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

Could your headaches be coming from your neck?

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headaches coming from your neck

Do you suffer from frequent headaches? Are you confused by the different opinions about whether or not your headaches are coming from your neck?

It seems that most medical practitioners fall into one of two camps when discussing the role of the cervical spine (neck) in chronic head pain.

  1. Those who believe the neck is always the primary culprit in chronic head pain.
  2. Those who think the neck plays little to no role in a patient’s headache symptoms.

My name is Dr. Cody Doyle, and I can tell you, every day, at least one patient presents to my office complaining of recurrent headaches. And then, they ask the most common yet complicated question I get asked in my chiropractic practice.

“Could my neck be causing my headaches, and if so, what treatments are effective?”

As an evidence-based chiropractor with over twenty-three years of successfully treating patients with headache symptoms and an insatiable desire to learn everything I can to help my patients best, I believe I have the right answer.

My answer?

Maybe.

The “Gray Area” of Whether Your Headaches Are Coming From Your Neck

The conflicting opinions of medical practitioners can lead to a large degree of confusion and irritation for patients who experience frequent headaches.

One provider tells them their neck plays a significant role in their symptoms while another is seemingly dismissive of the role the neck plays in the generation of headache symptoms. Add to this confusion the well-meaning advice and anecdotal stories relayed by close friends and family members. The result of all this conflicting information is enough to send patients into a spiral of frustration, causing a headache on the spot.

That’s the last thing headache sufferers need.

If you experience frequent headaches, you don’t need confusion and frustration. You need answers. Because the truth is, some headaches come from the neck, and some do not.

What is important to know when determining if your headaches are coming from your neck?

As already stated, I am an evidence-based chiropractor.

What do I mean by an Evidenced-Based Chiropractor?

According to Wikipedia:

“An evidence-based practice (EBP) is any practice that relies on scientific evidence for guidance and decision-making.”

So, as an evidence-based practitioner treating headaches, I am primarily concerned with what research (evidence) says about the cervical spine and its role in driving the pain associated with headaches.

Of course, I also pay attention and listen to my patients when it comes to what treatments work for them. Science offers evidence and information, but I understand that what really matters is resolving your symptoms. Therefore, I will continually evaluate your unique progress and suggest changes in your treatment plan if your symptoms are not resolving.

But before we get to a treatment plan, I will perform a thorough examination, including medical history, current medications, x-rays, and physical exam.

During the physical exam, I utilize several techniques to help determine if your neck (cervical spine) is contributing to your head pain. For instance, I will put you through some maneuvers that attempt to reproduce your headache.

If we can determine that certain movements of your neck or palpation of specific structures in your neck reproduce your pain, it helps me understand the mechanism that could be involved in some or all of your head pain.

After a thorough history and physical examination, we should be able to have a pretty good idea of what role, if any, your neck plays in your head pain.

Your Headache Type Helps Determine if the Neck Is Involved

Before we begin a discussion about the neck and its role in headache symptoms, it will be helpful to discuss the types of headaches.

The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition contains descriptions of many classifications and subclassifications of headache and head pain. However, for this discussion, we will focus only on two general categories of headache:

  1. Primary headache
  2. Secondary headache

According to the IHS Classification, a primary headache is a condition by itself. In other words, the headache does not occur as a result of some other external sources, such as medications, dehydration, or neck dysfunction. Examples include migraines, cluster headaches, and tension-type headaches.

A secondary headache is head pain that occurs as a result of another disorder that is known to cause a headache. Examples include head pain caused by bacterial meningitis, medication overuse, dehydration, or neck dysfunction.

A headache arising from dysfunction or abnormality in your neck would be a secondary headache.

It is also helpful to understand that some patients may have a primary type of headache (i.e., tension-type headache) that is exacerbated (or made worse) by dysfunction in the neck.

The real questions to ask are:

  • What does the research (evidence) say about neck dysfunction that causes a headache?
  • How will we know if you, indeed, have head pain related to the neck?

The second question can have layers. For instance, if you have primary headaches, do you have a neck issue that exacerbates it? If you experience secondary headaches, are they related to the neck or something else?

How often do headaches come from the neck?

If your head pain is related to dysfunction or misalignment of the cervical spine (neck), you have what is called cervicogenic headaches.

When you consider all the types of head pain, cervicogenic headaches are relatively rare.

In fact, an article in the Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy1 reports a prevalence rate of approximately 2.5 percent in the general population.

However, it is also important to note that the prevalence of cervicogenic headache climbs to as high as 53 percent in patients who have suffered an injury to their cervical spine2.

What treatments are available if my neck is contributing to my head pain?

As an evidence-based chiropractor, I am primarily concerned with what the research says concerning effective treatment and the frequency of that treatment. Based on this research and your unique symptoms and physical examination, I will work with you to formulate a treatment plan that works best for you.

When it comes to effective treatment, Dunning, et al3 performed a study on a group of patients suffering from cervicogenic headaches. They compared the effects of either combined cervical and thoracic manipulation (chiropractic care) or mobilization and exercise (physical therapy). They found:

“The results of the current study demonstrated that patients with cervicogenic headache who received cervical and thoracic manipulation experienced significantly greater reductions in headache intensity, disability, headache frequency, headache duration, and medication intake as compared to the group that received mobilization and exercise; furthermore, the effects were maintained at three months follow-up.”

To summarize, the above study found that patients treated with spinal manipulation (chiropractic care) did significantly better than those who received only physical therapy and exercise.

The study goes on to discuss the proposed mechanism for superior results achieved through chiropractic manipulation versus physical therapy. If you are interested, you can search the article referenced below and read further.

How many treatments will I need if my headaches are coming from my neck?

Determining the number of visits a patient may need is always challenging. Again, we look at what the evidence shows regarding the dosage of spinal manipulation in conditions such as this.

Haas and colleagues looked at the question of appropriate dosage for treating cervicogenic headache. They published their findings in The Spine Journal4. In this impressive study, they randomized participants to four different dose levels of chiropractic manipulation: 0, 6, 12, or 18 sessions. They treated each patient three times per week for six weeks, and for those receiving less than 18 sessions of spinal manipulation therapy (SMT), a focused, light-massage was performed as a control for the sessions when manipulation was not assigned.

The authors found:

“There was a linear dose-response relationship between SMT visits and days with cervicogenic headache (CGH) that was durable to 52 weeks after the start of care. For the highest and most effective dose of 18 SMT visits, CGH days were reduced by about half, and about three more days per month than for the light-massage control.”

To summarize, the patients given 12 and 18 spinal manipulation treatments experienced the most improvement. Their improvement lasted 52 weeks (one year) after the start of care.

There are many variables among patients to consider. The degree of degeneration present in the neck, limitations in range of motion, soft tissue abnormalities, etc.. However, most patients respond favorably and achieve lasting pain relief with somewhere between 12 and 18 chiropractic visits.

Do you suffer from headaches and wonder if your neck plays a role?

If you have frequent headaches, your neck could be involved. Especially if you have experienced an injury to your cervical spine. And studies prove chiropractic spinal manipulations can offer you the relief you desire.

Is it time for you to find relief?

Do you have any questions? Would you like to find out if your neck may be causing your headaches? Call (817) 767-5430 today. One of our friendly team members would love to answer your questions and schedule a consultation.

 

References

  1. Racicki, S., Gerwin, S., DiClaudio, S., Reinmann, S., & Donaldson, M. (2013). Conservative physical therapy management for the treatment of cervicogenic headache: a systematic review.Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, 21(2), 113–124. doi:10.1179/2042618612Y.0000000025
  2. Bogduk, N., & Govind, J. (2009). Cervicogenic headache: an assessment of the evidence on clinical diagnosis, invasive tests, and treatment. Lancet neurology, 8(10), 959–968. doi:10.1016/S1474-4422(09)70209-1

3.Dunning, J. R., Butts, R., Mourad, F., Young, I., Fernández-de-las-Peñas, C., Hagins, M., et al. (2016). Upper cervical and upper thoracic manipulation versus mobilization and exercise in patients with cervicogenic headache: a multi-center randomized clinical trial. BMC Musculoskelet Disord, 17, 64. http://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-016-0912-3

  1. Haas, M., Bronfort, G., Evans, R., Schulz, C., Vavrek, D., Takaki, L., et al. (2018). Dose-response and efficacy of spinal manipulation for care of cervicogenic headache: a dual-center randomized controlled trial. The Spine Journal, 18(10), 1741–1754. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.spinee.2018.02.019

What can a chiropractor do for headaches?

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What Can a Chiropractor Do For Headaches

Do you suffer from frequent headaches?

While headaches are a common complaint, there are many different types. They can also be complex to diagnose.

Fortunately, Dr. Cody Doyle has over two decades of successfully treating patients with headaches. Thanks to his insatiable curiosity and intense love of research, he has discovered treatment protocols that work, no matter what type you have.

In this article, we will discuss the common causes of headaches, different types of headaches, and treatment options to help rid you of your pain.

What causes headaches?

While there are several types of headaches, the causes can be quite varied. Fortunately, very few headaches indicate a serious illness.

Often, problems with or overactivity of pain-sensitive structures can cause them. Usually, the many structures surrounding your neck and skull, such as muscles, nerves, and joints, play a role.

Some patients have triggers that bring them on.

Common triggers include:

  • Certain foods, such as chocolate and processed meat
  • Alcohol, especially red wine
  • Poor posture
  • Excessive stress or tension
  • Sinus infection or allergies
  • Lack of sleep
  • Missed meals
  • Menstruation or hormones

In addition, pain in the head can be referred pain. For instance, a cervicogenic headache is actually referred pain from soft tissues or bony structures of the neck. This can include muscles, nerves, or cervical spine joints.

In fact, spinal misalignment in the neck and even the upper back is very often the cause. Spinal adjustments can offer effective help.

How can a chiropractor help?

While something serious is rarely the cause of headaches, you should seek evaluation if you experience them frequently.

Dr. Doyle will perform a thorough examination, including medical history and x-rays. If there is anything to suggest something that requires immediate attention, he will let you know. If he has any concerns, he will refer you for additional testing.

During the examination, Dr. Doyle will discuss your symptoms with you and work to figure out where the pain is coming from.

After examination, Dr. Doyle will answer any questions and discuss your treatment options. Together, you will create an individualized treatment plan that is best for your unique needs, symptoms, and desires.

What type of headaches do you suffer from?

Patients use the term headache to describe any type of pain experienced in the head. However, there are several different types, and they can range in severity and frequency. Understanding which type of headache you suffer from is helpful.

Tension Headache

Usually the least severe, a tension headache is the most common type. Often it is a pain that is “just there,” nagging at you, but you can still perform daily activities. Mostly dull in nature, tension headaches can reside on one or both sides of the head.

Improving your posture, getting your rest, eating well, managing stress, and regular spinal adjustments should take care of your nagging pain.

Sinus Headache

Allergies and infection in the sinus cavities can cause pressure to build behind your cheeks, nose, forehead, and throughout your face. If you experience congestion, a runny nose, facial swelling, or increased pain when you lean forward, you likely have a sinus headache.

Dr. Doyle offers his patients excellent relief from sinus headaches with acupuncture. This alternative treatment effectively reduces pressure and inflammation.

Cluster Headache

If you experience short bursts of pain on one side of the head, you may be having cluster headaches. These bursts of pain are often followed by nasal congestion and watery eyes. The pain can be as severe as a migraine, but they are not as debilitating since they are short in duration.

While the cause of cluster headaches is unknown, Dr. Doyle has brought relief to many patients suffering from them through routine acupuncture and spinal manipulations.

Migraine Headache

Migraines can be very debilitating and interfere with your quality of life and daily activities. The pain is intense and can be on one or both sides of the head. Typically described as throbbing, it can last from several hours to days. Migraines typically come with the added symptoms of sensitivity to sound and light and nausea and vomiting.

Some patients with migraines also experience what is known as an aura. Often, this includes flashes of light that occur in the peripheral vision before the migraine begins.

Since many patients suffer from migraines due to triggers, you will want to keep notes about lifestyle habits and diet. Avoidance of any potential triggers is highly advisable.

In addition, Dr. Doyle can help prevent future migraines with routine acupuncture and chiropractic adjustments.

Isn’t it time to get rid of your headaches?

Don’t let headaches get in the way of your life.

If you are ready to be in control and enjoy life to its fullest, contact Dr. Doyle today at (817) 767-5430 to schedule your initial consultation.

Dr. Doyle sees patients in the Grapevine, Southlake, Roanoke, Trophy Club, Keller, and North Fort Worth areas.

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.

Exercise the pain away in and around Roanoke! 

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

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

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

Walking, Jogging, or Running

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

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

  1. Cannon Parkway Park

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

  1. Roanoke Community Park

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

  1. Trophy Club Park

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

Water Aerobics

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

Pilates Classes

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

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

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

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

Before You Begin

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

Can Chiropractors Help to Treat Scoliosis?

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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.

Easing and Erasing Chronic Pain with Chiropractic Care

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chronic pain in back illustrationEffectively combating chronic pain without drugs is possible in many cases. In fact, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health found that a combination of non-pharmacological approaches may help the 25.3 million US adults who suffer from regular pain each year. Chiropractor and acupuncturist Dr. Cody Doyle offers various drug-free therapies as a holistic approach to pain management. If you want to avoid using opioids or cut back on your pain medicines, talk with Dr. Doyle.Read More >

Research Shows Acupuncture Eases Body Pain, Headaches, and Osteoarthritis

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Your CHiropractor in Roanoke, TX offer Acupuncture Care for Pain ReliefFor years, chiropractors have known the benefits of holistic medicine in helping patients find relief from pain. But today, more and more conventional medical experts are turning to complementary therapies to build a more comprehensive pain management plan for patients dealing with chronic pain. The timing couldn’t be better; chronic pain is becoming an epidemic that more needs innovative solutions. Back in 2012, a survey led by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) discovered that nearly 26 million U.S. adults — or 11.2 percent — had been in pain every day for the preceding three months, and nearly 40 million experienced severe pain — and those numbers are estimated to have grown substantially since then.Read More >

Try Chiropractic Care Before Spinal Injections

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woman in exercise clothes experiencing back pain against solid gray backdropBack pain can be debilitating. When discomfort begins to interfere with your quality of life, it’s time to consider your treatment options. Spinal injections are one of the most common solutions for chronic back pain. Unfortunately, they only mask the problem, and do not address the root cause of discomfort. Here, Dr. Cody Doyle – your chiropractor in Roanoke, TX – explains why we recommend trying chiropractic care before receiving spinal injections.Read More >

Could you have a pinched nerve?

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

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

What is a pinched nerve?

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

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

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

How can a chiropractor help me feel better?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Are You Dreaming of a Pain-Free Life?

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Argyle TX chiropractorArgyle TX Chiropractor Cody Doyle May Have Solutions

Have you endured multiple medical treatments or surgeries that haven’t adequately addressed your pain problem? If so, you are not alone. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) more than 25 million Americans live with chronic pain. That’s roughly 11 percent of us. They also found that patients who experience the worst pain tend to have worse overall health and less medical coverage. It’s easy to understand why—without proper care, your chances of healing are reduced. As for the overall health issue, pain can rob you of your mobility and your drive to be active. How can anyone expect patients to stay active and maintain good health when it hurts just to move?

If you’re at a dead end with your pain management, visit Argyle TX chiropractor Dr. Cody Doyle. Standard medical interventions don’t work for everyone; Dr. Doyle may be able to help you heal your condition and live an active, pain-free life. Contact us today to make an appointment.

How Do Complementary Therapies Work?

If you’ve never visited a chiropractor before, you may be wondering how a “back doctor” can help you with a knee or shoulder problem. The truth is that chiropractors are more than back doctors; all musculoskeletal function and sensations travel through the spine. If the spine is out of alignment it can block nerve and circulatory pathways. This can make your body less able to heal itself by natural means and cause greater pain. Plus, Dr. Doyle provides much more than just chiropractic care!

The term “complementary therapies” refers to medical techniques not used by mainstream doctors. They are viewed as a complement to standard medical interventions, as they have demonstrated a beneficial effect on many patients. There is a tendency in medical care to fix what’s broken, without looking at how the different parts of the body interact and all play a role in healing. This is changing, of course, as more and more medical doctors see the value in alternative healing techniques. For example, more and more insurance providers are now covering chiropractic, acupuncture, and other alternative treatments for pain. Modern medicine may not understand everything about how these techniques work, but they are slowly coming to understand that they do work!

Chiropractic Treatments

As the nerve superhighway for the body, virtually all sensations and functioning rely on proper alignment of the spine. Your brain and immune system interact with every part of the body via the spine, so misalignment can lead to pain, dysfunction, an impaired ability to heal.

Acupuncture and Auriculotherapy

Pain-free acupuncture treatments can stimulate circulation and healing at specific musculoskeletal points on the body. Many of Dr. Doyle’s patients have used acupuncture to find relief from arthritis, neck and back problems, as well as migraines.

Myofascial Release Therapy

Have you ever reduced your own pain by massaging an area of the body? Myofascial release is not the same thing as massage, but it uses massage and stretching of targeted connective tissues to encourage healing and promote pain relief.

Nutritional Therapy and Supplements

How our bodies function is often based upon what we put into them. Eating foods that contain the right levels of certain minerals and nutrients can give you the ingredients that let the body heal itself. Doctors are already catching on to the value of nutritional and supplement therapy, as many of them now recommend turmeric (a natural anti-inflammatory), garlic (for heart health), as well as many other natural substances not traditionally referred to as “medicines.”

Ultrasound and TENS Treatments

Using high-tech tools, Dr. Doyle can stimulate many parts of the body to reduce inflammation and promote self-healing. Ultrasound waves deliver deep heat to muscles, tendons, joints, and ligaments. Premodulated muscle stimulation (TENS treatment) uses gentle electrical currents to relieve muscle spasms and swelling.

Browse our website to learn more about the many conditions that are treatable with complementary therapies. If doctors have been unable to end your pain thus far, it’s time to try something new. Argyle TX chiropractor Dr. Cody Doyle has helped thousands of patients improve their health and manage their pain. Your turn may be next!