Which is Better for Neck Pain–a Chiropractor or Masseuse

Posted on 12.2.19 |

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.

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?

Posted on 11.8.19 |

Neck 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.

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.

Causes and Treatments for Muscle Pain

Posted on 05.9.19 |

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

Common Causes of Muscle Pain

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

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

Possible Treatments of Muscle Pain

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

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

Contact a Local Chiropractor in Roanoke, TX

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.

Is your pain being caused by a pinched nerve?

Posted on 04.5.19 |

Pins and needles. Numbness. Weakness. Pain. These symptoms in your neck, shoulder(s), arm(s), wrist(s), hand(s), buttock(s), leg(s), or foot/feet could indicate a pinched nerve. The onset can be quick or progressive, over many years. Left to worsen, the pain could become chronic, even debilitating.Read More >

Chiropractic Care and Acupuncture Therapy for Pain Management

Posted on 08.3.18 |

Chronic pain is an exhausting and debilitating condition for many patients, affecting both their personal and professional lives. Even low-level pain can influence work productivity and quality of life. Dr. Doyle provides patients a unique approach to pain management by using alternative medicine. Chiropractic and acupuncture therapies offer patients safe treatment options to manage pain, increase mobility, and lower overall medical costs.

Chiropractic and acupuncture for pain management are available to patients living in or near Justin, Tx at Doyle Chiropractic and Acupuncture’s Roanoke office. Call Dr. Cody Doyle at 817-767-5430 or reach our office online here.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care

Benefits you may experience from chiropractic care include:

• Significant improvement in chronic pain symptoms
• Increase in physical activity ability
• Potentially lower cost
• Increases quality of life
• Increases range of motion
• A potential decrease in the need for pain management medications (with physician approval)
• Faster patient recovery times

Chiropractic Care and Chronic Pain Management

Doyle Chiropractic and Acupuncture focuses on the assessment and management of pain symptoms. We will use a systems approach to your case to understand why there is an upset to the natural balance and flow of your body, leading to your chronic and widespread pain. Dr. Doyle treats these conditions related to chronic pain:

• Arthritis
• Back pain or lumbar spinal pain
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Fibromyalgia
• Headaches (a migraine, sinus, and cluster)
• Intervertebral disc syndrome
• Joint pain
• Muscle spasms
• Neck pain or cervical spine pain
• Numbness, weakness, and tingling
• Pain from digestive issues
• Pinched nerves
• Radiating pain
• Sciatic nerve pain
• Scoliosis
• Sports injuries
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Tendinitis
• Thoracic outlet syndrome
• Thoracic spine pain
• Upper and lower extremity pain and dysfunction

Using the Chiropractor to Ease Your Pain

Our goal is to offer alternative treatments to relieve chronic pain, whether acute or moderate. Not all pain conditions can be cured, even with surgery, but we use several methods to help patients find relief. Pain management is accomplished by using any combination of more than 100 techniques to manipulate muscles, joints, and the spine with several degrees of force called adjustments. We concentrate on the body’s relationship between function and structure to minimize pain and restore function to the patient.

When to Call the Chiropractor

You should call Dr. Doyle when you are unable to manage your pain at home, and the symptoms become worse or if you’re interested in exploring non-pharmaceutical treatment options. A prompt diagnosis and treatment options are essential to your recovery and wellbeing. Dr. Doyle will evaluate your medical history and risk factors to create a specialized plan of treatment therapies, designed to offer you relief from your pain symptoms.

Will Acupuncture Help?

Used by over 14 million Americans, acupuncture is known to be a highly effective form of pain management. In some cases, it is more efficient than pain-relieving drugs or surgery. Acupuncture is one of the oldest healing arts in the world. This ancient Chinese practice stimulates nerves and trigger-points in the body while easing pressure on painful areas. The body’s sensation of pain is suppressed as the stimulated nerves release endorphins. Acupuncture therapy can reduce pain, inflammation, stiffness, and muscle spasms, among other things.

Contact Us

Combining chiropractic care and acupuncture therapy can alleviate symptoms of chronic pain. Contact Dr. Doyle today at 817-767-5430 for a consultation at our Roanoke office near Justin, TX or contact us online anytime.

Sleep Tips for Reducing Back and Neck Pain

Posted on 06.21.18 |

It’s been long known that pain can affect your sleep, but did you know that your sleep ergonomics can make your pain worse, too? This may seem obvious to anyone who’s ever tried to sleep on an airplane or a too-soft guest bed, but it may not be readily apparent if you’re used to your own cozy bed.

Most people with back and neck pain understand that the type of mattress you sleep on (and the age of the mattress) can have an impact on how much pain you wake up with. Fewer people are aware that the position you sleep in can make a difference, as well.

Are you looking for Argyle TX chiropractic care? If your back or body pain is not responding to traditional medical interventions, Dr. Cody Doyle may be able to help you. Call our office at 817-767-5430 to make an appointment.

If you have back pain, there are few things you can do to help make sure you are keeping your spine properly aligned when you sleep.

Do not tuck your chin. It may seem natural to “go fetal” when you are feeling cold in bed, but tucking your chin downward elongates the back of the neck. A more ideal placement is to keep your chin up, at the same angle as you use when standing and looking into a mirror. If your pillow is too high, this can also cause you to tuck your chin, so pay attention to how you wake in the morning. You may need a lower pillow if you frequently wake up with your chin tucked.

Side sleeper? Use a pillow between the knees. When you lie on your side, the upper knee has a tendency to want to make contact with the bed. This shifts the hip and pulls the lumbar spine out of proper alignment. If you sleep with your knees separated this way, and you are more likely to wake up with lower back pain. It’s always better to sleep with the knees stacked one on top of the other. If this is not comfortable, use a pillow or blanket between the knees to keep your spine straight.

Sleep on your back to reduce pain. The most common recommendation for back pain is to sleep flat on your back. It’s simply easier to keep the spine straight when lying flat this way. If back sleeping is not comfortable, you may need to find a small pillow to put either (1) under the knees, or (2) under the small of your back. Try those two suggestions before you give up and give in to the desire to switch back to stomach- or side-sleeping.

Pick your pillow with care. A nice thing about buying new pillows these days is that rather than indicating “soft, medium, or firm,” the packaging suggests that the pillow is best for side sleepers, back sleepers, or stomach sleepers. If you’ve had the same pillow for many years, it’s definitely time to pick out a new one! Pillows should be replaced every six months, except for some gel or foam pillows that can last up to two years. Having a “fresh” pillow that is made for your sleep position can help make sure you hold your head and neck in an ideal placement when you sleep.

Avoid stomach-sleeping, if possible. Stomach sleeping tends to be the worst position for spinal alignment. Depending on the type of pillow and mattress you use, it may make you more at risk of compressing the lower back or elongating the neck. At the very least, stomach sleeping causes you to have the head turned to either the right or the left for hours at a time, which isn’t good.

Many people are able to change their preferred sleep position with a little bit of effort. If back and neck pain are something you struggle with, training yourself to sleep on your back may make a big difference.

If you need Argyle TX chiropractic care, Dr. Cody Doyle can help! Call our Roanoke-based office at 817-767-5430 to make an appointment.

5 Signs You Should Give Chiropractic a Try

Posted on 04.4.18 |

Are you in pain? Whether it’s in your neck, back, shoulder, leg, arm, or other location—there’s always the possibility you might benefit from chiropractic care. There’s a common misperception that chiropractic therapy only treats back problems, but that’s far from the truth!

Chiropractic adjustments have proven an effective treatment for the pain associated with many medical conditions. Trophy Club chiropractor Dr. Cody Doyle has successfully treated patients suffering from: back and neck conditions, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, peripheral neuropathy, bursitis, tendonitis, and even allergies!

The human spine is the steering wheel and central nerve pathway for the whole body. Any dysfunction in the musculoskeletal movement of the spine can have far-reaching consequences. If you are in pain and are experiencing any of the follow symptoms—it might be time to try a chiropractor!

1. Your Pain is Constant or Spreading

No one should feel they have to live with constant or ongoing pain. An injury that can’t seem to heal, despite following a doctor’s advice, may be a sign you need to seek out a different type of treatment. If your pain seems to be spreading, can also be a sign of improper spinal alignment. If your pain started only in your neck, for example, but now includes numbness or tingling in your wrists or extremities, there’s a good chance they are connected. Pain that doesn’t go away on its own should always be considered a serious situation, no matter what the history or age of the patient.

2. You are Getting Headaches

Migraines and “stress headaches” are often caused by problems in the back and neck. If you’ve noticed more headaches coinciding with the onset of your pain, they may be connected. Both your body and head pain may be treatable with proper spinal alignment.

3. Low Energy Levels/Poor Sleep

There are many ways that injury and dysfunction can deprive you of energy: poor adrenal function, insomnia, an overstressed nervous system. Many patients report feeling better rested and getting their energy back with proper realignment of the spine.

4. You’re Always Sick

Allergies, sinus congestion, and immune function can be improved with proper nervous system function and mechanical balance in the body. Every system in the body is affected by the spinal pathway and that includes the immune system! For example, spinal misalignments and subluxations (compressed nerve pathways) can cause neural dysfunctions that weaken your immune response.

5. Constant Use of Painkillers

If you are in so much pain that you are taking pain medication several times a day, this is not normal! If you feel that you can’t function and get through the day without taking the maximum recommended dosage of ibuprofen or naproxen, for example, you need try something new!

Need a Trophy Club Chiropractor? Call Our Office to Learn More

If standard medical care has not adequately treated your painful condition, visit Roanoke and Trophy Club chiropractor Dr. Cody Doyle. Rather than just treat your pain, Dr. Doyle may be able to heal your body and restore proper function with chiropractic and integrative therapies.

Dr. Doyle has successfully treated thousands of patients in his 21 years as a doctor, and looks forward to helping you heal and take your life back! To reach our Roanoke, TX office, you can contact us online or call (817) 767-5430.

New to Chiropractic Care? These 5 Things May Surprise You

Posted on 01.5.18 |

If you suffer from a painful or nagging condition that persists, despite medical interventions, you may want to consider alternative therapies, such as chiropractic care. Unfortunately, there are a lot of misperceptions out there when it comes to chiropractic treatments. If you have never considered this type of therapy, here are five things that may surprise you about chiropractic care.

Are you willing to try something new to treat your painful or persistent condition? Contact our office to set up an appointment with Justin TX chiropractor Dr. Cody Doyle. To reach our Roanoke TX office, contact us online or call (817) 767-5430. For the La Grange TX office, you can contact us by calling (979) 968-6400.

1. It’s about more than just your back and neck. A lot of people think chiropractic treatments are only for pain and injury in the back and neck. Not so! Pain and dysfunction in virtually any part of the body may have its roots in spinal misalignment. Your central nervous system starts in the brain and travels down the spinal column (spinal cord) to reach out to every part of the body. The spinal bones and nerves control every function of your body from head to toe. If the joints of the spine are not aligning and moving properly and your physiological function is altered, a chiropractic treatment may help you achieve more ideal function at the source of your pain.

Some of the conditions that can be treated with chiropractic care include:

Arthritis
Headaches and migraines
Allergies
Plantar fasciitis
Disc issues
Bursitis, sciatica, and hip strains
Knee and ankle conditions
Carpal tunnel syndrome and tennis elbow
Neuropathy
Stress and anxiety
Weight management

2. Chiropractic treatments do not hurt. If you’ve never experienced a chiropractic treatment, but have seen them depicted on TV or in movies, you may have a misguided impression of what happens during a session. There is no fierce jerking or bone snapping involved—just gentle pressure applied to specific spinal bones. After their first visit, most patients find the treatments to be gentler and shorter than they had anticipated.

3. Chiropractors know a lot about your whole body. The training to become a licensed and certified chiropractor is very similar to that of a medical doctor, in that they must take classes on a wide range of scientific and medical knowledge. These include anatomy, neurology, physiology, biochemistry, orthopedics, microbiology, and much more. This training gives them the knowledge to understand how different body systems work together and display dysfunction in different areas of the body. Ask Dr. Cody Doyle about his training at University of Texas at Arlington and Texas Chiropractic College in Pasadena to learn more about his education. Dr. Doyle has been treating patients for over 20 years in the Roanoke, LaGrange, and Justin TX area.

4. Chiropractic treatments can help you stay well. When the structural and biomechanical elements of the body function properly, it can help all your body systems function better. Dr. Doyle specializes in integrative therapies that treat the whole patient. Many find that not only do their initial dysfunctions/conditions improve with a series of treatments, but they also see improvement in their energy levels, stress management, and immune functioning. For example, many athletes choose chiropractic care to help them improve their balance and coordination as well as prevent and treat injuries.

5. A new injury or condition is often not as new as you think. If you have recently started to experience a great deal of pain (in the knee or shoulder, for example), your suffering may feel new—but pain is often the last symptom of dysfunction. Many injuries and painful conditions in the ligaments, joints, and muscles are the result of long-term biomechanical dysfunction. Chiropractic and integrative treatments can help correct the cause of your pain. With more and more people turning away from medication-based pain management, there is good cause to want to get to the root cause of your injury rather than just avoid the pain it causes.

If standard medical interventions have not fixed your painful condition, Justin TX chiropractor Dr. Cody Doyle would love to have the opportunity to help you get well! For our Roanoke TX office contact us online or call (817) 767-5430. Contact our office today or schedule your consultation online.

Doyle Chiropractic & Acupuncture – Roanoke TX Chiropractor, Justin TX Chiropractor, LaGrange TX Chiropractor

Dr. Doyle’s Chiropractic Treatment for Your Herniated Disc

Posted on 08.31.17 |

Often referred to as a slipped disc, a herniated disc is caused when the soft nucleus inside the center of a vertebra pushes through to the outside. This is a result from natural wear and tear or an injury. Many patients who experience a herniated disc report never noticing symptoms of this condition, while others explain back, leg, arm, and foot pain. Roanoke, TX chiropractor Dr. Cody Doyle non-surgically corrects herniated discs through musculoskeletal manipulation. After an extensive evaluation of your spine, Dr. Doyle will create an individualized treatment plan for you.

Rather than looking at the damaged section of the spine, Dr. Doyle considers the spine as a whole. He looks for signs of muscle loss or weakness, as well as checks the condition of your nerve paths through reflex testing. Your posture plays a large factor in his evaluation. At the end of your consultation, you can expect a detailed treatment plan for your herniated disc, along with a few suggested lifestyle changes.

Roanoke, TX chiropractor Dr. Doyle holistically manages your lower back pain through spinal manipulation to ease your discomfort. For more information, call 817-767-5430 to schedule your appointment today.

What Causes a Herniated Disc?

The most common cause for a herniated disc is aging. As you grow older, the jelly-like nucleus inside each vertebra dries up. This is referred to as disc degeneration and causes weakness. Like many other medical conditions, smokers are believed to have a higher risk of disc degeneration because less oxygen reaches the disc, which results in faster degeneration.

Other risk factors include:

Gender (men between 30 and 50 years of age)
Improper lifting
Weight (such as being overweight)
Staying seated for long periods of time

Herniated Disc Symptoms

Most of the time, a herniated disc is asymptomatic. However, some patients report muscle spasms, muscle weakness, extremity numbness, and pain in the back, arms, feet, and legs.

A herniated disc is the most common cause for back pain and sciatica (leg pain). With proper pain management, most patients experience relief after a few weeks.

Non-Surgical and Surgical Treatments

There are many methods for treating herniated discs. Some patients find relief through NSAIDs (nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as Tylenol or Advil. Non-surgical treatment also includes physical therapy or an epidural steroid injection. Dr. Doyle recommends rest and relaxation, along with regular chiropractic care. If your herniated disc is severe, Dr. Doyle may recommend you to a surgeon, where you will receive a microdiskectomy.

However, most patients find pain relief through chiropractic treatments. The most common method that Dr. Doyle will perform is the flexion-distraction technique. During this procedure, a special table is used to stretch the spine, or distract it. This technique incorporates gentle rhythmic pumping to help the nucleus back into its intended position inside the vertebra. Patients don’t feel discomfort when undergoing this procedure.

Your detailed treatment plan will include the most appropriate method for pain relief, as well as recommendations on managing herniated disc discomfort at home. Dr. Doyle will suggest various lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of slipping another disc. He will also recommend ways to live a healthier life, such as implementing a diet enriched with fruits and vegetables and daily exercises to practice.

Call 817-767-5430 to schedule your chiropractic appointment with Dr. Doyle in Roanoke, TX.