Category: Chiropractic

Opiates vs. Opioids: What’s the Difference?

Bottom Line:

Opiates vs. opioids – while they come from different sources, they are similar in a very specific way.

Both opioids and opiates have caused millions of people looking for pain relief to enter a cycle of addiction.

And the truth is that many of the people who are currently addicted to opioids weren’t recreational drug users looking for their next high…

They were people who were prescribed these drugs by their doctors to treat their chronic pain.

Why it Matters:

To understand more about how this addiction epidemic happened, it’s helps to understand the differences between opioids and opiates.

Opiates describe drugs derived from the flowering opium poppy plant.

Morphine is an example of an opiate.

These drugs have been linked to physical dependence, increased tolerance, and addiction.

Opioids are synthetic or made in a lab.

When opioid receptors in the brain become activated, they produce feelings of pleasure and pain (all opioid drugs act on these receptors).

Some are up to 50 times more powerful than heroin.

It goes without saying that these drugs are highly addictive and dangerous.

Opioid drugs used to treat pain include oxycodone and hydrocodone.

Oxycodone exhibits the highest risk of abuse and poses the most significant dangers.

It affects the nervous system in the same way as heroin.

Next Steps:

Current medical guidelines no longer recommend the use of opioids for most spinal pain.

If you’re struggling with pain, movement-based care, like chiropractic, is often the best way to accelerate the healing process and put yourself in a position for long-term relief.

Both the research and results we’ve seen at our drug-free pain management clinic don’t lie.

Call us today if you want to explore a relief path that doesn’t include medications.

Tennis Elbow? But I don’t even play tennis!

Tennis elbow isn’t just for athletes. Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) is a painful condition when the tendons in your elbow are inflamed and overloaded due to repetitive motion.

Because of the motion that occurs when swinging a racket, it’s commonly referred to as tennis elbow, but anyone with a job that features repetitive arm motions may be at risk.

Tennis elbow can become a serious issue because of the pain and weakness that make it difficult to perform daily tasks. Because it’s an injury caused by repetitive motion, finding ways to decrease the inflammation and improve your biomechanics is critical.

Three natural ways to help reduce the pain associated with tennis elbow include:

Rest: Giving your arm time to rest is important to stop the cascade of inflammation and pain

Ice: Icing a few times per hour is a smart strategy to reduce pain and inflammation.

Technique: Be mindful of how you are moving your arm, use proper ergonomics, and use a brace for a short time if necessary

Tennis elbow is usually not a condition that will go away on its own. However, we’ve found two key strategies for reducing the pain associated with tennis below. First, begin an at-home exercise routine to strengthen your supporting muscles. The second is receiving adjustments, when necessary, to improve the motion and movement of your elbow joints. If you or someone you know has struggled with tennis elbow, call us so we can provide you with a plan to find relief.

In conclusion, chiropractic care is integral to the journey toward better mobility, strength, and overall well-being. It’s not only about the spine but also the care for your extremities. If you’re struggling with pain or lack of motion in your limbs, don’t let it keep you from the activities you love. Reach out to our practice today. We’re committed to helping you move better, feel better, and live a more fulfilling life. Your journey to a healthier you starts here. Remember, chiropractic care is a step towards enhanced health and pain-free life. Don’t hesitate to contact us today!

Are You At Risk for Chronic Knee Pain?

Do your knees hurt? You’re not alone. Chronic knee pain is thought to affect up to 25% of adults and can significantly limit your mobility and quality of life. Your knee is a hinge joint that primarily moves back and forth (flexion and extension) and allows some twisting or rotation. Every step you take places stress and strain on your knees, so it’s no surprise that trauma, misalignment, and degenerative changes can all take their toll.

While knee pain may not be entirely preventable, there are steps you can take to keep your knees as healthy as possible. At the top of the list is to watch your weight. For every pound you are overweight, your knees must absorb an extra 4 pounds of pressure when you walk, run or climb stairs. In addition, the cartilage in your knee is designed to last a lifetime if you take care of it.

Here are a few additional ways to keep your knees healthy and strong.

Warm-Up Before Exercising: Stretching your quadriceps and hamstrings before and after you exercise is a smart way to reduce the chance of a flare-up of knee pain.

Find Adequate Foot Support: Every step you take transfers force from the bottom of your foot to your knee. Therefore, your shoes should provide the support you need to keep your knees healthy for at least 10,000 steps per day.

Maintain a Full Range of Motion: Ensuring your low back and hips are moving freely is essential to overall knee health.

The joints of your body should have a balance of strength and flexibility through their full range of motion. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for people with back issues to struggle with knee pain after limping around for a few weeks. We encourage our patients to be proactive with their health. Use the strategies above to help reduce your chances of knee pain and be sure to schedule an appointment if you encounter any knee pain or restricted motion.

What’s the difference between your hip and SI joint

Determining the difference between hip and SI (sacroiliac) joint pain can be extremely confusing. But being able to identify which one is the culprit is crucial when you are looking to find relief. Your SI joint connects your tailbone (sacrum) and your pelvis. The SI joint is very fibrous and only moves a few millimeters. On the other hand, your hip is much less stable and allows your entire leg to move in every plane of motion.

While the hip and SI joints are very different in structure and function, they share similar pain patterns, making it difficult to tell one from the other. It’s common to have SI joint pain mimic low back pain. Bending backward usually aggravates SI joint pain due to the compression that happens in the joint as you move. Hip pain is more likely to occur when you walk or try to bring your knees to your chest.

Here are the primary differences between hip, SI joining, and low back pain:

Hip Pain: characterized by pain with walking, weight-bearing, and rotating the leg

SI Joint Pain: characterized by difficulties while standing, walking, climbing stairs, and getting out of the car.

Low Back Pain: characterized by pain that radiates into the buttock or leg and may travel down to the foot

Suppose you’ve felt discomfort and aren’t exactly sure if it’s your hip, SI joint, or low back- it’s important to schedule a complete evaluation to determine the source of your pain. This is important because our hips tend to become degenerative as we age, and if your doctor is only looking at a hip X-ray to determine a plan of care, you may find yourself getting treatment for a problem you don’t have. At our practice, we take a holistic approach to our evaluations, and our

movement assessments ensure that we can pinpoint your challenges so that you get the best care plan to live your highest quality of life.

How to find relief from shoulder pain…

Your shoulder is the most unstable and moveable joint in your body. Its wide range of motion occurs due to four primary muscles and their tendons, called the rotator cuff. If your shoulder becomes inflamed or an impingement happens, you may try to avoid using your arm to help it heal. It may surprise you that not moving can contribute to more pain or even lead to a frozen shoulder. Controlled movement is one of the best ways to heal.

The tendons are the most common source of shoulder pain. Your tendons attach the muscles of the shoulder to the bones. If a tendon becomes trapped, it can result in shoulder impingement. If a tendon becomes inflamed, you may hear it called tendinitis or bursitis. And if a tendon becomes torn, you guessed it; you have a rotator cuff tear.

Here are three of the most common reasons for shoulder pain:

Shoulder Bursitis: If the sac of fluid that cushions your shoulder becomes swollen and painful due to repetitive motions, you may have bursitis.

Shoulder Impingement: If your tendons get pinched between or under the bones of your shoulder, it can lead to impingement. Lifting overhead repetitively can cause impingement, resulting in swelling and pain.

Rotator Cuff Tear: Your rotator cuff can become damaged due to overuse, injury, or age. Tears usually cause pain when you try to lift things, and you may hear a popping sound as you move.

Your shoulder and spine work together. While it may seem like they are two completely different areas, it’s been discovered that postural abnormalities can play a significant role in your likelihood of developing shoulder pain. Maintaining a full range of motion in your shoulder and spinal joints of your neck and mid-back can help reduce your chances of dealing with shoulder pain. If you have shoulder discomfort or restricted movement, schedule a visit with us today. We’ll work to create a movement-based plan to help you find long-term relief.

How Your Daily Habits Could Be Making It Worse

The Bottom Line

Arthritis is the gradual breakdown of the cartilage that cushions your joints, and yes, it can happen anywhere—including your neck.

Neck arthritis is more common than you might think.

While arthritis is often seen as an inevitable part of aging, the truth is that the choices you make every day can influence how much it affects your life as you get older.

Why It Matters

Thinning discs, bone spurs, and other age-related changes are natural, but factors like past injuries, daily habits, and even posture play a huge role in how arthritis progresses.

Many people believe that once they’re diagnosed with arthritis, pain is inevitable.

That’s simply not true.

By making a few key changes, you can take control of your spinal health and reduce the impact of arthritis—especially in your neck.

3 Proactive Ways to Care for Your Neck

1) Keep Moving

Daily stretches and strength-building exercises help maintain mobility and keep your joints supported.

2) Adjust Your Workspace

Ergonomic tweaks—like keeping your monitor at eye level—can reduce unnecessary strain on your neck.

3) Choose Anti-Inflammatory Foods

A diet rich in whole, nutrient-dense foods can help reduce chronic inflammation linked to arthritis pain.

Next Steps

There’s no magic cure for arthritis, but small, consistent lifestyle changes can make a big difference in managing discomfort and keeping you moving.

It takes about 60 days to build a habit—why not start today?

We know you can do it!

And if you’re already dealing with neck arthritis or low back arthritis, don’t wait to seek relief.

If you’re looking for natural arthritis pain relief in Mount Pleasant, our expert team is here to help.

Let’s work together to restore your mobility and ease discomfort—naturally.

The Natural Neck Pain Solution More People Need to Know About

The Bottom Line

Here’s something worth knowing.

There’s a natural neck pain relief solution that’s not only effective but also safer than medications, injections, and surgery.

In fact, it’s recommended by many healthcare professionals and leading medical organizations as a first-line approach to managing neck pain.

So why isn’t everyone talking about it?

Good question.

Why it Matters

That solution? Chiropractic care.

Chiropractors specialize in optimizing spinal movement, including the function and alignment of the neck.

Gentle adjustments can help restore range of motion and relieve tension, reducing pain naturally.

And get this—

Even if you’ve been diagnosed with a disc herniation, chiropractic care can still be a safe and effective option.

Studies show that nearly 80% of people with a herniated disc in their neck experienced significant relief with spinal adjustments.

3 Things Most People Don’t Know About Natural Neck Pain Relief

1. Invasive Care is Not Recommended First

Medications and surgeries are often not the first recommendation due to potential side effects and risks.

2. Medical Doctors Often Refer Neck Pain Patients to Chiropractors

Trusted healthcare organizations support chiropractic adjustments for neck issues.

3. Studies Support Conservative Care

Recent studies have shown that chiropractic care can provide more relief than steroid injections for disc-related neck pain.

Next Steps

Whether your neck pain is new or something you’ve been dealing with for years, the key to relief is identifying the root cause.

That’s where we come in.

Our team has the experience, tools, and expertise to assess what’s going on and provide personalized care to help you feel your best.

So, if you or someone you know is struggling with neck pain, it’s time to connect with a neck pain specialist in Mount Pleasant.

We’d love to help—give us a call today!

Why Your Neck Hurts (and What to Do About It)

The Bottom Line

Your head weighs about 11 pounds—roughly the same as a bowling ball.

Now, imagine holding that weight in your hands all day, every day.

That’s exactly what your neck does, and it’s no surprise that discomfort can creep in over time.

The muscles and joints in your neck work together to keep your head balanced and mobile, but poor posture, injuries, or arthritis can throw that harmony off—leading to the kind of pain that has you searching for neck pain causes.

Why it Matters

If you’ve ever woken up with a stiff neck or felt a sharp pain when turning your head, you know how disruptive neck discomfort can be.

Those sudden spasms aren’t random—they’re your body’s way of protecting a joint that isn’t moving as it should.

Your neck is made up of small sliding joints called facet joints.

When these joints become restricted, your body compensates, leading to stiffness, tightness, and pain.

The good news?

Addressing the root cause can help prevent flare-ups and provide lasting relief.

3 Things to Know About Neck Pain Relief

1) Understand the Common Causes

Postural habits, injuries, and arthritis can all contribute to neck pain.

2) Understand the Movement

Restricted facet joints can lead to muscle spasms and discomfort.

3) Think Conservative Care

Targeted movement, gentle spinal adjustments, and daily stretching can restore motion and reduce pain.

Next Steps

Your body is always sending signals—neck stiffness is its way of saying, “Something’s off.”

Even if your discomfort comes and goes, taking action early can help prevent bigger issues down the road.

We specialize in natural neck pain relief and can help you move and feel better, whether you’re dealing with ongoing pain or just want to keep your neck in top shape.

If you’re ready to stop wondering why your neck hurts, let’s get you back to feeling great.

Schedule an appointment with our team in Mount Pleasant today!

Say Goodbye to Your Stiff Neck: Simple Solutions That Work

The Bottom Line

Around 20% of people experience neck discomfort daily

That nagging, stiff neck?

It’s often a sign that your daily habits are taking a toll on your muscles and joints.

Between working at a desk, scrolling on phones, and binge-watching shows, most of us spend hours in positions that strain our necks.

When your neck muscles don’t get the support they need, the extra stress shifts to your spine—altering movement, increasing tension, and, over time, leading to persistent pain.

The symptoms can vary widely.

Why it Matters

A stiff neck doesn’t just appear out of nowhere—it’s often the result of muscle fatigue and joint restrictions caused by prolonged poor posture.

That added strain can make it harder for your neck to move freely, leading to discomfort when you turn your head or even just wake up in the morning.

So, if you’re wondering how to find stiff neck relief, try these three simple strategies.

3 Simple Strategies to Relieve a Stiff Neck

1) Stretch and strengthen daily.

Gentle range-of-motion exercises help keep your neck flexible and strong, reducing stiffness.

2) Upgrade your pillow.

A supportive pillow that fits your sleeping style can help maintain a neutral spine position overnight.

3) Prioritize movement.

Chiropractic adjustments can improve neck mobility and ensure your spinal joints are functioning as they should.

Next Steps

Small, consistent changes can make a world of difference when it comes to finding lasting relief from neck stiffness—and we’re here to help!

Our team focuses on more than just adjustments.

We provide tailored exercises and lifestyle recommendations to help you keep moving and feeling great between visits.

If neck pain has been slowing you down and you’re looking for natural neck pain solutions in Mount Pleasant schedule an appointment today.

You’ll be glad you did!

Try These 3 Chiropractor-Approved Tips for Reducing Holiday Stress

Bottom Line:

We all know someone who gets sick around the holidays every year.

Are they just unlucky?

Well, while it probably would have helped if someone had shared some tips for reducing holiday stress like those we’re about to share with you…

Thankfully, luck doesn’t have anything to do with it!

Our bodies are designed to be healthy and resilient, and research indicates that our daily choices may be the most crucial factor in our ability to stay well.

Why it Matters:

Managing our daily choices well = managing our daily stresses well = staying well.

If you’re looking for a wellness center stress management program in Mount Pleasant, be sure to remember that.

The most reliable and effective tips for reducing holiday stress are based on this logic.

Think about it.

Each day, our bodies are tasked with handling our chemical, physical, and emotional stresses in order to protect and maintain an optimal state of health.

That includes what goes into our bodies, how we use our bodies, and any changes we make to our habits in response to stressful situations.

Each is vitally important.

Our Top 3 Tips for Reducing Holiday Stress This Year

Aging, healing, and your entire life experience happen through a constant concert of communication and coordination between your brain and body.

Knowing that, here are 3 steps you can take today to give yourself better health as we head into a new year…

1. Daily Movement: Exercise is an essential way to keep your mind and body fit over the holidays.

2. Mental Moments: Each day, set aside time to pause, decompress and count your blessings.

3. Portion Planning: Try to plan and balance your meals so you give yourself the best shot at avoiding any extra empty calories or foods that may lead to added inflammation.

Now, we admit, at first glance, our list of tips for reducing holiday stress can seem incredibly obvious – you’ve heard these same tips time and time again.

Those who have come to us looking for a wellness center stress management program in Mount Pleasant have said as much when we first met them in our practice.

And perhaps that’s exactly why so many of us tend to ignore them or just otherwise put these essential fundamentals of our own self-care on the backburner.

Allow us to put a “bow” on that list to better put their importance in perspective.

“Your body’s ability to heal is greater than anyone has permitted you to believe.”

Your body truly does have an incredible innate ability to adapt, change, and heal, and it all starts with prioritizing those daily habits that lay the groundwork for your good health.

Next Steps:

Staying healthy this holiday season is more than attainable.

Your habits and the choices you make each day can either enhance or reduce your body’s ability to feel and work at its best.

Your diet and daily exercise and self-care routines play a huge role in your well-being, so take a few minutes each day to be proactive with your healthy habits.

Managing your daily stresses with these tips for reducing holiday stress – and really all stress – are great ways to get started.

And if you need help…

If you’ve been looking for a wellness center stress management program in Mount Pleasant…

We hope you’ll give us a call.

Our team is always a call or a click away, and we’re here for you!