Shoulder pain is an issue that affects between four and 26% of people in the U.S. every year. This highly mobile part of the body consists of multiple joints that are responsible for everything from lifting our arms over our heads to hugging our loved ones. If you are considering visiting a chiropractor for shoulder pain, here’s what you need to know (and how it can help!).

The most common shoulder pain causes

Your shoulder joint – also referred to as the shoulder girdle – is a highly complex, incredibly mobile structure. It consists of two main joints (four joints total):

1. Acromioclavicular joint: The place where the clavicle (collarbone) and the shoulder blade (scapula) meet in the back of the body
2. Glenohumeral joint: What most people consider the shoulder, the area where the humerus (the upper arm bone) inserts into the socket of the shoulder (the glenoid cavity)

These two joints are surrounded by a complex configuration of muscles, ligaments, and tendons, including the rotator cuff. The rotator cuff includes four muscles: the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and the subscapularis. These muscles not only help keep the humerus nestled into the glenoid cavity, but also help you to raise your arms above your head.

Tendons attach muscles to bones, and ligaments connect muscles to each other, allowing for smooth movement. The shoulder joint capsule itself is lined with labrum, a soft tissue that molds to fit the head of the humerus. The glenohumeral joint also has bursa, a fluid-filled sack that eases movement and absorbs shock.

Finally, the nerves of your shoulder all pass through the armpit in a large complex called the brachial plexus. These nerves are responsible for all movement and pain signaling in the arms, hands, and shoulder.

Shoulder pain can occur at any time, sometimes worsening at night as the joint stiffens. Pain may feel like a dull ache or burning inside of the shoulder joint. Others may feel a sharp pain when moving in several different areas that could include the shoulder, the middle back between the shoulder blades, the neck, and the arm.

What causes shoulder pain?

Because of the complexity of the shoulder joint, there are a variety of shoulder pain causes. Here are eight of the most common. Understanding these major causes can help you understand which ones are most effectively treated by a chiropractor for shoulder pain.

1. Frozen shoulder

Also referred to as adhesive capsulitis, frozen shoulder is a condition when the connective tissue in the shoulder becomes thick and tightens around the shoulder joint.

This condition is most common after an injury that restricts shoulder movement for a period of time.

2. Dislocated shoulder

Dislocated shoulder is an unfortunately common contact sports injury. The humerus pops out of the glenoid cavity. This can cause initial pain, but it can also be accompanied by numbness if nerves are affected.

Unfortunately, a shoulder that dislocates once is at risk for repeated dislocations.

3. Pinched nerve

If there are mechanical issues in your neck or in the shoulder joint itself, these may result in pinched or impinged nerves.

This pressure on any nerve, either the main branching one or smaller nerves that emanate from it, can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the hands, arms, and shoulder.

4. Rotator cuff injury

Ranging from minor irritation to a full-on tear, a rotator cuff injury can be caused by a slow deterioration of the muscles due to mechanical use, or it can occur with sudden trauma (e.g., as a result of a car accident).

Rotator cuff injuries are among the most common types of shoulder pain.

5. Arthritis

A conservative estimate of those affected by arthritis in the U.S. is 54 million adults. This can be a wear-and-tear condition like osteoarthritis, or it may be related to an autoimmune disorder like rheumatoid arthritis.

Regardless of the cause, arthritis can cause inflammation and pain in your shoulder that restricts movement and decreases your shoulder’s range of motion.

6. Shoulder bursitis

When the fluid-filled shoulder capsule becomes irritated or inflamed, you may develop shoulder bursitis. This condition occurs most frequently where the humerus connects in the glenoid cavity.

Bursitis pain can increase to the point where movement of your shoulder becomes nearly impossible. This restricted range of motion may also lead to frozen shoulder.

7. Tendonitis

Shoulder tendonitis is a specific type of inflammation and irritation in either the biceps or rotator cuff tendons. This is often experienced by people who have occupations with repetitive motions, or in professional athletes who repeat the same motion in the course of practice or play.

Tendon injuries are notoriously painful and slow-healing.

8. Injury (strains and sprains)

Injury to the shoulder is a common cause of shoulder pain. Working hard in the garden, playing too enthusiastically in your weekend pick-up basketball game, or lifting something heavy during a move can all cause shoulder pain.

How can a chiropractor for shoulder pain help?

Fortunately, chiropractic care for shoulder pain can be an effective, side-effect-free way to address many of the above conditions. Consider the following.

• A 2012 study of frozen shoulder saw 82% of cases either completely resolved or at least 75% resolved with care
• Chiropractic adjustment for shoulder impingement can be effective to relieve pain, weakness, and numbness in the extremities
• In cases where a shoulder dislocation becomes recurring shoulder instability, seeing a chiropractor for shoulder pain can help reduce the chance of recurring shoulder dislocation
• Chiropractic for rotator cuff pain is a conservative pain management and rehabilitation strategy that has some good evidence of effectiveness

Seeing a chiropractor for shoulder pain is an excellent way to explore conservative treatment options to improve range of motion and treat pain.

How does chiropractic care work?

Your chiropractor focuses on the skeleton and the way it aligns to help move the body through its daily tasks. By performing a variety of specific adjustments, both for overall alignment and to treat an acute condition, your chiropractor can help relieve pain caused by imbalance or injury to your skeleton.

In addition to being an effective alternative to more invasive treatments of shoulder pain, chiropractic care has few to no side effects and does not interact negatively with other treatments. Most chiropractors work with your other healthcare providers to coordinate their care for the best possible outcomes.

Chiropractic techniques

When treating shoulder pain, your chiropractor will design a treatment that may consist of hands-on adjustments or adjustments using specials tools or tables. The most common types of chiropractic adjustments for shoulder injuries in particular include the following.

• Articulatory: This type of chiropractic technique focuses on improving the range of motion in a specific joint – in this case, the shoulder joint. During your session, your chiropractor will move the joint through its existing range of motion while applying force to gradually increase it and improve shoulder mobility.
• Myofascial release: Myofascial release focuses on releasing tight connective tissues around the shoulder. These could be causing or contributing to frozen shoulder and other painful conditions that decrease your shoulder’s range of motion.
• Cervical spinal manipulation: The cervical spine can cause referred shoulder pain. Cervical spinal manipulation focuses on balancing the cervical vertebrae to decrease pain from pinched nerves.
• Functional technique: Functional technique is also used to improve a joint’s range of motion and decrease stiffness. Your chiropractor moves the shoulder to the end of its range of motion and then holds it there until they feel a release. Over time, this gentle pressure can loosen the joint capsule and relieve your stiffness.

In addition to the above techniques, your chiropractor may also use the direct thrust technique. While not specifically aimed at shoulder injury or other conditions, this technique uses a short, swift movement to bring the spine back into alignment. As chiropractors consider the whole skeletal system when designing a treatment plan, this type of chiropractic adjustment may be necessary to fully balance your body.

You can learn a bit more about different techniques in the following video.

What can I expect when visiting a chiropractor for shoulder pain?

Your first visit to the chiropractor starts by them taking a complete medical history and conducting a physical exam. If you are visiting a chiropractor for shoulder pain, they will move the joint through its range of motion and try to determine the area that is out of alignment.

To help with this, your chiropractor may order X-rays to determine if there are any other underlying issues before proceeding with treatment.

Your comfort is important during this whole process. There will be ample time to get all of your questions answered in your initial consultation. If you have never received chiropractic care before, your doctor will take the time to make sure you understand the techniques they plan to use before they begin.

Does chiropractic care hurt?

Many first-time patients are most concerned about pain when receiving an adjustment. After all, they may have only heard rumors about “back cracking,” a misnomer that nevertheless does not sound pleasant!

The truth is that patients rarely, if ever, experience discomfort when receiving chiropractic care. You may feel pressure when your doctor is using articulatory or functional techniques, but the goal is not to cause pain but to relieve it.

Some patients may experience mild muscle soreness after treatment. This generally occurs when you involuntarily clench your muscles in anticipation of movement and should be minor and temporary.

The best way to ensure a pain-free adjustment is to follow your doctor’s instructions during your appointment, breathing in and out and consciously relaxing.

How quickly will I feel better after?

As a general rule, it takes between one and four weeks to see improvements in your condition. This time frame for pain relief varies widely depending on the following:

• The condition treated
• How often you come for treatment
• Other underlying health conditions
• General overall health at the start of treatment
• Compliance with other treatment (e.g., physical therapy)

All that being said, some patients experience relief from pain after just one treatment. Your doctor can answer all of your questions concerning your specific treatment timelines and expectations for relief at your initial appointment.

Are there any side effects?

The research is in: side effects of chiropractic care are described as “rare and benign.” These rare and benign side effects may include:

• Discomfort in the treatment area
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Nausea

It’s important to note that when these side effects are present, they generally occur at the very beginning of treatment and are less common as treatments continue.

Finally, while driving yourself to and from your chiropractic treatments is generally safe, it’s important to talk with your doctor about your concerns. Still not sure? Get a ride to your first appointment and see how you feel after.

Learn more

Seeing a chiropractor for shoulder pain is just one aspect of a comprehensive pain management plan. At Arizona Pain, we can develop individualized treatment options just for you.

Get in touch today!

A chiropractor’s signature technique of treating low back pain is spinal manipulation, with the stereotypical popping noise that’s actually the sound of a gas bubble releasing between joints. Did you know that there are multiple types of spinal manipulation? Some are completed by hand and others require the help of a small, specially designed instrument.

In addition to classic adjustment methods, chiropractors use other special therapies that are designed to reduce pain and improve the health of the spine and surrounding structures.

The specific method your chiropractor will use with you depends on your physical condition and the cause for your underlying back pain. And while chiropractors approach low back pain with a holistic approach, by addressing nutrition, stress, and exercise, spinal manipulation is an important tool for making sure the musculoskeletal system is in optimal alignment and reducing pain.

Here are the most common spinal manipulation and adjustment methods.

Toggle drop

This technique involves the use of a quick, precise thrust to a specific area of the spine to relieve back pain. When applying a toggle drop, the chiropractor crosses his or her hands and then presses firmly down, using the controlled motion to improve mobility in the vertebral joints.

Motion palpation

Rather than an adjustment, motion palpation is a diagnostic tool. It’s a way of observing the spine to identify any areas in the spinal column that are out of alignment or not moving freely.

The practice involves the chiropractor placing his or her hands at specific places along the spine and then guiding the patient through a series of movements. The chiropractor will feel the entire spinal column—from lumbar to thoracic—to identify any areas that feel out of alignment.

Lumbar roll

The lumbar roll is one of the more common chiropractic techniques, particularly for patients with low back pain.

For this technique, patients lie on their sides while the doctor stands on the front plane of the body. The chiropractor applies a rapid, precise thrust to the problematic area, returning the vertebrae to proper alignment.

Release work

Chiropractic release work involves gentle pressure placed along the spine to gently separate the vertebrae and encourage free flow of the spinal column while reducing pain.

Table adjustments

This type of spinal manipulation involves the use of a table that has a drop piece—a portion of the table literally drops below the rest. For this adjustment, the chiropractor examines the patient to ensure the body is in the proper positioning. The chiropractor applies a rapid thrust to the area out of alignment, and the table’s drop piece lowers down at the same time the thrust is applied.

The act of the table dropping down allows the force from the chiropractic adjustment to dissipate, making the adjustment more comfortable for both the patient and the doctor.

While many manual adjustments require the back to be twisted, table adjustments do not require this. This method is highly effective, but also very specialized, requiring both special equipment and skill. Table adjustments are wonderful for unlocking the spine and encouraging total mobility while reducing back pain.

Instrument adjustments

This is a gentle type of spinal manipulation that is not as hands-on as the previously described techniques. Chiropractors use a spring-loaded activator instrument to adjust the spine while the patient lies face down on the table.

The instrument provides a gentle method of freeing vertebrae, and it can also be used on the extremities to encourage optimal alignment.

Humans aren’t the only ones to benefit from instrument adjustments; animals can, too.

Manipulation with anesthesia

Some patients with lower back pain who don’t respond well to traditional spinal manipulations may undergo full anesthesia or twilight sedation before receiving an adjustment. This procedure takes place in an outpatient hospital setting so patients receive full oversight by qualified medical staff.

This type of therapy is typically reserved for those patients whose pain is extremely intense. It’s usually used on patients with chronic low back pain, as opposed to those experiencing pain from an acute cause like an injury or other trauma, according to research published in the journal Chiropractic and Manual Therapies.

Because this treatment is more invasive than other types of chiropractic adjustments, it’s typically not a first-line therapy, and used only when other treatments have failed.

In addition to these methods for adjusting the spine and encouraging proper alignment, chiropractors also use release techniques.

Flexion-distraction technique

People with low-back pain or leg pain resulting from disc injuries may benefit from this commonly used procedure.

To start, the patient lies on a specially designed table that stretches the spine. The chiropractor isolates the area with the affected discs, flexing the spine in a gentle pumping rhythm. Patients should feel no pain.

This procedure is believed to work by moving the disc away from the nerve, which reduces inflammation and pain.

The technique is typically performed over multiple sessions and often in conjunction with other therapies, such as physiotherapy. Patients are usually given exercises to do at home to alleviate the pain related to lower back disc injuries.

If, at the end of 12 sessions, patients have not improved, they’re usually referred for further imaging or a spinal specialist to investigate the problem.

A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine compared patients with chronic low back pain who received flexion distraction to those who participated in an exercise program. Researchers followed the patients for one year after treatment, and found those who received flexion distraction reported less pain than those who participated in the exercise program.

Pelvic blocking

Another treatment used for patients with disc-related, low back pain is pelvic blocking. This procedure involves the use of cushioned wedges that are placed under each side of the pelvis. The chiropractor begins specific, gentle movements that allow gravity to encourage separation between the disc and the nerve, lessening pain.

This gentle, non-forceful method creates space for healing to happen. In those cases where patients do not demonstrate improvement, they are referred for spinal imaging or a specialist for further review.

Have you experienced any of these treatment methods for low back pain?

Image by Steve Jurvetson via Flickr

You might consider chiropractic care as something that only “fixes” the spine, but it’s so much more than that. A misaligned spine can contribute to serious conditions, some of which can lead to sciatic pain. Fortunately, seeing a chiropractor for sciatica can help not only relieve sciatic pain but also treat the underlying condition that caused it. Here’s how.

How does chiropractic care for sciatica work?

Visiting a chiropractor for sciatica can help relieve pain that occurs as a result of pressure on your sciatic nerve. The focus of your visit will depend on your underlying condition, but in general, chiropractors aim to bring your spine into healthy alignment.

Not only does healthy spinal alignment support overall wellness, but it also allows the body to function more efficiently. If one part of the body is compensating for spinal misalignment, this can begin to have a ripple effect. Pain may begin to appear in other areas of the body due to the stress of imbalance. Sciatica chiropractic care seeks to bring the whole body back to proper alignment and balance.

Why is sciatica so hard to treat?

Sciatica is the name for a particular type of pain that originates in the sciatic nerve.

Your sciatic nerve is the longest (and widest) nerve in the body, running from the lower back, across the glutes, and down the side of the hip to the lower leg and foot. Any injury, damage, or pressure along this nerve can cause pain that makes daily life challenging.

Sciatica is hard to treat because the underlying conditions that are leading to damage must be diagnosed and addressed. Diagnosing those underlying conditions can take time. Unfortunately, until that is complete, sciatica symptoms can only be temporarily relieved.

In general, sciatica does not go away on its own and will likely get worse over time if left untreated.

Do I have sciatica?

Sciatic pain is unmistakable and can be very intense. Some people experience a sudden onset of pain, while others notice a gradual worsening of symptoms.

The most common symptoms of sciatica include the following:

• Lower back pain
• Pain that radiates down the legs
• Increased pain with long periods of sitting or standing
• Pain when going from sitting to standing (or vice versa)
• Pain in the hip
• Burning pain
• Weakness and pain in the legs
• Feeling of “pins and needles” along the leg and in the toes
• Numbness
• Tight calves

These symptoms are most often experienced on one side of the body only. If you experience loss of bowel or bladder control or extreme weakness in the lower limbs, this is considered a medical emergency. Get treatment immediately.

There are a number of risk factors for sciatic pain. One of the most common is also the only underlying condition that usually resolves itself (and the pain): pregnancy.

Other risk factors include:

• A sedentary lifestyle: Sitting too much increases your chances of nerve pain
• Age: Older people are more at risk for underlying conditions that cause sciatica
• Obesity: Obesity is comorbid for a variety of sciatica-related conditions
• Occupation: Heavy lifting or repetitive motion activities can place you at higher risk

What does a chiropractor for sciatica do?

Seeing a chiropractor for sciatica connects you with a healthcare provider that takes your full wellness into consideration.

You’ll likely undergo a series of spinal manipulations and adjustments. Some of these are manual adjustments, and others of these involve specialized equipment (e.g., handheld tools or a chiropractic table). They may also recommend other therapies, such as at-home stretches or nutritional changes.

Chiropractic techniques for sciatica

Chiropractic techniques for sciatica focus on aligning your spine and bringing strength and stability to the whole spinal structure. To do this, your chiropractor may utilize the following techniques.

Note that there are over 200 different types of chiropractic adjustments. Your doctor will work with you to determine which will be most effective for your underlying condition.

Diversified technique

This high-velocity, low-amplitude technique moves misaligned vertebra back into place. The characteristic “cracking” sound is actually the sound of small gas bubbles in the joint being released. This is a harmless, painless side effect of treatment.

Spinal mobilization

The goal of this chiropractic technique for sciatica is similar to the diversified technique but gentler. Instead of a high velocity thrust, spinal mobilization uses steady, firm pressure to the spine to guide it into alignment.

Myofascial release

When tight fascia is contributing to sciatica, myofascial release can help. Once your chiropractor identifies the area of tightness, they’ll apply steady pressure until the fascia begins to release. This also increases blood flow to the area and can promote healing.

Palmer upper cervical adjustment

While sciatic pain originates in the lower back, there are conditions in the cervical spine that can travel down to the lower spine. If this is the case, an upper cervical adjustment may be a good tool.

Chiropractic exercises for sciatica

When you feel the pain of sciatica creeping up but can’t schedule a chiropractic appointment right away, there are chiropractic exercises for sciatica that can mimic the effects of in-office chiropractic care. Only do these once approved to do so by your doctor.

• Cobra pose: This pose compresses the lower vertebrae and then provides release
• Child’s pose: Offers a long, lengthening stretch along the whole spine
• Knees to chest: Rocking on your back with your knees to your chest gives a gentle opening and massage to the back muscles at the same time

At-home stretches will not replace seeing a chiropractor for sciatica, but it can be a stopgap measure until your next appointment. Ask your chiropractor for suggestions on the most helpful pain-relieving stretches for sciatica for you.

Beyond chiropractic

Many chiropractors don’t just offer manipulations and adjustments. Doctors of chiropractic have extensive, general medical training and may also specialize in complementary treatments. This can include things like:

• Recommendations for lifestyle changes (including ergonomic recommendations)
• Exercise and nutritional counseling
• Information on supplements
• Complementary treatments (e.g., meditative exercise, acupuncture, and biofeedback)

Because they are focused on holistic treatment options, chiropractors may recommend concurrent treatment options to address your overall wellness, not just your sciatic pain.

What can I expect during my chiropractor appointment?

At your first chiropractic appointment, expect to spend a good amount of time discussing your medical history. Your chiropractor will want to know:

• What symptoms you are currently experiencing
• How long you have had those symptoms
• Pain level on a daily basis and what makes it worse or better
• Diagnosis (if any) from other doctors
• Family history
• General lifestyle information (e.g., diet and activity levels)
• Current medications or treatments
• Any other health concerns you have

If you have a diagnosis from your doctor, your chiropractor will want to see that, as well as any tests or X-rays you have to support the diagnosis.

After they gather all of this information, your chiropractor will conduct a physical exam. This is usually conducted while you are fully clothed. It usually consists of range of motion exercises and palpation of the painful area.

If you do not have a formal diagnosis, your chiropractor may order imaging studies (e.g., X-rays or CT scans) to see if there is any visible injury or spinal misalignment.

From all of this information, your chiropractor will then affirm your doctor’s diagnosis and develop a treatment plan, or they will have more information to make a diagnosis of their own.

Once a diagnosis is confirmed, they’ll start care depending on the best approach for your condition.

Will chiropractic care for sciatica hurt?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions that is completely understandable. After all, you are already in pain. Why would you want to receive treatment that hurts?

The good news is that most patients find chiropractic care for sciatica to be pain-free. In fact, most people experience immediate pain relief after treatment. Sometimes the adjustment may cause brief discomfort, but that should pass quickly.

If you do experience increased pain during treatment, tell your doctor immediately. Their goal is to provide comfort and healing, not a worsening of symptoms.

What will recovery be like?

Recovery from chiropractic care is usually easy and uneventful. In most cases, you can receive treatment and go on about your daily life as usual. You may feel lingering muscle soreness, but that should ease quickly.

There are a few people for whom chiropractic care is not recommended. If you have severe osteoporosis or cancer of the spine, chiropractic care is not a good choice.

In some cases, herniated or bulging discs may be made worse by chiropractic care. If you experience tingling in the legs, loss of bowel or bladder control, or weakness in the lower extremities, head to your nearest emergency room for treatment. For people at risk of stroke, cervical (neck) adjustments are not recommended. These can increase the risk of stroke.

Overall, chiropractic care is generally recognized safe, with few side effects.

How many visits will I have to a chiropractor for sciatica?

In general, most patients find relief from symptoms within six to ten visits to the chiropractor. This is a generalization, though. You might find you need many more or far fewer. Your chiropractor can tell you what to expect at your first visit, including how many visits you might need and how often. They’ll also discuss the treatment plan during the acute phase of treatment and potential options as you move into maintenance, or ongoing, care.

Other sciatica treatments

Sciatica is a complicated condition that responds best to variety of treatments. In addition to using chiropractic exercises for sciatica, other sciatica treatments than can help include:

1. Physical therapy: Targeted exercise that builds muscular support for the spine
2. Deep tissue massage: Deep tissue massage can release muscle tension that causes pressure on the sciatic nerve
3. Acupuncture: This complementary treatment triggers endorphin production and can ease pain
4. Medications: Over-the-counter and prescription medication helps to ease inflammation and pain
5. Transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENs): TENS machines replace painful nerve signals with a mild electrical buzz
6. Epidural steroid injections (ESI): Medications for pain and inflammation are injected directly to the affected nerves
7. Lysis of adhesions: Lysis of adhesions breaks up the scar tissue that is causing pressure and pain
8. Disc decompression: For opening up the intervertebral space and relieving pressure
9. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS): An implanted device that “mutes” pain signals
10. Intrathecal pump implants: These implants deliver regular, powerful pain relief
11. Percutaneous discectomy: Damaged disc material is removed to create space between the vertebrae

Sciatica can be challenging to treat, but you do have options.

If you’re in Arizona and are considering seeing a chiropractor for sciatica, Arizona Pain can help. We believe in creating comprehensive treatment plans tailored to each person in pain. Get in touch to schedule your appointment today!

The importance of a strong, healthy, aligned spine cannot be underestimated. It supports our entire body and easy movement through our day. If you are considering visiting the chiropractor for an acute injury or an old pain that just won’t go away, here’s how chiropractic care works (and how it could help you).

What is chiropractic care?

Chiropractic care focuses on aligning your spine to ensure proper function of all of the joints in your body as well as a coordinated, healthy nervous system. It’s a whole-body treatment that considers the whole patient versus only one area.

To start, your spine contains 33 vertebrae, all of which are separated by thin, cushioned intervertebral discs. Each bone also connects to its neighbors by facet joints. The whole spine protects your spinal cord and the nerves that emerge from it.

When the spine is misaligned, your whole body feels “off.” Chiropractic care addresses any shifts in this crucial support system to bring back a feeling of wellness with less (or no) medications or surgery.

Chiropractors receive specialized training. They focus on preventing, diagnosing, and healing disorders of the spine and other joints. Chiropractic care takes a holistic approach, incorporating other treatment modalities like soft tissue manipulation, lifestyle changes, and changes to nutrition.

How does chiropractic care work?

There are an estimated 200 or more chiropractic techniques, with many of them being minor variations on the main techniques. They vary in terms of pressure applied and positioning of the patients.

The most common chiropractic techniques, which we will explain below, include:

• Diversified technique
• Extremity manipulating and adjusting
• Spinal mobilization
• Myofascial release
• Indirect positional technique
• Palmer upper cervical adjustment
• Functional technique

Diversified technique

This chiropractic technique, also referred to as direct thrust or spinal manipulation, involves applying high-velocity, low-amplitude force to a targeted area of the spine.

Some people refer to this as “back cracking,” but there is more to it than that. The chiropractor takes care to evaluate where the force should be applied before moving the joint into the correct place. When the joint moves, gas that has been trapped can sometimes burst, causing a popping or cracking sound. This is normal and not harmful.

The diversified technique encourages proper spinal alignment and is the most common type of chiropractic adjustment performed.

Extremity manipulating and adjusting

Articulatory chiropractic adjustments work to restore free movement in your joint. In other words, they help restore your full range of motion.

To perform this technique, your chiropractor will move each arm, leg, or other extremity through its range of motion while applying gentle force to improve mobility.

Spinal mobilization

Spinal mobilization has a goal similar to the diversified technique but is used for patients who require a gentler approach.

Instead of a fast thrust, chiropractors apply slow, steady, and firm pressure to your spine. This brings it back to alignment and promotes optimal function and movement.

Myofascial release

The fascia is a thin webbing that encloses all of the muscles of your body. It even weaves its way through the muscles and around the joints. When this webbing become tight, strained, or injured, it can constrict movement and change the alignment of your spine.

Myofascial release finds these stiffened trigger points and a chiropractor then applies steady pressure to encourage them to release. This allows the joints of your body to move more freely and can help relieve pain and tension in the muscles.

Indirect positional technique

The indirect positional technique works best for people who find themselves with hypertonic muscle development. This is when one set of muscles is overdeveloped, with a corresponding set of muscles that lack development. This lack of balance can cause misalignment and pain in the entire body.

To correct this imbalance, your chiropractor moves the affected joint into a neutral position before applying targeted force aimed at releasing the hypertonic muscle and restoring the joint’s full range of motion.

For example, for people who work at a computer or hunch over a steering wheel all day, this technique can release the pectoral muscles and correct the rounded shoulders that can cause pain in the upper back.

Palmer upper cervical adjustment

As chiropractic care was invented in the 19^th century by DD Palmer, it seems only fitting that one of the most common chiropractic techniques is named after its founder.

This technique uses low-amplitude, high velocity thrusts (or the more gentle positional technique for those who need it) to restore alignment specifically in the cervical spine (the neck).

Functional technique

Functional technique borrows from myofascial release to restore a joint’s range of motion.

Your chiropractor will move the targeted joint until it comes to a stop, then apply gentle pressure until it begins to release.

What tools does a chiropractor use?

In addition to the hands-on adjustments above, many chiropractors will also utilize handheld devices or specialized tables and pads to help restore alignment in your spine.

The most common of the handheld tools is the activator adjustment tool. The activator is a small handheld and spring-loaded instrument that falls into the category of mechanical force manual assisted (MFMA) instruments. The device sends a small impulse to the spine. This impulse is strong enough to adjust the vertebra but not to injure the body.

Another handheld tool that uses electrical impulses to apply pain-free force for adjusting is appropriately called the electronic impulse adjusting instrument. For patients who struggle with the normal and harmless popping and cracking sounds of manual adjustments, this instrument replaces the sound with a light tapping sensation.

Chiropractors also use tables like a decompression table or a drop table to assist with traction or provide additional force to adjust the spine. The gravity of a drop table adds extra force to a targeted area of the spine while comfortably supporting the body. They also use special tables for pregnant patients or those with other mobility issues.

Whether chiropractors use hands-on spinal manipulation techniques or specialized tools depends on each patient and their specific needs. Chiropractors train in a variety of methods and diagnostic tools to help them decide which will work best for you. You can see a live demonstration of these tools and techniques in the following video.

Does chiropractic care work?

Chiropractic care has suffered in the past from a lack of proper research funding until the early 2000s when interest in this practice began to rise due to its side-effect free potential for real pain relief.

Since then, there have been a variety of scientifically-valid studies to support its efficacy for many conditions.

Lower back pain

The most promising research has been in the area of lower back pain, the most common and disabling type of pain in the U.S.

A 2010 study validated chiropractic care’s effectiveness in relieving lower back pain, a study that was confirmed by additional research in 2011 and again in 2018.

Neck pain

A randomized trial in 2012 found that chiropractic care was as effective as prescription pain medication and neck mobilization in treating neck pain.

In 2016, another study found that chiropractic care for neck pain was effective in terms of pain relief and as a more affordable health care option.

Migraine

In 2011, a review of available studies showed that migraine patients could expect some improvement with chiropractic care for their migraines. While the improvement in these studies was listed as “moderate,” it is important to remember that chiropractic care does not have the side effects that come with most prescription migraine medications.

While anecdotal evidence of pain relief is strong, there is an ongoing call for more studies into the efficacy of chiropractic care for migraines.

Who could benefit most from chiropractic care?

While chiropractic treatment is most frequently sought for lower back pain, neck pain, and migraines, there are other conditions that research suggests may be helped with chiropractic care. These include:

• Scoliosis
• Sciatica
• Acute injuries (e.g., from car accidents or sports)
• Fibromyalgia
• Muscles tension and stress
• Chronic pain
• General subluxation (misalignment in the spine)

It’s important to note that chiropractic care is just one part of a comprehensive treatment plan for these conditions. The best way to treat these complicated medical conditions is with a holistic approach. This may include lifestyle changes to diet, activity level, and habits (e.g., smoking and alcohol consumption). A chiropractor treats the whole person and helps you strengthen your overall health.

Frequently asked questions about chiropractic care

Finally, we know that the idea of moving your bones around can be intimidating. Here are some answers to questions you might still have about this treatment approach.

Our team at Arizona Pain is also always available to discuss any questions you have.

How often should you get chiropractic adjustments?

Most patients see improvement between six and ten visits. Your doctor will offer specific guidelines on the proper number of treatments for you and their frequency.

In many cases you will receive treatments more frequently during the acute phase of an injury. Treatments occur fewer and farther between as your condition improves.

What to do after chiropractic adjustment?

Other than the possibility of living with less pain after a chiropractic adjustment, one of the best parts about chiropractic care is that there is no recovery time. The vast majority of patients are able to leave their chiropractor’s office and continue about their day.

Some patients may experience minor dizziness directly after an adjustment, but this usually passes quickly. If you are receiving treatment for an acute injury, talk to your chiropractor about additional care after an adjustment to support proper healing and recovery.

Do chiropractic adjustments hurt?

In general, chiropractic adjustments do not hurt. Some patients do not like the popping sound of air bubbles releasing during their adjustment. For the most part, though, this is painless.

The pressure and manipulation of the joints may not be comfortable while it is happening. After your joint releases, though, you shouldn’t feel pain.

Are there risks to chiropractic treatments?

Although recognized as very safe, as with all medical procedures, there are a few rare risks with chiropractic treatment.

Some patients with herniated or bulging discs may see a worsening of their condition. This could lead to a serious condition called equina cauda syndrome. In very rare instances, cervical adjustments can lead to a type of stroke called a vertebral artery dissection.

It’s important to talk to your doctor about your potential risks before receiving treatment.

Is there anyone who is not a good candidate for chiropractic care?

People who have severe osteoporosis or cancer in the spine are not good candidates for chiropractic care.

Additionally, if you regularly experience numbness, tingling, or weakness in the extremities, you may need to seek treatment to diagnose the cause of that prior to treatment.

Finally, due to the increased risk of stroke in cervical adjustments, if have already had a stroke or are at an increased risk of one, chiropractic care may not be right for you.

Learn more about chiropractic care

If you are looking for compassionate chiropractic care, come visit the chiropractors of Arizona Pain. With convenient locations across the Phoenix Valley and a commitment to comprehensive treatment plans, we can help you get your life back.

Get in touch today!

Chiropractors may best be associated with spinal adjustments and the popping sound that many people’s bodies make as their musculoskeletal systems click back into proper alignment. That noise is actually the sound of pockets of gas released by the joints as they fall back into place. But the science of chiropractic dates back to the earliest days of civilization, making appearances in texts discovered from ancient Chinese and Greek civilizations. Today, chiropractic care ranks as the third largest health profession, surpassed only by medicine and dentistry. Here’s how chiropractic works and how it can help you.

How chiropractic works — the beginning

With 77,000 chiropractors practicing across the country, this rapidly expanding field offers thousands of patients hope for pain relief. Increasing numbers of everyday people are turning to this time-honored tradition, the same one used by every team in the National Football League to help its players recuperate from whiplash, muscles strains, and neck and low back pain, according to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA).

But, chiropractic care itself has existed since ancient times. Too many ignore these historic, effective traditions as fancy treatments and pharmaceutical interventions captured the public imagination over the past century.

Writings dating from 2700 B.C. and 1500 B.C. were uncovered in Greece and China that reference the use of chiropractic care. Later, Hippocrates, the famous Greek physician whose eponymous Hippocratic Oath all doctors take, famously wrote:

“Get knowledge of the spine, for this is the requisite for many diseases.”

Starting in the late 1800s, chiropractic care emerged in the U.S., pioneered by an Iowa doctor named Daniel David Palmer. Palmer founded the Palmer School of Chiropractic. This school lives on to today, steeping young doctors in the rich traditions of the practice.

During chiropractic school, students undergo four to five years of training. They spend at least 4,200 hours spent in the laboratory, classroom, and medical clinic. Before practicing, chiropractic doctors must pass a national board test along with any tests required on the state level. Each state also has its own licensing requirements. The depth and breadth of training confers chiropractors the ability to act as primary care providers, according to ACA.

Today, the harsh effects of harmful drugs and the reality that wellness comes from a healthy skeleton and lifestyle—not costly and dangerous drugs—is again taking hold. With it, the momentum builds for more natural, holistic, and effective treatments.

How chiropractic works — the approach

Chiropractors focus on the health and proper alignment of the musculoskeletal system. Many muscle and joint pains result when some component in this intricate system of muscles, joints, bones, tendons, and ligaments falls out of place. Whether you’re a sports star or desk jockey, anybody’s musculoskeletal system may experience a disturbance resulting from daily activity.

Chiropractic medicine is based on the idea that a person’s overall health is linked to spinal alignment. The spine is not just a column of bones. It also houses the central nervous system. And, this affects the way a person processes pain.

All body parts are intricately connected. A misalignment in one area can influence misalignments, or even pain, in other, seemingly non-related parts of the body. Through spinal adjustments and manipulations, chiropractors help patients ensure their bodies are in optimal alignment, which encourages the free flow of muscles and bones. Without restriction in the musculoskeletal system, most patients experience a reduction in pain.

Benefits of chiropractic care

The chiropractic approach is medicine-free, minimally invasive, and holistic. The most common techniques used are spinal adjustments or manipulations, but chiropractors treat the whole person. They examine lifestyle choices like diet, stress, sleep, and physical activity levels. These factors influence a person’s experience of pain and the degree of healing that’s possible.

A spinal manipulation may reduce a patient’s pain, but helping that patient possibly lose weight or reduce stress, for example, will support continued health.

Studies show that patients who actively participate in their treatment experience better outcomes and reduced pain. Many patients with low back pain find chiropractic care is an effective way to manage discomfort and find improved quality of life.

Another benefit is that the practice is minimally invasive. Injured workers are 28% less to undergo spinal surgery if they visit a chiropractor before an MD, ACA reports.

With prescription drug abuse skyrocketing and the dangers of opioids increasingly well known, more patients are gravitating toward chiropractors and their minimally invasive, effective methods of treatment.

Chiropractic care for back pain

Back pain is a pervasive and serious issue, affecting up to 80% of people at some time during their lives, according to the ACA. At any given time, about 31 million U.S. adults experience back pain.

While back pain has many lifestyle risk factors, such as poor posture and sedentary living, studies have shown that chronic back pain is related to changes in pain processing, according to research published in The Journal of Pain. The study found that patients receiving spinal manipulation therapy experienced less sensitivity to pain, and researchers said the procedure holds promise as a clinical treatment.

Another study published in The Spine Journal examined the benefits of spinal manipulation in patients with acute back pain and found the chiropractic technique outperformed other treatment methods like medication or exercise.

Back pain is one of the leading causes of disability and costs associated with treating it are estimated at $194 billion annually, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Studies show that chiropractors can alleviate some of that cost burden, with patients spending up to 20% less when they visit a chiropractor first instead of an MD, according to ACA.

Chiropractors, instead of prescribing drugs or invasive procedures, seek to understand pain conditions from musculoskeletal origins.

The origin of pain

Often times, pain results from tissue injuries that lead to hypermobile or restricted joints. Injuries sometimes develop from accidents, but may also result from daily repetitive stress, such as poor posture.

When tissues become injured, they become inflamed and painful, limiting muscle and joint mobility and often causing seemingly unrelated pain.

Chiropractors are able to uncover the musculoskeletal issues underlying many painful conditions and perform the necessary adjustments. In addition to approaching pain from this alignment perspective, chiropractors also frequently suggest rehabilitation techniques and lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, and stress management to support a path to healing.

What happens during a chiropractic appointment?

Chiropractors use a whole-body approach with patients. The doctors are trained in specific diagnostic techniques that range from skeletal imaging to observing how patients’ bodies move to identify areas needing adjustment.

During a chiropractor appointment, patients may undergo an examination, receive hands-on treatment to correct misalignments, or receive information about possible lifestyle modifications to help reduce pain.

Is chiropractic care safe?

The short answer is yes, but let’s dive a little deeper.

First, one of the most commonly used methods of treating back and other types of musculoskeletal pain is painkillers. However, even over-the-counter medications like Advil and Tylenol are not without danger when taken over long periods of time.

These medicines are intended for short-term issues, like healing a headache or acute injury. When taken continually, these medications may cause gastrointestinal problems such as ulcers or bleeding. Other risks include high blood pressure, kidney problems, or even heart issues.

With many medical treatments emphasizing invasive methods, chiropractic care offers a refreshingly non-invasive approach. And even among non-invasive therapies, chiropractic care ranks among the safest there is.

No treatment is 100% safe, and there are risks, however those risks are very small. Some patients experience feelings of soreness or achiness following treatment, but that discomfort usually disappears within 24 hours.

Some claims have linked a specific type of neck manipulation with a stroke known as vertebral artery dissection. However more complete evidence suggests that this stroke may take place spontaneously, and chiropractic care is not a trigger.

Other reports have connected the stroke to normal activities like turning the head while driving or even getting shampooed in a hair salon. These patients have specific symptoms involving neck pain and a headache for which they seek treatment. Only one in 5.85 million patients will experience this type of stroke connected to a high-velocity upper neck manipulation, making this an extremely rare occurrence.

Patient satisfaction for chiropractors is extremely high, with low-back pain patients giving the doctors high marks, above even physical therapists, surgeons, or primary care physicians.

Conservative care starts with chiropractic

Chiropractors believe in conservative care first. They believe that non-invasive treatments should come before more drastic measures. Further, medications should be used sparingly, and not as the first line of defense. As the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) says:

“For years, many patients would find relief through conservative forms of care such as chiropractic services only after unsuccessfully trying a range of other, more complex, and riskier treatments. Today, that approach has been reversed.”

Chiropractic care promotes non-invasive, drug-free treatments when possible to support patient health.

Over the past few years, increasing awareness about the dangers associated with opioid drugs, which are frequently used to treat back pain, has led to a resurging interest in methods such as chiropractic and associated treatments, including acupuncture.

Opioids are dangerous because they can lead to addiction, and even overdose or death. Meanwhile, these powerful drugs don’t address pain’s root cause. Instead, they leave patients reliant on these pills, which aren’t 100% effective, for the rest of their lives. As these ill effects become better known, alternative therapies such as chiropractic are growing more popular.

Chiropractic doctors focus on the body’s musculoskeletal and nervous systems. These specially trained physicians perform treatments including spinal manipulations, also known as adjustments. These work to increase mobility of a patient’s spinal vertebrae and ensure they’re in the proper alignment.

If you think you could benefit from how chiropractic works, contact a specialist in your area today!

Our Phoenix back pain chiropractor, Dr. Chance Moore, is very familiar with how office environments can affect a person’s body. Notably, the way we sit at our desks all day can create or exacerbate lower back pain or neck pain issues. If you’re looking for relief from either of these conditions–or other workplace-related pain conditions like carpal tunnel or hip pain–let’s look at some simple changes you can make to your office ergonomics today to help reduce muscle strain and tension.

Dr. Chance Moore, a back pain chiropractor in Phoenix, explains proper office posture

To get started, you’ll want to focus on your posture at the office. As our back pain chiropractor, Dr. Moore explains, there are three areas to focus on when improving your office ergonomics: your eyes, your head, and your thighs.

As this back pain chiropractor explains, in just five minutes you can make small changes to help improve your office experience. And, making these changes can help you improve your overall efficiency, while reducing your pain levels and muscular tension. Now that you’ve had this quick overview, let’s go more in-depth into how office ergonomics can reduce your lower back pain.

What are common back pain causes?

Since back pain is the most common condition associated with work-related pain, it makes sense to focus on the anatomy of the back.

The spine has a big job. It not only supports the entire body, but also gives us the flexibility for movement. When the spine and surrounding muscles are healthy and pain-free, most of us give little thought to the intricate network of bones and supporting components that give us so much freedom. But when we suffer from back pain, we notice every movement.

Although the spine has the ability to move in a variety of ways, holding the back in unnatural alignment for long periods of time in unhealthy. It may lead to back pain, particularly in the lumbar spine, which is the curved area in the lower back.

Repetitive movements like hunching over a computer during the day, lifting heavy objects on a job site, or slouching on the couch at night could contribute to or directly cause back pain. Fortunately, taking some precautions and staying aware of how you hold your spine can greatly reduce or eliminate back pain.

This video explains more of the science behind back pain.

How do I make sure my desk setup is ergonomic?

The stereotype of a desk-bound worker hunched over a computer has come to exemplify the modern workforce. Unfortunately, this unnatural position leads nowhere but back pain and suffering. The word “ergonomic” may bring to mind images of funny-shaped keyboards and a ramrod-straight posture, but using these tools and techniques helps to reduce the side effects of long hours spent sitting.

As our back pain chiropractor explained, a desk setup that encourages healthy posture starts at the head, making sure the computer screen rests at eye level. When your eyes are able to gaze straight ahead without tilting downward to peer at the screen, it ensures the head falls in line with the neck. This, in turn, helps keep the back straight.

When the computer screen rests below eye level, the eyes gaze down and the neck likely gets pushed forward, as our back pain chiropractor demonstrated in the video. The back might then hunch over to help the eyes move closer to the screen. This is a very unhealthy setup in terms of posture, and it easily leads to back or neck pain.

Reducing carpal tunnel pain and neck pain

After making sure the computer screen rests at eye level, you then must make sure the keyboard is at the appropriate level for ergonomics. The arms should have at least a 90-degree bend, with the wrists able to stay straight while typing. If you work on a laptop, you may want to invest in a second keyboard specifically for typing. That allows you to elevate the computer screen to eye level while having a second keyboard that lines up with your wrists.

You may also want to explore special equipment that reduces the repetitive tasks you engage in. For example, those who talk on the phone a lot may want to use a headset or add a shoulder rest to the handset. This eliminates the awkward neck position that comes from resting your head on your shoulder.

Next comes the feet, which should stay flat on the ground. Many people may be used to crossing their legs while sitting. This takes the body out of optimal alignment and could increase the risk for back pain. When it comes to ergonomics, every angle counts because the entire body is connected.

Finding a better chair 

The chair you sit in is also very important, as our back pain chiropractor explained. The chair must be at an adequate height to allow for the wrists to reach the keyboard while keeping them straight. If the arms rest at an angle less than 90 degrees, switching chairs may be necessary.

Although most chairs are adjustable, some of them won’t go high enough to achieve optimal alignment. This varies from person to person and also depends on the height of your desk, so you may need to try several chairs before finding the right one.

The chair should also follow the one-inch rule. When sitting in the chair, a one-inch gap should remain between the backs of your knees and the edge of the seat. Also, there should be a one-inch border around your thighs and hips. The thighs should also extend at 90-degree or larger angle. Make sure you have plenty of room to move around so that you don’t feel constricted. Another thing to keep in mind is finding a chair that has lumbar support to cushion the lower spine.

Buying a chair with wheels is helpful for simplifying small movements. If you have back pain, try to stay aware of moving suddenly, especially without a straight spine. Leaning over to grab a piece of paper or pick up the phone may seem innocent enough. A back weakened from time or poor posture, though, may send out pangs of pain. Using the chair’s wheels to move closer to the object you need, or getting up from the chair, helps to protect the lower back.

Trying out a stability ball

Another option is to replace your chair with a stability ball for a few periods each day. Using a stability ball encourages the muscles in your core and lower back to engage, ultimately strengthening them and potentially reducing back pain. This was shown in a report in The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association.

Make sure to select a stability ball that allows your feet to comfortably rest flat on the floor. For proper ergonomics, the hips should ideally rest above the knees. When first starting to use the stability ball, take care to begin in small amounts of time. The Canadian researchers suggest sitting on the ball for 20 minutes each day, although you may need to work up to that. Never sit on the ball for longer than it is comfortable for you.

Once you’re comfortable with sitting on the stability ball, stay as long as you wish, as long as there is no pain.

Have you considered a standing desk?

Our back pain chiropractor, Dr. Moore, didn’t touch on this in the video, but a standing desk can be another great option for relieving lower back pain. Many of the same rules of paying attention to the head and neck apply when using a standing desk, however.

Benefits of standing desks

According to recent research, one of the worst things you can do for your health is something that we all do, every day. It’s not eating too much fat or sugar; it’s not smoking or misusing prescription medications. Chances are, you are doing it right now.

The one bad health habit we all have is sitting too much.

Because of this, many people are gravitating toward standing desks. Even alternating between the two, spending much of the day seated with intervals spent standing, can have a marked impact on lower back pain. Standing desks help to strengthen leg and back muscles, and they also help encourage optimal blood flow. When seated, the body’s major muscles begin to contract and the entire metabolism slows down, which can harm your health.

Sitting has been called the new smoking because of its health risks. Experts now recommend that people stand for at least two hours each day, preferably working their way up to four, reports The Washington Post. The average office worker sits for ten hours a day. Many health experts say this increases the risk for heart disease, obesity, cancer, and depression, not to mention back pain.

The research on sitting 

The dangers of such sedentary activity are well-documented. The average person sits for six hours a day, and this does not include sitting at work. Even if you increase your activity outside of work, many of us still have jobs that require work at a desk. Many back pain chiropractors see patients specifically because of how much they sit.

Stand-up desks are getting more attention as the push for more physical activity increases. A study by the University of Iowa looked at the effects of sit/stand-up desks on employee activity. Using data from a small study group of mostly female office workers, researchers found that having the option to stand and work caused workers to stand up more often during the course of their day. This occurred even after the novelty of the desk wore off.

Employees with sit/stand-up desks stood up 60 minutes more a day than their counterparts without that option. This resulted in the burning of 87 extra calories daily, just by standing up.

Even though the study is small-scale, this is an important finding. Dr. Lucas Carr is an assistant professor in the department of health and human physiology and member of the Obesity Research and Education Initiative at the UI. He pointed out the dramatic change in the workforce that has corresponded with a rise in obesity in the U.S., saying:

“Studies suggest American workers today burn roughly 100 calories-less each day while at work compared to American workers in 1960. This decline in occupational energy expenditure is thought to play a substantial role in the rising obesity epidemic we have observed over that same time period.”

Before you make the switch to standing 

There are a few things to consider when making the switch to a stand-up desk.

• You will be tired: Switching from sitting all day to standing for most of the day is definitely going to cause you to feel more physically fatigued at the end of the day. That is, at least until you get used to it. You don’t have to spend your entire workday on your feet. Aim for 15 minutes of standing every hour, gradually increasing as you feel stronger.
• Posture matters: If you are standing with poor posture, your back is going to let you know. Paying attention to the ergonomics of your desk is crucial, but it is also important to stand correctly. This is right in line with the advice our back pain chiropractor gave. Office ergonomics come down to paying attention to where your head, neck, and thighs are at all times.
• Wear the proper footwear: A stand-up desk requires supportive footwear. Standing all day in three-inch heels is not doing your body any favors. If you wear heels at work, keep them at one inch or lower or switch to flats when you stand up. You can also lay down an ergonomic mat to protect your feet.

Finding a standing desk that works for you

If you’d like to try a stand-up desk, make sure that whichever one you buy or create runs along the same ergonomic principles outlined for sitting. That means the eyes should be level with the computer screen, the elbows should rest at a 90-degree angle, and the wrists should reach the keyboard in a straight line. No matter if you spend the day seated or standing, taking occasional breaks to stretch is always a good idea.

A stand-up desk is very simple, in both theory and practice. These desks remove the chair, raising your workspace so that you can work comfortably while standing. Some of the ready-made desks have a foot rest so that you can take the weight off of one leg every now and again. Others are simply a table with your computer and monitor on it.

There are some key measurements to take into consideration when looking into buying a stand-up desk. You cannot just place your laptop on a tall table and call it a day. Ergonomics are an important consideration.

• To begin, the desk height should be directly in line with your bent elbows, or just slightly below.
• You should have 20 to 28” of space between your eyes and your computer monitor.
• Your computer monitor should be tilted at a 20-degree angle.
• The monitor and the keyboard should not be at the same height. Raise your monitor slightly. For this reason, a laptop is not the best choice when working at a stand-up desk.

Making your own standing desk

Many stand-up desks come with fancy features and accessories that can really add up. As with most things there are many more affordable options.

You can build your own stand-up desk for less than $30 using various tables and benches from Ikea. Or, you can look for more affordable, ready-made options. You can convert your current sitting desk easily and quickly with just a few accessories.

What if I have back pain from my manual job?

While our back pain chiropractor discussed pain conditions that are related to working in an office, many manual job workers also experience pain. In fact, people whose jobs require them to complete manual tasks while in awkward positions are eight times more likely to develop back pain than other types of workers, according to the Arthritis Care and Research journal. Distraction and fatigue were other factors that significantly increased a person’s risk of developing back pain. The study also found that people working between the hours of 7 a.m. and noon were most at risk.

Researchers said identifying the main risk factors was critical to developing strategies to circumvent them and help people complete their jobs while staying healthy. People in careers like construction are especially susceptible to back pain. This is because they must complete work tasks while carrying heavy equipment or working in unnatural positions.

Reducing your lower back pain risk at a manual job

For people who use their bodies a lot during the day, it can be difficult to figure out how to work in a safe way. But taking a few precautions helps to reduce risk. Our back pain chiropractor recommended a few more tips for reducing pain through the day.

First, plan how you’ll lift a heavy object before actually picking it up, recommends Intelihealth. Testing the real weight of an object helps better prepare the body. It also ensures you have enough room to safely lift it. For especially heavy loads, ask for help from a coworker.

Another tip is to take your time while lifting. Distracted workers are more likely to develop back pain than non-distracted workers. This is because it’s easy to inadvertently pull a muscle when rushing through a task. It’s better to take extra time and complete less work than experience an injury or pang of back pain. This will slow you down even more or maybe even send you home.

Exercise proper lifting form, with bent knees. Engage the stomach muscles so the core helps to support the spine as you lift, recommends Intelihealth. Spread the feet wide, placing one foot in front of the other to ensure maximum grip. Also, make sure to take frequent breaks and give your body the recovery time it needs.

Finding a back pain chiropractor for pain relief

Once you’ve implemented these changes, you may find that while your back pain improves slightly. However, you may also find that you need more help on your journey towards finding pain relief. This is where a dedicated back pain chiropractor or pain doctor can help you get back to a life without pain.

Often, a focused treatment plan created by a team of healthcare professionals like those at Arizona Pain is your best bet when dealing with a chronic pain condition. A chronic pain condition is one that has lasted more than three months. After you’ve worked with a back pain chiropractor or pain doctor, you can begin to incorporate physical therapy, exercise, and proper office ergonomics into your life. This is to make sure the pain doesn’t return.

If you’re interested in learning how you can find a life without pain, click the button below to schedule a time to talk to one of our back pain chiropractors or pain doctors.

These days it is increasingly common for people who suffer from chronic pain or an injury to seek chiropractic treatment. But what is a chiropractic adjustment, a common technique that chiropractors use, and how do they work?

Doctors who perform chiropractic adjustments

Doctors of chiropractic (DC) are highly trained medical doctors who complete specialized training culminating in a series of four board examinations and completion of requirements to be certified in the state in which they practice.

There are currently approximately 77,000 DCs practicing in the U.S., with another 10,000 chiropractic students working towards degrees in 18 accredited chiropractic schools across the country. Doctors of chiropractic complete a minimum of 4,200 hours of classroom study, laboratory work, and internships. This is the equivalent of the number of hours spent for an allopathic doctor (MD) or an osteopath (DO). Every year, 2,500 graduating students enter the workforce as doctors of chiropractic care, either joining an established practice or starting a practice of their own. Doctors of chiropractic treat an estimated 27 million adults and children annually in the U.S. and are on staff of all 32 teams in the National Football League (NFL).

In Arizona, chiropractors practice a drug-free, hands-on approach to healthcare that includes patient examination, diagnosis and treatment, but excludes prescription medication. Chiropractors have broad diagnostic skills and can have advanced board certifications in physiotherapy rehabilitative exercises and treatment modalities, as well as acupuncture and other alternative modalities. Chiropractors are well trained to provide nutritional, dietary, and lifestyle counseling in relation to symptoms as well.

People feel strongly about conservative chiropractic care – both positively and negatively. As the chiropractic profession has evolved, however, this form of care has been widely accepted in the medical community because of its effectiveness and safety in treating pain. More than ever, patients are coming to chiropractors to seek relief from pain.

The basics of chiropractic care

Chiropractic is a healthcare profession that focuses on disorders of the neuromusculoskeletal system. Modern chiropractors use the best scientific, non-drug related treatments to treat muscles and joints. Chiropractic care is used most commonly to treat low back pain, neck pain, pain in the joints of the shoulders, knees and hips, and headaches.

Treatment is hands-on, drug-free, and complex. Doctors will take a detailed health history, including family history and details of the current injury if applicable. After taking health history and answering any questions the patient might have, doctors may also recommend X-rays or an MRI to confirm that chiropractic care is appropriate. If a patient is experiencing loss of strength or lack of reflexive response, a chiropractor may refer the patient to a spine surgeon to get more information.

Once all of these steps are complete, treatment can begin. This may seem like an arduous process, but doctors of chiropractic are most concerned with the health, well-being, and recovery of their patients. When dealing with the delicate structures of the spine, it is important that special care be taken before beginning.

What is a chiropractic adjustment?

The most common kind of chiropractic care is referred to as spinal manipulation therapy (SMT) or a chiropractic adjustment. The Mayo Clinic defines a chiropractic adjustment as:

“A procedure in which trained specialists (chiropractors) use their hands or a small instrument to apply a controlled, sudden force to a spinal joint. The goal of chiropractic adjustment, also known as spinal manipulation, is to correct structural alignment and improve your body’s physical function.”

In this type of work, doctors apply controlled force in a very specific way to restore mobility in the joints. Sometimes the patient will hear a popping noise as the spine is adjusted, but this is no cause for alarm. This popping is caused by the release of small pockets of air trapped in the joints, similar to what one might hear when cracking the knuckles.

In the following video, our own Dr. Kibler demonstrates how a chiropractic adjustment is performed. This can give you a better idea of what to expect before going into your first appointment, as well as alleviate any concerns you may have.

Benefits of chiropractic adjustment

When vertebrae become misaligned, they can place pressure on the spinal nerves and cause pain. This condition is known as spinal dysfunction, vertebral restriction, or subluxation. This can occur as a result of a tissue injury caused by a single traumatic event, such as improper lifting of a heavy object, or through repetitive stresses such as sitting with poor spinal posture for an extended period of time. These type of injuries to the joints and surrounding muscles cause physical and chemical changes that can result in inflammation, pain, and diminished function for the patient. Chiropractic adjustment of the affected joint and tissues restores mobility, thereby alleviating pain and muscle tightness and allowing tissues to heal.

Most patients will feel immediate relief after treatment, but there is the chance of minor soreness in the area of treatment. This soreness should subside quickly after treatment and is not a serious side effect.

Types of chiropractic adjustments

We have a more in-depth article that discusses the common types of chiropractic adjustment. You can read that full article here.

That post covers techniques including:

• Direct thrust technique
• Spinal mobilization
• Articulatory
• Myofascial release
• Muscle energy technique
• Indirect positional technique
• Cervical spine manipulation
• Functional technique

What is a chiropractic neck adjustment?

Medical intervention and drugs aren’t the only treatments for persistent neck pain. If you’ve been feeling the effects of long-term neck problems that not only make you uncomfortable but also affect your quality of life, you may want to consider chiropractic neck adjustments. Many aspects of our daily lives can affect the natural positions of our neck. Simply sitting at a computer for work all day can throw off the balance of our bodies. Chiropractic neck adjustments can readjust and relieve problems in the neck.

Before a chiropractic adjustment for the neck, your chiropractor will ask you several questions regarding the pain that you are experiencing. These include:

• What were you doing when you began to feel the pain?
• How long has this been going on?
• Are you experiencing pain in other parts of your body?
• What have you already tried for reducing the pain?

Chiropractic treatment to help restore normal range of motion and reduce pain in your neck may occur over an extended period of time. Several chiropractic neck adjustments may be necessary before you find yourself back to normal. Your doctor may also recommend ongoing adjustments to prevent any further pain or damage from occurring.

Dr. Strubbe, a chiropractor in Florida, shows how a chiropractic neck adjustment is done in the following video.

Safety of chiropractic adjustment

Chiropractic adjustments are safe, effective, and generally free of side effects. In fact, recent studies have shown that patients with back pain have a higher chance of more serious side effects (including gastrointestinal bleeding) when taking over-the-counter (OTC) non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. According to a study from the American Journal of Gastroenterology, approximately one-third of all hospitalizations and deaths related to gastrointestinal bleeding can be attributed to the use of aspirin, or NSAID painkillers.

Chiropractic adjustment is widely recognized as one of the safest non-invasive therapies available for the treatment of neuro-musculoskeletal complaints. Chiropractic has an excellent safety record, but almost all treatments have the potential for adverse effects. Many patients feel immediate relief following chiropractic treatment, but some may experience mild soreness or aching, just as they do after some forms of exercise. Current research shows if patients experience minor discomfort or soreness following chiropractic adjustment, it typically fades within 24 hours.

There has been some concern over the technique of high-velocity neck manipulation and its connection to a certain type of stroke. Research has since proven that this stroke is more often connected to an activity that occurred prior to the patient seeking chiropractic treatment. Injury to the vertebral artery as a direct result of high-velocity neck manipulation is extraordinarily rare. It occurs in only one case out of every 5.85 million manipulations.

Spine-Health discusses what patients can expect before they even enter the clinic room for a chiropractic adjustment. This video, and all videos on this post, are meant to make you more comfortable with the exact processes that occur during a chiropractic adjustment. However, always remember to ask your doctor if you have any more questions or concerns before undergoing a chiropractic adjustment.

Efficacy of chiropractic care

So chiropractic adjustment is safe, but is it effective? Mounting evidence proves that chiropractic care is one of the most effective treatments for all types of back pain. Here are just a few of the latest research findings regarding the effectiveness of chiropractic adjustment.

• A person who seeks chiropractic treatment after an injury to the lumbar (low back) region of the spine before seeking treatment with an allopathic doctor is much less likely to have spinal surgery.
• In a study published in The Spine Journal, researchers reviewed 699 studies of chiropractic adjustment treatments as compared to other types of treatments that included exercise, medication, mobilization, and sham (placebo) treatments. Researchers found that five to ten sessions of spinal manipulation therapy over two to four weeks was just as effective as other treatments, if not more. Unlike other treatments in the studies, there were no side effects reported for spinal manipulation.
• A large-scale consumer survey carried out by Consumer Reports found that chiropractic adjustment outperformed all other treatments for back pain. This includes outperforming traditional prescription medications in managing pain.
• Researchers from the University of Florida found that patients who received spinal manipulation experienced less pain as a direct result of their treatment. Study participants with low back pain were assigned to one of four groups: SMT, placebo SMT, enhanced placebo SMT (when patients were told they would be receiving either SMT or a placebo), or no treatment. Participants reported on their pain, including any changes in pain sensation during the session. Enhanced placebo SMT was the most effective treatment, and researchers believe these results are directly related to the care itself.

If you’re interested in learning even more about the benefits of chiropractic adjustment, Dr. Axe discusses the top ten chiropractic studies and research on his website.

Final thoughts on chiropractic adjustment

While not directly related to the efficacy of treatment, the cost of care is an important aspect of treatment for back pain, especially when that treatment is long-term for chronic back pain. A claims analysis of all of the fully insured patients with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee found that patients who initiated care with a doctor of chiropractic rather than an allopathic doctor had 40% lower paid-for costs (the costs that come directly from a patient’s pocket).

Chiropractic care can provide immediate and long-term relief, with fewer known side effects than both pharmaceutical and invasive options for pain care. For more information about chiropractic care and a list of doctors of chiropractic nationally, visit the American Chiropractic Association.

If you’re ready to find relief for your back pain, neck pain, or other chronic pain condition, a chiropractic adjustment can be a very effective and safe alternative to your current chronic pain treatment plan. We recommend looking for a well-respected chiropractor in your community who can help. As we noted in our post on finding a chiropractor:

“One of the most difficult parts of receiving chiropractic care is locating a qualified chiropractor near you. This can be daunting. Simply going online to find a list of names doesn’t help you to know if the chiropractor you choose is going to work for you. There are some easy steps to take, however, when asking ‘how to find a chiropractor near me?'”

That post discusses the steps to take to find a chiropractor near you. For Arizona patients, we definitely recommend reaching out to one of our doctors for a consultation today!

Chiropractic adjustment is safe, effective, and affordable. Have you or someone you love sought treatment with a chiropractor for back pain?

The musculoskeletal system consists of the bones, muscles, tendons, nerves, ligaments, and connective tissues that reinforce the skeletal system. It allows the human body to perform movements and create leverage, as well as protect the organs and ensure stability and form. To function properly, it simultaneously interacts with other organs and systems of the body such as the nervous, circulatory and endocrine systems. Whole body wellness requires a healthy musculoskeletal system, which may be achieved through manipulative treatments.

What are manipulative treatments for chronic pain? 

Manipulative treatments are an effective and non-invasive option for those suffering from many forms of chronic and acute pain. Manipulative therapy is administered by chiropractors, physical therapists, and Osteopathic Physicians (D.O.). It restores physical functioning and relieves pain in the affected area by using the hands to apply controlled force and mobilization of the body.

Manipulative therapy is useful in treating back pain, migraines, neck pain, and joint pain. Ideally, pain will be relieved through proper balance of tissue and muscle mechanics. One year-long study that randomly assigned patients into three groups receiving manipulative therapy, physical therapy, or continuous care with a general practitioner found that manipulative therapy caused the greatest reduction in pain and recovery of function. It is also a low risk treatment, especially in comparison to allopathic medical treatments such as opioid therapy.

Chiropractic spinal manipulation treatments and mobilization

The most frequently used chiropractic treatment is spinal manipulation. There are hundreds of manipulative treatments; however most of them employ a high-velocity force targeted at a specific joint in the spine. This causes the cracking or popping sound commonly associated with the practice of chiropractic medicine. It is used to relieve pressure from joints where tissue injury has occurred, either from repetitive stresses or a single inciting event.

For those who require a gentler approach due to conditions such as osteoporosis, spinal mobilization is preferred, which utilizes passive movements over segments of the spine. These techniques are also often used in physical therapy as well.

Osteopathic manipulative treatments

Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine are fully licensed practitioners who receive training for osteopathic diagnosis and manipulation in addition to conventional medical training. Osteopathic medicine embraces the concept that there is an interconnection between the anatomy and physiology of the body. Osteopathic physicians often take a holistic approach to patient care, and therefore integrate manipulative treatments into their therapies for musculoskeletal disorders.

There are numerous manipulative techniques used by D.O.s, however a few common ones include counterstrain, muscle energy, thrust, and soft tissue techniques.

The counterstrain technique relieves pain by positioning and holding the patient in a painless position before slowly returning them to a neutral position. The purpose of this movement is to relax spasming muscles and reduce tone to normal levels so that movement is not restricted.

The muscle energy technique is also used to relax spasming muscles by asking the patient to apply a force against a counterforce in a specific position and direction.

The thrust technique is the “cracking” technique that restores motion to joints and realigns skeletal framework, and the soft tissue technique consists of rhythmic traction, pressure, and stretching of the muscles around the spine.

Finding relief with manipulative treatments

Manipulative treatments provide many patients with effective pain relief. Arizona Pain supports a multi-modal approach to patient care that includes manipulative treatments such as chiropractic therapy. This can be utilized on its own or in conjunction with other forms of care such as interventional pain procedures, behavioral therapy, physical therapy and medications.

Brynna Henwood graduated from Northern Arizona University in May 2015 with a B.S. in Biomedical Sciences. She has coauthored a medical textbook chapter on complex regional pain syndrome and is currently applying to medical school.

Ted Swing has more than 11 years of research experience in psychology and pain medicine and four years of teaching experience, has published in top psychology and medical journals, and has presented his research at major conferences. He received his Ph.D. in Social Psychology from Iowa State University and has been the Research Director at Arizona Pain since May 2012.

Chiropractic care focuses on making sure the body’s underlying structure, including the skeleton and joints, is properly aligned and functioning. More than 100 different types of chiropractic adjustments are utilized to achieve these goals, but each chiropractor generally has about ten that he or she focuses on and uses in the practice to help patients.

Although most chiropractic techniques involve the spine, they can also be applied to other parts of the body. The ultimate purpose is to promote the body’s natural healing abilities and ensure a healthy range of motion.

Chiropractors operate under the premise that pain results from problems in the nervous and musculoskeletal systems. Headaches, back, neck, and joint pain often result from improper alignment, muscle or joint tightness, inflammation, or other problems that disrupt the body’s natural flow.

Because of this emphasis on health and balance, chiropractors often recommend complementary therapies to patients, such as lifestyle and diet modifications, that support the success of chiropractic adjustments.

Here is an overview of common chiropractic adjustments.

Direct thrust technique

This technique, also referred to as spinal manipulation, focuses on the spine and is perhaps the most well-known chiropractic adjustment. The chiropractor uses a high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust, which is a swift, short movement to encourage proper vertebral alignment because misaligned spinal components may cause restricted motion and resulting pain.

This technique frequently produces the cracking sound that many people have come to associate with chiropractic care. The popping sound is nothing to worry about and is actually the release of gas trapped between joints.

The noise results from the joint’s movement, which causes a change in pressure and the resulting release of gas bubbles. Usually this technique does not involve pain or discomfort.

Chiropractors work with each patient to determine the appropriate amount of pressure and ensure the technique supports health and helps to reduce pain. This procedure may be done with the hands or a small, specially designed instrument to apply the pressure.

Spinal mobilization

For patients with conditions such as osteoporosis who require a gentler approach, spinal mobilization may be used in place of the direct thrust technique, although the goal of proper spinal alignment and optimal joint functioning is the same.

With this form of chiropractic adjustment, slow movements including gentle stretches or firm pressure—as opposed to thrusts—are used to encourage spinal components into their rightful places.

Articulatory

Articulatory chiropractic adjustments target injured joints and help to restore them to their full range of motion. To achieve this goal, the chiropractor slowly moves the arm, leg, or other extremity through its range of motions while applying force.

Moving the joint through the full range of motion helps to remedy stiffness and improve mobility.

Myofascial release

This chiropractic adjustment targets myofascial tissue, which is a layer of membranes that cover, support, and connect the body’s muscles. This type of therapy is also sometimes done in massage. Stress or other causes can lead to stiff areas in myofascial tissue, called trigger points, which lead to pain.

Pain is not always present at the area of the trigger point. Sometimes, the patient will feel it in another area of the body, which can make the points difficult to find. A chiropractor works with patients to uncover these stiff areas and release tension to reduce pain.

In addition to causing stiffness, trigger points may further restrict the movement of joints and muscles, which can cause problems and pain throughout the body.

During myofascial release, the chiropractor finds these stiff areas and applies pressure to loosen them up, free movement, and reduce pain.

Muscle energy technique

This type of chiropractic adjustment is a form of myofascial release, but is active because it requires patient participation. It targets stiff areas of the body that have developed into trigger points and cause pain.

As the patient uses specific muscles, the chiropractor applies counter-pressure. This technique is repeated several times, with each repetition lasting for several seconds followed by a brief period of rest. After each repetition, the chiropractor will shift the position slightly to ensure the technique targets the complete range of motion.

Muscle energy technique strengthens weak areas, promotes mobility, works to release trigger points, and improves blood flow to promote healing and flexibility. The goal is to provide full mobility and reduce pain.

Indirect positional technique

Some people suffer pain from hypertonic muscles, which means they are overly toned. Many times, people think of muscle tone as a good thing, but too much muscle tone, or uneven tone, can lead to tightness and pain.

For example, a mostly sedentary person with a desk job who then lifts weights several times each week may have overly developed pectoral muscles that result in poor posture, with the shoulders rolled forward. In this case, the pectoral muscles would be considered hypertonic.

The indirect positional technique seeks to correct hypertonic muscles and help the surrounding joints regain the full range of motion. This chiropractic adjustment involves the practitioner holding the joint in a neutral position before applying a specific force. Sometimes, the force is used to lengthen the muscle and other times it’s intended only to release tightness and encourage the muscle’s return to health.

Cervical spine manipulation

Problems in the cervical spine, which is the portion in the neck, may lead to headaches, upper back pain, discomfort in the shoulders or arms, or diminished range of motion. Chiropractors manipulating the cervical spine use the same techniques as with direct thrust or the more gentle chiropractic adjustment, spinal mobilization.

Functional technique

Functional technique targets joints to free them from restriction and improve overall mobility. To achieve this goal, chiropractors use a gentle force as they move the joint through its natural range of motion. Once a restriction is detected, the practitioner holds the joint at the point of restriction until it releases.

This technique, like other chiropractic adjustments, is as much an art as it is science and requires an in-depth knowledge of the body’s systems to perform safely and effectively.

Have you ever tried any of these chiropractic adjustments?

Image by Allan Ferguson via Flickr

Arizona Pain extends its congratulations to Dr. Jordan Gliedt, a doctor at the Chandler facility who has received the honor of winning the 2014 Best of Chandler Award.

The annual Best of Chandler Award, granted by the Chandler Award Program, recognizes local businesses that are dedicated to excellent customer service and making an impact in the community. Awardees are nominated by third parties and selected after a vigorous review process that evaluates candidates’ contributions to making their respective communities stellar places to live, work, and play.

“I’m so honored to receive the award, and grateful everyday for the opportunity to serve residents of Chandler,” Dr. Gliedt says.

Dr. Gliedt, a board certified chiropractor, moved to the Valley in March 2013 with his wife and son, who is two-and-a-half, in search of sunshine and a friendly community to plant roots in.

A Midwest native, Dr. Gleidt moved to the Valley from Arkansas, where he was working as the chiropractic physician for the Northwest Arkansas Naturals, the area’s minor league baseball team, and as the director of complementary and alternative medicine at a facility in Fayetteville.

Complementary and alternative medicine includes practices such as acupuncture that aren’t part of standard medical care, but that extensive clinical trials have shown to be incredibly helpful for patients suffering from a variety of chronic pain conditions and sports injuries.

Eight out of 10 people experience back pain at some point in their lives, and Dr. Gliedt says that’s too many.

“Generalized pain is really on the rise, and working as a chiropractor places you on the front line of helping people,” Dr. Gliedt says.

In addition to treating professional athletes, Dr. Gleidt has also treated sports players in college and high school, giving him a depth of experience at all levels.

Dr. Gliedt’s commitment to helping patients devise comprehensive, customized treatment plans is guided by the breadth of his professional experience.

Dr. Gliedt completed his undergraduate studies at Missouri Southern State University and studied medicine at Logan College of Chiropractic in Chesterfield, Missouri.

“My mother experienced back pain intermittently throughout her entire adult life, and it affected her every day,” Dr. Gliedt says. The experience inspired his decision to study medicine. Before entering chiropractic school, Dr. Gliedt worked as a physiotherapy assistant where he discovered the immense satisfaction that came from working with patients one-on-one.

“The amount of impact you can have one someone’s life really convinced me to want to enter chiropractic school,” he says.

Dr. Gliedt’s medical philosophy is directed by that commitment to patients. “My philosophy is patient-centered,” he says. “The patient always comes first, and it’s best to act in an evidence-based manner. If we can get people out of pain as quickly as possible, reduce their risk of recurrence, and reduce their dependence on medical providers, then we’ve done our job.”

Chiropractors are perhaps best known for their ability to help people manage back pain, but Dr. Gliedt also treats people with neck pain, headaches, fibromyalgia, and other chronic pain conditions. Many of these patients benefit from alternative therapies including acupuncture and Active Release Technique, a cutting-edge therapy designed to relieve pain resulting from overused muscles.

Dr. Gliedt’s specialties include treating pain and dysfunction in the spine, joint, and musculoskeletal system. He focuses on educating patients, helping them understand the conditions they’re experiencing, and figuring out complementary medicine approaches, such as nutrition therapy, that might be helpful.

Dr. Gliedt is committed to staying on top of the latest medical insights, and conducts research projects to further that knowledge. Recent clinical examinations he’s conducted include a review looking at acupuncture’s impact on outcomes for surgical patients and another evaluating the benefit of active release techniques on tennis elbow.

Dr. Gliedt works with patients of all ages to develop comprehensive plans designed to help them reach goals for healthy living, wellness, and overall performance. He belongs to the American Chiropractic Association and the American Public Health Association, and serves as an appointed member of the Patient Education and Evidence-Based Guidelines committees of the North American Spine Society.

Dr. Gliedt has also worked as an adjunct faculty member at his alma mater, Logan College of Chiropractic.