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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6 Tips For Reducing Arthritis Pain This Winter

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Handsome middle age man suffering pain on hands and fingers, arthritis inflammation

Welcome to January, better known as the winter of our discontent…especially if you suffer from degenerative arthritis. The cold, windy and wet conditions that bring frigid temperatures and blizzards also seem to bring winter arthritis pain. Some people swear their knees can warn of a change in the air before it rains or gets cold. Whether or not your appendages can actually forecast the weather, the reality is that around 25 million people in the U.S. suffer from degenerative arthritis. There are many treatment options available to help people with arthritis, but one you might not have thought about is chiropractic care. Dr. Cody Doyle, a local Trophy Club, TX chiropractor wintercan help improve your wellness and reduce your joint pain this winter.

Degenerative Arthritis and Winter Weather

Is increased arthritis pain really a predictor of the weather or is it just an old wives tale? While the connection might have been downplayed in the past, recent studies suggest there may actually be a link. “67.9 percent of the people surveyed responded that they were sure changes in the weather had an effect on their pain…Most reported that they can feel a change…before rain or cold weather occur,” according to Robert Jamison, a professor at Harvard Medical School.1However, the link may not just be cold, but changes in the barometric pressure, which can cause joints to expand, increasing pain.

Tips for Reducing Winter Joint Pain

There are things you can do to reduce the severity of arthritis pain in the winter. Here are 6 tips to help make winter more bearable for your aching joints.

1. Dress warmly in layers.

When the temps drop, be sure to keep your joints as covered up as possible. This is especially true for joints that receive more exposure to the elements such as your hands, knees and feet. Gloves a must in the winter months. Wear warm pants if you can, but if you need to wear a dress or skirt, try wearing leggings or thick tights. You can layer to get maximum coverage when you go outside, but still have the freedom to remove some outer layers if it is warmer inside.

2. Drink plenty of water

Water is good for everything, even your joints. In the winter months it is easy to become dehydrated since you are not hot as much, but it is still important to drink up. Keeping hydrated can reduce the affect of arthritis pain.

3. Maintain a healthy weight.

The New Year’s Resolution to get in shape is a perennial favorite with many people. There are so many health issues that can be solved by losing or maintaining a healthy weight, including reducing the pain and inflammation in your joints.

4. Get plenty of exercise.

Even though it is cold outside, you can still exercise inside. There are many options, from joining a gym to exercise videos that you can buy or find online. Do a search on YouTube and you are sure to find several. There are also dozens (if not hundreds) of weight loss and exercise apps you can download on your mobile devices.

5. Eat a healthy diet.

What we put in our bodies affects our health in every way. Nutritious foods will help you maintain a healthy weight and give you energy for all that exercise (see above). Certain foods can also do a good job of helping to relieve joint pain and stiffness, including those with Omega-3 fatty acids like salmon. You can also take fish oil supplements. Be sure to speak to your doctor before taking any supplement or vitamin, however.

6. See a Chiropractor.

A chiropractor can adjust your spine and joints, which can help reduce muscle strain, spasms, misalignments and to break up old scar tissue. It is a safe, non-invasive treatment that can reduce the inflammation that causes joint pain, especially when combined with rotating heat and cold compresses.

Chiropractic care has many benefits for those who suffer from arthritis. It can:

  • Reduce your pain and discomfort
  • Decrease joint inflammation
  • Improve your range of motion
  • Improve your flexibility
  • Increase activity to enhance your lifestyle

Contact a Local Chiro in Trophy Club, TX

Want to know whether a visit to a chiropractor can help ease the pain from arthritis this winter? Call our office at (817) 767-5430 to set up an initial appointment with Dr. Doyle

Top Reasons to Visit a Local Chiropractor in Roanoke, TX

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Have you often wondered if you should add a local chiropractor in Roanoke, TX to your list of healthcare partners? Many individuals contact Dr. Cody Doyle at (817) 767-5430 to schedule exploratory exams to determine if chiropractic care is the right choice for them. Want to know some of the more common reasons patients prefer having a local chiro on their side? Read on for insights.

1. You were in a car accident.

Car crashes often result in some kind of trauma to the body. Even if you walked away from your accident only a little bruised, you may have suffered health problems that could arise later. For instance, many crash survivors report lingering back and neck pain long after the incident.

A local chiro can help bring your body back to a state of proper balance through spinal manipulation and related treatments. Each visit is an opportunity for you to experience enhanced healing through a safe, nonsurgical approach.

2. You have chronic pain.

Maybe your pain ranges from your lower to middle back. Perhaps you have discomfort in your hips or knees. Regardless, you deserve relief from pain that does not include increasingly high doses of prescription medications or over-the-counter pills.

A chiropractor will discuss your unique pain and then use manipulations to address the underlying problem. Dr. Doyle may also suggest other alternative medicine approaches such as acupuncture to complement your treatment plan.

3. You were diagnosed with allergies.

Does it seem like your world turns into a fog every spring or fall? If allergies leave you groggy and uncomfortable for weeks or months out of the year, talk to your chiropractor. Chiropractic medicine has proven helpful for allergy sufferers of all ages. Even young children with the first signs of allergies can explore chiropractic treatment to lessen the effects of their allergies to pollen, dander, dust, etc.

4. Your job requires repetitive motions.

Do you find yourself repeating the same motion again and again while at work? Repetitive actions can quickly lead to body issues. Even sitting all day and working at the computer can become a source of hip problems, back problems, shoulder issues, and chronically tight muscles.

To help restore your body to a more natural state, Dr. Doyle will perform the appropriate type of adjustment treatment on you at each visit. That way, you can return to your work feeling less fatigued. You may even discover that you start to enjoy work more because it does not leave you as exhausted or worn out at the end of a day.

5. You are trying to lose weight.

The weight loss journey often includes a trip to a local chiro for individuals in Roanoke, TX who are trying to jumpstart a healthier way of life. Poor nutrition can have an effect on the way you carry yourself over time. A chiropractor can activate your body and awaken its natural abilities to heal. This, in turn, can help you shed unwanted pounds because exercise will become easier. When applied in tandem with improved nutrition, chiropractic medicine can be an excellent weight loss treatment tool.

6. You experience migraines.

Do you experience migraines once a month, like clockwork? Do they come out of the blue? Either way, you should consider making a phone call to a chiropractor. Left untreated, migraines can reduce your quality of life. Why let pain steal your days or nights when chiropractic care can provide relief?

Contact a Local Chiro in Roanoke, TX

Want to know whether a visit to a chiropractor could benefit your situation? Call our office at (817) 767-5430 to set up an initial appointment with Dr. Doyle.

Is Pain Management Possible Without More Pills?

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Do you have chronic pain but dislike the idea of getting yet another monthly prescription? If you want to avoid adding more pills to your daily regimen of medications, why not consider the value of chiropractic for pain management? Many individuals have found that regular visits to a chiropractor help manage their pain without the need for more medications. Contact Dr. Cody Doyle in Roanoke, TX by calling (817) 767-5430 to schedule a visit and discuss pill-free pain management treatment options including chiropractic care and acupuncture treatments.

Why Choose Holistic Pain Management?

Patients who have recurring bouts of pain often seek alternative pain management options to increasing their reliance on medicines. There are many reasons for not wanting to add more medications to someone’s daily dosage of pills, including:

  • Worries about tolerance: Certain pain medications lose their effectiveness over time. To combat this fact, patients need to increase their dosages, which can lead to other issues. In some cases, prescriptions may completely lose their effectiveness, meaning a patient has to switch to another pharmaceutical.
  • Worries about dependence: Many individuals are very concerned about the possibility of becoming dependent on painkillers. This is especially true for those who have already shown signs of addictive tendencies, or who have overcome a substance addiction.
  • Worries about cost: Medications can be costly, especially for individuals on a fixed income or whose healthcare plans prefer to pay for other types of treatments, such as chiropractic care.
  • Worries about contraindications: Every time a new medicine is added to an individual’s daily intake, it may lead to sometimes unpleasant or even potentially fatal contraindications with other medications.  
  • Worries about mobility and independence: Certain painkillers make it difficult for patients to safely operate machinery or even drive a vehicle. Patients may be concerned about losing their freedom or ability to keep jobs they love.
  • Worries about general health: Our society has moved toward more holistic approaches to medicine. Taking more pills may be counterintuitive to the holistic healthcare preferred by some patients.
  • Worries about unwanted side effects: Some painkillers have unpleasant side effects, such as increasing the risk of depression, changes in appetite, difficulty sleeping, or lowered libido. Patients may want to consider non-medication forms of pain management to avoid these side effects.

These are all strong reasons for patients to talk with a chiropractor about natural pain management.

How Chiropractic Pain Management Works

Pain management through specifically designed chiropractic and acupuncture treatments involves using diagnostic tools and evaluations to understand the root source of the pain. Dr. Doyle will complete a comprehensive patient examination and then present a pain management treatment plan. The treatment plan will be customized to help the body heal itself and promote lowered pain.

In addition to in-office treatments, Dr. Doyle may also recommend that a patient with chronic pain make behavioral changes such as losing weight, eating anti-inflammatory foods, and performing certain exercises at home. Regardless if the pain stems from an injury, arthritis, or another cause, Dr. Doyle will help minimize discomfort using his 20 years of knowledge and experience. The goal for all patients is a reduction in their daily pain, and an improvement in their peace of mind and quality of life.

Pain Management in Roanoke, TX

Pain is not a normal condition. It is a sign that something is wrong. If you reside in Roanoke, TX and have chronic pain, contact us at (817) 767-5430 to arrange a time to meet with Dr. Doyle.

Do you have arm pain that won’t go away?

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Pain in one or both arms can be caused by various factors,and pain has many descriptions. If one or both of your arms have hurt for sometime and the pain isn’t subsiding, it’s time to seek professional medical attention. While muscle soreness will usually go away over time, nerve pain,tendon tears, and some other issues require treatment.

If you experience pain in your left arm only, and you also have shortness of breath, chest pain, or feel dizzy, call 911. These symptoms can indicate a heart attack.

Arm pain that develops immediately after a blow or fall may signify a broken bone, torn tendon, or sprain. In some situations, non-surgical treatment and pain management techniques can effectively address these conditions. However, severe cases may need surgical treatment.

To schedule a chiropractic or acupuncture appointment with Dr. Doyle in Roanoke, call 817-767-5430. Dr. Doyle can examine your arms,shoulders, wrists, and back, and provide a treatment plan to treat the underlying cause of your pain.

Tendonitis

Tendonitis usually occurs after stressing the arm or shoulder, when a tendon becomes inflamed due to overuse or injury. Tendonitis may be referred to as tennis elbow when the elbow is affected, though the wrist or shoulder may be the areas of concern. You might experience redness or notice a lump on your arm. Rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and applying ice can help. Usually, pain subsides after a few weeks of limited use. However, some cases of tendonitis can last for many months. Natural herbal remedies and acupuncture can help reduce irritation and pain. Joint manipulation with chiropractic treatment may also help relieve the symptoms of tendonitis.

Bursitis

Bursitis is another common cause of arm pain. There are many bursae in your shoulder and elbow. These liquid-filled sacs can become inflamed if irritated or injured. Extra liquid fills a bursa and puts pressure on surrounding tissues. You’ll notice swelling at the joint if bursitis is present. Rest and ice can help in the first few days after symptoms develop.After two days, try applying dry heat, taking a hot bath, and massaging the area to ease swelling and pain. Bursitis may subside after a few hours or days.Recurring bursitis is called chronic, and it can last weeks or months. Chiropractic therapy may help loosen the area around the bursae, ultimately reducing friction and tightness to reduce pain.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome affects the wrist and is usually caused by repeated overuse. Typists are known to develop carpal tunnel syndrome, due to years of the same positioning and motion of the wrists.Symptoms include pain, weakness, numbness, and tingling in the wrist and up the arm. Wearing a splint can help wrists rest and heal, but chronic pain from carpal tunnel may necessitate surgery. However, chiropractic and acupuncture therapy can also be effective, depending on your case.

Pinched Nerve or Herniated Disc

A pinched nerve or herniated disc can cause arm pain that includes numbness, burning, tingling, and weakness. These conditions can be diagnosed by a chiropractor or physician. In some cases, chiropractic treatment can realign the spine and eliminate a pinched nerve. Pain management may include chiropractic care, acupuncture, and/or using over-the-counter anti-inflammatories.

Don’t Suffer with Arm Pain

Whether you require pain management or a more permanent correction to relieve your arm pain, Dr. Doyle wants to help you. Call our office, located in Roanoke, near Keller and Southlake, for an appointment.

Top 5 Questions About Chiropractic Care

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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistic, an estimated 47,400 chiropractors (chiros) were actively practicing in the U.S. in 2016. And despite nearly 40 million Americans visiting a chiro each year, misconceptions about their legitimacy still persist. Today, we here at Doyle Chiropractic and Acupuncture in Roanoke, TX are setting the record straight.

Question #1: Are chiropractors considered doctors?

Chiros have to undergo extensive training before they are licensed, as well as continually refine their skills and stay current with the latest adjustment techniques. Typically, they graduate with a pre-med major after taking biology, physics, chemistry and/or psychology courses. Then, they attend a chiropractic graduate program, which usually involves four years of education, passing the arduous four-part National Board Examinations, and finally, completing a whopping 4,200 instructional hours in course credits. While they are considered Doctors of Chiropractic, chiros are not medical doctors. There is some crossover with the education they receive, but the differences are significant. Chiros do not perform surgeries or prescribe medications and medical doctors do not adjust vertebral subluxations.

Question #2: What do chiropractors treat?

Chiros are health care professionals, first and foremost. They focus primarily on the diagnosis and treatment of neuromuscular disorders that cause musculoskeletal or nerve pain, with an emphasis on treatment via manipulation and/or adjustment of the spine. Some of the main spine-related conditions that may be treated by a chiro include:

  • Chronic pain
  • Subluxation
  • Back sprains and strains
  • Neck sprains and strains
  • Cervicogenic headaches
  • Herniated disc
  • Sciatica
  • Whiplash
  • Myofascial pain
  • Degenerative disc disease (DDD)

Question #3: Are chiropractic adjustments safe?

In short—yes. However, like most things, there is some risk. But, according to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA), that risk is only about 1 in more than 5 million. Chiropractic has a solid safety record and is widely recognized as one of the less harmful therapies available for treating musculoskeletal pain. It’s also held in high regard because it emphasizes a more natural approach to healthcare that steers clear of invasive procedures or prescription drugs.

Question #4:  Do chiropractors only treat adults?

When we think of reasons to seek chiro care, we tend to only picture adults who have severe back pain or general posture problems. While it is true that adults seek chiro care more than other age groups, chiros treat patients of all ages and ethnicities, across all economic and social spectrums. In fact, in January of 2009, the ACA reported that the number of chiro patients who were 16 years old or younger had spiked by more than eight percent since 1991.

Question #5:  Is visiting a chiropractor expensive?

In terms of cost-effectiveness, chiro care costs about 40 percent less than visiting a medical doctor, on average.However, since chiro care often requires ongoing treatment, we offer our patients various payment options and provide a comprehensive treatment plan to ensure your health needs are met.

Learn More about Chiropractic Care

Roanoke, TX chiropractor Dr. Cody Doyle has been practicing chiro methods and alternative therapies for more than 21 years. Doyle and his highly skilled team are well-versed in addressing and treating pain and dysfunction in the body. As we provide top-tier therapy to our patients, we approach each person as an individual with their own unique needs and goals. Visit us online or call our Roanoke, TX office at 817-767-5430 to schedule an appointment today and learn more about chiropractic care!

Spotting the Signs of Degenerative Disc Disease

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Spotting the Signs of Degenerative Disc DiseaseThe human spine contains 23 spinal discs. These ligaments provide cushioning for the spine’s boney vertebrae and keep the back aligned and flexible. Often, when patients complain of a painful, sore, or aching back, issues with spinal discs are to blame. Degenerative disc disease refers to the condition when damaged or aging spinal discs cause pain or discomfort.

If you are experiencing back, neck or shoulder pain, schedule a consultation with Dr. Doyle. At Doyle Chiropractic and Acupuncture, we offer a range of treatments that can help alleviate painful symptoms naturally. Call our Roanoke office at 817-767-5430 and take the first step in reducing back pain today!

Causes of Degenerative Disc Disease

As you age, it’s normal for cushiony, water-filled spinal discs to begin drying out and flattening. This means less shock absorption between each of your vertebrae. Sometimes, the outer wall of a spinal disc can crack, causing a herniated disc. Other times, a spinal disc will shift out of place. All these problems can cause degenerative disc disease symptoms. While age is usually the top cause for degenerative disc disease, other causes can include obesity, lack of exercise, injury, or repetitive physical activity.

Several symptoms can alert you to whether your back pain could be associated with degenerative disc disease:

Pain Intensifies When Sitting

When seated, spinal discs in the lower back have up to three times more pressure on them than when standing. With degenerative disc disease, back pain is usually alleviated or reduced when walking or moving positions, because of the immediate pressure release that happens when a patient stands.

Greater Discomfort When Twisting the Back, Bending Over or Lifting Heavy Objects

Your spinal discs are layered between bony vertebrae, so when you twist or bend, damaged discs cannot absorb the shock or pressure from vertebrae as effectively. Lifting heavy objects puts additional strain on your back muscles and spine, and can pinch vertebrae closer together.

Dull to Debilitating Pain that Comes and Goes

Degenerative disc disease is characterized by waves of pain. The pain period may last days or weeks, and can vary in intensity throughout.

Pain Concentrated in the Lower Back, Upper Thighs or Buttocks

The lower spine becomes compacted with long periods of sitting, and usually endures the most amount of pressure during day-to-day activities. However, pain can be located in the neck, depending where the problem disc is located. In that case, pain or numbness will radiate to shoulders and arms.

Numbness, Tingling or Weakness in Back or Extremities.

Sensations of tingling or numb arms or legs, or a feeling of weakness in the area around the spine are symptoms of a pinched nerve. Pinched nerves can occur when herniated or out of place discs put pressure on surrounding nerves.

Relief with Chiropractic Care

Dr. Doyle can help relieve many of the symptoms associated with degenerative disc disease. He can determine whether your symptoms are coming from aging, herniated, or shifted discs that are blocking the spine’s natural mechanics or pressing on spinal nerves. Dr. Doyle will examine your range of motion, noting when movements are uncomfortable, and examine for evidence of inflammation or injury. If degenerative disc disease is causing your pain, Dr. Doyle could use a combination of treatments, including chiropractic adjustments or myofascial release therapy to align your spine and increase circulation to help reduce painful symptoms.

Schedule a Consultation

Don’t settle for back pain becoming a normal part of your life. Call Doyle Chiropractic and Acupuncture in Roanoke, TX and let us help you start feeling better in just one office visit! Call us at 817-767-5430.

Ease Plantar Fasciitis Pain With Chiro

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Men, women, and even teens can experience plantar fasciitis for a number of reasons. Though the foot-related condition may be commonly associated with recreational and professional athletes, it can occur in those who are not engaged in sports as well. To help ease the discomfort of plantar fasciitis, some individuals choose chiro in Trophy Club, TX, with Dr Cody Doyle. To schedule an evaluation with Dr. Doyle, please contact the team at (817) 767-5430.

Chiro in Trophy Club, TX, May Relieve Plantar Fasciitis Discomfort

Plantar fasciitis has its roots in the heel of the foot. Though ligaments and connective tissues become accustomed to absorbing shock and stress over your lifetime, they can occasionally become inflamed, slightly torn, and irritated. This leads to pain, especially when first standing, walking, or running.

Chiro at Doyle Chiropractic & Acupuncture can help restore proper functioning of the ligaments and tissues through individualized in office and at-home therapies and treatments. 

As with any chiropractic procedure, the ultimate goal for patients with plantar fasciitis is to bring their bodies back to maximum health. During your appointment, you can expect Dr. Doyle to carefully study your body mechanics. He will likely use body x-rays to help see if other problems are leading to the plantar fasciitis. By taking a comprehensive approach, Dr. Doyle can help you return to wellness and avoid situations that could lead to re-injury.

Do You Need Plantar Fasciitis Chiro Treatment?

You may have undiagnosed plantar fasciitis and not realize it because you have been “working through” the pain. Instead of putting your body and mind through the discomfort of untreated plantar fasciitis, why not consider calling Dr. Doyle if you have any of the following common symptoms of the condition?

  • Stabbing pain in the heel or another area of the foot. Typically, this type of intense pain worsens when you first stand up, such as after getting out of bed in the morning. Often, the pain will subside with activity. However, if you sit for long periods and get up, you may feel shooting pains again.
  • Discomfort immediately after exercise. Do you feel as if your heel or foot pain gets worse right after you finish running or working out? This could be an indicator that the bands of tissue in your heel are irritated or swollen.

Ignoring plantar fasciitis can lead to complications, including major tearing of the ligaments and other tissues in the foot. You may even begin to compensate for the pain by leaning too much one way or another, which can create other issues. A better solution than looking the other way is to face plantar fasciitis head on with a visit to a chiropractor.

Could You Be at Risk of Plantar Fasciitis?

You may be more likely to experience plantar fasciitis if you fall into certain categories. Read through some of the more common risk factors associated with the condition:

  • Being at least 40 years old.
  • Being an active runner or walker.
  • Having a prior diagnosis of plantar fasciitis.
  • Being significantly overweight or obese.
  • Working in a field that keeps you on your feet all day, such as in the nursing, restaurant, or manufacturing industries.
  • Having a “flat” foot.

Of course, some people who visit Dr. Doyle complaining of plantar fasciitis symptoms do not fall into any of these categories. The only way to know if your pain could be related to plantar fasciitis is to get a proper diagnosis from a medical health professional.

Continuing Chiro to Maintain Foot Health

Keeping up with regular chiropractic appointments at Doyle Chiropractic & Acupuncture can help avoid another round of plantar fasciitis. It can also bring your body into better alignment, minimizing the odds of you experiencing other injuries.

If you are interested in finding out more about chiro in Trophy Club, TX, for plantar fasciitis or any other condition, get in touch with us at (817) 767-5430. You can also use our handy online contact form to start a conversation with our team.

Could you have a pinched nerve?

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Could you have a pinched nerve?Your body contains billions of nerve cells, called neurons. They’re constantly sending messages to your brain through electrical signals carried by the vast nervous system network. With so many neurons in your body, it’s no surprise that occasional nerve pain and discomfort can occur with daily activities. Long hours sitting at your desk, starting a new exercise routine, or sleeping in an uncomfortable position can all lead to pressure on your nerves. In some cases, pain is caused by a pinched nerve, an uncomfortable condition that can sometimes be treated with chiropractic care.

If you suffer from pinched nerve symptoms, schedule an appointment at Doyle Chiropractic and Acupuncture. Dr. Doyle offers a range of treatments that help a body heal naturally. Contact our Roanoke office at 817-767-5430 to schedule your next appointment.

What is a pinched nerve?

Nerves are surrounded by muscles, ligaments, cartilage, and bones. If these tissues expand and move out of their proper alignment in the body, they can put pressure on nearby nerves. Tight muscles, inflammation, bony spurs, and displaced cartilage or spinal discs can all cause this pinching effect. Nerves respond by sending distress signals to the brain. Your brain can interpret this signal in different ways, but patients may feel:

  • Weak or tired muscles
  • Pain or discomfort that radiates outward
  • Tingling sensations, sometimes described as “pins and needles”
  • Muscle aches

Nerve pinching often happens in places where bones or ligaments closely surround nerves. The type of discomfort felt varies, depending on the nerve’s location. If located in your upper spine, a pinched nerve could lead to headaches, a dull ache in your neck and shoulders, or reduced mobility when turning your head. In the lower spine, pinched nerves often come from herniated or misaligned spinal discs. This can lead to sciatica, a condition characterized by lower back pain, hip pain, and tingling sensations radiating down one or both legs.

How can a chiropractor help me feel better?

While pinched nerve pain can dissipate with rest, you don’t have to live with the discomfort. Chiropractic may help you find faster relief from symptoms.

Chiropractic Adjustments: Dr. Doyle will examine the affected area and assess for any spinal misalignment. By re-aligning your spine through controlled chiropractic adjustments, Dr. Doyle can help alleviate pressure on nerves and improve circulation.

Home Exercise Programs: Simple, at-home stretches and exercises strengthen weak muscles and loosen tight muscles that cause undue pressure on nerves. Stronger, more agile muscles are less likely to allow pinched nerves in the future.

Premodulated Muscle Stimulation: This treatment mimics your nerves’ electrical signals and may reduce the affected area’s aches or soreness. Dr. Doyle applies small electrodes around the affected site to pass safe electrical currents through the skin and into deep muscle tissues. The electrical impulses improve circulation in the affected area and may quicken your body’s natural healing process.

Myofascial Release Therapy: To improve the affected area’s blood flow and range of motion, Dr. Doyle offers hands-on treatment to manipulate the connective tissues surrounding muscle. Effective massage and stretching techniques provide pain relief associated with tired or tight muscles.

If radiating aches and pains or tingling sensations from a pinched nerve are affecting your quality of life, schedule an appointment with Dr. Doyle. He helps patients just like you, in the Roanoke and Trophy Club area, regain mobility with comprehensive acupuncture, chiropractic, and complementary treatments. Contact us now at 817-767-5430.

Looking for an alternative to NSAIDs and opioids for pain management?

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pain management without nsaidsIf you’ve gone to your general practitioner or pain management doctor seeking relief from chronic pain, you’ve probably been told to take NSAIDS, acetaminophen, or opioids. All of these drugs come with potentially serious negative side effects, particularly if they’re taken long-term or outside of how they are prescribed. If you struggle with pain and are concerned about how NSAIDS and opioids could negatively affect your health, you do have alternatives. Dr. Cody Doyle of Doyle Chiropractic and Acupuncture in Roanoke, Tx offers holistic pain management options to relieve a wide range of pain, including chronic pain.

Learn how acupuncture can help with chronic pain relief.

Learn how chiropractic can help with chronic pain relief.

Why should you consider holistic pain management treatment? Because pharmaceutical treatments pose many risks. Let’s explore the side effects of NSAIDs, acetaminophen, and opiates.

NSAIDs

Called “n-seds,” NSAIDs stands for non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs. They help control moderate pain and inflammation. NSAIDs include:

  • Aspirin
  • Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
  • Naproxin (Aleve, Anaprox, Naprelan, Naprosyn)
  • Celecoxib (Celebrex)
  • Diclofenac
  • Etodolac
  • Indometacin
  • Ketoprofen
  • Ketrolac
  • Nabumetone
  • Oxaprozin
  • Piroxicam
  • Salsalate
  • Sulindac
  • Tolmetin

The most common side effects of NSAIDs are nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, and other gastrointestinal issues, as well as drowsiness and dizziness. They can also cause fluid retention, decrease in appetite, rash, and headache. However, chronic use of these medications can lead to kidney and liver failure, ulcers, and increased bleeding with injury or surgery. Some people are allergic to NSAIDS, and allergic reaction generally involves shortness of breath or other breathing problems. Asthmatics are at higher risk for an NSAID allergy.

Oddly, kids given aspirin for the flu or chicken pox may develop Reye’s syndrome, a liver disease that can be fatal.

Elderly patients face an increased risk for heart attack and stroke with all NSAIDs, except low-dose aspirin. People who have undergone coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery should not take NSAIDs; they can cause complications.

Acetaminophen

While acetaminophen (Tylenol) is not an NSAID, it does have the potential to cause negative side effects, particularly in the liver. People who consume a higher-than-average amount of alcohol should steer clear of acetaminophen, as well. The FDA suggests 325 mg or less per pill/capsule, which is what regular-strength Tylenol contains. Extra-strength Tylenol has 500 mg. The normal daily dosage is up to eight extra-strength Tylenol, which is 4 grams of acetaminophen.

Note that a regimen alternating NSAIDs and acetaminophen is often suggested, for lower dosage with similar pain relief results.

Opiates and Opioids (Narcotics)

prescription medicationOpioids are strong pain killers that alter the brain’s understanding of pain by depressing the central nervous system, thus immediately relieving discomfort. Opioids may be prescribed to control a cough, treat diarrhea, or even to help a person overcome addiction to narcotics.  When used for pain relief, opioids are sometimes referred to as analgesic narcotics.

One of Dr. Doyle’s patients reports: “I was prescribed a bottle of 150 hydrocodone pills to control gall bladder pain until I could undergo surgery. I had an insurance situation that forced me to put the surgery on hold. The opiates controlled the pain, but I was a zombie under the influence of hydrocodone. I could not work or function. After my surgery, I had some complications that caused chronic pain and was prescribed more hydrocodone, then later, tramadol and Tylenol 3, which has codeine. Each drug had side effects that exacerbated other symptoms. Dr. Doyle helped me address the underlying issues that caused my pain: leaky gut syndrome, chronic constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome. Most doctors don’t believe in the science behind leaky gut syndrome, and there was no pharmaceutical treatment for IBS that worked on me. It took me a year to find Dr. Doyle after my surgery – and all that time I was on opioids. With them, the pain was debilitating. Also with them, I was a zombie. As a small business owner, my entire life was negatively affected. With Dr. Doyle’s treatment and time, now I no longer needed pain medications. I believe that if I had not turned to acupuncture and Dr. Doyle’s holistic methods, I’d still be on opiates and NSAIDs. Instead, I’m productive and healthy!” – Shauna Duty, Roanoke, Tx

Opiates are drugs made from opium in poppy plants. Opioids are synthetic or semi-synthetic drugs that bind to opioid receptors in the brain. Today, the term “opioid” is used for both natural and synthetic opioids. These drugs include:

  • Morphine
  • Heroin (semi-synthetic)
  • Codeine
  • Oxycodone
  • Oxycontin (semi-synthetic)
  • Hydrocodone
  • Hydromorphone
  • Tramadol
  • Oxycontin
  • Fentanyl
  • Methadone

Tramadol, oxycontin, and fentanyl are synthetic opioids. These can be stronger than natural opiates. For example, fentanyl is 50 times stronger than morphine. A derivation of fentanyl, carfentanil, is 100 times stronger than fentanyl.

Opioid Addiction

Often, people in chronic pain become addicted to opioids for relief. A mental addiction develops. Seeking comfort, they increase the dosage without a doctor’s approval can lead to serious physical and psychological issues. Prescription opioids are often sold on the street, illegally.

The problem is, as a central nervous system depressant, opioids can stop a person’s heart, causing death. They also alter the heart, lungs, brain, and many other vital organs. Even first-time illegal use can cause immediate death, coma, or an erratic heartbeat.

Death caused by overdose of opioids gas surpassed the height of deaths by gun violence (1993) and auto accidents (1972). In 2016, over 63 thousand people died from overdose; two-thirds from opioid overdose. Today, drug overdose is the primary cause of accidental death in our country.

Though Texas is on the low end of states where opioid overdoses occur, our numbers are on the rise – even in Tarrant and Dallas counties. Of the top 25 American cities with the highest opioid overdose fatality rate, four are in Texas.

People who are abusing opioids often show symptoms like sleeping too much or not being able to sleep. They may suffer with anxiety, depression, and mood swings. When battling opioid addiction, withdrawals will occur. If a person is fighting addition to more than opioids (additional drugs or alcohol), serious health risks can occur. A medical professional can help create a plan, with medications to help an addict successfully overcome withdrawal.

Resource: Addiction and Recovery Help

Chronic Pain Treatment without Drugs

back painDr. Doyle has studied chiropractic and acupuncture treatments that help relieve pain, without the use of medications. He addresses the underlying causes of pain with skeletal manipulation, via chiropractic treatment, and stimulation of the musculoskeletal and nervous system, with acupuncture.

These drug-free pain management treatments can relieve many issues, including but not limited to:

  • Neck and back pain
  • Migraines and headaches
  • Muscle spasms
  • Joint pain
  • Arthritis symptoms
  • Menstrual cramps
  • Shoulder, arm, elbow, and hand pain
  • Hip, leg, knee, and foot pain
  • TMJ pain
  • Digestive symptoms
  • Stress and anxiety (often caused by pain)

To schedule an initial appointment with Dr. Doyle, call our Roanoke, Tx office at 817-767-5430. We are accepting new patients and will be happy to file your insurance or help you with the paperwork necessary for claims. Before turning to a potentially harmful and addictive drug for chronic pain relief, talk with Dr. Doyle.

Relief for Inflammation

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Male runner with blue shoes and ankle painRemember the time in your life when you were the healthiest you had ever been? You could do it all! Walking? Easy. Running? No problem. Playing sports or swimming at the beach? Easy. You probably felt strong and invincible. When we are young, it is easy to jump right up out of bed, go for a jog, keep up with the little ones, or stand for long periods of time. As the years go by, our bodies can go through a lot, and our physical condition changes. At Doyle Chiropractic, patients from Keller, TX, and the surrounding area come to Dr. Cody Doyle seeking relief from pain as a result of injury, aging, or specific physical conditions. Sometimes these conditions have something in common: inflammation.

What Is Inflammation?

Often back, joint, and muscle pain can be attributed to inflammation, which affects our bodies in several ways. Those who suffer from this condition sometimes experience swelling, painful joints, redness, joints that are warm to the touch, and stiffness which limits movement. Inflammation can also present flu-like symptoms: fatigue, fever, chills, loss of appetite, or headache.

Inflammation occurs when our white blood cells work to fight off infection and inflammatory substances in the body. However, because of arthritis, the body automatically starts fighting by sending an inflammatory response – even though there is no infection to fight. This is a condition you may have heard of before: autoimmune disease. Unfortunately, when the body starts fighting itself, the joints begin to swell, become painful, and the cartilage begins to wear down. Autoimmune disease can result in damage to the body’s tissue and organs over time.

Reversing the Effects of Inflammation and Arthritis

Dr. Doyle has treated patients who suffer with inflammatory arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis, and lupus. These chronic conditions can be managed to reduce pain and increase range of motion. If you suffer with swollen, painful joints or have difficulty walking or gripping everyday items, it may be time for an evaluation and discover the therapies Dr. Doyle offers that can bring relief.

Following your evaluation, the doctor will recommend specific treatments for you. Among them, ultrasound is an option – a heat therapy that works on muscles and tissues that surround your joints. Over time this treatment can reduce the pain of inflammation and increase your range of motion. Acupuncture is another approach using holistic medicine that uses strategically-placed needles to promote healing by improving blood flow to effected joints and muscle groups. Chiropractic and myofascial release treatments involve a hands-on approach that helps align your musculoskeletal system, promoting flexibility and pain reduction. Dr. Doyle can also recommend exercises you can do at home to increase your flexibility, strength, and overall wellness as well as nutritional guidance and herbal therapies that may help reduce the inflammation in your body.

Take the Next Step and Call Today

The good news is, there is relief for the chronic pain of inflammation. There are options that can reduce its symptoms and enable you to return to a higher level of function and comfort – and possibly to the activities you enjoy most. Dr. Cody Doyle and the team at Doyle Chiropractic offer options for treatment and care that can help you address arthritis pain and inflammation. Contact us today at 817-767-5430 to schedule an appointment at our office located at 295 W. Byron Nelson Blvd., #212, Roanoke, TX, 76262. During your visit, Dr. Doyle will evaluate your individual needs and recommend a course of treatment just for you. We look forward to seeing you in our office soon.