A local chiropractor is a physician who is trained in treating patients with disorders of the neuromusculoskeletal system. The neuromusculoskeletal system includes the muscles, bones, ligaments, nerves and tendons. Whether you’re recovering from a car accident or a sports injury, are managing a chronic condition or experiencing lower back pain, a local chiropractor can be a great member of your healthcare team. If your local family physician believes you could benefit from seeing a local chiropractor, they can refer you. Or, you can often make your own appointment. 

Other causes of obstructive sleep apnea that a local chiropractor might be bale to help are hypothyroidism, excessive production of growth hormone, a deviated septum and allergies. Other causes of central sleep apnea include medications such as narcotic painkillers. Local Chiroprators can often help with nexk injuries that can hinder sleep.  In most cases, back pain will resolve on its own with treatment at home and over-the-counter medications. Surgery is not usually recommended. Some patients benefit from spinal traction, a physiotherapy technique that applies a longitudinal stretch to the reachable joints and soft tissues that is commonly used on the cervical, lumbar spine and thoracic spine.

Back pain is a common complaint among people of all ages. It’s one of the main reasons people seek medical help and miss work. Back pain symptoms can be mild or severe, and cervical (neck pain), thoracic (middle back pain), lumbar (lower back pain) or tailbone/sacral (coccydynia). Lumbar back pain is the most common type.

Knee pain is another common reason why people see a local chiropractor. Many people undergo knee replacement surgery, and may see a chiropractor after this procedure. If you have chronic knee pain, find everyday tasks such as climbing stairs are difficult or aren’t getting relief from non-surgical knee treatments, it might be time to consult with your primary healthcare provider about knee replacement surgery (also called knee arthroplasty).

Who Needs Knee Replacement Surgery?

Normally, all of the components of your knee work together, but disease or injury can lead to pain, reduced function and weakness. Arthritis is the most common reason that people need knee replacement surgery, including:

• Osteoarthritis, which is caused when the cartilage on the ends of the bones wears down. Often, the bones rub against each other, causing pain and swelling. It’s most common in the joints of the knees, hips, hands, fingers, neck and spine, although it can affect any joint in the body.

• People who are obese may need a knee replacement, as the extra weight puts pressure on the body..

• Rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic condition that occurs when your body’s immune system begins to attack the joints. At first, rheumatoid arthritis usually only attacks a few joints, but over time it affects more.

What to Expect During Knee Replacement Surgery

If the arthritis is localized to one of the three compartments of the knee joint, partial knee replacement surgery is an option. Otherwise, a patient will need a total knee replacement. Generally, the long term outcome of a full knee replacement is better than that of a partial knee replacement in that the revision rate at 10 years for a partial knee replacement is two to three times as high as that of a full knee replacement. During knee replacement surgery, the orthopedic surgeon will remove damaged cartilage and bone; position metal implants; potentially resurface the kneecap (patella) and replace with a plastic prosthesis; and insert a spacer. The knee replacement procedure itself takes about 1 to 2 hours.

Many physicians and orthopedic surgeons advise patients to wait to have knee replacement surgery as long as possible, as the implant begins to wear in the plastic spacer over time. Activities such as running and jumping can speed up this process. The longer you can find relief with non-surgical knee treatments the better. Over 90% of total knee replacements are still functioning well 15 years after surgery. You can help ensure your knee replacement surgery is successful by following your healthcare team’s instructions after the procedure. Soft tissue injuries and muscle pulls are common in many sports.  Treating them appropriately can improve healing time and overall rehabilitation. Physiotherapy can be an integral part of soft tissue and muscle injuries.

Your local chiropractor can be a valuable member of your health care team as you recover from a knee replacement.  Back pain symptoms can be mild or severe, and cervical (neck pain), thoracic (middle back pain), lumbar (lower back pain) or tailbone/sacral (coccydynia). Lumbar back pain is the most common type. Back pain can come from muscles, bones, joints or nerves. It can also be caused by medical problems involving the gallbladder, aorta, kidneys or pancreas. Back pain causes include injury or activity, arthritis, back strain, sciatica, poor posture, aging and scoliosis.