Are those lumpy finger joints Heberden’s Nodes?
Guitarists often find themselves with arthritis in the fingers. If you’ve seen Keith Richard’s fingers in the past few years, you’ve probably noticed the arthritis. He can still play, and you should be able to as well. There are action steps that you can take to ease the arthritic destruction, pain, and restriction of what are called Heberden’s Nodes. Heberden’s nodes are bony swellings that can develop at the distal interphalangeal joints (DIP) of the fingers. They are often associated with osteoarthritis. While there is no cure for Heberden’s nodes, the following management strategies can help alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life: Pain management: Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), suggested by your primary care doctor, may help reduce pain and inflammation. Always follow the recommended dosage and consult a Medical Doctor if you need a formal recommendation or have any concerns. Topical treatments: Some topical creams and gels containing capsaicin, CBD, THC or NSAIDs can be applied to the affected areas to reduce pain and inflammation. Discuss these options with your doctor to ensure they are appropriate for your situation. Heat and cold therapy: Applying warm compresses or using paraffin wax baths can...
read moreHip Pain in Guitar Players
Hip Pain in Guitar Players Playing the guitar is generally a pretty safe activity to be passionate about, but the repetitive motions involved can lead to various musculoskeletal issues. While most people associate guitar playing with hand and wrist pain, it’s important not to overlook the potential for hip pain. The hip joints play crucial roles in maintaining balance and supporting the body while sitting or standing during long practice sessions or performances. In this blog post, we will explore the causes, prevention, and treatment of hip pain in guitar players. Causes of Hip Pain Poor Posture: Slouching or leaning excessively while playing the guitar can strain the hip joints and surrounding muscles, leading to pain and discomfort. Extended Sitting: Long periods of sitting, which is common during practice sessions or performances, can contribute to hip stiffness and pain. Muscle Imbalances: Imbalances in the muscles surrounding the hips, such as tight hip flexors and weak gluteal muscles, can cause hip pain. Imbalances like these can stem from the way that you stand and sit asymmetrically while playing, or while not playing. Overuse and Repetitive Motion: Repeatedly performing, even practicing, can put strain on the hip joints over time. Prevention...
read moreWhat is the chance you will die because of an adjustment?
Read This List Of Chiropractic Dangers! The following is a list of the 20 most common accident-related causes of death in the United States. It’s important to note that the ranking and specific causes can vary depending on different years and data sources. The list below provides a general overview: (Source: ChatGPT) Motor Vehicle Accidents: Including car, truck, and motorcycle accidents. Drug Overdose: Involving both prescription and illicit drugs. Falls: Particularly among older adults. Accidental Poisoning: Including unintentional drug poisoning and exposure to harmful substances. Drowning: Involving both natural bodies of water and swimming pools. Fires and Burns: Including residential fires and workplace incidents. Firearms: Accidental shootings and unintentional firearm injuries. Suffocation: Often related to choking or unintentional strangulation. Pedestrian Accidents: Involving pedestrians being struck by vehicles. Bicycle Accidents: Involving cyclists being struck by vehicles. Medical Errors: Mistakes made in healthcare settings. Workplace Accidents: Including falls, machinery accidents, and exposure to hazardous substances. Accidental Poisoning by Carbon Monoxide: Often due to faulty heating systems or generators. Accidental Injuries in Construction: Falls, machinery accidents, and structural failures. Accidental Falls from Heights: Particularly in construction and industrial settings. Accidental Injuries from Machinery: Including industrial accidents and equipment malfunctions. Accidental Electrocutions: Due...
read moreY-Strap Chiropractor – Portland, Maine
What is the Y-Strap? The chiropractic Y-strap is a device used by some chiropractors during spinal adjustments to relieve tension in the neck and upper back. It consists of a padded strap that is placed around the patient’s head, with a handle at the end for the chiropractor to pull on. During treatment, the chiropractor will typically ask the patient to lie on their back while they hold the Y-strap handle and gently pull upwards. This action is thought to help decompress the spinal joints and stretch the neck muscles, which may provide relief from pain or discomfort. It is important to note that the use of the Y-strap is controversial within the chiropractic community, with some practitioners advocating for its use and others cautioning against it. Patients should consult with their chiropractic provider to determine if the Y-strap is an appropriate treatment option for their specific condition. Why is the Y-Strap Controversial? The y-strap is controversial because of how it “appears”. YouTube popularity of y-strap videos is very high, and these videos are extremely lucrative for those who post them. Many times, the videos do not show the back story, the evaluation, or the explanation for care, which...
read moreWhat is causing my back pain? Causes & Solutions!
Don’t spend the weekend in bed! Back pain can be pretty scary when it it strikes you hard. Incredibly painful, sometimes immobilizing, and often elusive with regard to the cause, it also affects as many as 80% of Americans during their lifetime. I’ve spent the past 21 years specializing in the diagnosis and resolution of back pain, back dysfunction, back and spinal rehab, neurological disorders, and poor human function and healing. Back pain is a prevalent condition that can be caused by various factors. Some of the most common causes of back pain include: Muscle or ligament strain: Poor posture, overuse, or sudden movements can strain or sprain muscles and ligaments in the back, leading to back pain and discomfort. Herniated or bulging discs: The discs that cushion the vertebrae can rupture or bulge, putting pressure on nerves and causing pain. Arthritis: Inflammation in the joints of the spine can cause back pain and stiffness. Osteoporosis: The bones in the spine can weaken and become more susceptible to fractures, leading to pain. Spinal stenosis: The spinal canal narrows, causing compression of the nerves and leading to pain and numbness. Scoliosis: Abnormal curvature of the spine can cause back pain...
read more