Meniscus Tear: How Chiropractic Treatment and Exercises Can Help

A meniscus tear is one of the most common knee injuries. Each knee has two menisci – one at the inner edge and the other at the outer edge of your knee. The meniscus is a C-shaped, rubbery, and tough disc that acts as a shock absorber and keeps your knee steady by balancing the weight of your body across the knee. A torn meniscus prevents your knee from working correctly and leads to accelerated wear of your joint.

Symptoms of Meniscus Tear

The symptoms of a torn meniscus can vary depending on the location and size of the tear. You may experience the following symptoms:

• Knee pain at the center or the side
• Swelling and stiffness
• Pain when twisting or rotating your knee
• Increased pain while lifting, squatting, or rising from a seated position
• Popping sensation, or “wobbly” unstable feeling
• Difficulty in fully straightening the knee
• Feeling that your knee is locked in place

Causes of a Torn Meniscus

A torn meniscus usually occurs due to any of the following:

• Sudden twisting or turning of your foot when it is planted and your knee is bent
• Kneeling, squatting, or lifting something heavy
• Playing contact sports
• Degenerative or arthritic knees in older adults

Treatment for a Meniscus Tear

The treatment for a torn meniscus depends on the size and location of the tear and the patient’s activity level. Also, the location of the tear determines how well it will heal. Some people may require non-invasive treatments and chiropractic methods, while others may need surgery.

• Outer Edge (Red Zone)

  A tear in the outer one-third of the meniscus heals better compared to the inner meniscus as this area has its own blood supply. A small or medium-sized tear responds well to non-invasive treatments such as laser therapy. Laser therapy accelerates the healing and repair process and stimulates the growth of new tissue.

• Inner Meniscus (White Zone)

  A tear in the inner two-thirds of the meniscus may not heal on its own as this area lacks a good supply of blood. Therefore, arthroscopic surgery is recommended. However, the surgery is not always 100% successful as this part of the meniscus lacks healing ability. The recovery becomes especially difficult for patients over 40 years of age.

What Are the Best Exercises for a Torn Meniscus?

Certain exercises can help increase the strength in your upper leg muscles and the flow of blood to your knee. You can perform the following exercises as a part of your chiropractic treatment or in order to heal after surgery:

• Motion exercises such as flexing and extending the knee
• Stretching exercises to keep the muscles around the knee loose
• Basic exercises such as straight leg raises, and toe raises
• Advanced exercises such as squats, toe raises with weights, and harder stretches

How Long Does It Take for a Torn Meniscus to Heal without Surgery?

If you have the injury in the red zone, a meniscal tear will commonly take up to six to eight weeks to heal completely. The healing time depends upon the position and severity of the tear. Reducing activities that cause excessive stress through the meniscus can help heal it quicker.

Can Chiropractors Help with Torn Meniscus?

Chiropractic care offers an effective, safe, non-invasive, and painless solution for a torn meniscus. A chiropractor uses laser therapy combined with other therapies to reduce knee pain, increase motion, and strengthen the joint muscles. These treatments also help in reducing swelling and improving the overall function of your knee.

Dr. Berry, one of the most trusted chiropractors in Tustin, offers the Class IV K-Laser Knee Program to treat patients with a torn meniscus. Contact us at (714) 639-4640 to get advice from Dr. Berry on your personalized treatment program.

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Advanced Chiropractic Care: A Step Towards Better Health

Are you suffering from the annoying kink in the neck or the dreadful lumbar pain? How do you fix it? Do you take a few painkillers? What do you do when it’s back again tomorrow? The pain that occurs in the neck, joints, muscles, shoulders, or the general spine area can be the result of different causes. Some reasons for this pain may be due to a recent fall, faulty posture, straining one's neck, and even stress. How do you deal with something like this? A simple solution to acute neck and back pain could be to use professional chiropractic services near you.

What Is Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractic care is a form of treatment that uses a hands-on approach. A chiropractor manipulates the spine to ensure back pain relief. This treatment can range from a simple massage to vigorous exercise. The chiropractor applies steady pressure over or around the affected area; they may even tug the limbs to alleviate the pain. Chiropractic treatment can help to readjust a misaligned vertebra that causes excruciating back pain. It has a number of benefits for patients suffering from musculoskeletal ailments.

Here are some of the pros of chiropractic care:

Quick Relief
Chiro-therapy involves simple techniques that chiropractors use to ensure instant relief. With a sudden stern yank or a subtle application of pressure in the right spots, it may be just what the doctor ordered.

No Surgery
With this form of therapy, there is no need for unnecessary surgery. Its quickness and simplicity also reduce a number of risks that a patient may face as a result of this condition. Before considering surgery to get rid of backaches, make sure you’ve covered the treatments at the basic level.

Better Posture
That slouch you’ve acquired while standing or sitting can reduce your mobility to a considerable extent. Chiropractic treatment will help you improve not only your flexibility, but also your posture.

Concentration on the Root Cause
Medications like painkillers do not fix the pain. They are only for alleviating temporary pain. Upon examination and diagnosis, a chiropractor can focus on what the root cause of extreme anguish is.

No Medication
The physical therapy under chiropractic services requires little to no medication for helping people to recover from their painful discomfort. This practice is a physical activity. It involves exercise and stretching. There may also be massaging of the sore regions.

Lowers Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is a common ailment. It doesn’t have to be hereditary, it can occur due to stress, staying up late, and many other physical and emotional factors can contribute to blood pressure irregularities. Research has shown that chiropractic care can help stabilize blood pressure.

Reduces Stress
Continuous stress is undeniably uncomfortable. With the right procedure, one’s stress can be reduced extensively. A chiropractor can induce muscle relaxation to bring the mind and body to a calm and composed state.

Can Help with Depression
Depression is caused due to emotional struggles. Resolving various physical deficiencies can have a positive bearing on a person’s mental conditions. Curing relentless pain can help you get one step away from depression and on the path to recovery.

What Is the Procedure for Chiropractic Treatment?

Before the actual treatment of any pain, the chiropractor will examine the patient, carry out tests to determine the severity of the pain. They will then diagnose it based on their findings. Accordingly, the most appropriate remedy will be selected to reduce musculoskeletal related aches and pains.

What Are the Risks of Chiropractic Treatment?

Certain precautions, however, must be taken when considering chiropractic treatment. It is usually advisable for those with bone fractures, cancer, or even heart disease to consult their doctor before availing this alternative pain relieving procedure. If you are seeing other doctors for the pain you are experiencing, make sure you let the chiropractor know of this. They may also ask about your lifestyle and medical history.

Does Medicare Cover Chiropractic Care?

Medicare covers 80% of the cost for spine manipulation if it is medically necessary to correct a subluxation (when one or more bones of the spine move out of position). You have to pay 20% coinsurance and your Part B deductible for all medically necessary chiropractic appointments.

Medicare doesn't cover any other services that are ordered by a chiropractor, including X-rays, acupuncture, and massage therapy. However, it covers the cost of an X-ray which is requested by another physician to determine spinal subluxation for a chiropractic patient.

Finding a good and reliable chiropractor in Tustin is not that difficult. If you are looking for trusted chiropractic services near you, call us today to enjoy the benefits of advanced chiropractic care and take a step towards better health and wellbeing.

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Why Is Chiropractic Care Needed After a Car Accident

When an auto accident occurs, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. In most cases, a trip to the hospital in an ambulance is needed to rule out any life threatening injuries. Seeking the services of a qualified chiropractor in Orange County will help you get back on your feet in a short amount of time.

During an auto accident, your body can be violently jerked in numerous directions even though you are sitting firmly with a seatbelt fastened. Whiplash is just one of many common complaints people report after being involved in an auto accident.

A few of the most common symptoms include:

• Headaches
• Neck pain
• Dizziness
• Lower back pain
• Shoulder pain
• Neck and shoulder stiffness
• Blurred vision
• Limited range of motion in the neck and upper extremities

Chiropractic services and treatment can help to correct many of these issues before they become major problems. Chiropractic care helps to hasten healing by reducing inflammation and pain. It addresses the cause of each symptom and helps to restore bones and muscles to their original position, allowing them to heal at a much faster rate.

If the bones and soft tissues of the body are allowed to remain out of place for long periods of time, they can become accustomed to their new position. This can lead to an increase in both pain and inflammation and make it harder for the body to heal effectively. With chiropractic care, the patient's physical structure is gently put back into alignment and the muscles are strengthened in an attempt to help them maintain their original position.

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Vertebral Subluxation: How It Is Treated with Chiropractic

Subluxation occurs when the position of the vertebra of the spine is altered. The function is lost and nerves in the area can become injured or permanently damaged. This impairment can result in several different symptoms and conditions. Chiropractic services can help to treat the condition and relieve pain and suffering.

When the position of the vertebra is altered, several things can occur. Disturbances within the physiological and biochemical systems can affect the entire length of the spinal column as well as the nerves that travel throughout the body. Subluxation is not considered to be a static condition. Instead, chiropractors believe it is a process that will continually worsen over time, increasing symptoms and continuing to damage nerves and bones.

A few of the most common issues associated with subluxation include:

liAtrophy – A hardening of muscle tissue that cause it to shrink and waste away.
• Local Ischemia – Refers to localized pain that is caused from a reduction in blood flow to the area.
• Edema – Fluid build-up in tissues caused by collapsed capillaries that allow leakage into the tissues.
• Congestion – The accumulation of toxins and debris that occurs in affected joints and irritates nerves in the area.
• Fibrosis – The build-up of scar tissue in an affected area that irritates both muscle and nerves, commonly occurring in individuals who experience chronic back pain.
• Tissue Rigidity – Tissues begin to harden and become rigid, normally associated with tendons, ligaments and other tissues within the joint capsule and surrounding areas.

Doctors that offer chiropractic services treat subluxations of the vertebra in many ways, relieving the pain and discomfort associated with the condition. Correcting the alteration that forced the vertebra out of alignment relieves pressure on the nerves and helps to re-establish blood flow to the affected area.

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Say NO to Allergies with Chiropractic Services

Between 10 and 30 percent of the world's population suffers from allergies. This figure continues to increase every year. Allergy sufferers spend more than $3 billion annually on their ailment, which includes prescription medications, doctor visits, and time missed at work. For many people, chiropractic services are a great way to relieve allergy symptoms without breaking the bank.

Proper communication between the brain and the spinal cord is key for controlling and coordinating immune and respiratory systems functioning. Communication interruptions, such as neck misalignment, can compromise this functioning. When the upper cervical joint is irritated, allergic and asthmatic symptoms may present or become exaggerated.

A standard chiropractic adjustment or spinal decompression allows a chiropractor to manipulate the soft tissue and joints. This practice put alignment back the way it should be and open up the brain and spine communication pathways to encourage a stronger immune system.

Chiropractic services can also regulate histamine rush and cortisol production to keep inflammation to a minimum. Additionally, many people who suffer from allergies have poor adrenal gland function. The T9 spinal level nerve root feeds the adrenal gland, which means that its alignment affects allergic reactions.

Making an appointment with a chiropractic is advisable for anyone suffering from allergies because in addition to providing adjustments and decompression, many chiropractors offer nutritional and lifestyle tips. Chiropractors take a holistic approach to medicine, which means that they look at all aspects of health to improve general functioning.

A chiropractor will take your specific needs into consideration and discuss a variety of physical, nutritional, and environmental factors that may be contributing to your allergy symptoms. For example, clear soups can help thin mucus to clear out nasal passages while foods with high antioxidant counts can help ease inflammation.

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How Quality Chiropractic Care Makes Posture Correction Possible

Many people often overlook posture, even though it is such an essential part of well- being and physical health. Standing straight is not only good for your spine, but also, it is healthy for your entire body. At some point, if you do not correct bad posture on your own, you will need to seek help from chiropractic services.

Causes of Poor Posture

• bad postural habit—incorrect sleeping, sitting, standing, reading
• Psychological factors- low self-esteem
• Normal developmental and degenerative processes
Pain leading to muscle guarding and avoidance postures
• Muscle imbalance, spasm, and contracted muscles
• Respiratory conditions
• General weakness
• Excess weight
• Loss of proprioception--the ability to perceive the position of your body

Effects of Poor posture

Neck and lower back pain: It is one of the most common consequences of bad posture. More than 80 percent of neck and back problems are the result of tight, achy muscles brought on by years of bad posture. With time, there may be such changes in your muscles and ligaments that you will develop a chronically stiff, tight, and painful feeling.

Limited range of motion: The muscles can get permanently shortened or stretched when a slumped-over position becomes your normal position. Muscles and ligaments that have been shortened or stretched do not function as they should.

Increased discomfort and pain: Poor posture can often cause headaches and pain in the shoulders, arms, and hands resulting from a forward-head position. Rounded shoulders can trigger headache at the base of your skull where the shoulder muscles join.

Creates pain in the jaw: A forward-head position can lead to jaw pain. This kind of pain (known as TMJ, temporomandibular joint disease) was once considered only a dental problem. Today we know that TMJ pain may also be caused or aggravated by faulty posture.

Decreased lung capacity: Reducing the amount of oxygen in your body can decrease the space in your chest cavity, restricting efficient functioning of your lungs. The reduced intake of air into the lungs also requires the heart to work harder to pump the blood, which in turn creates congestion and backpressure of circulation in the pelvis and legs.

Affects proper bowel function: Even this important bodily task may be affected by faulty posture. If your spine arches and sways forward, your intestines may sag and cause constipation.

Accelerated degenerative changes: The likelihood of 'wear and tear' arthritis or what is termed degenerative osteoarthritis, in later years when poor posture is combined with limited mobility.

Makes you look older than you are: When you are slumped or hunched over, you can add years to your appearance. For women, the more rounded the shoulders, the more breasts may sag. Any woman, no matter what her age, can help reduce the sag by nearly 50 percent by simply standing tall. Poor posture sends a message of depression, low energy, and low self- esteem.

Causes you to feel chronically tired: Neck, back, shoulder, muscle pain as well as poor lung capacity and bowel movement will cause you to feel constantly tired.

Chiropractic Innovation

Many individuals who visit a chiropractor may not realize that certain traditional practices are being replaced by newer, more effective methods. These days chiropractors will give you a thorough exam using X-Rays, and may offer other techniques like deep tissue massage and laser therapy.

Since most of the people who suffer from chronic pain have back problems caused by poor posture, it's important to take this matter seriously. Ignoring your posture can take a long time for even the best chiropractors to correct. If you experience pain as a result of poor posture, make sure to find a quality chiropractor.

For postural correction with the help of quality chiropractic care, schedule an appointment with Dr. Michael Berry, an experienced Tustin chiropractor.

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3 Simple Ways to Find the Best Chiropractor

Finding the right chiropractor is like finding the perfect pair of shoes. Chiropractic services can range from office to office. Some chiropractors include massage therapy as part of their treatment. Others prefer trigger point therapy or acupressure.

In areas where there is more than one chiropractor, you have the benefit of choosing the one that best suits your needs and personality.

Get healed by the best chiropractor by following these 3 simple ways:

1. Meet the Chiropractor
   When you are trying to find the best chiropractor, the easiest way to start the process is to meet them. Ask your friends, neighbors, and family members who they recommend. Then, begin to interview each one.

You should always ask about the chiropractic services they offer as well as how much they charge per service. Part of meeting the doctor means getting to know about them. Friendly and personable is much better than gruff and standoffish.

2. Talk to Other Medical Professionals
   A good way to find out what kind of standing a chiropractor has in the medical community is to ask members of that group. Any of the following should be able to give you a decent idea as to how well a chiropractic physician is received in the community.

They include:
• Family practitioners
• Spine doctors
• Local surgeons
• Nurse practitioners
• Massage therapists

While some may offer you mixed reviews about the chiropractor, they will at least give you a bit of insight on how they are thought of amongst their peers.

3. Find Out About the Doctor's Background
   Do some in-depth research into the doctor's background. Was the college they attended accredited? Did they finish school with honors or study a secondary specialty in the chiropractic field? Investigate their medical career and find out if they have ever been the target of a lawsuit.

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6 Vital Tips to Grow a Chiropractic Practice Successfully

Although many people use chiropractic services, getting the business off the ground is no easy task. Just because you have the skills doesn't mean you’re going to be able to grow your business and have a steady stream of customers coming through the door each day.

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