Your spine is a long chain of bones, discs, muscles, and ligaments that extend from your skull down to your tailbone. 

Your neck, or cervical spine, supports your head and shields the nerves that supply your arms, shoulders, and face.

Postural changes, arthritis, and sudden injuries are a few of the primary causes of neck pain. 

The majority of the time, the pain is caused by an issue with your neck’s muscles, bones, discs, or nerves.

That’s important to remember when considering how to recover from whiplash injuries naturally. 

That’s probably a big part of what has you considering seeking chiropractic treatment for whiplash in Austin, Texas.

Whiplash injuries can occur during a sports accident or during a slip and fall.

Furthermore, as the most of us are aware, whiplash injuries are frequently received in car crashes.

These injuries can cause damage to the delicate structures in your neck and lead to symptoms such as headaches, neck pain and stiffness, shoulder pain, and numbness and tingling or pain in your arms and hands. 

That pain is your body’s way of saying “pay attention inside now!”

Let’s examine more closely at what happens after a whiplash injury and, perhaps more significantly, how to heal from one naturally.

Why it Matters:

Over 1.5 million whiplash injuries occur each year, many from low impact collisions.

Research does in fact show that low-speed crashes can create the force necessary to cause pain and injury.

Many people tend to neglect whiplash injuries and have never learned how to heal from them naturally because they can happen at moderate speeds and in events other than auto accidents.

That’s why many of your neighbors who were recently in a car accident are probably looking for chiropractic care for whiplash in Austin, Texas.

The truth is that even minor damage to the ligaments of your neck can take up to 12 weeks to heal. 

In some cases, the partial tearing of the muscles, tendons, or ligaments around your spine can take several months to heal.

Depending on the severity of the ligament tearing, these injuries may also be classified as permanent.

Whiplash can also cause damage to your facet joints and spinal discs by stretching them beyond their normal range of motion. 

Almost every bone in your neck has a pair of sliding joints towards the back called facet joints. 

Your body will attempt to make up for any adhesions or blocked joints.

A stiff neck after an accident is a good clue that a whiplash injury may have occurred. 

Keep an eye out for swelling and bruising, which can take up to 24 hours to develop. 

Many people may already know what symptoms to watch for, but most people may not really know how to recover from whiplash injuries naturally. 

How to Recover From Whiplash Injuries Naturally

It’s essential to control any inflammation early in your treatment and improve your range of motion. 

In other words, it’s key to use movement as medicine. 

While it may seem strange that movement can be a good thing even if it causes discomfort, we know that controlled movement can limit the amount of scar tissue that forms and may even increase the healing rate. 

Still wondering exactly how to recover from whiplash injuries naturally?

Let’s recap the key principles we just discussed. 

• Obtaining an accurate diagnosis with a complete examination and spinal imaging is the first step towards determining the best plan of care to heal from your injuries.
  
• Inflammation is often the primary factor that causes pain and restricted movement after a whiplash injury.
  
• Controlling inflammation naturally and reestablishing your range of motion can help reduce your pain and improve the results of your care. 

Next Steps:

With the right healthcare team, most people can get back to their full life and activities without the need for drugs or surgery.

Chiropractors focus on the structure and function of your spine. 

When your spine is functioning optimally, your body is able to heal itself, no medications needed. 

When looking at how to recover from whiplash injuries naturally, a chiropractor’s care is key. 

We take a holistic approach to help you recover from whiplash by examining and treating the injured muscles, ligaments, discs, and more. 

Depending on the type of accident, we may choose to take x-rays or an MRI of your neck to evaluate your injuries better. 

Chiropractors are considered essential after an accident because of our focus on improving your movement, biomechanics, and functional ability while reducing your pain. 

Schedule an appointment to receive chiropractic treatment for whiplash in Austin, Texas today if you are someone you know has been injured in a car accident. 

We’re here to help guide your recovery process and theirs every step of the way.

Science Source:

The Treatment of Neck Pain and Whiplash-Associated Disorders. JMPT. 2016. 

Bottom Line:

If we told you that low back pain might be the leading cause of disability worldwide, would you be shocked?

You might. 

If we told you that we were 99.9% positive that you had back discomfort over the past month, would you be shocked?

Probably not. 

After all, everyone deals with neck and back pain at some point in their lives, right?

 You. Your family and friends. Your coworkers and acquaintances. Everyone. 

And as someone who’s dealt with low back pain in the past, you more than understand just how much it can alter your daily life. 

You may even be among the many who know that some days just standing up straight can feel like an incredibly impossible task!

You likely have spent a great deal of time trying to figure out what to do for low back pain relief. 

And it’s for those reasons that many major healthcare organizations are weighing in with their recommendations for the best ways to take care of low back pain. 

What they have to say may surprise you. 

Why it Matters:

Their conclusion was that the treatment of low back pain should start with conservative measures.

So, if you’ve been looking for a low back pain chiropractor in Austin,Texas  you’ve made a smart decision!

It’s becoming clear that the days of taking drugs and medications as a widely accepted front-line treatment are coming to an end. 

Due to growing awareness of the potentially harmful side effects associated with pain medications, both patients and healthcare providers are now rarely recommending them.

Researchers are also continuously sharing findings that indicate those same medications aren’t delivering the long-term relief patients are looking for. 

However, they’ve found that the conservative care provided by chiropractors like us can be particularly effective for the care of low back pain. 

In fact, our care ranks at the top of many leading healthcare organizations lists for what to do for low back pain relief.

What to Do for Low Back Pain

Movement-based strategies such as spinal adjustments, controlled exercise, and dynamic stretching are a few of the most effective ways to relieve low back issues. 

As the top low back pain chiropractor in Austin, Texas, we’ve seen the results first-hand.

In addition to being effective in offering immediate relief, research indicates that, when used consistently, movement-based techniques may also have a preventative benefit.

The use of heat, massage, acupuncture, mindfulness-based stress reduction, tai chi or yoga, and low-level laser therapy can also be beneficial for both back-specific and overall function improvements as well as improvements in your overall health-related quality of life.

Did you know…

• Back pain is classified as acute if it lasts less than four weeks, subacute if it lasts four to twelve weeks, and chronic if it lasts more than twelve weeks.
  
• The World Health Organization supports chiropractic care and other non-invasive interventions for the treatment of acute, subacute, and especially chronic back pain.
  
• In addition, Harvard Health, The Mayo Clinic, and other established healthcare organizations have published numerous articles highlighting the benefits of chiropractic and movement-based treatment options.

Next Steps: 

As you may imagine, we’re satisfied that so many major, trusted healthcare organizations now actively advocate for non-pharmacological ways to find relief from low back pain. 

As a conservative care based practice, we believe in focusing on treating the root cause of an issue and ongoing prevention rather than treating and masking the symptoms.

We have the know-how and real-world experience to help guide you on what to do for low back pain and towards the best treatments that would benefit your unique situation. 

So, if you or someone you know is struggling with back pain, and you’ve been considering seeing a low back pain chiropractor in Austin, Texas, reach out to us today. 

Our team of compassionate professionals will work with you to get you the individualized treatment needed to help you find relief.

Science Sources: 

Noninvasive Treatments for Low Back Pain. Ann Intern Med. 2017.

Prevention and Treatment of Low Back Pain. Lancet. 2018. 

Bottom Line:

Posture can either work for or against us.

Take it from the leading posture correction specialist in Austin, Texas.

New health issues linked to extended sitting, improperly positioned devices, and even furniture that may have been repurposed to meet the urgent requirements imposed at the beginning of the epidemic are becoming more and more apparent every day.

It’s obvious that it’s never been more important to find the best posture for working at our computers.

And get this.

We’re also learning more about how posture, emotions, and pain sensitivity may all have some degree of mutual influence.

It’s possible that depression and posture are related.

Consider this.

Have you ever been able to tell someone’s mood just by how they walked into a room?

We all have!

This demonstrates the connection between our attitude and posture.

Within seconds you can look at someone and tell whether they are confident or happy.

Posture can influence mood and vice versa for a number of reasons.

Let’s take a closer look at posture and depression.

Why it Matters:

Depression and other health issues have been connected to specific postures.

For the upper body, we usually see the muscles in the chest and the back of the neck become tight, and the muscles in the front of the neck and the upper back become weak.

This creates the forward head position and rounded shoulders we associate with poor posture.

When you slouch in your chair or stand with poor posture, you put extra strain on your joints and force your supporting muscles to work harder.

To help you better understand just how posture and depression can be linked, try this.

Slouch your shoulders, tilt your head forward, look down at your lap, and then try to take a deep breath.

Note how you feel. 

Now, reverse that posture, sit up tall, pull your shoulders back, and take another deep breath in.

Quite the difference, right? 

It’s easy to see how maintaining an unnatural, stooped posture can create aches and pains. 

And if you’re living with daily aches and pains, contacting a posture correction specialist in Austin, Texas to evaluate your posture can be a great place to start. 

Why it Matters:

Researchers studying posture and depression found that people who were depressed experienced an improved mood after they changed their posture to be more upright.

That’s right.

By maintaining a healthy posture, you can gain a better mindset as well as a stronger core and a healthier overall lifestyle.

The exact reason posture, emotion, and pain sensitivity appear to be connected has yet to be determined.

Some believe it’s as simple as feeling emotionally better yourself when your body is in certain positions.

Another theory is that our body posture and position can influence the release of endorphins or feel-good chemicals in the brain.

Whatever the explanation, when it comes to posture and depression, developing good posture habits can help you feel more confident, energetic, and happy.

To recap…

• Slumped posture has been linked with depressive symptoms
• An upright posture has been shown to improve your mood immediately
• Emotions and thoughts affect your posture and energy level. Look up and pull your shoulders back to reset your mind and body!

Next Steps: 

The next time you feel down, consider what you now know about posture and depression and pay attention to your posture.

You’ll more than likely find yourself slumped with your head and neck curved forward and down.

One of the best changes you can make in that moment is to pull your shoulder blades back and together, relax your shoulders down away from your ears, and look up.

The more you work on it, the easier it will become.

Start by holding your head and chest in this corrected position for a minute at a time to help build endurance.

You’d be surprised how much of a difference a few minutes a day can make!

And if your posture is causing you neck or back pain, reaching out to a posture correction specialist in Austin, Texas to evaluate your alignment and more is the place to start.

Our doors are open, and we’re here to help.

If you’re experiencing depression, we recommend reaching out to a professional for help. 

Science Source: 

Upright Posture Improves Affect and Fatigue. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry. 20

Bottom Line:

If you’ve had neck or back pain that you could pinpoint with your finger or felt a sharp pain in your back when moving, the cause may have been some sort of dysfunction with one or more of the facet joints (often the lumbar facet joints) of your spine. Facet joints: gliding your way to better health can make a significant difference.

So, what are the facet joints? 

Think of these joints as the “knuckles” of your spine that glide, slide, and stabilize. 

They both add flexibility to your spine so you’re able to bend and twist your back and also help to keep you from “over doing” any of those motions (i.e., hyperextending or hyper flexing). 

Needless to say, ensuring your facet joints are functioning at their best is important to making sure you’re able to move freely, and if you think you might need facet joint pain treatment in Austin, Texas, you’ve come to the right place! Understanding the importance of facet joints: gliding your way to better health starts here.

Here’s what you should know.

Why it Matters:

As we age, our spinal discs also age, and it’s our facet joints – often our lumbar facet joints – that take on the extra load. 

And, as you may have guessed, this excess stress and pressure can wear them down.

This can lead to the development of adhesions, bone spurs, and pain that can all limit our ability to move freely. But with the right approach, facet joints: gliding your way to better health is achievable.

The good news? Targeted spinal adjustments can help break up adhesions in and around your lumbar facet joints, cervical facet joints, and the other joints in your spine to help reduce pain and restore proper motion. 

That’s why our team specializes in facet joint pain treatment in Austin, Texas.

To recap, here’s what we know…

• The facet joints of your spine slide and glide to allow you to bend and twist your body.
  
• As we age, adhesions can develop in our facet joints that restrict how well we move.
  
• Adjustments help break up adhesions surrounding the facets so you can once again move freely and with less pain.

Chiropractic Care for Lumbar Facet Joint Pain Treatment

There’s a wide range of research supporting the use of chiropractic care for the management of adhesions and pain related to the lumbar facet joints and understanding the results of those studies can help you decide if facet joint pain treatment in Austin, Texas may be right for you. Chiropractic care can be part of the process of facet joints: gliding your way to better health. 

For your reference, here’s some basic terminology you’ll find helpful when reviewing any such studies: 

• The facet joints are also referred to as “Z” (zygapophyseal) joints.
  
• Chiropractic care / adjustments is also referred to as SMT (spinal manipulative therapy).
  
• The term “gapping” refers to the physical manipulation or mobilization of the joints.
  

In one recent study, researchers set out to understand the effects spinal manipulative therapy and specifically gapping of the “Z” joints can have on the adhesions and pain in the lower back.

In other words, they wanted to understand the effects chiropractic adjustments can have on adhesions surrounding the lumbar facet joints and any related low back pain to help evaluate its effectiveness as a facet joint pain treatment option. 

And as it turns out, they did in fact observe that study participants reported both a reduction in pain and a reduction in restricted movement after receiving chiropractic care. 

We’ve observed the same in those patients receiving facet joint pain treatment in Austin, Texas at our clinic.

Such results demonstrate why conservative care like chiropractic is recommended as first-line therapy to treat low back and pain related to the facet joints.

Next Steps: 

The facet joints of your spine – whether we’re talking about the cervical facet joints or lumbar facet joints – crave movement.  

Movement is medicine, after all!

Movement helps the facet joints stay healthy and may even help slow down the effects of aging. So remember, facet joints: gliding your way to better health is the goal. 

Spinal adjustments have been shown to reduce adhesions in these joints and others so you can move more freely and with less pain. 

When you move better, you feel better, and we’re proud to be a part of the healthcare team that helps you stay active. 

So, if you’ve been living with back pain and you’re nearby, know we’re here to provide the best facet joint pain treatment in Austin, Texas, and our compassionate team is just a phone call away. 

Science Source: 

Facet Joints. Physiopedia. 2022.

Joint Changes Following Spinal Manipulation. JMPT. 2013.

Looking for migraine and tension headache treatment options in Austin,Texas that actually work? 

Step one is understanding different types of headaches, what causes each, and what to look for. 

Read on.

The Bottom Line

We all experience headaches differently. 

Whether it’s persistent fatigue, blurred vision, or a stiff neck, the symptoms can vary widely. Patients visiting our chiropractic clinic in Austin,Texas often report having experienced headaches that prevent them from going about their everyday lives.

But despite the variety in symptoms, all headaches have one thing in common —they are not “normal” to deal with on a daily basis.

If you’re grappling with recurrent headaches, it’s time to identify the type of headache you’re experiencing.

Why it Matters

Understanding different types of headaches starts with understanding the distinct characteristics of each.

Identifying the type of headache you’re suffering from is the first step towards finding relief. 

Consulting with a healthcare professional can help you in this process, and if you’re seeking natural migraine and tension headache treatment options in Austin,Texas, look no further – we’re ready to assist you.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common types of headaches you may experience.

Understanding Different Types of Headaches

Migraine

Just as the experience of a headache can vary from person to person, the symptoms of migraines can vary greatly as well.

They usually cause throbbing pain, typically on one side of the head.

The pain can be severe and may persist for up to 3 days. 

Accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light, sound, or smell, migraines can be very intense to say the least.

Some essential facts about migraines include:

• They are believed to be linked to the release of inflammatory substances in the brain.
• Migraines are twice as common in women due to hormonal influences.
• Children often experience shorter durations of migraines.

Tension Headache

Tension headaches are particularly common, affecting up to 20% of the population. 

They can also occur with migraines.

Characterized by a constant dull pain on both sides of the head due to tense neck and scalp muscles, tension headaches can last from a few hours to several days.

Stress, anxiety, depression, dehydration, loud noises, lack of sleep, or insufficient exercise can trigger tension headaches. 

Fortunately, many of these triggers can be managed through a healthy lifestyle.

Some key facts about tension headaches include:

• Tension headaches are the most common type of headache.
• They are often described as pressure or tightness, almost like a band around the head.
• The pain from tension headaches can spread into or originate from the neck.

Cluster Headache

Unlike migraines, cluster headaches are more common in men.

They are often marked by an intense burning or piercing sensation behind or around one eye. 

Cluster headaches can occur unexpectedly and last from 15 minutes to 3 hours.

Some key facts about cluster headaches include:

• Cluster headaches affect less than 1 in 1000 adults, with six men affected for every woman.
• Despite their brevity, cluster headaches can occur several times a day.
• Individuals with cluster headaches may experience tearing and redness in the affected eye or a blocked nasal passage.

Next Steps

Because headaches are so common, many don’t consider them serious enough to seek professional help. 

As a result, it’s estimated that half of those with headaches self-treat.

This trend might explain why many individuals are unaware of natural, non-invasive, and medication-free headache treatment options. 

It may also explain how so many don’t know that the overuse of medications intended for headache relief can actually lead to more headaches!

To say this fact often surprises patients who visit our clinic seeking alternative migraine and tension headache treatment options in Austin,Texas is an understatement.

So, if you’re struggling with migraines, tension, or cluster headaches, don’t wait, don’t hesitate, and reach out to us today!

Research has shown that chiropractic care can significantly reduce the intensity, severity, and frequency of many common headaches, all without the risks associated with medications.

And our dedicated team will work with you to uncover the root cause of your headaches, and we’ll provide the gentle, movement-based care that chiropractors are renowned for to help you break free from your headache pain.

Science Sources:

Tension Headache. MedlinePlus. 2023.

Headache Disorders. WHO. 2016

For many of us, gone are the days where we can clean the house, go for a walk, play with the kids, play with our pets, or, if we’re being honest, simply go to sleep without putting ourselves at risk for neck or low back pain. 

Sound familiar? 

Surprise sleep injuries aside, if you’re all too familiar with back pain, you’ve come to the right place!

As the leading low back pain specialist in Austin, Texas, we know a thing or two about the common causes of low back pain. 

Keep reading to learn more about what might be behind yours and, more importantly, what you can do to say goodbye to low back pain. 

Bottom Line:

Low back pain is the number one reason people worldwide visit their doctor and miss work. 

If you’ve dealt with it in the past (or maybe even right now), you know back pain can change your life in an instant. 

Not being able to enjoy hobbies, difficulty in your ability to work, and a sneaking suspicion that you may never get “back to normal” are all normal when you’re experiencing a bout of back pain. 

So why do so many people here in Austin, Texas and around the world struggle with back pain?

In many cases, your daily habits are a big contributor to your back pain. 

Why it Matters:

If you’ve been living with aches and pain, it’s often connected to distorted movement patterns that affect your neuromusculoskeletal system – your brain, nerves, muscles, bones, joints, cartilage, tendons, etc. 

And those abnormal movement patterns can happen for a variety of reasons that range from long hours at a computer and repetitive stress to sudden injuries.

That repetitive stress combined with nagging injuries, a diet filled with inflammatory foods, or a lack of daily exercise and movement can all contribute to an increased likelihood of back pain.

Common Causes of Low Back Pain

Here are the three most common causes of low back pain…

1. Sprain/Strain Injuries: Repetitive stress can create inflammation and lead to sprains or strains.
   
2. Spinal Disc Issues: Disc bulges and herniations can press on your spinal nerves, leading to back pain that travels to other parts of the body.
   
3. Arthritis: As you get older, your body will naturally go through some degenerative changes, and if your spinal joints become inflamed, you may notice some pain.

A whopping 80% of us will experience low back pain at some point in our lives, and none of us want to rely on pills to feel better.

The good news is that, in most cases, sprains and strains and joint issues can heal pretty quickly with the right care. 

That’s where we come in.

An overwhelming majority of people recover from back pain naturally or with a little additional help from a chiropractor. 

So, if you’ve been searching for a low back pain specialist in Austin, Texas, you’ve come to the right place! 

Research supports the use of chiropractic care for the treatment of all causes of and all types of low back pain.

Get this. 

In a recent study, researchers found that low back pain patients with disc issues who received chiropractic care experienced the same if not more relief than patients who underwent invasive back surgeries.

Next Steps: 

While it may feel like you’ll never get back to your old self, the odds are in your favor that you will!

And even if you typically seem to recover by taking it easy for a few days, it’s still a smart decision to visit a chiropractor. 

Chiropractic care has been part of the wellness conversation worldwide for well over 125 years, and our chiropractic practice is proud to serve the Austin, Texas community now and for years to come. 

Our low back pain specialists will work with you to determine both what’s at the root of your low back pain and the non-invasive treatment options that make sense for you. 

Research also strongly suggests that periodic chiropractic care – just like dynamic stretching and regular exercise – can help prevent future episodes of low back pain. 

So, if you haven’t, be sure to have your next – or first – visit scheduled!

Science Sources: 

Back Pain Symptoms and Causes. Mayo Clinic. 2023.