A trigger point is best described as a spot or point in a muscle that refers a sensation, pain or weakness, to another area of our bodies.

For example, a trigger point in your upper trap muscle may cause a referral pattern into the side of the head, behind the ear (pictured to the right).

Trigger points are very common and can occur within any muscle of the body. Patients that have trigger points often report persistent pain that results in decreased range of motion of that muscle.

The most common muscles affected are in the head and neck area, which can development into other symptoms like headaches, jaw pain, ringing in the ear, and eye pain.

Some causes of trigger points

• Recent or long-term injury
• Lack of exercise
• Poor posture over long periods of time
• Vitamin deficiencies
• Sleep disturbances
• Work-related/recreational activities that cause repetitive stress

Some ways to manage trigger points:

• Acupuncture
• Chiropractic care
• Massage therapy
• Non-invasive modalities such as ultrasound, laser, or electrical stimulation (for example, a TENS machine, which sends small electrical pulses through the skin to change the way pain signals are sent to our brain)

 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me or ask me next time you are in the office. If you enjoyed this blog post make sure click the Facebook “Like” button above and share it with family and friends!

 

On Saturday, February 3rd, 2018 I was on AM800’s – Experts on Call; were I discuss how to help prevent shoveling related injuries. I also explain the benefits chiropractic care has on our bodies. Click play to listen to the segments below. If you enjoyed this post make sure click the Facebook “like” button above and share it with family and friends!

Segment 1

Segment 2

Segment 3

Segment 4

 

A remarkable relationship develops every year between the holiday season and heart attacks for both men and women; because we add unneeded stress on our hearts and cardiovascular system. To add to this epidemic we also sacrifice our daily exercise routine and get inefficient sleep due to the holiday parties and school events. High blood pressure plagues the majority of heart attack sufferers; but when we keep our blood pressure in the normal ranges this reduces our risk of a heart attack or stroke.

Other interesting facts about heart attacks include:

• More heart attacks occur on Monday than any other day of the week. Saturday ranks second.
• Most heart attacks happen during the early morning hours between 4-10 a.m. when blood platelets are stickier and increased adrenaline released from the adrenal glands can trigger rupture of plaques in coronary arteries.
• Almost half of women who have heart attacks will die by the end of the first year following the attack.
• Many heart attack survivors experience the attack as the first sign of coronary artery disease. No pain or symptoms were present before the attack.
• Heart attacks are 27% more likely to occur around the victim’s birthday, especially in women with high blood pressure.

Studies have been conducted that show by a Chiropractic adjustment to the upper neck can help lower blood pressure greater than the use of two blood pressure-lowering medications given in combination.  By getting regular Chiropractic adjustment you will help remove stress from your nervous system and to allow your heart, immune system, digestive system, and every other system to function more efficiently. If you want to know more about how the sympathetic division of nervous system plays a part in motivating our body’s response to stress. Clink the link below:

How Does Stress Affect Your Nervous System and How Does Chiropractic Care Help?

Heart disease kills more people annually than any other disease; by avoiding unhealthy foods, getting adequate sleep, and just minutes of exercise each day lowers your risks of a heart attack. You can also practice techniques to

help manage stress. Click the link below to see some great techniques:

Techniques to Help Manage Stress

Remember this holiday season to enjoy the time with your family and friends. If you enjoyed this blog post and it’s contend click the “Like” button above and please share it with your family and friends. From our families to yours we wish you a Merry Christmas and safe holiday season!