Chiropractic

Exercise the pain away in and around Roanoke!

Posted on 07.15.19 |

When 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:

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!

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.

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:

Foreverfit Pilates Studio in Trophy Club
Purely Pilates Center in Southlake
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

Posted on 07.11.19 |

Back 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

Posted on 07.3.19 |

It 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:

Birth defects
Premature birth
Heart complications for the baby
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:

Morning sickness
Lower back and pelvic pain
Depression
Headaches
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

Posted on 06.26.19 |

What 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

Posted on 06.18.19 |

More 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.

Stay Ahead of Degenerative Disk Disease With These Tips

Posted on 06.1.19 |

Many of our patients come to our Roanoke, TX chiropractic clinic seeking relief from degenerative disk disease (DDD). The condition arises when an individual has a damaged vertebral disc that causes pain. The spinal disks buffer impacts to the body. Over time, the spinal disks can become worn. While many of the causes are often linked to aging, lifestyle, posture, and health-related habits play a key role in when symptoms of this condition arise.

Our team at Doyle Chiropractic & Acupuncture can help alleviate symptoms at our Roanoke, TX practice. If you were recently diagnosed with degenerative disk disease, many of these tips can help you manage or alleviate DDD-related symptoms.

Tips for Preventing Degenerative Disk Disease

Age is a leading risk factor for DDD. We can’t prevent aging, of course, but we can try to avoid activities and habits that increase the risk for DDD. Injury is a leading cause of this condition. If you engage in sports or weight lifting that puts undue stress on your vertebrae, you may be increasing your chances for developing degenerative disk disease. When playing contact sports, think about the long-term effects the repetitive impacts can have on your joints and back.

Exercises like running, swimming, and biking are less likely to cause injury to your back. When choosing which sports you want to engage in, keep the long-term health of your back in mind. One standard for exercising that we recommend following is set by The American Council on Exercise, which recommends taking a 30-minute walk (or similar activity) five or more times per week.

If you regularly lift weights, learn to use good form. This involves learning about body mechanics (exercises that improve posture, stamina, and coordination). Hiring a physical trainer is one way to learn how to exercise in a way that compliments your body’s natural movements. Yoga also teaches mindfulness about body posture and balance.

Other useful tips include:

Quit smoking: Smoking is linked to a host of health problems, including disk degeneration.
Maintain a healthy weight: Dr. Doyle may recommend diet and weight loss as part of your treatment plan. If he does, take it seriously. Individuals with a BMI of 25 or higher are at increased risk for degenerative disk disorder. Weight loss will also translate directly to lower discomfort and back pain.
Eat a bone-healthy diet: Vitamin D is proven to promote bone health. Calcium, zinc, and iron are also known to help maintain healthy bones. Dr. Doyle may recommend other supplements as well to promote disk health.

If you are diagnosed with DDD, Dr. Doyle will provide comprehensive care to address your symptoms. Dr. Doyle has over two decades of experience in treating pain with alternative medicine and other methods. His treatment options may include:

Chiropractic care
Acupuncture
Massage therapy
Education and information

Contact a Local Chiropractor in Roanoke, TX

You do not have to live with the pain of degenerative disk disease. Unlike other parts of the body, the discs receive very little blood supply, meaning that once a disc is injured it cannot repair itself. Dr. Doyle has more than 20 years of experience diagnosing and treating degenerative disk disease. To schedule an exploratory exam, contact Dr. Doyle at (817) 767-5430 or visit our website to set up an initial appointment.

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.