Intro to The Joint We decided to get a little nerdy this month and explore THE JOINT. A joint is simply where 2 bones make contact in the skeletal system and allow movement of the human body. There are seven major joints in the body. Can you name all seven? For purposes of trivia night or perhaps a crossword puzzle, bones are attached to one another by tissues called ligaments; muscles are attached to bones through tendons. Muscles stabilize joints. Muscle strength directly correlates with joint stability. Joint Structure and Function Joints are classified into 3 types: fibrous, cartilaginous, and synovial. Functionally, there are six types based on the type and degree of movement. These are: Ball and socket joint, example – shoulders Pivot joint, example – the neck Hinge joint, example – the knee Saddle joint, example – the thumb Condyloid joint, example – finger joints Plane joint or gliding joint, example – lower leg to ankle joint Common Joint Disorders & Injuries Osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disorder, developing from gradual cartilage damage and subsequent thinning. This condition is considered a “wear and tear” injury, more common in older than younger patients. Osteoarthritis is often seen with prior injury and long term high-impact stress on the affected joint. The degradation process itself does not cause pain; however, pain arises due to articular cartilage thinning, stimulating pain fibers in nearby areas. The joint's damage response is synovial fluid production, leading to swelling and inflammation that causes joint pain and stiffness. Compression of the underlying bone also results in pain, as bones are richly innervated. Gout Gout is an inflammatory arthritic condition arising from uric acid deposition within the joint resulting from overproduction or improper renal excretion and leads to uric acid precipitation within joints. The joint most affected is the big toe's metatarsophalangeal joint, a condition termed "podagra," and can also impact heels, ankles, finger, wrists, elbows, and knees. The pain in these joints can be excruciating. Synovitis Synovitis is inflammation of the synovial membrane that lines the synovial joints' articular capsules. Joint overuse is the most common cause of this condition in active, healthy people. Persistent synovitis in multiple joints may indicate rheumatoid arthritis, where the synovium is an autoimmune target. Rheumatoid arthritis can develop at any age and normally involves wrists, knuckles, and finger joints. Sudden Injuries Joint disorders can result from sudden injuries and include sprains and strains and dislocated joints. Sprains are stretched or torn ligaments. Strains are stretched or torn muscles or tendons. Dislocation is when a bone is pushed or pulled out of position and requires immediate medical attention. Overuse This can damage the soft tissue of the joint and results from working the joint too hard or doing the same thing over and over. Types of joint overuse injuries are: bursitis, tendinitis, and chronic strain. Answer The seven major joints in the body are: shoulders, hips, elbows, knees, wrists, ankles, and neck. Extra credit: How many joints are typically in the human body? Please call the office if you need help with this one.

As the back-to-school season approaches, parents are busy preparing their children for another academic year. Amidst the hustle and bustle of buying school supplies, one essential item that often gets overlooked is the backpack. While backpacks are a convenient way for kids to carry their books and supplies, they can also pose significant risks to their health if not used properly. Let’s explore some potential problems associated with heavy backpacks and how to keep your child's spine healthy throughout the school year. The Weight of the Problem: Heavy Backpacks and Their Impact Carrying a backpack that’s too heavy can lead to a host of physical issues for children. The most common problems include sore backs and shoulders, but the consequences can be much more severe. Over time, the constant strain of a heavy backpack can contribute to poor posture, compressed discs in the spine, and even curvature of the spine, such as scoliosis. These issues can have lasting effects, potentially leading to chronic pain and discomfort well into adulthood. What’s the Safe Load? To minimize the risk of injury, it’s essential to monitor the weight of your child’s backpack. The recommended safety load for a backpack is between 10-15% of the child’s body weight. For example, if your child weighs 60 pounds, their backpack should weigh no more than 6 to 9 pounds. Keeping the load within this range helps prevent undue stress on the spine and shoulders, reducing the likelihood of developing back problems. Tips for a Healthy Backpack Experience Lighten the Load: Encourage your child to only carry what’s necessary for the day. Unload the backpack regularly and remove items that aren’t needed. This simple step can significantly reduce the weight and lessen the strain on their back. Fit Matters: Ensure the backpack fits snugly against your child’s back. The straps should be adjusted so that the backpack sits high on the back, rather than hanging low and pulling the child backward. A well-fitted backpack helps distribute the weight evenly across the shoulders and upper body. Proper Posture is Key: Teach your child the importance of standing up straight and using both shoulder straps. Slinging the backpack over one shoulder might look cool, but it puts uneven stress on the spine, leading to muscle strain and poor posture. Get a Chiropractic Checkup: Regular chiropractic checkups can help ensure your child’s spine remains healthy throughout the school year. A chiropractor can assess their posture and provide personalized advice on how to avoid potential back problems. Early intervention is key in preventing long-term damage and ensuring that your child maintains a healthy, strong spine.  By following these tips, you can help your child enjoy a healthy school year free from the discomfort and potential dangers of a heavy backpack. Remember, a little attention to how your child carries their school supplies can go a long way in preventing back problems and promoting overall well-being.

Back pain is a common ailment that affects millions of people worldwide, often disrupting daily life and limiting mobility. For those seeking relief without the risks associated with surgery, spinal decompression therapy offers a promising solution. This non-surgical approach is designed to alleviate back pain and promote healing by gently separating the vertebrae in the spine. Here's a closer look at how spinal decompression therapy works and its potential benefits. What is Spinal Decompression Therapy? Spinal decompression therapy is a non-invasive treatment that involves the use of a traction table or similar device to create controlled, gentle separation between the vertebrae. This process helps to alleviate pressure on spinal discs and nerves, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals suffering from conditions like herniated discs, sciatica, and degenerative disc disease. Key Benefits of Spinal Decompression Therapy Reduce Pressure on the Disc: By creating space between the vertebrae, spinal decompression therapy can help reduce the pressure exerted on herniated discs. This reduction in pressure allows the disc to retract, which can diminish nerve compression and alleviate pain. Patients often experience significant relief from chronic back pain as the nerve irritation decreases. Promote Healing: The increased space between the vertebrae enhances blood flow to the affected area. Improved circulation brings more oxygen and nutrients to the damaged disc, supporting the body’s natural healing processes. This can lead to faster recovery times and a reduction in inflammation and pain. Improve Disc Health: Over time, the gentle stretching and decompression of the spine can help restore disc height and improve the overall health of spinal discs. Healthy discs are essential for maintaining flexibility and range of motion in the spine, and decompression therapy can contribute to long-term spinal health. Is Spinal Decompression Therapy Right for You? Spinal decompression therapy is suitable for many individuals experiencing back pain, particularly those who have not found relief through other treatments. However, it is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare provider to determine if this therapy is appropriate for your specific condition. Factors such as the severity of your back pain, underlying medical conditions, and overall health will influence the suitability of this treatment. At Corrective Chiropractic, we are committed to providing comprehensive care tailored to your unique needs. Our team of experienced professionals will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your pain and promotes optimal spinal health. If you are struggling with chronic back pain and are interested in exploring non-surgical treatment options, consider spinal decompression therapy. Schedule a consultation with Corrective Chiropractic today to learn more about how this innovative therapy can help you achieve lasting relief and improved quality of life.

At Corrective Chiropractic, we are committed to offering cutting-edge treatments that effectively alleviate pain and stimulate the body's natural healing processes. Among our advanced therapeutic options are Red Light Therapy and Class 4 Laser Therapy, both of which have shown remarkable benefits in managing pain and promoting recovery. What is Class 4 Laser Therapy? Class 4 laser therapy utilizes specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to create therapeutic effects deep within the body’s tissues. Unlike the cold lasers (Class 3) that produce no heat, Class 4 lasers generate heat, making them more effective in penetrating tissues. This depth of penetration allows the laser to deliver energy to muscles, nerves, ligaments, and tendons efficiently, typically within a short session of 2-6 minutes. This efficiency makes it possible to treat multiple areas in a single visit, enhancing overall therapeutic outcomes. The primary mechanism of Class 4 laser therapy involves stimulating the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy currency of cells. This boost in ATP production accelerates cellular repair and regeneration, leading to significant improvements in pain, swelling, and range of motion. The soothing heat from the laser also contributes to immediate pain relief. How Does Red Light Therapy Work? Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-level wavelengths of red or near-infrared light. This therapy targets large areas of the body, where photons are absorbed by photosensitive molecules in the skin cells. This absorption can lead to reduced inflammation, enhanced tissue repair, and improved skin health. Benefits of Class 4 Laser Therapy The advantages of Class 4 laser therapy are multifaceted: Pain Reduction : Effective in decreasing pain from conditions such as chronic knee pain, arthritis, tendonitis, and wrist pain. Swelling Reduction : Helps in reducing inflammation, thereby decreasing swelling and enhancing mobility. Tissue Regeneration : Promotes faster healing by increasing tissue regeneration and repair of both soft tissue and bone. Nerve Function Improvement : Enhances nerve regeneration and function, which is crucial for long-term pain relief and recovery. Cellular Health : Boosts cell metabolism, enzymatic responses, collagen production, and the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis). Benefits of Red Light Therapy Red light therapy offers several promising benefits: Muscle Pain and Inflammation : Studies indicate red light therapy can activate and regenerate damaged muscle tissue, enhancing sports performance and reducing muscle pain. Skin Health : Can visibly improve skin texture, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and increase collagen density, providing safe and satisfactory skin treatment. Wound Healing : Demonstrates potential in effectively treating wounds, including diabetic foot ulcers, without major side effects. Why Choose Corrective Chiropractic? Our decision to incorporate Class 4 laser therapy stems from our role as the team chiropractor for the Baltimore Orioles, who have successfully used this treatment as part of their protocol. We are proud to offer this advanced therapy to our patients, ensuring they benefit from the same high standards of care. Our treatments are designed to be pain-free, providing a soothing warmth that enhances comfort while delivering therapeutic benefits. Contact Our Business If you’re struggling with chronic pain or looking for effective ways to enhance your healing process, consider exploring Class 4 laser therapy and red light therapy at Corrective Chiropractic. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing personalized care tailored to your specific needs.  Contact Corrective Chiropractic today to schedule your appointment and experience the benefits of these advanced therapies.