Mid Back (Thoracic) Pain

Mid Back or Thoracic Pain occurs a lot less frequently than lower back or neck pain.  It’s my theory that it occurs less often because the mid back is protected by the ribs, as well as, because it has less range of motion than other areas of the spine.  More protection, less motion, less risk of injury.  (The Dr. Funk theory…lol!)

Mid Back pain can usually be one of four things.

1. Simple back pain
2. Rib pain
3. Spinal nerve root pain
4. Serious Red Flag pain

Simple Back Pain

Simple Back Pain means that pain is occuring due to relatively minor problems with the muscles, ligaments and joints of the thoracic spine.  There is no spinal nerve root  or vertebral disc involvement (pinched nerves or disc bluges or herniations).

Simple back pain can take up to six to eight weeks to heal and usually involves healing of the soft tissues around the thoracic spine.  You can expect your chiropractor to perform spinal manipulation in the area, as well as other modalities, such as myofascial tissue therapy or deep tissue massage, stretching, and rehabilitation.

In some cases, your chiropractor may refer you to your medical doctor to get a muscle relaxant or pain med so you will be more comfortable during treatment.

Rib Pain

Rib pain can be extremely painful.  If a rib head has moved or “popped” out of place, you will find that taking a deep breathe is extremely painful.  This is also (but not always) a sure sign of rib involvement, when your mid back is hurting.  Rib pain can be classified as sharp pain radiating along the rib to the front of the chest.  In some cases, you may have fractured a rib, so depending on the mechanism of injury, your chiropractor may get an x-ray to rule this out.

You can also expect about a six to eight week full recovery time with a rib.  You also want to avoid sleep on the side of pain, as to take pressure off the area while it is healing.

Spinal Nerve Root Pain

Spinal nerve root pain is much more serious and the signs and symptoms are different than simple mid back pain.  Nerve root  irritation or compression is always associated with signs of radiating pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness.

Serious Red Flags

If you are experiencing any of these signs and syptoms, you should have more concern.  You will want to see a specialist (your chiropractor can give you a referral, if needed) to help solve the problem.

• Acute trauma (IE.  car accident or fall)
• Constant progressive pain
• Previous history of cancer
• History of drug abuse or HIV
• Past history of a Spinal Inflammatory Disease
• Recent unexplained weight loss
• Severe restriction of bending forward
• Widespread neurological changes such as
  • Recent inability to urinate
  • Loss of anal tone that make defecate impossible or difficult
  • Numbness affecting the anus, perineum and/or genitals
  • Widespread or progressive loss of strength in the legs making walking difficult
  • The appearance of a sensory level on pinprick testing in the buttock or leg area.
• Structural deformity noted in your spine

Most thoracic pain is benign in nature, but you will want to visit your chiropractor to rule out more serious conditions if pain is persistent and does not go away in a few days.

Exercises for Low Back Pain

Most everyone experiences low back pain at some point in their lives, and if you have, you know it’s no fun!  This blog post although titled “Exercises for Low Back Pain” may as well be called “Exercises to Prevent Low Back Pain”, as you need not wait until you have pain to perform them.  In fact, I prescribe these exercises to patients who are prone to low back pain.  The exercises listed below are easy to perform and will create lumbar (low back) stability and improved posture.

Lumbar Rehab Program

Perform these exercises once or twice a day for best results.

Exercise 1: Bridging

Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet shoulder width apart.  Slowly raise your hips off the ground.  Return to the start position.  Repeat for a total of 10 times.

Exercise 2: Bridging with Ball

Lie on your back with your ankles on the ball.  Raise your bottom off the floor, maintain a neural spine (don’t bend it).  Return to start position.  Repeat- 10 times.

Exercise 3: Land Swim

Lie face down and stretch your arms over head (place a towel roll under your forehead if your neck needs support).  Raise one arm and the opposite leg. Repeat with the other arm and the other leg.  Perform 10 reps.

Exercise 4: Land Swim with Ball

Lie on your top on top of the ball.  Balance on your hands and toes.  Be sure and keep your head neutral for support.  Raise one arm and the opposite leg.  Relax and repeat on the other side.  Continue alternating sides until you’ve completed a total of 10 reps.

Exercise 5: Chest Lift with Ball

Lie on stomach with ball and balance on your hands and toes.  Keep your head in a neutral position.  Raise one arm and the opposite leg.  Relax and repeat on the other side.  Continue alternating until 10 reps are complete.

Exercise 6: Crunches on the Ball

Lie with your back on the ball and spread your feet to balance your body.  Cross your hands over your chest (or for more difficulty place your hands behind your head).  Pick a spot on the ceiling and raise up toward it.  Slowly lower to the start position.  10 reps.

Exercise 7: Obliques with the Ball

Lie on your on top of the exercise ball and spread your feet to balance your body.  Place your hands behind your head and then take one elbow and reach toward the opposite knee.  Repeat on the other side.  10 reps, alternating side to side.

Exercise 8: Squat with Ball (You’re almost done….)

Place an exercise ball between the wall and the small of your back.  Stand with your feet shoulder distance apart then bend your knees and lower your body down until your knees make a 90 degree angle.  Hold for 3 seconds then go back to the start position.  10 Reps.

Exercise 9: Ball Pass

Lie on your back holding an exercise ball in your hands above your head.  Lift your hands, neck and upper body up as your lower body raises up and pass the ball from your hands to between your ankles.  Press the ball with your ankles to contract the inner thigh.  Lower your body down, return your hands above your head and feet down (now the ball is touching the floor.  Then lift up again and pass the ball back to your hands and lower your body down to the start position.  Repeat 10 times.

Wow!  Great job!  And great way to maintain or build a healthy spine that will never have back pain (again).

Disclaimer- If you are experiencing low back pain, check with your chiropractor, physical therapist, or medical doctor to make sure these are safe for your body to perform.

What About My Pillow?

One of the most common concerns I get from patients is that they believe their pillow is contributing to their neck pain or headaches. “What is the best pillow for me, Dr. Funk?”, I hear all the time.

I have to be honest. I didn’t learn this in chiropractic school, although you would think that it would be taught. I actually had to do some research on my own to find the answers. And the answer is that you have to choose the right pillow for the way you sleep.

A pillow is designed to support the neck at night while we sleep. Proper alignment of our neck is a must to prevent or eliminate neck pain and stiffness.

Back Sleepers

For individuals who sleep on their back, their pillow should be medium sized so that the head is not at an upward angle.  A pillow that maintains the natural “C” shaped curve of the neck is a bonus, and placing a pillow under the knees will reduce pressure on the low back at night.  One caveat of back sleepers, is that they tend to snore more.  The good thing is that back sleepers develop less wrinkles on their faces over time.  (Hmmm…Snoring or wrinkles…got to weight the risks..lol!)

Side Sleepers

Side sleepers need more firm and higher pillows.  Again, you want the head to be parallel with the bed, so no pillows that are super high or doubling pillows.  Since your shoulder is in the way when you sleep on your side, a firmer pillow will not only support the head but protect your shoulder as well.  I also suggest a flat pillow in between your knees to keep the pelvis in alignment.  Side sleepers snore less, so if you struggle with snoring, try sleeping on your side.

Stomach Sleepers

If you sleep on your stomach, you may not need a pillow.  If you feel you need one, use a flat pillow, so your neck can maintain it’s proper alignment.  This is the position that I recommend the least.  I think it is the hardest to maintain proper posture.  Many of my stomach sleepers come in complaining of tingling in one or both of their hands when they wake.  This typically happens because your body is not well supported during sleep in this position, and your pectoralis minor muscles can be overstretched.  Tight pec minor muscles will compress the brachial plexus causing a tingling sensation in the hands.

Pillow Types

• The body pillow is good for pregnant women and the side sleeper.
• The Memory Foam contour pillow is good for people with neck or spine pain and can be used for back or side sleepers.
• The four position pillow works well in any position.
• The U-neck pillow is designed for traveling and supports the neck.
• Create your own perfect pillow with Select Comfort- Pillow[ology]

If you have any other questions, please feel free to e-mail or comment.

Tranquility Chiropractic Studio

Crack Your Bones: The FUNNY on Chiropractic

One of my patients showed me this Eddie Izzard Youtube video on chiropractic, and I can’t help but share it with you!

So next time you go visit your doctor of chiropractic, please share. LOL!

Warmly,
Dr. Funk

How many visits?

Today was eye-opening for me.  I came to work today thinking today would be an ordinary day, but I received an e-mail that brought me to a screeching halt.  A few months ago I have e-mailed a patient who had stopping coming after the first few visits and asked her if everything was okay?  I wrote “Also, I am curious for learning purposes, if there is something that went wrong to make you discontinue treatment.  I am always wanting to improve my services, so if you have any suggestions or feedback, please don’t hesitate to e-mail or call.”

She responded, “The only thing that I questioned in the process/protocol was the determination that I needed 8 sessions.  Whenever I have seen Chiropractors in the past, the Doctors treated me one session at a time.  Scheduling out 8 sessions seemed like it was financially driven not patient driven.”

At first I was hurt, thinking that I am not a money-driven person.  I give excellent care to my patients and feel my treatment plans are conservative compared to many chiropractors I know.  As I truly began to reflect on her message (and the courage it takes to deliver a message like it), I began to see great value in her feedback.

Was I clearly communicating to my patients that the number of visits were an estimate of the number of visits it takes to reach treatment goals?  Do patient get wrapped up the idea that pain is the only thing that brings them to the office?  Do they care about improving posture and function/alignment of the spine?  What am I communicating to my patients?  How many of my patients feel the same way she does?

So many questions.  So many things to consider.  I have leaned that I need better communication with my patients.  Talk to them about what their goals are.  Ask them how many visits they think it will take to reach treatment goals and tell them how many I suspect it will take…talk about why I see it differently.

So it begs the question…here’s my take.

How long does treatment take? Just like exercise and going to the gym takes time to get results, chiropractic care requires time and dedication.  It is important to understand that every person heals at a different rate.  On average Dr. Funk finds that muscular pain (sprain/strain injuries, minor pain, muscle tension, etc.) requires 6-8 weeks for full healing.  “I find that most patients find they have greatly reduced pain levels after the first 2-3 weeks.  The last half of treatment is then focused on restoring joint function and correcting range of motion.”

WOW!  Who knew today would be so eye-opening???

Chiropractic: The Greek Meaning

I love the study of words.  It’s a strange obsession.  To satisfy my craving, I receive  a daily e-mail called A.Word.A.Day by Anu Garg, and I was wondering today as I read my word of the day (manichean…if you’re curious) what are the root words for chiropractic, my beloved profession.

CHIROPRACTIC comes from the Greek words “praxis” and “cheir“, meaning to practice or to treat using hands.  It’s kind of amazing when you think about it.  Doctors who do not use drugs or chemicals; doctors who leverage the body’s ability to heal itself.  When I think about my profession in this way, I feel so proud to be a doctor of chiropractic!  (I’m smiling as I type.)

I have never appreciated my hands so much!  I have amazing hands that heal…

Whiplash Injury

Retraining muscles after a motor vechicle accident will prevent future injury.

One of the most common injuries that occur during car accidents is Whiplash. Whiplash is a soft-tissue injury of the neck that is caused by overstretching of the muscles, ligaments, and spine during impact.   Most people find it very painful and need medical attention.

Patients who suffer from whiplash can expect neck pain, blurred vision, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, headaches, ringing in your ears, pain in your shoulder, mid and lower back.  Most of these signs and symptoms will go away quickly.  Yet neck pain and stiffness typically last about 4-8 weeks.  To prevent permanent damage or prevent future neck problems, it is highly suggested you visit a medical professional if you experience a whiplash injury due to a car accident.

Chiropractic care is one of many options available for the treatment of whiplash after a motor vehicle accident.

Chiropractic Care- Chiropractic care is an excellent treatment for whiplash.  Your chiropractor will use gentle spinal manipulation, soft tissue techniques (such as myofascial release, deep tissue massage, etc), ice, stretching, and rehabilitation to correct misalignments of the spine and heal the ligaments, tendons, and muscle damage caused by your accident.

One of the first thing will do after visiting a chiropractor is get a cervical (neck) x-ray, so your provider can access if their is ligament damage or broken bones.  Once severe cases are ruled out, you can treat the soft tissue damage and joint dysfunction caused by your injury. Chiropractor are doctors, so you can go directly to them after an accident.

Physical Therapy- PT is an effective way to treat whiplash.  PTs treat similarly to chiropractors.  They typically focus more on rehabilitation of muscles and usually do not adjust your spine.  PTs are not doctors, so you will need an physician referral to receive treatment.

Massage Therapy- massage therapist can provide relief by reducing muscle inflammation and damage.  Massage therapist are not medical doctors, so please visit a physician or chiropractor before you go to your therapist to rule out fractures, and other serious side effects from car accidents.

Medical Treatment- Visiting your medical doctor may be necessary after a car accident.  Physicians can prescribe anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxers to reduce pain and inflammation.

Legal Aid- In addition to the pain caused by motor vehicle accidents, many people have to deal with either their insurance company, or both the liability insurance and their own.  If you’ve been there, you know how frustrating this can be.  I suggest if you were hurt in a motor vehicle accident, you should consider hiring a Personal Injury attorney.  PI attorneys are professionals and are trained to act in your best interest.  Most will see you for a consultation, as well as, represent you at no cost.  They will work with your provider to make sure your medical costs are covered, so you can get well without worrying about money.

My recommendation for a PI attorney in Austin, Texas, is Jay Doyle with Kuhn, Doyle & Kuhn.

Occipitial Neuritis

Recently I have had several patients come in with a burning sensation on one side or both sides of the back of their heads.  Usually the sensation is combined with neck pain, right at the base of the skull.  Many of these patients have already been diagnosed with Occipital Neuritis- inflammation or irritation to the occipital and suboccipital nerves.

Patients with this condition can benefit greatly from myofascial release of the posterior cervicals, suboccipitals, occipitalis, scalenes, and SCM muscles.  In addition to muscle work, spinal manipulation of the upper cervical (neck) area can reduces nerve irritation.

Check out the links above to learn more about chiropractic techniques that can reduce pain, inflammation, and headaches caused by occipital neuritis.

Dr. Misty Funk

New Improved TCS Website Revealed

Tranquility Chiropractic Studio has just released the newest version of their website! Check it out by clicking below!

Tranquility Chiropractic Studio

FREE Chair Massage for the Holidays

Come join Tranquility Chiropractic Studio for our upcoming event: Pamper Yourself Before the Holidays!

Free chair massages by Dr. Funk and staff; hand rejuvenation by Rejuvenescense Austin; and spiced lattes!

http://www.TranquilityCS.com

Date: Saturday, November 21st

Time: 2-4PM

Location: Tranquility Chiropractic Studio, 11673 Jollyville Rd, Ste. 202, Austin TX 78759

Contact Number: 512-788-3366