Blog Archive

Did you know that there are nearly 30,000 car crashes in Delaware in a given year? No one wants to be in a car accident, and when they happen it’s natural to feel overwhelmed — especially if you’ve been injured. At Pro Rehab Chiropractic and Rehabilitation, with nine Delaware locations,...

In addition to neck pain and back pain, patients seek chiropractic care for many musculoskeletal conditions, including groin pain. Pain in the groin area can emanate from a myriad of causes from issues involving the reproductive organs, the renal/urinary system, the lymph glands, a pelvic flood disorder, a hip joint...

In normal head and neck posture, the center of the shoulder joints are located vertically in line with the bottom of the mastoid processes (the bone just behind the bottom of the ear at the base of the skull) while the muscles on the posterior (or back side) of the...

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) occurs when the median nerve is compressed as it passes through the wrist. Researches estimate that the average person has a one-in-ten chance of developing the condition in their lifetime, and the risk is higher for individuals in certain professions (such as those using heavy, vibrating...

Treatment guidelines published around the world note that ruling out “red flags” is a healthcare provider’s number one responsibility, which is in line with the decree exhorted by all healthcare professionals when first entering practice to do no harm. When detected, red flags prompt a doctor to stop and immediately...

Whiplash associated disorder (WAD) is a very common injury that can occur in a variety of ways, but it’s most commonly associated with motor vehicle collisions. The symptoms associated with WAD have been classified as follows: •  WAD I: Pain, stiffness, or tenderness of the neck as the only complaint...

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common and well-known entrapment neuropathy, or pinched nerve in the extremities. Many people think that carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) affects only computer workers or assembly-line workers, but that is far from the truth. Though CTS can affect anyone, it’s quite common in athletes....

At some point in time, most of us have had a “Charlie horse” or muscle cramp. In fact, 50% of adults over the age of 50 suffer from night cramps. Doctors of chiropractic are often asked by their patients, “Where do these come from? Why am I having these? What...

Our bodies often let us know there is something not quite right, but are we listening? Too often in life, with hectic day-to-day schedules, getting the kids to school and so on, we cannot be troubled by these little warning signs. So we often just take a pill to mask...

Simply put, spinal stenosis describes a narrowing at the openings of the spine. When spinal stenosis exists in the cervical spine, it’s called cervical spinal stenosis (CSS). This condition is usually the result of wear-and-tear or aging, and hence, is most common over the age of 50. However, CSS can...

Smoking tobacco causes more than 480,000 deaths annually, which makes it the leading cause of preventable death in the United States (US)—that is nearly one in every five deaths in the country! Smoking causes more deaths than HIV, illegal drug use, alcohol abuse, car accidents, and firearm-related deaths COMBINED. More...

While it’s not possible to totally prevent low back pain (LBP), individuals who regularly exercise appear to have a reduced risk for LBP. Additionally, fit adults who develop back pain may experience it less often, at a reduced intensity, and for a shorter duration than those who lead a more...

It’s estimate that 15-20% of headaches originate in the neck. That is, dysfunction in the neck can put pressure on the three nerves that innervate the head, causing the symptoms associated with a cervicogenic headache.  The posture of the neck is also important. There is normally a forward curve of...

We’ve all seen people working on laptops in airports, airplanes, coffee shops, on the train, walking down the street…you name it! So how does this affect one’s neck, and does it contribute to headaches? A 2016 study compared females with posture-induced headaches vs. healthy, age-matched female control subjects to see...

Whiplash or whiplash associated disorders (WAD) represent a constellation of symptoms that are very similar to those reported by patients who have sustained a concussion or minor-traumatic brain injury (mTBI). These shared symptoms include (but are not limited to): headache; neck pain; nausea/vomiting; dizziness; balance issues; vision problems; and difficulty...

A 2009 study that monitored over 8,800 elderly French adults found that an individual’s blood pressure can fluctuate with the seasons. In particular, the researchers observed that as temperatures fell, both systolic and diastolic blood pressure could rise to unhealthy levels, but they were unable to determine why. However, a...

When someone is diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), there seems to be an automatic assumption that surgery is imminent or at least inevitable. However, treatment guidelines for CTS that are intended to be followed by ALL healthcare professionals ALWAYS recommend an initial course of non-surgical treatment, NOT jumping directly...

Are you visiting the chiropractor for the first time and wondering what to expect? The team of providers here at Pro Rehab Chiropractic and Rehabilitation understands that the more you know about what to expect, the better your visit will be. Our doctors offer chiropractic care to our patients at...

While Pro Rehab chiropractic care commonly focuses on improving function in the spine to reduce neck pain and back pain, in many cases achieving a successful outcome is only possible when treatment addresses conditions elsewhere in the body. For example, ANY painful condition of the knee can alter one’s gait...

Neck pain is commonly associated with sitting in front of a computer for prolonged periods of time. So is there a “best” or “ideal” type of desk to use when working at a computer all day? The sit-stand desk has gained significant popularity in recent years, especially with an 83%...

Abnormal postures of the neck—straight and reversed (kyphotic) curves, for example—are commonly encountered after an individual has experienced a motor vehicle collision (MVC). Many studies discuss the mechanism of injury during a rear-impact MVC that result in a straight or kyphotic curve, but few have considered the importance of this...

Subacromial impingement (SAI) is a common injury in sporting activities that require overhead motions, especially among pitchers, quarterbacks, and swimmers. Not everyone responds to treatment to the same degree, and a new study that reviewed two specific cases may offer a possible reason: the neck. One of the two cases...

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) occurs when pressure is placed on the median nerve as it passes through bones and ligaments of the wrist in order to innervate a portion of the hand. This pressure can be cause by compression of the carpal tunnel due to mechanical injury or when other...

Cycling is regarded as a highly enjoyable and effective form of exercise. However, there is some confusion about how posture while riding can affect the lower back and whether cycling is helpful for recovery from lower back pain. Bicyclists ride with either a round-back, flat-back, or curved-in back, which is...

Knee pain is a common complaint that will affect about 30% of the general population at some point in adulthood. Since running has a reputation for causing knee pain due to “wear and tear”, the question frequently arises as to whether or not running accelerates knee problems. So, what does...

Non-specific low back pain (nsLBP) is one of the most common and costly healthcare problems affecting society, and it is also the leading cause of activity limitation and work absence around the world. Following a course of treatment to reduce pain and improve function for patients with a musculoskeletal complaint—such...

Curcumin, a chemical found in turmeric that gives mustard and curry their yellow color, has long been known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant capabilities. Because of its prevalence in Indian cuisine, some researchers suspect that reduced inflammation in the brain from frequent curcumin use may explain why senior citizens in...

Every career has its pros and cons when it comes to physical exertion, stress, work hours, the physical environment (temperature, cleanliness, etc.), and more. But when a worker develops carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), is it the job that’s the culprit or is there something else responsible for the patient’s symptoms?...

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a pathological hip condition found in 17% of the population, and it’s caused by abnormal contact between the ball of hip and the socket. To be more precise, it’s the head-neck junction that impinges against the rim of the acetabulum. There are three types of FAI:...

Headaches are one of the more common conditions that enter the offices of primary care doctors, including chiropractors. The standard medical treatment revolves around the use of medications and/or injections. The standard chiropractic treatment approach includes manual therapies that may include spinal manipulation or adjustments, manual or mechanical cervical traction,...

Whiplash associated disorders (WADs) can be a very confusing condition characterized by a myriad of symptoms stemming from a forceful, rapid back-and-forth motion of the head and neck. While this process commonly occurs during a rear-end crash, it can also arise from a slip-and-fall injury, sports injury, physical abuse, or...

When people think of chiropractic care, they usually imagine back pain, neck pain, and headaches, as research STRONGLY supports chiropractic treatment for these complaints. But what about chiropractic care for shoulder pain? In 2010 and again in 2014, the United Kingdom government published landmark studies that reviewed previously published research...

Certain low back conditions can give rise to more than just lower back pain. To understand this better, a short “anatomy lesson” is appropriate. The spine can be divided into two halves: front and back. The structures in the front half include the larger, heavier bones called vertebral bodies and...

One-in-five adults over the age of 70 suffer from neck pain, which can dramatically affect their overall quality of life. So how effective is chiropractic care for a senior’s neck pain? A 2019 study published in the journal Chiropractic & Manual Therapies surveyed 288 Australian chiropractors and found that individuals...

Hip pain is a common complaint that can arise from many different sources including the spine, pelvis, and the knee. Greater trochanteric bursitis or gluteal tendonitis (GT) is a condition that occurs five-times more often in women than men, affecting one-in-four women over 50 years of age. Patients with GT...

When it comes to a condition like low back pain, does it matter what type of healthcare provider a patient initially visits for treatment? A study published in 2015 looked at this question and found that the type of healthcare provider a patient initially consulted had a dramatic effect on...

When people think of hip pain, they generally turn to hip-specific exercises as a self–help strategy.  However, recent evidence shows there’s a correlation between poor core stability of the trunk and injury to the lower extremities, which includes the hips.  In March 2018, Belgian researchers reviewed data from nine previously...

If you’re someone who likes to exercise, you know that some level of discomfort is to be expected as your muscles work to increase your strength and endurance. Sometimes, however, the very thing that should ensure your health can actually cause damage and chronic pain. The team of highly skilled...

Individuals with neck pain may find it difficult for get a night of restful, restorative sleep due to pain keeping them awake or interrupting their slumber. Not only can a restless night make it more difficult to complete tasks related to everyday living or make neck pain worse, but poor...

Research regarding whiplash or whiplash associated disorders (WAD) classically focuses on neck pain; however, the data show acute thoracic spine / mid-back pain (MBP) occurs in 66% of WAD injures with 23% still complaining of MBP at one-year post-injury. It’s easy to visualize how the cervical spine or neck can...

Multiple studies have shown that hyper-pronation (HP), or too much rolling-inwards of the ankle, can have effects on the body far beyond the foot. For example, abnormal motion of the ankle can lead to slight changes in how the knees and pelvis move as you carry out your normal daily...

In today’s world, consumers are inundated with contradicting news about foods that are good for them and foods that can be detrimental to their health. Rice is one such food. Is it good for you? Is it bad? Let’s find out… In a 2019 study, researchers in India randomly assigned...

As with most musculoskeletal conditions, treatment guidelines for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) recommend non-surgical or conservative management initially, with surgery only in emergency situations or after non-surgical options are exhausted. So, is there a way to know who will respond best to non-surgical approaches? To answer this, researchers conducted a...

When treating patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), Pro Rehab doctors of chiropractic can employ a variety of options to reduce pressure on the median nerve. While this can include dietary recommendations (to reduce inflammation), adjustments to address dysfunction elsewhere along the course of the median nerve, or even working...

When people say, “My shoulder hurts,” they often point to different areas in the vicinity of the shoulder such as the base of neck, the collar bone, the scapula (shoulder blade), the chest, and/or their arm. The challenge with the shoulder is that it’s anatomically comprised of three joints: the...

Since falls are a major cause of serious injury, especially for older adults, here’s a simple way to objectively measure and improve your sense of balance… First, stand in a place where you can catch yourself from falling (like behind a chair or in a corner). Place your feet side...

Wry neck, also known as torticollis, is a painful condition in which the top of the head usually tilts to one side while the chin rotates to the opposite side. Torticollis can have several causes from infection (cold, flu, or otitis media, for example) to sleeping in a draft; however,...

Whiplash is a very common problem afflicting millions of people every year. In fact, there are more than 6 million car accidents each year in the United States alone. Death associated with car accidents occurs every 12 minutes and each year, motor vehicle collisions (MVC) kill 40,000 people. For people...

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common of the peripheral nerve conditions and occurs when the median nerve is compressed or pinched at the wrist. The resulting symptoms of numbness/pain in the wrist, index, third, and fourth fingers; multiple sleep interruptions; frequent shaking and flicking of the hand/fingers; difficulty...

The term whiplash associated disorders (WAD) describes a constellation of symptoms that includes (partial list) pain, stiffness/limited motion, dizziness, headache, depression/anxiety, and brain-fog. The condition is associated with accelerations/deceleration events like car accidents, sports collisions, or slip and falls. Such injuries are classified into four categories: WAD I (no/minimal complaints/injury),...

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and is caused when the smooth cartilage surface of an articulating/moving joint wears away until there is bone-on-bone contact that results in both loss of movement and pain. Although OA most commonly affects the joints under the greatest load (the hips...

In today’s world, it’s hard to imagine life without a computer. In fact, most Americans spend more time in front of a screen than doing anything else. The average US adult spends over 11 hours a day glued to a screen. Not surprisingly, so much screen time isn’t good for...

Low back pain (LBP) and posterior pelvic pain (PPP) are very common complaints during pregnancy. In fact, current estimates show that two-thirds of expectant mothers will experience back pain during pregnancy and one in five will report pelvic pain. These afflictions can have a significant impact on a woman’s quality...

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition that occurs when the median nerve is compressed as it passes through the wrist. One treatment option available to patients is carpal tunnel release surgery, which severs the carpal tunnel ligament to reduce pressure on the affected nerve to resolve the numbness, pain,...

One of the symptoms commonly associated with whiplash associated disorder (WAD) is headaches. The current research suggests that up to 50% of patients who experience whiplash-associated headaches may continue to suffer from them for up to a year or more, and many of those will continue to have headaches as...

With many sports requiring overhead movements that can place the shoulder at the extreme end of its range of motion, it’s not surprising that shoulder injuries are so common among athletes. For instance, up to 50% of NCAA college football players have some history of shoulder injury, which comprises about...

Neck pain is one of the most common complaints that drive patients to seek chiropractic care at Pro Rehab Chiropractic Wilmington. Sometimes the cause of injury is a known traumatic event, but in many cases, neck pain is the result of wear and tear from poor posture—forward head posture in...

As screens (televisions, computers, and smartphones/tablets) become an increasingly important part of daily life, many people gradually take on a more slumped posture, which can place added strain on the neck and shoulders, raising the risk for neck pain and headaches. Luckily, it’s possible to improve forward head posture, rounded...

When it comes to managing a low back condition, the goal of chiropractic treatment at Pro Chiropractic Wilmington and Dr. James Sheehan is for the patient return to their normal daily activities as soon as possible. This not only means addressing low back pain but also low back disability, including...

Deep slow breathing (DSB) has been widely used for managing various diseases of the heart and lungs as well as for psychiatric disorders including anxiety, depression, and stress-related conditions. There appears to be some research to support DSB as being helpful for pain management, but the results have been inconsistent....

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) has long been recognized as an occupational disease, and though the incidence of many other occupational diseases has decreased over time, CTS appears to be becoming more prevalent. A 2019 study looked at the impact/benefit of wrist-specific exercises and oral enzyme therapy on automotive assembly line...

While tinnitus is commonly associated with a ringing sound in the ears, it can also involve a buzzing, hissing, or whistling noise. The sound can be intermittent or constant and can change in volume. The noise often intensifies in a quiet room when background noise is absent, such as at...

We previously discussed how walking backward can strengthen the low back extensor muscles, which can aid in both the treatment and prevention of back pain. According to a study published in the January 2019 issue of the journal Cognition, walking backward (or even watching a video simulating backward motion) may...

Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is commonly associated with running, jumping, squatting, and walking up/down stairs. It’s thought that PFP is caused by excessive rubbing between the back of the patella and groove, or track, that it rides in. Besides overuse, additional causes for PFP pain include muscle imbalance or weakness or...

Since the late 1980s, researchers have embraced the biopsychosocial model (BPS) to understand both the causative and prognostic factors associated with neuromusculoskeletal disorders, which includes back pain. In order to achieve the best possible outcomes for patients with back pain, it’s important to understand the role that factors outside of...

A study published in 2019 found that nearly half of whiplash associated disorders (WAD) sufferers are still symptomatic one year after their injury. Why is that, and what can one do to reduce their risk for chronic WAD symptoms? The most common source of pain from WAD injuries arises from...

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) may be the most expensive of all work-related injuries, costing the average CTS patient about $30,000 in medical bills and lost productivity over his or her lifetime. CTS is primarily found in adults, is 3x more frequently found in woman, and usually affects the dominant hand first....

Does mobilization (MOB) get less, the same, or better results when compared to spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) when it comes to treating neck pain? To answer this question, let’s first discuss the difference between the two treatment approaches. Mobilization (MOB) of the spine can be “technically” defined as a “low...

Neck pain is a very common complaint for which patients seek chiropractic care at Pro Rehab Chiropractic Wilmington and with Dr. James Sheehan, though there are several possible causes… Two common causes of neck pain are poor posture (such as a forward head carriage) and repetitive strain (such as long...

If you’ve been in a car accident, you know how the aftermath can turn your life upside down. Lasting pain from whiplash, back injuries, and bruised and battered bones can make it challenging to resume your day-to-day activities.  Pain medications may provide temporary relief from your symptoms, but until the...

For many years, Chiropractic has been at the forefront of treating low back pain (LBP) with both greater patient satisfaction and less lost time at work when compared with other non-surgical treatment approaches. There have been many explanations as to why chiropractic manipulation therapy (CMT) works but many of these...

It’s common for the elderly to have multiple chronic conditions, all of which can impact their ability to live a vibrant, independent lifestyle. While it may not be possible to avoid adverse health conditions in our later years, it appears there are steps we can take now to give ourselves...

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the leading cause of knee pain and disability in the elderly population. While treatment to address knee OA will often focus on the knee itself, a patient may also need to change their footwear. Why is that? During normal walking, joint loading is NOT evenly distributed, and...

While under chiropractic treatment at Pro Rehab Chiropractic Wilmington, it’s not uncommon for a patient to report improvement for an issue that seems unrelated to their chief complaint. For example, a patient with a temporomandibular disorder may experience an improvement in their jaw symptoms following treatment to the neck or...

Of all the potential contributing factors for carpal tunnel syndrome—diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, inflammatory arthritis, pregnancy, birth control usage, and obesity—perhaps the most well-known is participating in jobs and activities that require fast, repetitive hand movements that can place increased pressure on the median nerve as it passes through the wrist....

Low back pain (LBP) accounts for over 3 million emergency department visits per year in the United States alone. Worldwide, LBP affects approximately 84% of the general population, so eventually almost EVERYONE will have lower back pain that requires treatment! There is evidence dating back to the early Roman and...

Neck pain is the second most common reason patients seek chiropractic care at Pro Rehab Chiropractic Wilmington, and it’s particularly a problem with office workers. One study estimated that neck pain affects 42-69% of those who work in office environments. Many such individuals will experience recurring episodes of neck pain,...

Whiplash associated disorders (WAD) is a collection of symptoms commonly associated with motor vehicle collisions. Because WAD can have such a negative effect on one’s quality of life, it makes sense to take steps to reduce the risk for a car accident. Let’s look at some of the modern technologies...

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) develops from a nerve problem in the wrist (the median nerve) and is NOT a “muscle problem” like some people believe. That is not to say the median nerve cannot be trapped and pinched by muscles. When this occurs, the condition is labeled with a different...

Low back pain can arise from many conditions, one of which is a mouthful: spondylolisthesis. The term was coined in 1854 from the Greek words, “spondylo” for vertebrae and “olisthesis” for slip. These “slips” most commonly occur in the lower back (90% at L5 and 9% at L4). According to...

In many cases, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) results strictly from overuse activities though, as we have discussed previously, other conditions such as hypothyroid, taking birth control pills, pregnancy, diabetes, obesity, and certain types of arthritis can also be involved as a contributor and / or the sole cause. When these...

Many people seek chiropractic care at Pro Rehab Chiropractic Wilmington for low back, mid-back, neck pain, and pain in the extremities, but what about balance and/or dizziness, as they often go together? Can Pro Rehab's chiropractic management help people suffering from frequent falls due to balance and/or dizziness problems? Let’s...

Neck Pain can arise from many different sources with a similar clinical presentation, which can make it a challenge to diagnose. One of those related, and sometimes co-existing conditions, is called thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). Let’s first discuss the anatomy of the neck and the thoracic outlet so we all...

You probably think of chiropractic care as a type of treatment that’s helpful after an injury or for chronic pain. But adding regular chiropractic visits to your wellness routine can improve your overall health and well-being. What’s more, with chiropractic care, you don’t have to worry about the uncomfortable side...

We are often asked, “What can chiropractors do for headaches?” To answer this question, let’s look at what a patient might expect when seek chiropractic care at Pro Rehab for their headaches. Previously, we reviewed the differences between tension-type headaches, migraine headaches, and dangerous types of headaches. The patient history...

Low back pain (LBP) is such a common problem that if you haven’t suffered from it yet, you probably will eventually. Here are a few facts to consider:  1) LBP affects men and women equally; 2) it is most common between ages 30-50; 3) sedentary (non-active) lifestyles contribute a lot...

Whiplash is a slang term for an injury that occurs to the neck after the head has been literally “whipped” either forwards and backwards or sideways after a sudden jar such as in a slip / trip and fall, a physical assault, or a motor vehicle collision. But what REALLY...

People who spend a lot of time performing activities that require a high level of force or repetition, or use vibrating tools are at risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Other activities such as driving, playing musical instruments, knitting, using a sander, screw drivers, air wrenches, waitress work, or...

This article will address the topic of dangerous headaches. To keep this in perspective, most headaches are NOT dangerous. In fact, tension-type headaches and migraines are very common and remain the focus of most healthcare providers and patients who suffer from headaches. With that said, it’s important to discuss the...

Neck pain is a very common complaint that Pro Rehab chiropractors treat on a regular basis. Most people will experience neck pain during their lifetime that requires professional care and the choice between chiropractic or some other form of healthcare certainly exists. Chiropractic is a non-drug, non-surgical option many find...

Low back pain (LBP) is the second most common cause of disability in the United States (US) and a very common reason for lost days at work with an estimated 149 million days of work lost each year. The total cost associated with this is astronomical at between $100-200 billion/yr,...

Whiplash or Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD) involves a cluster of symptoms and findings that include biomechanical or tissue injury findings, as well as psychological factors that accompany pain and disability. To answer the presenting question, who will recover from whiplash, a task force reviewed research regarding WAD that was published...

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common condition that affects many people. The process by which it is diagnosed involves a careful history and examination that includes an orthopedic and neurological exam, special sensory tests (including vibrometry or neurometry), and sometimes special tests such as X-Ray, MRI, EMG/NCV. So, let’s...

Headaches are one of the most common reasons people seek chiropractic care at Pro Rehab. Many patients with headaches benefit significantly from adjustments made to the upper cervical region. So, the question is, how does adjusting the neck help headaches? To help answer this question, let’s look at a 2011...

Patient education is a very important aspect of caring for patients at Pro Rehab Chiropractic. In fact, it can be one of the most important aspects of care. For example, when patients present with a brand new injury and pain levels are off the map, it’s quite common for that...

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common peripheral neuropathy that affects roughly 4-5% of the general population and about 10% of working adults. The chiropractic treatment approach for the CTS patient typically involves many of the same therapies as those used for conditions like neck and back pain, such...

Groin pain syndrome is a term used to describe groin pain without clinical evidence of hernia or hip pathology. Though the condition is thought to affect between 2% and 20% of athletes, there is not a lot of conclusive research on its cause or the best way to treat it....

In recent decades, several studies have identified risk factors for early death such as reduced cardio-respiratory fitness (CRF), obesity, smoking, diabetes, heart disease, pulmonary disease, etc. Of all the causes listed, poor CRF appears to be the leading risk factor for early death. If CRF is so important, can walking...

Scoliosis is a condition that affects about 3% of teenagers, though the cause is typically unknown. In most instances, the degree of spinal curvature is mild (10-15º curve), but in some cases, the curve may continue to increase as the child grows. Visible signs of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis include the...

When individuals use their smartphone, they often adopt an awkward posture in which their head rests forward of their shoulders. This forward head posture, or “text neck,” places added strain on the muscles in the back of the neck, shoulders, and upper back, which can lead to musculoskeletal pain. Researchers...

Whiplash, also called cervical acceleration-deceleration disorder (CAD), is primarily an injury to the soft tissues of the neck – that is, the muscles, their tendon insertions, and the ligaments that hold the joints firmly together. Neck pain is a very common health problem that affects between 10–15% of the population...

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is technically a “pinched nerve” in the wrist (carpal tunnel) that results in numbness, tingling, and later, weakness in the distribution of the median nerve (thumb, index, 3rd, and half of the 4th finger). In addition to the median nerve, there are 9 tendons and their...

Previously, we discussed the relationship between low back pain and balance, particularly our unfortunate increased tendency to fall as we age. Let’s look at ways to improve our balance by learning specific exercises that utilize the parts of the nervous system that regulate balance or proprioception—particularly, the cerebellum (the part...

What do low back pain and balance have to do with one another? Well, a lot! First (and most obvious), poor balance can lead to falling, which is the number one cause of injuries after the age of 70 (which includes low back pain). Unfortunately, as we age, we lose...

We’re hoping this article will not PUT you to sleep but rather WAKE YOU UP to the important information presented here about how to sleep in the presence of neck pain. If you’ve ever had neck pain, then you already know how challenging it is to find a comfortable position...

Obviously, there are MANY causes of low back pain (LBP) but some may be surprising: Trauma: Let’s start with the easy one – falling down, over lifting, twisting, pushing, pulling, bending over, sporting activities, work activities, sex, sneezing, raking, shoveling, etc. We’ve all sprained an ankle or a finger and...

There are many different exercises that can be done for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and we’ve discussed some of these in the past. To understand “why” gliding exercises are helpful, let’s review the anatomy of the carpal tunnel. There are 9 tendons that move through the narrow carpal tunnel at...

Given the close anatomical proximity between the neck and shoulder, it’s no wonder the two are intimately related. With our hectic lifestyles that include driving, hunching over computers and electronic devices, and talking on the phone (not to mention stress arising from multiple sources), sometimes it seems like the muscles...

Whiplash, as previously discussed, occurs quicker than the speed at which we can voluntarily contract our muscles in attempt to guard ourselves against injury. Hence, it is nearly impossible to properly brace in anticipation of an impending collision. When muscles, ligament, and joint capsules become injured, there is pain, and...

Low back pain is a very common problem affecting 80-90% of all of us at some point during our lives. But why? There are many reasons. One of the biggest reasons is that we are two-legged animals carrying two-thirds of our weight above our waist. Studies have shown deterioration or...

Low back pain (LBP) can have many causes. The primary goal of a Pro Rehab  chiropractic physician is to identify the main pain generator(s) and manage the patient accordingly. When first presenting for care, the patient tells their Pro Rehab doctor of chiropractic about their complaint in the history portion...

Some of us have been around long enough to remember when wearing a seat belt was optional, and some of us are even old enough to remember when car manufacturers weren’t even required to install them in the first place! Nowadays, not only is it the law in most jurisdictions...

Shoulder pain is a VERY common problem we treat at Pro Rehab Chiropractic Wilmington, especially among individuals over 40 years old. Experts estimate that between 16-30% of the population has experienced shoulder pain in the last month, with subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS) being one of most likely diagnoses made by...

For the patient with low back pain, guidelines recommend seeking treatment in the acute state of the condition instead of waiting for it to become chronic. While it’s generally easier and faster to achieve a satisfactory outcome in the earliest stages of a back pain condition, there’s another reason: to...

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) was first reported in the late 1800s and the first surgery to treat the condition was performed in 1933. In the beginning, CTS surgery was rarely performed, reportedly because the nerve pinch was present somewhere before the median nerve reached the wrist or carpal tunnel. In...

Did you know that over 31 million Americans suffer from regular back pain? If you’re suffering from back pain, it doesn’t matter if the root cause is aging, injury, lifestyle, or an underlying health issue — you simply want your back pain to stop! At Pro Rehab Chiropractic and Rehabilitation,...

Experts estimate that headaches affect half the population, with up to 25% of headaches originating from the cervical spine or neck, which is referred to as a cervicogenic headache (CGH). There are many studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of chiropractic management for CGH, often involving a multi-modal treatment approach to...

The word “Ergonomics” is thrown around a lot when it comes to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). The term comes from the Greek ergon, meaning “work”, and nomos, meaning “natural laws.” By definition, ergonomics means “…the study of efficiency in working environments.” Wikipedia describes it as, “…the study of designing equipment...

Headaches are a common complaint at Pro Rehab chiropractic clinics. There are many causes of headaches, some of which are “idiopathic” or unknown. Some headaches arise from “vascular” (blood vessels) causes such as migraine and cluster headaches. These often include nausea and/or vomiting and can be quite disabling and require...

When people think of chiropractic, they immediately think of low back pain and are often surprised to find out that chiropractic can benefit many conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, headaches, rotator cuff tears, as well as hip, knee, and ankle conditions. There is also research support for...

When we say the word “arthritis,” many images come to mind. Some people think of crippled hands or perhaps Mr. Smith who talks about his bad hip being, “…bone on bone!” Or, how about the neighbor who has a bad knee and walks with a limp and a cane? Rarely...

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a condition that results when the median nerve is pinched in carpel tunnel at the wrist. As the name implies, “carpal” refers to the 8 small bones in the wrist that make up the “U” shaped part of the tunnel and “syndrome” means symptoms that...

Low back pain can emanate from many anatomical locations (as well as a combination of locations), which always makes it interesting when a patient asks, “…doc, where in my back is my pain coming from?” In context of an office visit to Pro Rehab Wilmington and Dr. James Sheehan, we...

That’s a strange question….well, maybe not as crazy as it sounds! Knowing what isn’t carpal tunnel syndrome, or CTS, may help you avoid an unnecessary surgery for a condition that looks very similar to CTS. Because CTS is such a common problem, it’s not uncommon for other conditions to be...

It’s safe to say that if one hasn’t had neck and/or shoulder pain, they probably will at some point in the future. Like lower back pain, once someone has had neck pain, the chances for a future episode are significantly higher. A 2012 study reported that over a 12-month period,...

The term “intermittent fasting” (IF) describes a variety of eating patterns in which an individual restricts calories for a given timeframe, which typically ranges from twelve hours to several days on a recurring basis. The current research suggests that IF optimizes physiological function, enhances performance, and can slow the aging...

Do you suffer from head pain and wonder if it’s a headache or migraine? Telling the difference between a regular headache and a migraine attack can be difficult. But knowing what type of head pain you’re experiencing is key for effective treatment and pain relief. At Pro Rehab Chiropractic and...

Whiplash commonly occurs as a result of a motor vehicle collision when (typically) there is a sudden stop or deceleration that occurs so fast a person cannot adequately brace himself or herself, even when aware of an impending collision. This is because the “whiplash” effect is over in about 500...

Low back pain (LBP) can be localized and contained to only the low back area or it can radiate pain down the leg. This distinction is important as the former, LBP only, is often less complicated and carries a more favorable prognosis for complete recovery. In fact, a large part...

Whiplash associated disorders (WAD) is a term applied to a constellation of symptoms that can arise following a motor vehicle collision (MVC), slip and fall, or sports injury. It’s estimated that up to 25% of WAD patients fail to fully recover from their injury and new research suggests this may...

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition caused by compression of the median nerve as it passes through the wrist that’s characterized by pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in select parts of the hand. The result of a 2019 study suggests that CTS may be associated with migraine headaches. How...

It’s common for individuals with low back pain to avoid any movement they feel may worsen their condition. Over time, this behavior can lead to deconditioned back muscles, setting the stage for either prolonged back pain or later recurrence. That’s one reason why treatment guidelines recommend patients continue to be...

As desktop computers, laptops, tablets, e-readers, and smartphones take greater importance in our lives, more and more people are consulting with healthcare providers for musculoskeletal conditions like neck pain. Why is this the case, and are there things that can be done to reduce one’s risk for neck pain in...

Pro Rehab Chiropractic Wilmington and Dr. James Sheehan are not just interested in getting rid of pain; more importantly, they are interested in preventing future episodes. This model has long been “a standard” in chiropractic and continues to be so today. Why is this so important? Approximately 91% of older...

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is the most investigated, researched, and talked about disorder when it comes to work-related injuries to the upper extremities because it is often the cause of so much lost work time, disability costs, and the source of financial hardship for many of its sufferers. So, the...

It is very important that those of us with neck pain, learn what we can do to help ourselves as the benefits from treatments with Dr. James Sheehan, chiropractor in  Wilmington DE, are always much more satisfying for both the healthcare provider and patient when we also practice self care....

Pro Rehab chiropractic care for patients with low back pain (LBP) not only includes spinal manipulation or adjustments but also patient education in regards to heat/ice, performing daily activities, and exercise. Heat vs. Ice: This topic is controversial, as often patients will be told by their friends and family to...

Headaches are one of the most common complaints for which patients seek chiropractic care at Pro Rehab. Pro Rehab Chiropractic treatments are especially helpful in the treatment of headaches because the three nerves that exit the top of the spine (upper neck) are often the cause of or directly related...

This certainly is a provoking question! Interestingly, there appears to be some fairly convincing evidence that intermittent fasting can have a dramatic effect on both diabetes management (and possibly play a role in preventing the condition) in addition to increasing longevity. In 2013, researchers looked at this approach in a...

Whiplash, or “Whiplash Associated Disorders” or WAD, is the result of a sudden “crack the whip” of the head on the neck due to a slip and fall, sports injury, a violent act, or most commonly, a motor vehicle collision (MVC), particularly a rear-end collision. In describing “what can I...

Because carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is technically a tendonitis that happens to be near a nerve (the median nerve), one treatment option for CTS is to manage the tendonitis and by doing so, the pressure on the median nerve will resolve. Also, because the movement of the hand and wrist...

WebMD says, “chiropractic care is considered a safe, effective treatment for acute low back pain, neck pain, headaches, osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia.” A large literature review from the UK published in 2010 (The Bronfort Report) reported “moderate to high-quality evidence” for manual therapy for the following conditions: acute low back pain,...

The relationship between neck pain and our pillow is more important than most of us realize! Though we all may have at one time or another slept on a variety of surfaces, and used any number of pillows (flat, medium, bulky) made of different materials (foam, feather, air, water, or...

Whiplash is caused by a sudden movement of the head, usually during a motor vehicle collision (MVC) but it can also occur during sports-related activities and from slip and fall injuries. The combination of the weight of the head (approximately 15 lbs or 7.8 kg) and the length and strength...

At some point, everyone will have a headache, whether it’s caused by stress, lack of sleep, hormones, or even self-induced after having way too much fun the night before! For the most part, headaches are not indicative of a dangerous underlying condition, but they can be (…a topic for a...

Scientists who have studied the architecture of the spine have concluded that it is meant for walking. This may come as a surprise since we humans do very little walking these days. Over the millennia,  our lives have moved from days filled with walking and searching for food to a...

It’s estimated that as many as 213 per 1,000 people may have neck pain at any given time with the twelve-month prevalence ranging between 30-50%. There is a lot of convincing peer-reviewed literature (research) that supports chiropractic care, like treatments performed at Pro Rehab, as one of the first and...

One unusual cause of low back pain (LBP), a condition successfully treated at Pro Rehab Chiropractic,  involves vitamin D deficiency. Yes, that’s right, a VITAMIN DEFICIENCY! One study reported on a 360 patient (90% women, 10% men) group under treatment at spinal and internal medicine clinics over a six-year time...

Whiplash is a common injury that is often ignored or improperly treated due to a lack of understanding of the condition. Common whiplash symptoms include (but are not limited to) neck pain/stiffness, headache, shoulder pain and stiffness, dizziness, fatigue, jaw pain (TMJ symptoms), arm pain, numbness and/or weakness, visual disturbances,...

If the greatest player in the history of the National Football League said, “Chiropractic was the key to keeping me in the game,” do you think chiropractic care could help you with your back pain and other aches and pains? Well, that’s exactly what happened. Jerry Rice, who on November...

When a patient presents at Pro Rehab Chiropractic with the signs and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), one would think that the examination and treatment would be fairly straightforward and “routine.” The problem is, no two cases of CTS are identical because of all the possible mitigating factors, or...

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition caused by compression of the median nerve as it travels through the carpal tunnel at the wrist, possibly resulting in numbness, tingling, and eventually weakness in the thumb and the index, middle, and ring fingers. “True” CTS occurs when the median nerve is...

Previously, we discussed osteoarthritis (OA) and degenerative disk disease (DDD) as causes of low back pain (LBP) in the geriatric population. This group of conditions often co-exist in this population, so we will continue with this topic… A unique condition associated with OA and DDD is called “spinal stenosis” (SS). ...

Low back pain (LBP) can arise from many causes. Nearly everyone has or will suffer from LBP at some point in time, though it is most common in the 30-year-old to 50-year-old group and it affects men and women equally. However, what about the elderly population and low back pain?...

Everyone, well at least almost everyone, has had headaches from time to time, and we all know how miserable they can make us feel. In fact, at some point in time, 9 out of 10 Americans suffer from headaches that range between mild and dull to throbbing, intense, and debilitating,...

Exercise for the neck is very important since weak muscles are related to many painful conditions of the neck and can contribute to fatigue, irritability, headache, sleep loss, and more. When done correctly (performed slowly, staying within “reasonable” pain boundaries), they can increase your range of motion, reduce stiffness/tightness, and...

In 2010, Dr. Gert Bronfort published a pinnacle report that reviewed studies published up to 2009 and identified 26 categories of conditions for which there is evidence that manual therapies (including spinal manipulation, mobilization, and massage) are beneficial. These 26 categories included thirteen musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions (like low back and...

Hip pain is a VERY common problem among older adults that can affect their ability to remain independent. While it’s common to assume that hip osteoarthritis (HOA) is responsible for the prevalence of hip pain in the aging population, the Framingham Osteoarthritis Study (FOS) found this isn’t always the case....

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common peripheral neuropathy—or pinching of a nerve outside of the spine—affecting between 3-6% of the population. While we usually focus on how carpal tunnel syndrome is managed, in this article we’re going to focus on why CTS is one of the costliest musculoskeletal...

Headaches are a common complaint among patients with whiplash associated disorder (WAD) following a motor vehicle collision, slip and fall, or sports injury. While in some cases, the cause of WAD-associated headache can be a concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI), in many instances the underlying cause of WAD-related headaches...

Migraine headaches can have a serious impact on one’s quality of life and their ability to carry out their daily activities, both at home and at work. While chiropractic care at Pro Rehab Chiropractic has been demonstrated to be effective for tension-type and cervicogenic headaches, what does the literature say...

Technically, the hip is the ball-and-socket joint between the long bone of the thigh and the pelvis; but more often than not, many people will point to a number of different places on their back or pelvis and say, “My hip is killing me” when it’s not really “the hip”...

It stands to reason the more an intervertebral disk herniates, the more it will compress the spinal nerves, leading to a greater likelihood for surgical intervention. But what if that isn’t the case? The current standard treatment of lumbar disk herniation (LDH) involves FIRST the initial use of non-surgical care...

Chiropractic methods are utilized for many complaints at Pro Rehab Chiropractic, of which the majority of research-based evidence supports conditions related to the musculoskeletal system—that is, neck, back, upper and lower limb conditions. However, when applied to certain areas of the spine, spinal manipulation can have other beneficial effects that...

Neck pain represents a major problem for people throughout the world with considerable negative impact on individuals, families, communities, healthcare systems, and businesses. In fact, it’s estimated that up to 70% of the general population will have neck pain at some point in life. Recovery within the year from neck...

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a problem that occurs when the median nerve is pinched as it passes through the tunnel at the wrist, resulting in numbness that includes the palm side of the hand, the thumb through digit three and the thumb-side half of the ring or fourth finger....

There are MANY different types of headaches, of which migraines are a common type. This discussion will concentrate on some unique characteristics that are associated with migraine headaches. This information may help you understand what type of headache you’re having. A unique feature of migraine headaches is that prior to...

Low back pain (LBP) has been a challenge to treat for centuries and evidence exists that back pain has been a concern since the origins of man. Chiropractic offers one of the most patient satisfying and fastest treatment approaches available. But, when you go to a chiropractor, there seems to...

When discussing the topic of whiplash injury recovery, prompt assessment at Pro Rehab Chiropractic, treatment, education, reassurance, and advice can be VERY EFFECTIVE in helping the injured crash victim improve during the acute stage of the injury (the first three months). But after three months, when the condition becomes more...

You sit at a desk in front of a computer screen for too many hours each day. You stare down at your phone, scrolling through social media while standing in line at the grocery store. Perhaps your job requires you to drive for long periods of time.    Combine these...

Neck pain can arise from a number of different tissues in the neck. Quite often, pain is generated from the small joints in the back of the vertebra (called facets). Pain can also arise from disk-related conditions where the liquid-like center part of the disk works its way out through...

Neck pain can arise from many sources. For example, there are ligaments that hold bones to other bones that are non-elastic and very strong. When injured, the term, “sprain” is applied. The muscle and/or its attachment (the tendon) can tear as well, which is called a “strain.” But, what is...

A concussion is “traumatic brain injury” (TBI) where the brain is “jarred” and literally bruises as a result of some sort of trauma. What causes a concussion? Causation is usually from some sort of trauma either by being hit by a moving object (like a ball), from hitting the head...

Neck pain is a very common problem. In fact, two-thirds of the population will have neck pain at some point in life. It can arise from stress, lack of sleep, prolonged postures (such as reading or driving), sports injuries, arthritis, referred pain from upper back problems, or even from sinusitis!...

In 2008, a study published in the journal Spine sought to identify EARLY PREDICTORS in an effort to reduce the number of low back pain (LBP) patients who go on to experience long-term disability. Researchers followed 1,885 low back injury claimants for a year and then later reviewed data collected...

Whiplash—or WAD (whiplash associated disorders)—is an injury caused by the rapid movement of the neck and head. This is the net result of the “classic” motor vehicle collision, though other injury models (like slips and falls) can result in similar injuries. Previously, we listed basic facts, of which one was...

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is an EXTREMELY common condition that can affect anyone at any age. In fact, there’s a strong probability that up to 50% of the people reading this today have or have had symptoms of CTS at some point in time and 10% or more have been...

The American Sleep Association reports that 50-70 million adults in the United States (US) have a sleep disorder. Poor sleep is associated with several adverse health outcomes, including an elevated risk for musculoskeletal pain. Though the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, the current research suggests the relationship between musculoskeletal...

There are many different types of headaches with a multitude of symptoms including achy, throbbing, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, numbness, blinding, noise, light and/or odor sensitivity, and more. The causes of headaches can include genetics (familial traits, like migraine headaches), stress or tension (probably one of the most common), environmental (allergies,...

Low back pain (LBP) is the second most common cause of disability among adults in the United States (US) and a very common reason for lost days at work. The total cost of back pain in the US, including treatment and lost productivity, ranges between $100 billion to $200 billion...

If someone said that suboptimal breathing patterns and problems associated with posture and trunk stability are related, what would you say? Sounds pretty far-fetched, doesn’t it? There are many factors that can result in both faulty respiration and poor posture including poor exercise tolerance (being “out of shape”), dyspnea (shortness...

The terms “whiplash” and “neck strain” are often used interchangeably, though there’s debate about whether this is appropriate. Let’s take a closer look at the differences between these two common descriptions of neck pain… The term “strain” technically means a stretch injury to a muscle and/or the tendon that attaches...

While the anatomy of the shoulder allows for a wide range of motion and movement, it comes at the cost of a less stable joint, especially for those who routinely perform activities that require lifting the arms. This is likely why shoulder pain is one of the leading reasons patients...

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition that occurs when pressure is applied to the median nerve as it passes through the wrist resulting in symptoms such as tingling, numbness, and weakness. Outside of an emergency leading to a sudden onset of such symptoms—like a broken wrist—surgery is rarely advised...

A myofascial trigger point (TP) is a hyper-irritable area in skeletal muscle that is commonly detected by palpating (feeling with the fingers). Although more sophisticated ways exist for locating TPs—ultrasound, microdialysis, electromyography, infrared thermography, and MRI—palpation remains the most utilized due to its simplicity, efficiency, and low cost. For patients...

Whiplash associated disorders (WAD) describes a constellation of symptoms that can arise following a motor vehicle collision (MVC), sports collision, or slip and fall. The typical initial treatment approach for WAD is non-surgical care, but what does the research say is the best non-surgical approach? To start, most (if not...

Several studies have found that a treatment approach that combines specific exercises with spinal manipulation, mobilization, and nutrition is often ideal for reducing pain and improving function in patients with low back pain. But how does your doctor of chiropractic know which low back exercises to recommend and which to...

When it comes to headaches, there are many underlying causes that could lead to that annoying ache or throbbing pain in your head. Sometimes, your headache comes on due to lack of sleep or caffeine withdrawal; sometimes changes in the weather trigger pain over your eyes. With over 150 types...

Headaches are a very common problem that can have multiple causes ranging from stress to trauma.  To make matters worse, there are MANY different types of headaches. One such type is the “cervicogenic headache” (others include migraines, cluster headaches, etc.). The main distinction between the symptoms associated with cervicogenic headaches...

For the last two posts (Part 1 and Part 2), we’ve discussed the importance of sleep and its effect on low back pain (LBP). Last month, we offered 9 ways to improve sleep quality, and this month we will conclude this topic with 11 more. Sleep deprivation has been called,...

Last Post, we discussed the relationship between sleep deprivation and low back pain (LBP) and found that LBP can cause sleep loss AND sleep loss can cause LBP. It’s a two-way street! This month, we will look at ways to improve your sleep quality, which in return, will reduce your...

Low back pain (LBP) can arise from a lot of causes, most commonly from bending, lifting, pulling, pushing, and twisting. However, there are other possible causes, including sleep. This not only includes sleeping in a crooked or faulty position, such as falling asleep on a couch, in a chair, or...

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) affects MANY individuals from all walks of life and in many occupations. Today’s discussion centers around CTS among musicians, and most importantly, what can be done about it. It’s thought that CTS affects musicians because of their rapid, repetitive finger movements. The “formula” for CTS risk...

LAST POST, we covered the first two of four primary goals when it comes to the chiropractic management of neck pain (#1 - Pain Management and #2 - Structural realignment). This post, we will conclude this discussion with #3 - Functional Restoration and #4 - Prevention. 3) FUNCTIONAL RESTORATION: Restoring...

Neck pain is a very common condition that drives many patients to seek chiropractic care at Pro Rehab Chiropractic, with 9 convenient locations to serve you. Treatment planning typically includes four primary goals: 1) Pain Management; 2) Structural Realignment; 3) Functional Restoration; and 4) Maintenance / Prevention. 1) PAIN MANAGEMENT:...

For patients with chronic low back pain (cLBP), treatment guidelines recommend a non-surgical approach as the FIRST-LINE treatment. Ideally, the goal would be to avoid an initial surgery unless it’s absolutely indicated. That means, unless there is loss of bowel or bladder control or retention (which represents a medical emergency)...

Low back pain (LBP) is the most common complaint for which patients seek chiropractic care. X-rays are a common diagnostic tool utilized by most healthcare providers. Let’s take a look at the role of x-rays and how they are used by both medical practitioners and chiropractors. X-rays are a form...

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) develops when the median nerve is pinched at the palm-side of the wrist causing numbness in the index, third, and thumb-side half of the ring/fourth finger. Since the median nerve passes through the neck, it’s possible that dysfunction in the neck can interfere with the median...

Low back pain (LBP) is so common that if you haven’t had it by now, you will! Let’s take a look at some the possible causes of LBP and what we might be able to do when LBP strikes. Typically, younger individuals are NOT immune to LBP. In fact, those...

People of all ages suffer from neck pain, and many frequently turn to chiropractors for care because it’s been found to be one of the most effective and efficient forms of treatment available, and it carries minimal side effects! It has been projected that by 2030, nearly one in five...

Sinus headaches refer to pain in the head, typically in and around the face. Most of us are knowledgeable about two of our four sinuses: the frontal (forehead) and maxillary (our “cheek bones”). The other two sinuses (called ethmoid and sphenoid) are much less understood. Many patients ask chiropractors about...

The term “whiplash” was coined by Dr. Harold Crowe in 1928 during an interview on car collision-related neck injuries but he reportedly “…regretted it later.” The term “whiplash” quickly became a household word and relates to a sudden movement of the head producing a neck sprain. It is now accepted...

For many patients with health conditions, exercise seems to be the furthest thing from their mind. For migraine sufferers, exercise itself can initiate a headache episode. And if you already have a headache, just the idea of going for a three-mile run will likely increase your pain, not lessen it....

We previoulsy addressed low back pain (LBP) in the younger patient (age 30-60), so it only seems appropriate to continue the discussion for those over the age of 60. As previously mentioned, back pain does NOT discriminate when it comes to age. In fact, chiropractors see many children and teenagers...

Past research has demonstrated that combining spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) with exercise yields the best long-term results for individuals with neck pain. So what exercises should we consider when neck pain rears its ugly head? In the acute phase of an injury, rest and ice may be appropriate, but patients...

The neck is the most flexible part of your spine and just like any other area of the body, movement exercises and good posture are important for maintaining its health. Neck pain can be brought on or aggravated by how you treat this vital structure. We often neglect our neck...

In biomechanics, there is a rule that notes that the regions of the body that have the greatest mobility have the least stability; and reduced stability is coupled with greater injury and stress risk. Joints that have multiple planes of motion are particularly prone to increased stress and injury risk....

Running is one of the most popular forms of exercise, largely because it can be done almost anywhere at any time and it doesn’t require much in the way of equipment (other than a pair of running shoes). While there is a common belief that running always leads to osteoarthritis...

Of all the symptoms associated with whiplash associated disorders (WAD), dizziness may be one of the most concerning to patients because of how it can limit their ability to get up and move around. What can be done to treat dizziness following a WAD injury? Two studies published in 2019...

A body in motion tends to stay in motion. That’s why your body keeps moving forward even after your car stops in an auto accident. Then, of course, your seat belt and airbag kick in and your body returns to the seat, but not before you’ve experienced a violent whipping...

It’s common to see older adults with a slumped posture, and though there are many possible reasons for this, perhaps the most common cause is a condition called spinal stenosis. The Mayo Clinic notes that spinal stenosis can result from wear-and-tear that narrows the spinal disks. This narrowing can place...

This question is asked frequently by patients visiting chiropractors. To answer this question, let’s first talk about, “what is arthritis?” The word “arthritis” is derived from “arth-” meaning “joint” and “-itis” meaning “inflammation.” Hence, arthritis is basically swelling in the joint. Many types of arthritis have been identified—in fact, over...

Neck pain is one of the most common complaints patients have when they come to a chiropractic office for the first time, second only to low back pain. Neck pain affects all of us at some point in life, and for some, it can become a chronic, permanent problem that...

Many of us have had problems associated with dizziness from time to time and have not thought much about it. But when dizziness happens frequently, lasts a long time, or is severe, it definitely gets our attention and forces us to get it checked out. BACKGROUND: To determine how common...

You’ve probably heard someone claim, “…you’re not really injured – you’re just going for a big settlement!” Or, “…that person isn’t really hurt, they’re just in it for the money!” Though there are cases that may fit this scenario, the majority of people who are injured in a motor vehicle...

The shoulder is one of the largest and most complex joints in the body. It’s actually three joints—the AC or acromioclavicular joint (the collar bone/acromion of the shoulder blade joint), the glenohumeral joint (the ball-and-socket joint), and the scapulothoracic joint (the shoulder blade/rib cage “joint”)—all of which involve the scapula...

Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common reasons patients seek out Chiropractic care, and they appreciate being told what is causing their back pain. This is why doctors gather a careful and complete history from new patients and perform a physical examination.  Once the “pain generator” is...

Cervicogenic headache (CGH) refers to headaches caused by dysfunction in the neck, and experts estimate that 18% of chronic headache patients have cervicogenic headaches. Spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) is a form of treatment most commonly provided by doctors of chiropractic, and several studies have demonstrated that SMT is highly effective...

This series (Part 1 and Part 2) has included exercise recommendations to self-manage neck pain, headache, upper back pain, and dizziness. This post’s topic involves enhancing coordination, which may be the most important topic in this three-part series! Coordination-based exercises are important because they stimulate our neuro-motor system and can...

As stated last post, exercises that focus on improving posture, flexibility, strength, and coordination are important for creating a well-rounded cervical rehabilitation program. Our discussion continues this month with stretching and strengthening exercises. STRETCHING: Since our neck muscles have to hold up our 12 pound (~5.5 kg) head, it’s no...

Neck pain can occur for many different reasons, but what can you do about it? That’s the BIG question! As discussed in previous posts, exercise training is an important part of the chiropractic management process. Let’s take a close look at which exercises are MOST important with respect to self-management...

Whiplash is most commonly studied when it is a result of a rear collision where the occupant of the vehicle is injured from a flexion (forwards) and extension (backwards) whip-like mechanism of injury, but what happens when a T-bone type of impact occurs? The answer to this question is quite...

Every season brings unique activities that require us to perform some physical activity we may not want to do but have no choice. In the winter, shoveling snow comes to mind (at least in some parts of the country) while spring, summer, and fall may include yard clean up, mowing,...

“I was digging a hole in my garden and hit a rock with the shovel. After clearing the dirt from around the rock, I bent over and reached into the hole. I couldn’t get a good grip on the rock and had to twist my body to get my arm...

When we hear the term headache, we don’t usually think about the neck. Rather, we focus on the head, or more specifically, the part of the head that hurts. But, during a consultation, a doctor of chiropractic will usually find some connection or correlation between the patient’s headaches and their...

Whiplash-associated disorders (WAD) is defined as “an acceleration-deceleration mechanism of energy transfer to the neck.” WAD may result from rear-end or side-impact motor vehicle collisions (MVCs), diving and other sports-related injuries, as well as from falls, assaults, and more. Because many bones and soft tissues may be involved in WAD,...

Whiplash is really a slang term for the rapid back and forth whipping of the head on the neck, usually associated with motor vehicle accidents. The title “Whiplash Associated Disorders”, or WAD, describes it best because it includes ALL of the MANY signs and symptoms of the disorder. WAD basically...

If you watch much television or have paid a visit recently to a family medical doctor for low back pain, the information you’re getting may be a flawed. For example, you’ve probably been told that back problems are not very serious and that the problem is quickly cured with simple...

Whiplash is a slang term for an injury to the neck that’s typically associated with a motor vehicle collision (MVC). A better term for “whiplash” is “whiplash associated disorder” (WAD) as it includes specific history and exam findings. There are usually two phases to an MVC: 1) an acceleration phase...

This article discusses how anger and emotional expression may affect your back pain. For years, many medical doctors thought back pain was more of an issue in the brain than the spine. Research has shown this to be the case in many who are disabled from work. But mechanical sprain...

Many whiplash patients ask questions like, ”…why do I hurt so much now, but hardly hurt at all right after the accident?” Or “…why can neck pain after a minor car collision last so long?” In a low-speed collision, the pain and dysfunction that auto collision victims experience likely stems...

Neck pain and stiffness are very common complaints, and these problems can come and go chronically for years, even decades. Numerous studies point to exercises and chiropractic care as two of the best approaches for gaining control over this common, potentially long-lasting, and sometimes disabling condition. However, focusing only on...

Whiplash treatment and management is a topic of great discussion! Many different types of tissues can be injured in a whiplash event, which can lead to a multitude of symptoms. This is why the label “Whiplash Associated Disorders” (WAD) was born! The rate of healing for each type of tissue...

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a disorder caused by compression of the median nerve that alters the nerve’s function (neuropathy), leading to pain and numbness/tingling (paresthesia) primarily on the palm-side of the wrist and hand. While factors like hormonal changes and repetitive motions are known to increase the risk for...

Low back pain (LBP) can have many causes such as genetics, acquired abuses, body type (especially obesity—body mass index or BMI >30), gender, as well as cultural aspects that predispose one to acquire low back trouble. So, the question remains, “What can I do to reduce my risk for developing...

Pro Rehab Trolley and Dr. Nicole Stoessel offer a non-surgical, treatment protocol for both acute and chronic low back pain (LBP), as do several other healthcare delivery systems. However, due to patient preference and a rising concern for potentially harmful side-effects, many LBP patients seek management strategies that offer a...

As we grow older, stretching becomes a more important part of our routine, especially when hip pain is present. Whether you are about to engage in a sport, a job, weight lifting, or errands, it’s best to prepare your muscles for activity. With that said, stretching can be broken down...

If you have sciatica — that shooting pain that starts in your low back, shoots through your bottom, and runs down your leg — you’ve probably tried everything to ease your symptoms. One thing you may have overlooked is your weight. At Pro Rehab, our team of specialists knows that...

Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common ailments that chiropractors at Pro Rehab Wilmington treat. That’s probably because MOST of us will suffer from low back pain that requires outside help at some point in our lives! Posture has long been studied as a potential cause of...

The hip is a very important region of the body, especially since our upright, weightbearing activities rely on a properly functioning hip joint.  With the expansive growth of youth athletic programs, the incidence of hip-related injuries and the associated disability has markedly increased.  But is there a difference between young...

Experts estimate that whiplash associated disorders (WAD) from motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) affect about 300 for every 100,000 people in the Western each year. Suffice it to say, that’s a lot of people! Crash tests have demonstrated that the risk for whiplash is much greater when the backrest is leaned...

In the past, we’ve written about the use of mechanical traction for patients with neck pain. But what about the low back pain (LBP) patient? Can traction help reduce pain and improve function for this group? Let’s see what the scientific literature has to say about traction for the lower...

The head is a large and heavy part of a person. In a child, the head can account for a quarter of their total weight. In the adult, the head weighs 10-14 pounds (about 4.5-6.3 kg), and this load has to be balanced by the strength of the neck muscles....

In a study that looked at stress and how people who seek chiropractic care perceive it, researchers wrote that psychosocial stress, “…pervades modern life and is known to have an impact on health. Pain, especially chronic back pain, is influenced by stress.” Here, ten different chiropractic clinics reported results tallied...

Is texting while driving any different than drinking and driving? One might argue that because there is no alcohol involved, “it’s okay.” But is it? Here are some SOBERING FACTS about texting and driving: Believed to contribute to 1.6 million crashes/year. (National Safety Council) Linked to an estimated 330,000 injuries...

Has your chiropractor ever asked, “Did you do your exercises?” How did you respond? If you’re like 96% of the general population, you probably scrambled, looking for excuses that your chiropractor would “buy.” Of course, her or she is not out to humiliate you or make you feel bad about...

We hear about dental hygiene and how to eat right, but when was the last time you considered if you slept well in a way that does not stress the spine? Most of us know it’s important to avoid head and neck trauma because serious and devastating injuries can occur....

During the course of the history and examination with new patients at Pro Rehab Pike Creek, it’s quite common to encounter seemingly unrelated complaints that may benefit from chiropractic care. For example, last month we looked at alternative nutritional approaches to treating high cholesterol rather than jumping at the use...

Did you know that between 50% of all pregnant women suffer from back pain and 50-75% experience back pain during labor? There are MANY reasons why back pain becomes an issue for women during their pregnancy. The first and most obvious reason is the displaced weight gain of 25-35 pounds...

“Where does the pain come from?” is probably the most commonly asked question we hear as chiropractors at Pro Rehab Wilmington and frequently, the patient is not told the answer to this simple question. The problem is, the question is not so simple. This is because there are many structures...

Harvard Study: Low Back Pain Patients Significantly More Satisfied with Chiropractic Than Conventional Medical Care. In 2002, at the 17th annual North American Spine Society meeting, three medical doctors defended chiropractic by citing a Harvard study that found low back pain patients were significantly more satisfied with Chiropractic treatments compared...

Some studies have suggested that 85% of all whiplash injuries occur from rear-end collisions. So, what are some different ways that we might be able to avoid injury if such an event occurs? HEADREST: It’s important that your headrest is high enough so that your head and neck doesn’t roll...

Whiplash injuries commonly result from motor vehicle collisions (MVC) and are caused by a sudden jolt that initiates a startle response that has been found to tighten the muscles deep inside the neck, which has been reported to increase the risk of injury to the joints and structures of the...

Kinesiophobia, the fear of movement, is a common occurrence for patients with chronic low back pain (cLBP). Unfortunately, self-restricting one’s daily physical activity can result in muscle weakness and atrophy. This can lead to further inactivity and more muscle weakness, and subsequently, poor tolerance of normal activities of daily living,...

Low back pain (LBP) occurs all over the world. Between 2004 and 2008, an estimated 2.06 million EPISODES of LBP occurred in the United States (US) alone! Each year, LBP accounts for 3.15% of all emergency visits with 65% of LB injuries occurring at home. According to estimates, two-thirds of...

Patients who present with neck pain along with arm numbness, pain, and/or weakness often ask, “…what’s causing this pain down my arm?” The condition can result from a bulging or herniated disk pinching a nerve in the neck. The cause of this complaint can be either a traumatic or non-traumatic...

Chiropractors are primary health care providers. This means that patients who seek chiropractic care do not need a referral from another health care provider. Patients may self-refer themselves for chiropractic assessment and treatment. The large majority (93%) of patients who initially present themselves for chiropractic care do so for the...

Neck pain is very common! According to one study, between 10-21% of the population will experience an episode of neck pain each year with a higher incidence rate among office workers. Between 33-65% will recover within one year, but most cases become “chronic, recurrent” meaning neck pain will come and...

Statistically, most people (estimated to be about 90%) will seek care for Low Back Pain (LBP) at some point in their lifetime. Last month, we discussed the role foot orthotics play in the management of LBP by improving balance, and it seems appropriate to discuss other ways we can improve...

Even though whiplash or whiplash associated disorders (WAD) is very common, it remains poorly understood. Recent studies report that up to 60% of people may still have pain six months after their injury. Why is that? Investigations have shown there are changes in the muscle and muscle function in the...

This question has plagued all of us, including researchers, for a long time! Could it be because we’re all inherently lazy and don’t exercise enough? Or maybe it’s because we have a job that’s too demanding on our back? To properly address this question, here are some interesting facts: The...

A major manufacturer of workstations reports that 86% of work computer users have to sit all day, and when they do rise from sitting, more than half (56%) use food as the excuse to get up and move. In addition to sitting at work, for meals, and commuting to/from work,...

Whiplash is a non-medical term that represents a large range of injuries to the neck caused by or related to a rapid, sudden movement of the neck often to and beyond the end-ranges of motion that results in injury to soft tissues and sometimes bony tissues in the neck. Cervical...

Headaches (HA) can significantly alter a person’s quality of life. Moreover, they can interfere and sometimes even prevent an individual from performing important activities such as going to work, attending school, or participating in group activities such as sports, music programs, holiday gatherings, and more. The focus of this month’s...

We all know what it feels like to have limited neck motion, as most of us have had neck pain at some point in time. It makes doing simple things like backing up a car, rolling over in bed, reading, and watching TV difficult-to-impossible. The goal of this article is...

Low back pain (LBP) is a reality in most of our lives at one point or another. It canrange from being a “nag” to being totally disabling. Let’s look at someexercises for the low back that can be done from a STANDING position sothat they can be: 1) performed in public...

Low back pain (LBP) is a common complaint when it comes to traveling, whether it’s in a car, bus, train, or airplane. Traveling is hard on the joints, muscles and nerves for many reasons and requires us to do things our bodies are not used to, such as prolonged sitting...

When you have neck pain, do you instinctively reach for that bottle of ibuprofen or acetaminophen? If so, is that the best option? Who can we trust for the answer? Since between 10-20% of the population suffer from chronic or persistent neck pain, this is a VERY IMPORTANT question!If we...

Low back pain (LBP) is a reality in most of our lives at one point or another. It can range from being a “nag” to being totally disabling. Let’s look at some exercises for the low back that can be done from a SITTING position so that they can be:...

We often read about what to do for low back pain (LBP), but now let’s look at LBP from the perspective of “what NOT to do!” ICE vs. HEAT: If you ask your doctor, “what’s better for my back, ice or heat?” the answer is either one or the other...

Low back pain (LBP), as previously stated, will affect most (if not all) of us at some point in time. Knowing what to do when the warning signs occur is essential to avoiding a disabling level of LBP. Last month, we started the discussion about offering ways to manage the...

Low back pain (LBP) and its relationship to balance has been a recent topic on this site, and an initial discussion regarding specific balance exercises was introduced last month. This month’s article will complete the discussion about what you can do to preserve your current balance skills or better yet,...

Low back pain (LBP) will most likely strike all of us at some point , at least that’s what the statistics indicate. How we “deal with it” initially can be critical to its progression or cessation. Here are some “highlights” of what to do “WHEN” this happens to you. STOP: ...

Low back pain (LBP) typically results from relatively “benign” causes, meaning it’s usually safe to wait and try conservative / non-emergency care first. However, there are a handful of times when prompt medical emergency management is appropriate, and it’s important that everyone is aware of these uncommon but dangerous and...

Headaches (HA) play a significant role in a person’s quality of life and are one of the most common complaints that chiropractors see. This comes as no surprise, as one survey reported 16.6% of adults (18 years and older) suffered from migraines or other severe headaches during the last three...

Most people with carpal tunnel symptoms think the source of their problem is located in the wrist. While the wrist and hand may be the site of most of your symptoms, the real cause or causes can reside elsewhere along the course of the median nerve, even in the neck....

When you think of low back pain, you may visualize a person half-bent over with their hand on the sore spot of their back. Since many of us have experienced low back pain during our lifetime, we can usually relate to a personal experience and recall how limited we were...

In addition to spinal manipulation, doctors of chiropractic often use other conservative therapies to reduce pain and improve function in patients with neck pain. When it comes to neck conditions involving herniated disks, radiating arm pain (“radiculopathy”), strains, facet syndromes or sprains, and myofascial pain, cervical traction is one such...

The sciatic nerve is made up of five nerve roots that exit the spine in the lower back (L4 to S3) and then merge into one nerve that travels through the buttock and into the leg. At the back of the knee, the nerve divides into two nerves, the tibial...

The cervical spine relies heavily on muscular support, particularly from the deep muscles in the front and back of the neck. Some experts estimate that up to 70% of the stability of the cervical spine arises from these deep neck muscles, particularly those in front of the spine. Studies have...

Back pain can come from a sports injury, a car accident, arthritis, a tumor, or fibromyalgia, but you may not be in any of those categories. You may have back pain for a simpler reason. Leading a sedentary lifestyle may be the culprit. That’s right; not moving enough can cause...

There have been MANY studies conducted on the benefits and efficacy of spinal manipulation to treat back pain—so much so that many medical doctors frequently refer patients with back pain to chiropractors for this service. But what about neck pain? Although it’s taken a little longer to compile the evidence,...

People with migraines know all too well about that throbbing, pulsating, and nauseated feeling that accompanies their headaches and the associated disability that often results. The underlying cause of migraine headaches is still not well understood, but genetics (family history), chemical imbalances in the brain (serotonin, in particular), environmental factors...

Last post, we discussed common causes of back pain including mattresses, shoes, diet, exercise, and posture. Here are some additional considerations… 6. OFFICE CHAIR: Because of vast differences between people’s height, weight, body type, and preference, it’s difficult—if not impossible—to find a one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to office chairs!...

It’s been said that if you haven’t had back pain, just wait, because (statistically) some day you will! The following list is a list of “causes” that can be easily “fixed” to reduce your risk for a back pain episode. 1. MATTRESS: Which type of mattress is best? The “short...

We all know it’s important to maintain good back health by doing things that help strengthen it and avoid the things that cause harm. This is just common sense. But just what are the “things” we need to avoid and what are some simple activities we can do to prevent...

Low back pain (LBP) is VERY likely to affect all of us at some point in life. The question is, do you control IT or does IT control you? Here are ten “tricks” for staying in control of “IT!” 1)  STRETCH: When you’re in one position for a long time...

Mechanical neck pain—neck pain without neurological compromise, often without a specific cause—is associated with a loss of mobility, poor activity tolerance, increased pressure pain sensitivity (or hypersensitivity to a normal stimulus), and increased joint position sense error (JPSE—difficulty reproducing the same movement when repeated multiple times). Patients with mechanical neck...

Caring for an infant and toddler can put a lot of stress on your body. Here are a few tips to help you minimize parental back pain.   Lift your baby or toddler using proper posture. Bend at the knees – not the waist. Consider carrying your baby inside an...

Have you ever wondered “What type of mattress is best for my back?” Between the many types of mattresses available on the market—foam, coiled, water, as well as combinations of all these, not to forget further options between soft, medium, or firm—where do we begin? All of these variables make...

Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD) is the appropriate terminology to use when addressing the myriad of symptoms that can occur as a result of a motor vehicle collision (MVC). In a recent publication in The Physician and Sportsmedicine (Volume 43, Issue 3, 2015; 7/3/15 online:1-11), the article “The role of the...

Low back pain (LBP) can arise from a number of structures that comprise the lower back like the intervertebral disk, the facet joints, the muscles and/or tendon attachments, the ligaments that hold bone to bone, the hip, and the sacroiliac joint (SIJ). Though several of these can generate pain simultaneously,...

Many people seek chiropractic care when their back goes out or their neck tightens up. But how does this form of care actually work? What are the benefits of receiving chiropractic care for nerve dysfunction compared with other healthcare options? Let’s take a look! First, let’s discuss how the nervous...

Low back pain (LBP) is a very common problem that affects most of us at some point in life and for some, it’s a daily issue. Through education and research, researchers have found low back-specific exercises can not only help get rid of LBP but can also prevent future exacerbations...

When it comes to neck pain, many patients seek out chiropractic care. In fact, there are several studies demonstrating that manual therapies performed by doctors of chiropractic  at Pro Rehab can offer significant benefits for non-specific or mechanical neck pain as well as neck pain arising from injuries related to...

Musculoskeletal conditions drive millions of patients to doctor’s offices each year, with back and hip pain being among the most common. Because the hip and low back neighbor one another in the body, these conditions often overlap, with only one of the two being diagnosed. This can lead to inadequate...

There are many conditions that affect the hand and wrist: tendonitis (strains), ligament injuries (sprains), as well as carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). A contributing factor for these conditions is inflammation caused by overuse and repetitive motions. That’s why your doctor of chiropractic recommend taking mini-breaks (30 seconds to one minute)...

Whiplash or WAD (whiplash associated disorders) are terms usually linked with car crashes and neck injuries, but what about when a head injury or traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs alongside a WAD? Our brains are suspended by ligaments inside the skull from which many nerves branch off and exit the...

Last blog, we looked at the VERY important deep neck flexor muscles. As promised, this blog, we will cover exercises to work the deep neck extensors. Since the 1990s, the deep neck flexors have been getting most of the attention as being the “missing link” in rehab of the neck...

Previously, we discussed how herniated disks can resorb all by themselves, especially large herniated disks. But what about a damaged nerve—can it self-repair too? First, it’s important to realize that damage can occur when enough pressure is applied to any living tissue. The anatomy of our nerves includes many micro-structures...