct misalignments.

Once your adjustment is completed, Dr. Doyle might provide you with a list of simple, safe stretches that you can do at home.

Focus on having good posture. Use pillows to support your back while lying down or sitting (in a chair, in the car, on the sofa). These few habits can go a long way toward maintaining your adjustment’s results.

Dr. Doyle will let you know when to come in for another appointment, or he may tell you to call the office and schedule when you notice aches and pains surfacing. Your body will change during and after pregnancy, so don’t forget that chiropractic and acupuncture may be a great option for you, even after your child is born.

Is chiropractic care harmful to the baby?

As long as the chiropractor has been trained to work with pregnant women, absolutely not! In fact, treatment will benefit both mother and baby. Read this story about a woman who found significant pain relief by undergoing chiropractic treatments during her pregnancy.

It should not be a secret: musculoskeletal manipulation and acupuncture have been proven to help ease and relieve the pains of pregnancy. Stories like Kelley’s are common, although they are rarely publicized.

No woman should have to endure nine months of discomfort and pain when there is a healthy, drug-free way to find relief.

Discuss holistic pain relief options with your doctor or call our Roanoke, TX chiropractic clinic at 817-767-5430 to set up a one-hour, comprehensive consultation and evaluation with Dr. Doyle.

How to Reduce the Pain of Scoliosis

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woman with scoliosis working the pain awayWhat is scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a genetic condition that causes an “S” curve in the spine. The curvature can be either mild or severe, but it can cause back pain and discomfort. Pain pills, like NSAIDs and opiates, aren’t your only option when it comes to dealing with back pain; they aren’t even the best option. Meeting with Dr. Doyle to talk about chiropractic care and acupuncture is the first of many steps you can take to help improve your life.

Although everyone with scoliosis has a different experience, there are things that you should do, and things that you shouldn’t do, to help manage pain and discomfort.

What You Should Do to Help Scoliosis

1. Work out daily.

Something as simple as walking a mile every day can make a huge difference. Strengthening the muscles in your back will help relieve pain and improve posture. Here are some exercises to start with:

    1. Arm/leg raise
    2. Pelvic tilt
    3. Cat and cow stretch (spine)
    4. Latissimus stretch (upper back)

Try these and feel the difference! You can find pictures of these exercises here.

2. Dance and play soccer!

Scoliosis shouldn’t keep anyone from the activities they love. If you love playing sports, find one that is low impact, like soccer or golf. If you love dancing, try to avoid overdoing it with backbends, but keep dancing!

3. Sleep the right way.

What you choose to sleep on matters–especially if you have back problems. If you’re a stomach sleeper, we’ve got some bad news: it’s killing your back! Laying on the bed for 6-9 hours can really help or really hurt your back.

You can purchase special pillows to use under your neck and legs, or between your legs if you sleep on your side. Raising your legs with a pillow will reduce pressure on the low back. Keeping the curvature of your neck intact with a pillow can help relieve morning neck pain.

Many people with scoliosis prefer to sleep on their side with a pillow between their knees because it keeps their spine in a more natural position or on their backs because their weight is evenly distributed across their body. If sleeping on their stomach is inevitable, it is recommended to place a pillow under the pelvis.

Also, try a mattress that is more firm for support. You will eventually find what makes it easier for you to get out of bed in the morning.

4. Try acupuncture and chiropractic care.

All of these things combined with acupuncture and chiropractic care can help stop scoliosis from deteriorating quality of life and can even help retrain the spine. Dr. Doyle is trained and equipped in musculoskeletal manipulation and acupuncture. In some cases, these drug-free, natural therapies help relieve pain. Chiropractic may also improve your comfort by retraining your spine to a healthier curvature.

What You Shouldn’t Do to Help Scoliosis

1. Don’t wear stilettos.

Depending on the severity of your condition, those extremely tall, cute stiletto heels may be the cause of a lot of pain. Opt for low-heeled shoes with good arch support. Going barefoot is also a bad idea. Solid arch support benefits for your feet, as well as your spine.

2. Don’t participate in certain sports.

Competitive swimming and football are two of the worst sports for your back. Swimming laps for hours daily can cause the curvature of the spine to progress. Because football is a high-contact sport, players can experience all kinds of injuries, the effects of which can show up years later. For scoliosis patients, sudden impact can have devastating results.

3. Don’t avoid chiropractic care.

The worst thing you can do is to put off treatment. Chiropractic care has been proven to reduce pain and inflammation and improve flexibility and range of motion. Though some people doubt the effectiveness of chiropractic, its results have been repeatedly proven by medical science. Dr. Doyle has extensive training and continues to study the latest developments in chiropractic care.

One of the major benefits of chiropractic is that it doesn’t just treat the symptoms like pain killers do, it treats the problem. Don’t wait any longer to get the help you need for your back pain. Take the first step and contact Dr. Doyle’s Roanoke, Tx office today at 817-767-5430 to set up a one-hour, comprehensive consultation and evaluation. The office is convenient to Trophy Club, Keller, and Justin.

Muscle Pain? Try Chiropractic Care and Massage Therapy

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woman receiving massage therapy for muscle painMore and more people today understand the benefits of chiropractic care and massage therapy. In fact, combining these two treatments can actually speed up recovery from muscle pain. In addition to alleviating discomfort, this approach can significantly enhance mobility and facilitate overall wellness. Whether you’re experiencing chronic muscle pain or aches and pains from your workouts, our team at Doyle Chiropractic & Acupuncture in Roanoke, TX can help.

To learn more, schedule an appointment at our Roanoke, TX practice. Give us a call at 817-767-5430.

Why Combined Treatment Works

In simple terms, chiropractic manipulation focuses on the spine, joints, and hard tissues while massage therapy concentrates on the soft tissues. This treatment approach delivers the best of both worlds so you can recover faster.

Your muscles function by responding to signals sent from the nervous system – via the spinal cord. As a result, reducing inflammation in both the muscles and the nervous system allows for optimal whole-body health. Let’s take a look at each module in a little more detail.

Chiropractic Manipulation

The most common method used by chiropractors is called spinal manipulation – or a chiropractic adjustment. This technique dates back as far as 2700 BC, and involves applying controlled force to affected joints. For example, many patients experience limited range of motion as a result of chronic or acute trauma. Chiropractic manipulations can address issues like poor posture or repetitive movements so that muscle pain is reduced. In addition to the spine, manipulations are often performed on the shoulders, neck, arms, legs, or head.

Following a spinal adjustment, most individuals feel some degree of tenderness. This is a normal side effect and should diminish within a couple of days.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is commonly viewed as a “pampering service”. True, massages can feel incredible – but they also offer significant relief from muscle pain. Today, more and more individuals are seeing the medical value of this type of therapy.

Soft tissue manipulation helps to relieve muscle tension, correct misalignments, and increase mobility and range of motion. It also increases circulation, alleviates stress and anxiety, and even boosts your immunity. Depending on the unique needs of the patient, there are several types of massage techniques used today. These include deep-tissue, Swedish, reflexology, sports massage, cranial sacral therapy, and trigger point therapy.

Combining Spinal Manipulations and Massage Therapy

When it comes to treating muscle pain, this is a dynamic duo. When massage therapy is performed prior to chiropractic care, soft tissues are warmed and tension is relieved. This is a significant advantage because joints can be pulled out of alignment when the surrounding muscles are tight.

Conversely, spinal adjustments support massage. If muscle pain is due to misalignment, adjustments may offer immediate relief. Even better, soft tissue heals faster once the joints are aligned.

Contact Doyle Chiropractic & Acupuncture Today

Utilizing both chiropractic care and massage therapy is an excellent way to promote holistic health. These techniques complement one another well, resulting in a wide range of benefits. Muscle pain doesn’t have to rule your life. If you are seeking relief from aches and pains, schedule a consultation with Dr. Cody Doyle. With over 20 years of experience, he is equipped to treat a variety of ailments at our Roanoke, TX practice. You can contact us online anytime or call our office at 817-767-5430.