Trophy Club chiro

Don’t Be Miserable: 4 Tips for Pain Relief

Posted on 09.11.19 |

According 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

Posted on 09.6.19 |

Spinal 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.

Trophy Club Chiro Explains How to Prevent Back Injuries

Posted on 07.11.19 |

Back injuries can occur for a number of reasons. Trauma resulting from falls, auto accidents, and sports-related injuries can certainly be to blame. However, in many cases, back injuries are the product of poor habits and posture. Here, Dr. Cody Doyle – your Trophy Club chiro – shares a few tips and tricks for preventing back injuries and stop them from progressing.

Are you suffering from back pain? Schedule an appointment with your Trophy Club chiro. Call Doyle Chiropractic and Acupuncture today at 817-767-5430.

Behaviors That Cause Back Pain

Before we discuss how to prevent back pain, let’s take a look at some common behaviors and habits that can cause the condition:

Poor posture: This strains the muscles and places stress on the spine. If left unaddressed, this can cause permanent changes in the spinal structure.
Incorrect lifting: A common cause of back injuries, trying to lift heavy objects incorrectly can result in strain.
Tobacco use: Though this is not commonly thought of as a culprit for back pain, research indicates that nicotine restricts blood flow to the cushioning disks in the vertebrae. Additionally, tobacco use prevents new bone growth by reducing calcium absorption. As a result, smokers experience slower healing when damage does occur.
Obesity: Extra weight around the midsection shifts the center of gravity forward. As a result, more strain is placed on the back.
Lack of exercise: Core strength is essential for overall health. Weak abdominal muscles can lead to poor posture, and consequently, back pain.
A sedentary lifestyle: If back pain is already present, then a sedentary lifestyle can actually make the problem worse. Lack of activity decreases blood flow to the affected area.
Lack of calcium and Vitamin D: Bone strength and density rely on certain nutrients. If you don’t consume enough, it can exacerbate back problems.

Prevention Tips from Your Trophy Club Chiro

While it’s impossible to prevent accidents and certain types of trauma, you can still promote spinal health by making well-informed choices. Modifying your behavior and eliminating harmful habits can improve your overall quality of life. Your Trophy Club chiro can give you recommendations based on your unique needs. In the sections below, we’ll discuss some general tips that can help reduce the risk of back pain.

Practice Proper Lifting

We lift objects every day. From heavy boxes to laundry baskets to a simple pair of shoes – what you lift (and how you lift it) – can have a profound effect on your spine. To lift correctly, bend your knees and keep the back as straight as possible. Remember to keep your feet firmly planted on the ground, keep your balance, and avoid any twisting motions. This helps keep the spine in alignment, reducing the strain on your back.

Aim for a Healthier Lifestyle

Improving physical health can drastically reduce the risk of back injury. Here are a few tips from your Trophy Club chiro:

Exercise a few times every week.
Stretch your muscles before any type of physical activity.
Lose any excess fat in the midsection, and strive to be within 10 pounds of your recommended healthy weight.
Strengthen your core muscles.
Consider sleeping on a firm mattress if you don’t already.

Address Issues Promptly

If you’ve sustained a back injury, it’s important to see your Trophy Club chiro as soon as possible. In many cases, back injuries progress if left untreated. Prompt chiropractic care can help increase blood flow and alleviate discomfort.

Contact Your Trophy Club Chiro Today

Is back pain keeping you down? Schedule a visit at our Roanoke, TX practice. Call us today at 817-767-5430 or contact us online anytime.

How to Reduce the Pain of Scoliosis

Posted on 06.26.19 |

What is scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a genetic condition that causes an “S” curve in the spine. The curvature can be either mild or severe, but it can cause back pain and discomfort. Pain pills, like NSAIDs and opiates, aren’t your only option when it comes to dealing with back pain; they aren’t even the best option. Meeting with Dr. Doyle to talk about chiropractic care and acupuncture is the first of many steps you can take to help improve your life.

Although everyone with scoliosis has a different experience, there are things that you should do, and things that you shouldn’t do, to help manage pain and discomfort.

What You Should Do to Help Scoliosis

1. Work out daily.

Something as simple as walking a mile every day can make a huge difference. Strengthening the muscles in your back will help relieve pain and improve posture. Here are some exercises to start with:

1. Arm/leg raise
2. Pelvic tilt
3. Cat and cow stretch (spine)
4. Latissimus stretch (upper back)

Try these and feel the difference! You can find pictures of these exercises here.

2. Dance and play soccer!

Scoliosis shouldn’t keep anyone from the activities they love. If you love playing sports, find one that is low impact, like soccer or golf. If you love dancing, try to avoid overdoing it with backbends, but keep dancing!

3. Sleep the right way.

What you choose to sleep on matters–especially if you have back problems. If you’re a stomach sleeper, we’ve got some bad news: it’s killing your back! Laying on the bed for 6-9 hours can really help or really hurt your back.

You can purchase special pillows to use under your neck and legs, or between your legs if you sleep on your side. Raising your legs with a pillow will reduce pressure on the low back. Keeping the curvature of your neck intact with a pillow can help relieve morning neck pain.

Many people with scoliosis prefer to sleep on their side with a pillow between their knees because it keeps their spine in a more natural position or on their backs because their weight is evenly distributed across their body. If sleeping on their stomach is inevitable, it is recommended to place a pillow under the pelvis.

Also, try a mattress that is more firm for support. You will eventually find what makes it easier for you to get out of bed in the morning.

4. Try acupuncture and chiropractic care.

All of these things combined with acupuncture and chiropractic care can help stop scoliosis from deteriorating quality of life and can even help retrain the spine. Dr. Doyle is trained and equipped in musculoskeletal manipulation and acupuncture. In some cases, these drug-free, natural therapies help relieve pain. Chiropractic may also improve your comfort by retraining your spine to a healthier curvature.

What You Shouldn’t Do to Help Scoliosis

1. Don’t wear stilettos.

Depending on the severity of your condition, those extremely tall, cute stiletto heels may be the cause of a lot of pain. Opt for low-heeled shoes with good arch support. Going barefoot is also a bad idea. Solid arch support benefits for your feet, as well as your spine.

2. Don’t participate in certain sports.

Competitive swimming and football are two of the worst sports for your back. Swimming laps for hours daily can cause the curvature of the spine to progress. Because football is a high-contact sport, players can experience all kinds of injuries, the effects of which can show up years later. For scoliosis patients, sudden impact can have devastating results.

3. Don’t avoid chiropractic care.

The worst thing you can do is to put off treatment. Chiropractic care has been proven to reduce pain and inflammation and improve flexibility and range of motion. Though some people doubt the effectiveness of chiropractic, its results have been repeatedly proven by medical science. Dr. Doyle has extensive training and continues to study the latest developments in chiropractic care.

One of the major benefits of chiropractic is that it doesn’t just treat the symptoms like pain killers do, it treats the problem. Don’t wait any longer to get the help you need for your back pain. Take the first step and contact Dr. Doyle’s Roanoke, Tx office today at 817-767-5430 to set up a one-hour, comprehensive consultation and evaluation. The office is convenient to Trophy Club, Keller, and Justin.