New hope for back pain? (TODAY Show)

Now of course most of us can’t get access to this new innovative therapy until it becomes mainstream. So what do we do? Realize: the brain is like a muscle and can be retrained. There are tools like ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) and CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) that are proven scientific methods of doing …

Foods to Reduce Inflammation

It has become widely recognized in the research that the typical Western diet causes inflammation, which leads to arthritis and other chronic inflammatory ailments. Prof Susan Blum, MD, said this: “Foods typical of the Western diet, such as processed or sugary foods, trigger inflammation. Even seemingly healthy foods, such as eggs and milk, can trigger …

Neck-origin headaches (+treatment video)

Headaches have been a companion of the human race for as long as history has endured. In the present day, with medical science, we are privileged to understand more about them than we once did. One of the most common complaints about tension headaches is that they are felt on one side of the head, …

Myth: Chiropractic & Massage Makes Back Pain Worse & others (Part 3 of 3)

Read part 1 here, covering myths like: “Back pain can result in paralysis!” “Back pain indicates a serious underlying problem!” “Back pain is caused by injury!” Read part 2 here, covering: “Lower Back Pain Is a Sign of Pregnancy”, “Sitting Causes Back Pain”, “Stress Does Not Affect Back Pain” and “Back Pain Is Not Related …

Back Pain: Myths vs Facts (Part 2 of 3)

Read “Back Pain: Myths vs Facts (Part 1 of 3)” here, covering myths like: “Back pain can result in paralysis!” “Back pain indicates a serious underlying problem!” “Back pain is caused by injury!” Myth: Lower Back Pain Is a Sign of Pregnancy Truth: Low back pain is commonly felt in the 2nd aand 3rd trimesters …

Back Pain: Myths vs Facts (Part 1 of 3)

Myth: Back Pain Can Result in Paralysis Truth: A common misconception is that the spine is a fragile part of the body. On the contrary: the spine is a stable part of human anatomy. Low back pain, and even sciatica, usually resolves over time without complication. Only in extremely rare cases does back pain lead …

How to Self-Treat Piriformis Syndrome

You’re here because you may have previously been diagnosed with piriformis syndrome or you have symptoms of piriformis syndrome. Either way, here’s a few pointers on how to self-manage piriformis syndrome. Symptoms of piriformis syndrome: Pain in the buttock Pain down the leg Pins and needles or numbness in the leg and/or feet Causes of …

5 Sciatica Exercises for Pain Relief

If you’ve got sciatica, it’s important to exclude serious pathology before pursuing a home-based exercise program. Give us a call on 586-725-3100 to discuss your case via the phone with one of our doctors. Also, review our sciatica articles for reference, “Surgey for Sciatica?” and “Leg Pain and Numbness – how to treat.” Here are …

Leg Pain and Numbness – how to treat

Ice cold leg? Can’t feel your toes? Strange skin sensation in your legs? Tingling, numbness or weakness? In addition to pain, these are common symptoms that people experience in the legs and buttocks. Here are some of the possible reasons for these symptoms. As always, speak to your doctor, or one of our doctors if …

Surgery for Sciatica?

We see many patients with sciatica (pain running down the leg). There is no “one size fits all” answer to the question of surgery. i.e. – not all patients with sciatica should get surgery. Unless you have red flags / serious underlying conditions that would need immediate surgery (such as cauda equina syndrome, tumors, infections, …

11 Tips to Relieve Headache with Neck Pain

Headaches with neck pain are a horrible combination. There are a number of things you can do on your own at home to manage the pain: Apply pressure to affected musclesTypically, the muscles at the back of the neck are the main troublemakers in neck-related headaches. Apply firm pressure for up to 90 seconds at …

Sleep to Help Back Pain

Have you ever considered the importance of sleep in managing back pain? Back pain is a complex problem involving mechanical (joint & movement), chemical (inflammation) and psychological (stress, anxiety) factors. “Sleep that is restorative for the body requires time spent in the deep non-REM and REM stages of the sleep cycle. As the individual occupies …

When Is a Stiff Neck Serious?

“A stiff neck can be annoying, but it is usually not cause for panic. In rare cases, however, it could signal the need for a prompt medical evaluation,” writes Richard Staehler, MD Common causes of neck pain Muscle spasm from prolonged sitting, looking down at a phone or computer Overworked neck muscles from exercise. Sprain …

Is “Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)” serious, genetic or curable?

You may have had an MRI that reported “degenerative disc disease” without any further explanation by your radiologist. “In spite of its name, degenerative disc disease is not actually a disease. It refers to the natural process by which the intervertebral discs of the spine change over time.” – Rush University Medical Center These changes …

Dizziness & balance problems? You might be at risk of a fall & fractures

If you’re unable to stand with your feet together, or walk a line easily for 10 seconds, you are at risk of falls. Falls lead to fractures (mainly hip), which leads to morbidity and death. Do you ever feel dizzy, light headed or unsteady? Are you worried about the root cause? Do you want to …

Chiropractic adjustments for back pain (attn: military personnel & veterans)

If you’re a military veteran with back pain, you’re not alone. We are honoured here at Mighigan Spine & Joint Center to offer chiropractic adjustments and physical therapy for our Veterans. In a study last year, 750 active duty military personnel received 12 chiropractic treatments over 6 weeks and reported the following beneficial effects: reported …

How to treat a sprained ankle

Here’s some helpful advice from the Mayo Clinic about how to deal with a sprained ankle: “Treatment for a sprained ankle depends on the severity of the injury. Although self-care measures and over-the-counter pain medications may be all you need, a medical evaluation might be necessary to reveal how badly you’ve sprained your ankle and …

“Doctor, I think I have a pinched nerve”

“Doctor, I think I have a pinched nerve”. We often hear this from our patients. Pain can be either in the neck, back, into the shoulder, arms, buttock or leg. More often than not, these conditions DO NOT need surgery. The pain and dysfunction can be dealt with conservatively with massage, manipulation, traction, home exercises, …

Back pain + pregnancy = unhappy Momma!

Back pain + pregnancy = unhappy momma! Chiropractic and Physical Therapy is safe and effective for expecting mothers. We regularly treat pregnant ladies, and all our doctors are parents themselves. We would love to help you get out of pain and back to comfort! Call today to speak to one of our Doctors (Chiro and …

5 things to do before you get back surgery

“For new back pain or a recurrence of an existing back pain condition, try these measures before surgery: Wait. The most time-tested cure for back pain is time itself. Apply ice and heat. Take pain relievers as needed. Over-the-counter pain relievers ease discomfort and some also reduce inflammation. Stay physically active. Short periods of bed …