Arthritis
Arthritis, or joint pain or joint disease, is the leading cause of disability in America. More than 50 million adults and 300,000 children are suffering from some type of arthritis. Common symptoms include swelling, pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion. Severe arthritis can result in chronic pain, inability to perform normal day-to-day activities, and has the potential to cause permanent joint damage.
To determine whether or not you may be suffering from arthritis or to determine the severity, your medical professional will perform blood tests and conduct an imaging scan (ie: x-ray, CAT scan or MRI). Eating healthy, staying active, and understanding your type of arthritis and treatment options are crucial to decreasing your discomfort and paving the way for an enjoyable, happy life.
Auto Injuries
Many Bozeman auto accident injuries do not show symptoms until weeks or even months after the crash. However, even without symptoms, internal damage to the musculoskeletal system and soft tissues can happen immediately. At the Bozeman Back and Neck Clinic, our chiropractors and entire wellness team have helped thousands of Bozeman and Gallatin Valley patients safely recover from whiplash and other auto injuries.
One of the most stressful events in life is dealing with the issues that occur after an auto accident. The first thing a person thinks about after the crash is the car. Most people are not aware that some injuries are not detected for months or even years. It is absolutely imperative that anybody that is in an auto accident immediately go see a Doctor trained in soft tissue injuries.
Bozeman Chiropractor Provides Pain Relief From Auto Injuries
While whiplash is a common injury from auto accidents, another common complaint of crash victims is that they don’t “feel like their normal selves”. They may also experience other symptoms like dizziness, blurred vision, headaches, back pain, muscle stiffness or spasms, neck pain, numbness and tingling in their arms or legs, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, irritability, memory loss and difficulty concentrating.
The reason people choose chiropractic care for treatment of injuries sustained in auto accidents is simple – chiropractic care is exceptional in the treatment of soft tissue injuries, especially of the spine. Since the most common injuries associated with these events are sprains and strains of the spinal muscles and ligaments, it is only natural that chiropractic be the treatment of choice. Chiropractors are trained specifically in dealing with injuries to the spine It is imperative that people involved in auto accidents consult with a doctor who is trained in the biomechanics of the human body; someone who treats these injuries every day.
Often, passengers can be hurt more than a driver, especially if it is a side wreck or T-bone type of collision. Children can suffer the same injuries as adults and should be given the same care despite a feeling by the parent that a child can’t be “that injured” if no bones are broken or there is no bruising to the skin. Put it this way: if damage was done to a vehicle that actually bent metal, the people inside the vehicle surely absorbed that force as well. Due to the body producing adrenaline at the time of an accident, a hormone that acts as a natural pain killer, people are able to muster the courage to move through the impact and “take care of business”. As mentioned above, it is often days or weeks later that the full impact of the car crash is felt. A trained Chiropractor can be a brilliant source of diagnosis and treatment of soft tissue and joint injuries.
In addition, x-rays or MRI’s (if indicated) will be used to check for any structural damage.
The Bozeman Back and Neck Clinic routinely evaluates and treats auto accident victims and makes any appropriate referrals to other health care providers if necessary. Our primary responsibility is to provide the proper care and submit the required medical reports to the insurance company or attorney (if one is involved) so the rights of the patient are protected.
Same Day Appointments
If we can’t help the patient, we will refer them to a doctor or facility that can. If you have been in an auto accident recently, there are some important decisions you have to make, and it is critical that the first decision is to be evaluated by a Chiropractor and get under care immediately. Call the Bozeman Back and Neck Clinic now to schedule an appointment.
Back Pain
Since back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide, it is vital to know how to prevent the cause of back pain. By maintaining a healthy diet and weight, remaining active and avoiding prolonged inactivity or bed rest are all important ways to avoid back pain. Before doing exercises or any physical activity, it is recommended to warm up and/or stretch.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
CTS is a problem of the median nerve which runs from the forearm into the hand. When there is excessive pressure in the wrist, it causes swelling of the median nerve. This small area called the carpal tunnel is a narrow tunnel at the wrist made up of bones, soft tissues, nerves, tendons, ligaments and blood vessels. When the median nerve which runs through this tunnel gets compressed it causes pain, weakness, numbness or tingling in the hand and wrist which radiates into the forearm. The carpal tunnel is the most common area that gets compressed in both the hands and feet.
CTS should be diagnosed and treated early. During your consultation, you will receive a standard physical examination of the hands, arms, shoulders and neck to help determine if your symptoms are related to daily activities or to an underlying disorder. Our highly skilled chiropractor will also utilize other orthopedic tests to try to produce the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Laboratory tests and x-rays can reveal diabetes, arthritis, fractures, and other common causes of wrist and hand pain.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease is when natural changes in the discs of your spine cause pain. The discs between vertebrae act as shock absorbers for your spine, and as you age, they begin to lose flexibility. While this is a normal part of aging, it should not cause pain. If you experience pain due to this, it is classified as degenerative disc disease.
Each disc is composed of a sturdy outer wall and a soft, gel-like inner core. When we are born, these discs are primarily composed of water, but as age advances, the discs lose some of this water content and begin to get thinner. As you might imagine, this means each disc doesn’t absorb the shocks of everyday life as well.
Headaches/ Migraines
Nine out of ten Americans say that they suffer from headaches. Some of these people experience headaches frequently. Some experience constant headaches that are very painful. These can even make a person nauseous. Ninety-five percent of headaches are tension, migraine, or cluster headaches. These types of headaches are not caused from a disease, but from something in your body that is not sitting correctly.
Knee Pain
Knee pain is increasingly becoming a more common problem in society. It is a complaint we see frequently. The most common complaint associated with knee pain is considered the normal “wear and tear.” Another ailment that affects the knee is osteoarthritis. The symptoms and progression of osteoarthritis and knee pain can be reduced through our individualized approach to chiropractic care.
Neck Pain
The neck, also called the cervical spine, begins at the base of the skull and contains seven small vertebrae. The cervical spine supports the full weight of your head which is on average about 12 pounds. While the cervical spine can move your head in nearly every direction, this flexibility makes the neck very susceptible to pain and injury.
Neuropathy
Neuropathy is a medical condition caused by damaged nerve cells and often associated with autoimmune diseases, infections, diabetes, tumors, or hereditary conditions. Peripheral neuropathy currently affects over 20 million people in the United States with symptoms ranging from tingling or burning pain and nausea to muscle spasms, difficulty moving your arms or legs, or atrophy.
Personal Injury
Our goal is to help you receive the proper care after a personal injury, auto accident or fall. Our staff is devoted to helping you obtain the most comprehensive treatments and the care you deserve, so you may maintain your quality of life after an injury and can begin to feel like yourself again.
Too often, individuals involved in an auto injury or wreck have minimal or no symptoms until several weeks after the auto accident. That is where the professionals at Bozeman Back and Neck Clinic come in, and can assist you with all aspects of auto accident personal injury recovery.
Pinched Nerve
A pinched nerve can happen in a variety of places throughout the body with some of the most common being the lower spine, wrists, neck, and legs. A pinched nerve occurs when the muscles or tendons around the nerve are inflamed, putting pressure on the nerve and either causing pain or even numbness throughout the extremities related or attached to this affected nerve.
Your pinched nerve may be caused by different physical conditions such as carpal tunnel or a herniated disc. Though pinched nerves can be painful, the majority of patients find that their pinched nerve(s) goes away on its own.
If the pinched nerve does not resolve itself and you have persistent pain that lasts for more than a few days, you should seek medical attention by scheduling an appointment at Bozeman Back and Neck Clinic with our chiropractor. This is especially true if you’ve tried at-home treatments but feel like your pain is worsening as time progresses. With pinched nerves, it’s important to seek medical attention in order to identify the underlying cause of the pinched nerve to ensure it doesn’t happen again.
Sciatica
Bozeman Back and Neck Clinic treats many patients for sciatica. Sciatica is a condition that results when the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated. This can cause pain, numbness, and weakness. In fact, it can impact your ability to live life normally. Are you thinking about getting treatment for your sciatica? Here’s how we can help.
Sciatica Symptoms
The first step in treating sciatica is to evaluate the symptoms. We will ask you about your medical history and current symptoms. We will also conduct a physical exam. This helps us determine the cause of the problem. Often, symptoms are enough to help us determine how to move forward. The most common sciatica symptoms include pain that radiates from the low back or buttock and extends down the leg, leg numbness, muscle weakness, nerve pain, neuropathy, and tingling or burning sensations.
Gentle Spinal Adjustments
One of the first treatments that we provide for our patients is gentle adjustments to the spine. This chiropractic adjustment takes the pressure off of the sciatic nerve so that it can heal. We use a variety of chiropractic techniques to do this and the chiropractor customizes the approach for each patient.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can help stretch and strengthen the muscles that support the spine, which can prevent sciatica from returning. A physical therapy program can help you build strength so that your body puts less pressure on your lower back and bottom.
Therapeutic Massage
Therapeutic massage can help relieve sciatica pain. Massage therapy can loosen the muscles that are tight and that put pressure on the sciatic nerve. It can also increase blood flow, reduce nerve pain, and reduce inflammation.
Nutrition & Lifestyle Advice
We also provide nutrition and lifestyle advice for our patients. We will help you identify lifestyle choices that may be contributing to your sciatica, such as poor posture, sitting too much, or carrying a heavy wallet in your back pocket. We can help you make changes that will support your healing. We will also provide advice on how to improve your diet so that you can reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Get Treatment for Sciatica in Bozeman, MT
Our team at Bozeman Back and Neck Clinic is here for you. If you are dealing with sciatica, we want to help. We offer a variety of treatment options that can help you find relief. Even one session can help you work toward pain relief and the elimination of your symptoms. Call our team today at (406) 586-0275 to schedule your appointment at Bozeman Back and Neck Clinic.
Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain is a very common condition and affects almost half of the U.S. Most patients feel some sort of pain, limited range of motion, an inability to engage in activities of daily living (ADL) or something more serious as a permanent disability.
Sports Injury
If you play sports or just enjoy an active lifestyle, you may one day suffer from an injury that may benefit from sports chiropractic care. The same neck and back injuries that sideline many amateur and professional athletes could potentially result from a walk through the neighborhood, light jog through the park, or an impromptu game of football in the front yard. The faster you help treat these injuries, the faster you might be able to return to daily life comfortably and safely.
If you do play sports more aggressively, then you may want specialized chiropractic care. Covering up or ignoring those signs of trouble could lead to more significant sports injuries if you do not rest. A Bozeman chiropractor on our chiropractic team is here to help.
Personalized Sports Injury Treatment in Bozeman
Many sports involve body contact, fast starts and stops, and body positioning that places an unusual amount of strain on the back and structural system. That’s why ongoing chiropractic care might be beneficial even for youth and amateur athletes. We offer chiropractor services that may help you to prevent injuries, but we’re also here if you experience a sports injury and need help restoring functionality and comfort to your body.
Chiropractic is a natural, alternative, and non-invasive way to help get pain management and pain relief. We do not use drugs or medications that could have addictive properties to help get you this relief.
Visit Us for Athletic Injury Care from a Sports Injury Chiropractor
At Bozeman Back and Neck Clinic, patients can receive a personalized treatment plan. Our Bozeman, MT, chiropractors can help treat our patients holistically, paying special attention to the spine, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. Our goal is not just to get you out of pain. We also want to protect your body from future injury and get you back in prime condition for peak performance.
Call us today at (406) 586-0275 to schedule sports injury treatment.
Bozeman Back and Neck Clinic has been Bozeman’s trusted source for MHSA Pre-Participation Sports Physicals since 1980. We work with Lions Club of Bozeman, donating 100% of the proceeds back to the club during our Lions Club football sports physical nights each fall.
The sports physical exam helps determine whether it’s safe for an young athlete to participate in a particular sport. Montana requires that athletes have a sports physical before they can start a new sport or begin a new competitive season.
“Article II, Section (3) of the MHSA Handbook requires that a physical exam must be performed for each student in order for that student to be considered eligible for participation in an Association.”
More information, including paperwork, check out the Montana High School Association.
Bozeman Back and Neck Clinic has 3 doctors available to perform SAME DAY Pre-Participation Physicals year-round. We offer convenient appointment times, including early morning, lunch break, and evenings. Immediate appointments are always available.
Cost: $40.00
To Schedule an appointment in Bozeman, please call (406) 586-0275 or email at info@backandneckclinics.com.
TMJ
TMJ is an abbreviation for the temporomandibular joint which connects the mandibular, or your lower jaw, to the temporal bones of the skull. The TMJ is one of the more unique joints within your body as it allows you to move your jaw forward, backward, and side to side so that you can chew, talk, sing, yawn, and more. This joint can be found just in front of your ears on both sides of your head.
Any problem with the muscles, ligaments, discs, bones, or the joint itself are known as temporomandibular disorders or TMD and refers to the actual disorder, where the jaw joint is misaligned and causing problems such as pain, inflammation, and inability to move or operate the jaw. However, these problems or conditions are often incorrectly called by the joint name of TMJ instead.
Vertigo
Vertigo is the feeling that you are moving when you’re not. This sensation can be triggered by movements such as turning your head too quickly or looking down from a great distance, but it is ultimately caused by problems in the inner ear, brain, or brainstem. There are two different forms of vertigo with each stemming from various medical issues: peripheral vertigo and central vertigo.
Peripheral vertigo results in a problem with your inner ear and thus your balance, while central vertigo occurs when your brain or brainstem are suffering from a disease originating from your central nervous system (CNS). Peripheral vertigo is typically more severe, and central vertigo is more gradual in its onset. Regardless of the type of dizziness you are experiencing, more than likely, your quality of life is suffering because of it.
Whiplash
According to the American Chiropractic Association, one of the most common causes of neck pain is whiplash resulting from a car accident. A sudden forced movement of the head or neck in any direction and the resulting “rebound” in the opposite direction is known as whiplash. The sudden “whipping” motion injures the surrounding and supporting tissues of the neck and head. Muscles react by tightening and contracting, creating muscle fatigue, which can result in pain and stiffness. Severe whiplash can also be associated with injury to the intervertebral joints, discs, ligaments, muscles, and nerve roots.
Work Injuries
The Bozeman Back and Neck Clinic accepts Worker’s Compensation Insurance, which generally covers treatments in full. Our main goal is to get the Bozeman worker back to their original physical state before the accident as fast as possible so that they can return to work pain free and at their full capacity. This includes both spinal problems and extremity issues (shoulders, knees, arms, legs, hands, feet, etc.)
We pride ourselves at the Bozeman Back and Neck Clinic in providing the highest quality, responsible care to our injured Montana workers. Our reputation is well known in the Gallatin Valley – and we encourage companies to seek our docs out for seminars demonstrating proper lifting techniques, ergonomics, etc. Improper lifting techniques and unsafe environments all play a role in increasing the risk of injury in the workplace.
Chiropractic care has become one of the leading treatments for workplace injuries. Why? Because its highly effective and relatively inexpensive. This allows the Bozeman worker to get back to work quickly to provide for their families. We treat our patients fairly without gouging the insurance companies – which then increases premiums for everyone. That is our responsibility as leaders and professionals in the industry.
Studies have shown a significant decrease in the cost of care for individuals that were treated by chiropractors compared to those treated by a medical doctor. The duration of the disability was also decreased when chiropractic care was involved. Workers were able to return to work much sooner and had a lower incidence of recurring back pain once treatment was completed. The largest study every conducted on low back pain determined that chiropractic care was the most effective treatment for low back pain. Its not surprising that so many people injured at work turn to chiropractic.
Generally, these are the types of work related injuries we treat in our Bozeman chiropractic clinic:
Falling from a higher level, being struck by an object, tripping or slipping, motorized vehicle accidents: These injuries may occur in the workplace if an employee is struck by a motorized vehicle, or if they are traveling with a company vehicle, repetitive use injuries when employees are required to perform the same actions on a daily basis. Repetitive strain injuries occur due to increased abnormal stresses on specific joints or muscles in the body. For example, an individual that sits at a desk and types all day may develop numbness and tingling in their arms. Improper lifting techniques, overexertion: This type of injury occurs when the employee is applying a great deal of force into a task, such as pulling, pushing, tossing, carrying or holding heavy objects.
If an injury has occurred at work, it is important to immediately address the issue with your supervisor, then visit a recommended chiropractor to ensure that no spinal injury or misalignment has occurred as a result of the injury. Chiropractors have the most training when it comes to dealing with musculoskeletal (muscles and bone) injuries in the body. Here at the Bozeman Back and Neck Clinic, we use a variety of adjustment and therapy techniques to decrease inflammation, improve function and mobility and prevent further injury. Dr. Hecht, and Dr. Hoell use a combination of spinal manipulation and soft tissue techniques which are ideal for returning to the workplace in the least amount of time and ensuring an effective recovery.
In the unfortunate event of a work related injury, find a trusted worker’s compensation chiropractor that will treat you fairly and provide quality, responsible care. Give us a call @ (406) 586-0275.