Address: 720 S. Colorado Blvd Suite 222a, Denver, CO 80246

Call us: +1 (303) 758-3395

Address: 720 S. Colorado Blvd Suite 222a, Denver, CO 80246

Call us: +1 (303) 758-3395

//Denver chronic pain chiropractor

Chronic Pain With Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care offers a natural approach to managing chronic pain by realigning the spine, reducing nerve irritation, and enhancing overall body function.

Neck Pain, Tension and Senior Woman on Sofa in Home with Fibromyalgia, Tired and Stiff Joints.

Pinched Nerve

A pinched nerve occurs when injury, spasm, or inflammation of surrounding muscles compresses a nerve, leading to pain. Often, what is referred to as a pinched nerve is actually an irritated or inflamed nerve due to misaligned bones, joints, or muscles—a condition known as subluxation.

  • Symptoms include pain, tingling, or burning sensations. These symptoms may radiate to other areas, known as referred pain, and can result from conditions like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Sciatica, and Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.

  • Chiropractic care specializes in treating subluxations and can effectively address pinched nerves by realigning the spine and relieving nerve pressure. Combined with exercises, stretches, and trigger point therapy, chiropractic care can significantly alleviate pain and improve function.

man suffering from Sciatica pain

Sciatica

Sciatica is characterized by pain radiating from the lower spine to the buttock and down the leg. This pain follows the path of the sciatic nerve, which is the longest nerve in the body, extending from the pelvis to the legs.

  • Sciatica results from pressure on a nerve in the lower back. Common causes include a bulging or herniated disc and piriformis syndrome, where the piriformis muscle compresses the sciatic nerve. In men, sitting on a wallet can occasionally trigger sciatic pain.

  • Sciatica presents as pain from the lower spine to the leg, often accompanied by numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness. Pain can range from mild to severe, feeling like a shock, and usually worsens when sitting, coughing, or sneezing.

  • Most sciatic pain is relieved through stretches, deep tissue massage, and chiropractic care. In persistent cases, a trigger point injection may be used to alleviate muscle spasms, though this is rarely needed.

Young man in sleepwear suffering from headache in morning

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness in localized areas. It affects how the brain processes pain signals, amplifying painful sensations.

  • The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but it may involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Triggers include infections, physical or emotional trauma, and stress. It's believed that these factors may alter pain perception by affecting the central nervous system.

  • Symptoms include widespread pain, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties often referred to as "fibro fog." Patients may also experience sleep disturbances, headaches, and depression. The pain is typically constant and dull, affecting both sides of the body and above and below the waist.

  • Treatment focuses on managing symptoms through a combination of medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes. Exercise, stress management, and proper sleep hygiene are crucial. Chiropractic care, massage, and acupuncture may also provide relief by improving muscle function and reducing pain.

Woman having Shoulder and Neck pain due to myofascial during sitting on couch at home.

Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Myofascial Pain Syndrome is a chronic pain disorder caused by sensitivity and tightness in the myofascial tissues, which are the connective tissues surrounding muscles.

  • The condition is typically triggered by muscle injury or repetitive muscle use. Stress and anxiety can exacerbate the symptoms. The pain often originates from specific points within the muscles known as trigger points.

  • Symptoms include deep, aching muscle pain, persistent discomfort, and the presence of tender knots in the muscles. Pain may worsen with activity or stress and can lead to difficulty sleeping due to discomfort.

  • Treatment involves physical therapy, stretching, and massage to relieve muscle tension. Trigger point injections or dry needling may be used to release tight areas. Chiropractic care and stress management techniques can also be beneficial in managing symptoms.

Asian woman suffering from chronic back pain caused

Chronic Back Pain

Chronic back pain is persistent pain in the back that lasts for 12 weeks or longer, even after an initial injury or underlying cause has been treated.

  • Common causes include herniated discs, spinal stenosis, arthritis, and muscle or ligament strain. Poor posture, sedentary lifestyle, and previous injuries can contribute to the development of chronic back pain.

  • Symptoms include a constant ache or sharp pain in the back, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. The pain may worsen with prolonged sitting, standing, or physical activity and can lead to difficulties in performing daily tasks.

  • Treatment focuses on pain management and improving function through physical therapy, exercise, and chiropractic care. Medication and lifestyle modifications, such as weight management and posture correction, play a vital role. In severe cases, surgical options may be considered. Stress management and relaxation techniques can also aid in reducing pain levels.

Mature woman clutching back in agony from sudden spinal pain from Herniated disc

Herniated Discs

A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner gel of a spinal disc pushes through a tear in the tougher exterior, leading to pain and discomfort.

  • Herniated discs often result from disc degeneration due to aging, but can also be caused by heavy lifting, sudden movements, or trauma. Poor posture and obesity increase the risk.

  • Symptoms include sharp or burning back pain, numbness, and tingling in the arms or legs. Pain may worsen with movement or after prolonged sitting and can radiate to other parts of the body, depending on the affected nerve.

  • Treatment includes rest, physical therapy, and chiropractic adjustments to relieve pressure on the nerves. Pain management may involve medications or injections. In severe cases, surgery might be necessary to remove or repair the disc. Regular exercise and posture correction can help prevent recurrence.

Doctor with lumbar vertebra bone skeleton and nerve model for treatment in the chiropractic department.

Slipped Disc

A slipped disc, often interchangeably used with herniated disc, occurs when a spinal disc's inner gel protrudes, causing pressure on nearby nerves.

  • Causes include aging-related wear, heavy lifting, sudden twisting movements, or trauma. Risk factors are poor posture, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle.

  • Symptoms involve sharp back pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the limbs. Pain may intensify with movement or prolonged sitting and can radiate along the affected nerve pathway.

  • Treatment options include rest, physical therapy, and chiropractic care to alleviate nerve pressure. Pain management might involve medications or injections. Severe cases may require surgical intervention. Maintaining a healthy weight and practicing good posture can prevent future issues.

-Rays of Human Normal and Curved Spines. Patient Suffering from Scoliosis

Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine, forming an "S" or "C" shape, leading to stiffness and pain.

  • The exact cause of scoliosis is unknown, making it an idiopathic condition. It often begins in childhood and is more common in females. In some cases, degenerative diseases like osteoporosis can cause scoliosis in older adults.

  • Symptoms include uneven shoulders or waist and a visible curve in the spine. Severe cases can lead to back pain, deformity, and breathing difficulties. Diagnosis often involves the Adam's Forward Bending Test, measuring leg length, and assessing range of motion.

  • Treatment includes chiropractic care, orthopedic bracing, and physical therapy. In severe cases, surgery such as spinal fusion may be necessary. Regular monitoring and heat therapy can help manage symptoms and prevent worsening.

Osteoporosis on the spine - 3d rendering

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a metabolic disease involving the loss of bone tissue and disorganization of bone structure, affecting millions worldwide.

  • Causes include metabolic factors like calcium and vitamin D deficiencies, decreased osteoblast activity, menopause, aging, smoking, and lack of exercise. Other conditions like cancer and hyperthyroidism can also lead to bone loss.

  • It primarily affects weight-bearing bones such as the pelvis, femur, and lumbar vertebrae. Symptoms might not be obvious until fractures occur, especially in the hip or spine, leading to pain and potential disability.

  • Treatment focuses on regular weight-bearing exercise, proper nutrition with adequate calcium and vitamin D, and lifestyle changes. Chiropractic care helps by addressing spinal misalignments to optimize nerve function, supporting overall health and bone strength.

business young woman working in office with a carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a common occupational health issue caused by pressure on the median nerve at the wrist, affecting millions annually.

  • CTS is often caused by repetitive activities like typing, chopping, or hammering, leading to pressure on the median nerve. It can also result from injuries.

  • Symptoms include wrist pain, numbness, tingling, burning sensations, weakness, and loss of grip strength. Discomfort can also lead to sleep disturbances.

  • Chiropractic adjustments to the wrist, neck, or spine can relieve symptoms. Treatment often includes physical therapy, stretching, and strengthening exercises to alleviate and eliminate symptoms.

//chiropractic treatment for Headaches

Headaches

Close-up of a man with a tension headache, touching his forehead with concern

Tension Headaches

Tension headaches are the most common type of headache, often described as a tight band around the head.

  • These headaches can be episodic or chronic. They are often linked to depression, anxiety, emotional stress, or physical issues like muscle strain from neck injuries or cervical vertebrae abnormalities. Eye strain can cause tension headaches in children.

  • Persistent dull ache in the head.Tender shoulder and neck muscles.Sensitive scalp.Tightness around the forehead, sides, and back of the head.Worsening pain as the day progresses.

  • Treatment includes both preventive measures and pain relief. Options range from prescription or OTC pain relievers to non-drug methods like using heating pads or ice packs. Acupuncture, massage, and regular aerobic exercise can help. Preventive medications like antidepressants and muscle relaxants may be prescribed.

  • Chiropractic care can improve posture and relax neck muscles, potentially reducing tension headaches. Chiropractors assess spinal alignment and may adjust cervical vertebrae. They also offer guidance on ergonomics, relaxation techniques, and exercises, providing pain relief without medication side effects.

Man Experiencing clustert Headache pain

Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches are intensely painful, often described as feeling like a hot poker in the eye, occurring in cyclical patterns.

  • Sudden attacks, often at night.Pain around one eye, radiating to face or neck.● Drooping eyelids, facial swelling.Excessive tearing, runny nose on one sideIrritability, pacing.Attacks last 15 minutes to three hours.

  • More common in men aged 20-50.Smoking and drinking exacerbate symptoms.Possible genetic link.Suspected abnormality in the hypothalamus.

  • Medications like triptans or octreotide injections.Inhalation of pure oxygen.● Preventive treatments: calcium channel blockers, lithium, corticosteroids.Melatonin as a safer option.Rare surgical interventions.

  • Chiropractors can adjust cervical vertebrae to relieve pressure on the trigeminal nerve. They may also suggest exercises and ergonomic improvements to reduce misalignments and alleviate symptoms without medication side effects.

Blond Woman Suffering From migraine Headache

Migraine Headaches

Migraines affect about 36 million Americans, particularly women aged 25-55, compromising work and social life with symptoms lasting hours to days.

  • Pain starting on one side, often around the forehead.Nausea, visual disturbances, dizziness.Sensitivity to light, sound, smell, and touch.Aura: temporary blind spots, blurred vision, zigzag lines.

  • ● Uncertain causes; genetics play a role.Blood vessel constriction and dilation.Triggers: alcohol, certain foods, stress, hormones, odors.

  • Focus on prevention and pain reduction.Headache journals to identify triggers.Preventive medications: beta blockers, antidepressants, Botox.Alternative therapies: massage, herbs, acupuncture.Supplements: butterbur, feverfew, Coenzyme Q10, vitamin B2.

  • Chiropractic spinal manipulations may reduce migraine severity and frequency. Consider seeking chiropractic care to avoid medication side effects.