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

Back Pain

COVID-19 Have You Stuck at Home? It’s a Great Opportunity to Start Taking Care of Your Back!

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While we know this is a difficult time for many, being stuck at home can be a great opportunity to practice self-care. If you’re someone who suffers from back pain, take this time to learn some simple and effective ways to relieve it.

In this blog, Dr. Cody Doyle discusses the best back and shoulder stretches, how to sit and sleep properly, and exercises to improve your back health.

Back and Shoulder Stretches

The proper stretches can relieve pain by helping you maintain flexibility, promote range of motion, and improve blood flow. Choose a few of the following stretches to complete daily and spend 30 seconds on each stretch.

In this list, we’ll tell you the name of the stretch, what type of pain it helps with, and the steps to complete it.

1. Neck side bend and rotation: neck and upper back

  • Sit or stand facing forward
  • Tilt your head to the right
  • Hold for 10 seconds
  • Roll your head to the left slowly
  • When you reach your left shoulder, hold for ten seconds
  • Roll back to the right shoulder

Repeat this stretch two to three times.

2. Shoulder roll: shoulders and upper back

  • Stand up straight
  • Place your arms at your sides
  • Roll your shoulders from the back to the front in a circular motion five times

Repeat two to three times.

3. Overhead arm reach: shoulders and upper back

  • Sit up straight on a chair
  • Face forward
  • Place your feet flat on the ground
  • Put your right arm straight up
  • Reach to the left
  • Bend at the torso—you should feel a stretch in your shoulder and middle of your back
  • Return to the original position

Repeat five times then switch to your opposite arm.

4. Chair rotation: upper, mid, and lower back

  • Sit sideways in a chair
  • Place your feet directly in front of you on the ground
  • Rotate your torso to the right and reach for the back of the chair
  • For ten seconds, hold yourself in that position
  • Use your arms to rotate your torso further

Repeat three times for each side.

5. Cat cow: mid and lower back

  • Get down on your hands and knees
  • Place your palms right under your shoulders
  • Place your knees directly under your hips
  • Inhale and pull your pelvis in while rounding out your mid back
  • Pull your navel into your spine
  • Drop your head
  • Hold for three to five seconds
  • Breathe out and return to the original position
  • Tilt your face upward
  • Allow your back to sink towards the floor
  • Hold for three to five seconds

Repeat this stretch five times.

Other Helpful Stretches

The Cleveland Clinic offers short videos that show what each of these stretches looks like. They also include several other stretches, including:

  • Pec stretch
  • Child’s pose
  • Knee to chest
  • Butterfly
  • Thoracic extension

Best Sitting and Sleeping Practices

Lower back pain makes everything in life more difficult—even sitting and sleeping! It may take between 10 and 20 days for your back to heal, but learning how to sit and sleep properly will certainly help ease the pain.

Sitting

To reduce the pain in your lower back, follow these guidelines:

  • Sit as little as possible and only for 10 to 15 minutes at a time
  • Use a pillow or rolled-up towel for back support while sitting
  • Place your feet directly on the floor in front of you (use a stool if necessary)
  • Sit in a firm chair with armrests
  • Adjust your chair height
  • When turning, turn your entire body

Sleeping

Good, restful sleep is essential to living a healthy life. It’s also a great time to let your back muscles rest and reset. These five tips will help support your back and give you better sleep.

  1. Find the right position.

There are ways to support your back without having to completely change your sleeping position. If you’re a side-sleeper, slightly bend your legs at the knees and pull them towards your chest, then place a pillow between your legs.

Those who sleep on their backs should put a pillow under their knees and head. For additional support, roll up a small towel and place it under the back.

Sleeping on your stomach is one of the worst positions for your back. However, you can lessen the pressure on your lower back by placing a pillow under your lower abdomen and pelvis. Sleep with a pillow under your head as long as it doesn’t cause more strain on your back.

  1. Get a new mattress.

Mattresses today come in all levels of comfort. It can be difficult to decide whether a firm mattress or soft mattress is better for your back, but the best thing to do it try them out. Pay attention to how your back feels after you’ve slept in a hotel bed or at someone else’s house.

Placing your mattress on the floor will give it more support than when it is sitting on a box spring. Try this for a couple of nights to see how the extra support affects your pain. You can make your mattress softer by adding a mattress topper. As a bonus, you’ll avoid the expenses of buying a brand-new mattress!

Talk to a chiropractor to help you determine whether a firm or soft mattress is best for you.

  1. Be careful when getting in and out of bed.

So many people throw their backs out while getting in and out of bed. To avoid further pain in your back, make slow movements and avoid bending at the waist.

When getting into bed, sit on the edge of the bed, then as you lie down on your side, bring your legs into the bed. Once your settled, adjust to the proper sleeping position.

  1. Exercise your core.

Strengthening the muscles in your abdomen, hips, pelvis, and lower back eases back pain and lowers the risk of muscle spasms. We’ll discuss some of the best exercises to relieve back pain in the next section.

  1. Do yoga before bed

Yoga doesn’t just reduce your back pain, it also lowers stress levels and encourages better sleep. Your chiropractor can help you decide which yoga stretches and poses are best for your back pain.

Back, Shoulder, and Neck Exercises

Exercising the muscles in your back, shoulders, and neck is essential to reducing and preventing further pain. Complete these seven exercises at least three times a week and always after stretching.

  1. Row for upper back
  2. Face pull for upper back and shoulder
  3. Scapular squeeze for upper back and shoulder
  4. Wall angles for neck, shoulders, and upper back
  5. Reverse dumbbell fly for shoulders and upper back
  6. Lat pulldown for shoulders and upper back
  7. Superman for mid and lower back

Click here for instructions and short videos on how to complete these exercises.

Talk to a Chiropractor

When it’s possible to visit with a chiropractor, schedule an initial consultation. Chiropractors like Dr. Doyle are passionate about helping their patients achieve total wellness through natural and conservative treatments.

To meet with our Roanoke, TX chiropractor, call (817) 767-5430 today.

Did You Know: Conditions a Chiropractor Can Treat

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conditions chiropractor can treat

Most people realize a chiropractor can help with conditions of the spine, such as neck pain, backaches, and damaged discs. What many patients don’t know, however, is that they can help with many issues not generally thought of as connected to the spine.

Chiropractic care can influences the body’s nervous system, helping to desensitize painful tissues and decrease the overall pain burden on the body. This alternative medicine treatment option can treat many health conditions that may surprise you.

Dr. Cody Doyle has over two decades of experience in successfully treating patients with a multitude of health care issues. Today, he is going to share about five of the most surprising issues chiropractic can treat:

  1. Headaches
  2. Stress and Anxiety
  3. Fibromyalgia
  4. Tight Muscles
  5. Weak Immune System

If you suffer from any of these, consider seeking chiropractic treatment for evidence-based, natural, and holistic relief.

A chiropractor can help with headaches.

Most people get occasional headaches that t described as nagging or dull, but some suffer from frequent, severe headaches. While medications and hiding in a quiet, dark room may bring some relief, there are also additional options.

Research shows us that spinal manipulation effectively treats headaches caused by tension or those that begin in the neck. One study showed that over 70 percent of patients who suffer from migraines experienced “noticeable” or “substantial” relief after treatment with chiropractic care.

The truth is, some headaches are the result of neck dysfunction and neck muscle tension. The majority of headache sufferers spend hours in the same position, such as in front of a TV or computer. Moreover, their job often involves poor posture. This leads to irritation of the joints and tension in the scalp, neck, and upper back.

How can a chiropractor help bring relief?

  • Perform spinal manipulations or manual adjustments to restore normal function to your spine, which alleviates mechanical stress and improves spinal function.
  • Perform acupuncture, which keeps your body balanced and reduces stress and anxiety.
  • Educate you regarding ergonomics and proper posture.
  • Teach you relaxation techniques and exercises that reduce stress and help your body heal.
  • Create a nutritional plan to improve your overall health, which may include adding vitamins or herbs or a change in diet.

Chiropractors can help you reduce stress and anxiety.

Stress, especially when it is prolonged, can wreak havoc on your body. When we experience stress, our brain activates the “fight or flight” reaction by releasing adrenalin and cortisol into the body. This systemic reaction is nature’s way of preparing us to either flee a dangerous situation or stay and fight.

When adrenalin and cortisol flood your body, the result is an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Moreover, they redirect blood away from the extremities and digestive system, effectively increasing blood volume.

Our bodies are unable to process the cortisol and adrenalin naturally. If we don’t put them to use to actually fight or run, it creates a tremendous strain on your muscles, organs, and nerves.

Frequent or prolonged activation of adrenalin and cortisol surges can be disastrous to your overall health and well-being. It puts you at an increased risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, muscle damage, and delayed healing from injury and disease. In addition, it can lead to panic attacks, anxiety, headaches, fatigue, insomnia, weight fluctuations, loss of sex drive, and digestive issues.

But what is stress?

There three main sources of stress are our body, our environment, and our emotions.

Stress originating in our body can come from poor nutrition, illness or disease, or injury. It can also come from not getting proper sleep or an improperly functioning organ.

Environmental stresses include weather, noise, pressure regarding performance standards or time constraints, and physical threats.

Emotional stress involves how we react to physical or environmental stress in our thoughts and emotions.

Chiropractic Treatment for Stress Includes:

Chronic stress can lead to neuromusculoskeletal irritation that creates adverse pressure/tension on your neuromusculoskeletal structures, i.e., spinal joints and nerves.

When you have adverse neural tension (ANT), it impedes the nerve signals traveling to the brain from the body and to the body from the brain.

One of the main goals of chiropractic care is to keep the spine and nervous system functioning optimally.  This helps desensitize overly sensitive tissues and nerves, decreasing the pain burden, and leading to more normal function. This also helps the body process and manage stress in a healthier way.

Chiropractic treatment can also improve blood flow and reduce nerve irritation and muscle tension. This helps your body to return to a more relaxed, balanced state, which allows your brain to turn off the adrenalin so your body can heal.

A doctor of chiropractic can also create and suggest a nutritional plan. For instance, the addition of B vitamins helps your body cope with stress.

Moreover, a chiropractor can teach you relaxation techniques and exercises to help your body heal faster.

Chiropractic Treatment for Fibromyalgia

While many people don’t understand what fibromyalgia (FM) is, patients who suffer from it know it is no joke. This chronic disorder involves widespread sensitivity and pain throughout the entire body. This condition also causes disturbances in sleep, which leads to chronic fatigue. Many patients also experience TMJ pain, irritable bowel syndrome, and psychological conditions.

It can be difficult to make an FM diagnosis, but estimates put the number of Americans suffering from this often disabling disorder at around two percent.

Patients with FM are overly sensitive to even slight stimuli and report a pain response to things not normally painful. Since our nervous system communicates information from the outside world, many believe the root cause is a central nervous system disorder.

How does chiropractic care help?

Few FM patients are able to find relief for all their symptoms. Several studies have shown, however, that many report improvement with chiropractic treatment. One study revealed that up to 60 percent of patients reported “significant improvement” with reduced pain, decreased fatigue, and improved sleep.

One of the main focuses of chiropractic training involves the positive impact chiropractic care has on the nervous system.

Moreover, Dr. Doyle is a Board-Certified Chiropractic Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine Specialist. This means he has received an education far above chiropractic school and has passed rigorous board examinations. This designation puts him in the top two percent of all doctors of chiropractic.

Dr. Doyle is highly trained in both the nervous system and the musculoskeletal system. When you choose treatment with him, you can trust that he knows how to help. Chiropractic care can treat pressure points, neck and back pain, shoulder pain, and headaches. It also improves the nervous system, allowing FM patients an improved chance for recovery.

Moreover, spinal adjustments increase mobility between the joints of the spine. This helps loosen restrictions and improves the overall range of motion.

Chiropractic care loosens tight muscles.

As we age, we tend to lose the flexibility and range of motion we once enjoyed. Each year, this repetitive trauma accumulates in the wear and tear of your body.

Losses in range of motion and flexibility can interfere with our ability to do things we once did with ease. Over time, even simple tasks, such as tying your shoes or picking something up off the ground, can become difficult.

As tasks and chores become more difficult and painful, we tend to avoid these activities. Maybe you have heard the saying, “Use it or lose it.” When we don’t exercise regularly, our joints and muscles stiffen. If we don’t work at correcting this, it can lead to adhesions, scar tissue, and the loss of alternative movement strategies.

Regular chiropractic care, however, improves range of motion and flexibility. Joint manipulations, including those to the spine as well as other parts of the body, provide a novel sensory stimulus that acts to improve otherwise limited movements. This helpt to breaks adhesions, reduces pain, improves coordination and balance, and allows your body to function more normally.

In addition, he can teach you specific exercises to perform at home. This will help you build upon and maintain the benefits of treatment.

Chiropractic care can boost your immune system.

The immune system, endocrine system, and nervous system are all interlinked and rely on each other for proper function. When one system is not working effectively, it negatively affects the other systems.

When spinal joints are dysfunctional, they can cause sensitization to nerve pathways. This can result in “central sensitization” and ultimately cause increased susceptibility to all types of stressors. It also causes the endocrine system to release the stress hormone cortisol, which further reduces the effectiveness of the immune system.

Chiropractic treatments can help to desensitize the nervous system and reduce neuromusculoskeletal compression and irritation. This, in turn, boosts the responses of the immune system.

Get on the Road to Recovery

If you are in the Roanoke, Southlake, Trophy Club, or Justin area, you can trust Dr. Cody Doyle to bring you relief and help you heal.

Call (817) 767-5430 today to schedule your consultation appointment.

Which is Better for Neck Pain–a Chiropractor or Masseuse

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It has been estimated that one in three people suffer from or have experienced neck pain significant enough to seek treatment at least once a year. Many of these patients seek alternative treatment options from a chiropractor or masseuse.

At Doyle Chiropractic and Acupuncture in Roanoke, TX, neck pain is a common complaint for many of our patients. Dr. Cody Doyle has over two decades of experience in successfully treating patients suffering from neck pain. His treatment options are non-invasive, non-addictive, and drug-free.

chiropractor or masseuse for neck pain

What can a chiropractor do for neck pain?

As a chiropractor, Dr. Doyle offers several alternative treatment options. This includes acupuncture, myofascial release therapy, ultrasound therapy, and muscle stimulation. The most common treatment he performs, however, is spinal manipulation—also known as spinal adjustment.

With spinal manipulations, the chiropractor uses his hands or a special adjustment tool to loosen and adjust spinal joints. By applying sudden but controlled force to joints, he returns your vertebra to proper alignment. This helps treat joint, muscle, and nerve pain. This treatment relieves the pain caused by numerous factors, such as a pinched nerve or muscle spasms. It can also relieve pain associated with tissue inflammation or scarring caused by repetitive stress, such as consistent poor ergonomics or posture, or from trauma, such as with whiplash.

The spine acts as an extension of the nervous system, which communicates with all the muscles. Therefore, spinal health is extremely important for your overall well-being.

Many chiropractors will also teach you exercises to perform at home to help keep your joints loose.

Some chiropractors, like Dr. Doyle, also offer acupuncture. This is an effective way to reduce inflammation and pain. It also tricks your body into releasing endorphins, which are your body’s natural painkillers.

Another potential treatment option a chiropractor may suggest is myofascial release therapy. With this treatment, Dr. Doyle stretches or massages the myofascial connective tissue that surrounds muscles and bones. Different from massage, this is steady, prolonged (three to five minutes) pressure to targeted areas. This releases restrictions in connective tissues. The result is increased range of motion and decreased pain.

What can a masseuse do for neck pain?

A masseuse, or a licensed massage therapist, can help relieve pain by applying kneading and stroking motions to muscle groups and soft tissues. This is usually accompanied by lubricants or oils to allow the therapist to slide their hands over the skin. The result is muscle stimulation and relaxation, which can promote healing and temporarily reduce pain.

While massage can help alleviate muscular pain, it is not typically used to treat pain with the joints, spine, or tendons. The benefits come from mood enhancement, increased energy, and relaxation.

Massage therapy is most beneficial for those experiencing daily stressors, such as tired, tense, or achy muscles caused by odd sleeping positions or exercise.

Treatment usually lasts 30-60 minutes and can help reduce “knots” in the muscles. While it can promote a sense of relaxation and peacefulness, it does not address connective tissue pain.

Is a chiropractor or masseuse best for your neck pain?

The answer depends on your unique desires and needs.

If you have pain from “knots” in your muscles or experience soreness from exercise or prolonged activity, a masseuse may be all you need. Massage can relieve tension and promote relaxation, which can provide relief. However, repeated and routine massages may be required for continued relief.

If you suffer from chronic pain or pain associated with a misaligned spine, treatment from a chiropractor is your best option. This treatment restores joint mobility and aims to fix the source of your pain rather than just treating symptoms.

Not sure which treatment is best for you? Talk with your doctor to discuss which option could be most beneficial.

Contact Dr. Doyle Today

There’s no better time than today to find relief from your pain. If you live in the Colleyville, Trophy Club, Grapevine, or Southlake area, contact our office online or call (817) 767-5430 today to schedule your consultation.

Should I see a chiropractor or get a massage for neck pain?

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neck pain image femaleNeck pain happens for many different reasons. Sometimes, sleeping in an awkward position or on a new pillow can cause an aching neck, and on the other end of the spectrum, neck pain can be caused by physical accidents, like falls and sports injuries.

If you want to avoid taking NSAIDs and other pain meds, or you simply want to explore holistic treatments, both chiropractic and massage therapy are options.

Let’s look at some of the differences between massage therapists and chiropractors, so you can decide whether you prefer chiropractic or massage for neck pain relief.

Massage Therapy Education

In Texas, a massage therapist requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Masseuses who want to seek higher education can enter a 55-hour training program to acquire accreditation by The Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA), which is recognized by the US Department of Education. The program is usually offered by trade schools and community colleges.

Only two or three types of massage are thoroughly taught, in most cases. The most popular types of massage techniques are Swedish massage and deep tissue massage.

Chiropractor Education

To become a chiropractor in Texas, a student needs a bachelor degree in sciences before applying to chiropractic school, which is a four-year program. All chiropractors in the US are required to have a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from an accredited college. The chiropractor must then pass an examination to hold a license to practice.

Afterward, continuing education classes (CEs) must be accrued every year to maintain the license.

First Visit to a Massage Therapist

Whether you choose an independent masseuse or a massage center that has many therapists, your initial appointment will be very much the same. The therapist will ask you about areas you’re experiencing discomfort, and what type of pressure you prefer. Most will not treat the abdomen but will ask whether you want your glutes treated.

A full-body massage involves the neck, shoulders, back, glutes, legs, arms, feet, and hands. Some therapists will massage the scalp and/or jaw upon request. Make a special request that you be given massage for neck pain, in particular.

A one-hour treatment is most common. Afterward, you’ll be told to drink plenty of water to hydrate and help flush toxins from the body. The effectiveness of massage therapy depends greatly on the skill of the masseuse and the patient’s expectations. For reducing stress, massage can be quite effective.

First Visit to a Chiropractor

Dr. Cody Doyle, whose chiropractic office is in Roanoke, Tx, will spend one to one-and-a-half hours talking with you about your overall health, areas of concern, surgeries, diet, activity level, and medications. He will perform a physical examination of your spine, range of motion, balance, and other important aspects of physical health. To may patients, he has been a chiropractor for neck pain relief.

If you have x-rays or MRI findings to share with Dr. Doyle, he will review them prior to your visit. In most cases, spinal manipulation (often called an adjustment) will be performed, focusing on pain relief if that’s what you need most.

How does a chiropractor treat neck pain?

Your first visit is imperative, because it’s then when Dr. Doyle will learn about your neck pain, when it started, what treatments have not worked, what helps and what worsens the pain, etc. With this knowledge and the information you discussed during your consultation, he will develop a treatment plan specifically for you.

The doctor has a table with moving parts, as well as solid tables, where patients are treated. In addition to musculoskeletal manipulation, he may use muscle stimulation, ice packs, or heating pads to help reduce inflammation and pain.

Chiropractic treatment is not particularly painful, but some temporary discomfort and soreness are to be expected. The goal is long-term pain relief. Dr. Doyle uses effective, proven treatments to relieve neck pain.

As a holistic practitioner, Dr. Doyle is both a chiropractor and acupuncturist. He may recommend acupuncture, if appropriate for your case. You can also expect Dr. Doyle to let you know how many visits he suggests for your situation.

Which chiropractor should I call in Roanoke, Tx?

For over two decades, Dr. Doyle has explored alternative medicine for pain relief and wellness. He does recommend therapeutic massage for patients, as a supplement to chiropractic. Whether you want find out if chiropractic is right for you or you’d like to become a patient, contact his office at (817) 767-5430.

Note that Doyle Chiropractic is a fee for service office that will bill your insurance, if your policy covers chiropractic or acupuncture.

What Are the Best Exercises for Sciatica?

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woman with sciaticaBone spurs, herniated discs, injury, and spinal stenosis are the most common causes of sciatica—pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve. This pain reaches from the lower back and down one of the legs and causes pain, inflammation, and numbness. Sciatica can be debilitating, but it doesn’t have to be.

Dr. Cody Doyle can work alongside you to create a treatment plan to relieve your sciatic nerve pain. The treatment plan may be a combination of chiropractic, acupuncture, and exercise. Contact our Roanoke, TX chiropractic office today at 817-767-5430 to schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Doyle.

Here are five exercises you can try at home to relieve your sciatica pain:

1. Sciatica nerve floss

Sciatic nerve flossing can decompress your sciatic nerve and relieve lower back pain. To perform this exercise, follow these instructions:

  • Sit upright on a chair with your feet hanging off the side or placed on the floor in front of you.
  • Put your hands on your thighs.
  • Extend the pained leg straight out and look straight up.
  • Lower your leg and head (looking down at your lap) at the same time.
  • Do ten reps, three times a day.

2. Cat and Cow

To prevent further damage, use a low range of motion when practicing this exercise. Here’s how to use the cat and cow exercise to relieve your sciatica:

  • Kneel on your hands and knees. Your hands should be directly under your shoulders and knees positioned under your hips.
  • Take a deep breath.
  • Arch your spine while you exhale and hold the position for two seconds.
  • Inhale while you tighten your stomach muscles and round your back. Hold for two seconds.
  • Repeat this motion ten times.

3. Deep thigh stretch

If your sciatic nerve pain begins in your piriformis muscle (in the buttock area), this stretch can help relieve the tension.

  • Lie on your back with bent knees and feet flat on the floor.
  • Place your right ankle on top of your left knee.
  • Pull your thigh towards your chest with your hands or a band. Hold for 20 to 30 seconds.
  • Do the same for your right leg.
  • Repeat this two more times on each side.

4. Half cobra pose

Extend your spine and reduce pain with the half cobra pose. Repeat the following steps ten times:

  • Lie on your stomach.
  • Prop yourself up on your elbows but keep your hips on the floor. Hold for 10 to 15 seconds.
  • Lie flat on your stomach.
  • Each time you prop yourself up, work your way to staying up for 30 seconds.

5. Full cobra pose

Take caution with this exercise, but if your back allows, the full cobra pose can push back any disc material that is causing your pain.

  • Lie flat on the ground with your hands flat on the ground next to your shoulders.
  • Keeping your hips on the ground, push up until you feel a slight stretch.
  • With each stretch, slightly push yourself further and hold for longer.
  • Repeat this exercise five more times.

Why should I seek chiropractic care?

In addition to these stretches, Dr. Doyle can use the proper adjustment techniques to relieve your pain even faster. Chiropractic care offers drug-free pain relief, reduces inflammation, and restores your range of motion. With over 20 years of experience, you can trust Dr. Doyle to create a treatment plan that suits your specific needs.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Let us help you live a pain-free life with a personalized chiropractic treatment plan. Contact our Roanoke, TX office today at 817-767-5430 today.

Chiropractic Care vs Prescription Medication

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free womanMigraines, lower back pain, neck pain, and spinal disc issues are common types of pain among American adults. According to the National Institutes of Health, 76 million adults in the United States live with chronic pain. To treat these issues, traditional medical doctors often prescribe NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and aspirin, or stronger drugs like narcotics and muscle relaxants. While these medications can relieve pain, they do not treat the physiological issues that cause pain. Without proper treatment through chiropractic care, the source of your pain could become worse over time.

At Doyle Chiropractic and Acupuncture, our highly skilled chiro, Dr. Cody Doyle, offers all-natural, holistic treatment options to reduce pain and restore your body’s function. Begin your journey toward total wellness today. Schedule an appointment at our Roanoke, TX office at 817-767-5430.

Scientific Evidence

In a 2012 scientific study, 272 people who suffered from neck pain were placed into three groups:

  1. SMT Group: These participants met with a chiropractor over the course of 12 weeks to receive spinal manipulation treatment.
  2. Medication Group: A licensed medical physician examined these participants and prescribed NSAIDs, acetaminophen, narcotics, or muscle relaxants based on the patients’ symptoms.
  3. HEA Group: This group met with physical therapists to learn home exercises. They were instructed to do these exercises up to eight times a day.

In this study, there were no negative effects reported by those who received chiropractic care. In fact, the conclusion of the entire study was the SMT was more effective than medication in both the short and long term.

The outcome of this study proved that medication was 42 percent less effective than spinal manipulation treatments. The study also mentioned that the participants who were on medication continued to take and increase their medication dosage.

Negative Side Effects of Medication

Continued use of medications often causes your body to become immune to their effects, which can lead to drug abuse and dependence. Overusing medications can result in a variety of health issues, including:

  • Gastrointestinal bleeding
  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Heart attack
  • Constipation
  • Digestive problems
  • Increased pain
  • Headaches
  • Depression
  • Liver toxicity
  • Weakened immune system

These side-effects can be avoided when you seek chiropractic care first.

How A Healthy Spine Reduces Pain

Having a healthy spine is important because every nerve in your body is interconnected with your spine. Messages are sent from your brain to all parts of your body through your spine, and when the spine is misaligned, those messages become weakened. Pinched nerves or other spinal problem can result in pain or discomfort. When a chiropractor correctly aligns your spine through spinal manipulation, those messages are sent and received properly.

Chiropractic techniques, like spinal manipulation, promote your body’s ability to heal itself so you don’t have to rely on surgery or medication. For over 20 years, Dr. Doyle has dedicated himself to creating natural, effective treatment plans for a variety of patient needs. These treatments don’t simply hide your symptoms, they repair the problem. Dr. Doyle uses a combination of chiropractic, acupuncture, and complementary therapies that provide safe, long-lasting solutions.

Contact Your Roanoke, TX Chiropractor Today

Dr. Doyle is constantly improving and perfecting his treatment methods in order to provide exceptional care to our patients. Once your thorough evaluation is complete, Dr. Doyle will create a personalized treatment plan to promote your body’s total wellness.

Don’t allow prescription medications to rob you of a healthy, satisfying life. Contact our friendly team today at 817-767-5430 to schedule an appointment.

Does Chiropractic Care Work?

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pain-free man outsideFor a long time, many traditional practitioners refused to refer their patients to chiropractors because of a lack of substantial evidence that chiropractic care works. However, more and more research has proven that chiropractic care is one of the most effective solutions for certain conditions.

Dr. Cody Doyle at Doyle Chiropractic and Acupuncture has worked for years to perfect his alternative treatment methods. He uses chiropractic care and other methods to help improve his patients’ overall health and life. To schedule an appointment with your Roanoke and Trophy Club chiropractor, contact our friendly staff today at 817-767-5430.

Continue reading to learn more about how chiropractic care works and what it can do for you.

How It Works

The word “chiropractic” comes from the Greek, and it means “done by hand.” A chiropractor provides gentle and safe care through hands-on spinal adjustments.

The spine is significant because it is responsible for many things, including:

  • Walking
  • Bending
  • Neck movements
  • Protecting the central nervous system
  • The function and coordination of every muscle and organ in the body

Your spine is the means by which the brain gets a message to the rest of your body. When the spine is misaligned, it makes completing everyday tasks much more difficult. This is why spinal manipulation is so important. It treats the root cause of your discomfort and allows your body to heal itself – often removing the need for drugs and surgery.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care

In a recent study of 1,700 people, 1,400 claimed that spinal manipulation improved their life and significantly reduced their pain. Other benefits of chiropractic care include:

  • Improved range of motion and coordination
  • Improved nerve communication
  • Improved posture, physical performance, and joint function
  • Minimized neck and back pain
  • Minimized pain in the upper and lower extremities
  • Reduced stress and anxiety
  • Reduced allergy symptoms
  • Reduced headaches
  • Relief from degenerative and inflammatory arthritis
  • Relief from chronic and acute pain
  • Improved quality of life

Another huge benefit is that chiropractic care may help prevent you from needing medication for your pain. NSAIDs can be extremely expensive and extremely dangerous to your overall health. Heart attacks, strokes, stomach ulcers, nausea, and kidney problems are all common side effects of regularly taking pain medications.

Regular appointments with your Roanoke and Trophy Club chiropractor can keep your body communicating and working properly for long-term health.

Will it work for me?

Dr. Doyle recognizes that everyone is unique, so he works with each patient to create a personalized treatment plan. With over 21 years of research and experience, he has created his own drug-free, holistic methods of treatments to help you achieve total wellness. Conditions he treats include:

  • Back pain
  • Disc issues
  • Sciatica
  • Migraines and headaches
  • Vertigo
  • Neck pain
  • Muscular and nerve problems
  • Extremity injuries

He combines alternative methods to give each patient customized care. His other treatment methods include:

  • Acupuncture
  • Herbal remedies
  • Massage therapy
  • Therapeutic exercises
  • Auriculotherapy
  • Nutritional planning
  • Detoxifications programs
  • Weight loss treatments

If you are struggling with any of these problems, we have a treatment plan for you.

Visit Your Roanoke & Trophy Club Chiropractor

Holistic, alternative treatment methods, like chiropractic care, are becoming increasingly popular because they work without causing other high-risk issues. Dr. Doyle focuses on getting your whole body healthy –  not just treating your symptoms. If you are interested in how our team at Doyle Chiropractic and Acupuncture can help you, give us a call at 817-767-5430.

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.