Dr. Jeffery Patrick Jones, D.C,

The first thing is to report it to your supervisor and the Human Resources Dept. This is not legal advice, but it may be covered under workman's comp. Next is stay away from the heating pad. It appears that the muscles in your back are inflamed and heat will make it worse. The first 48 to 72 hours use nothing but ice packs 3-4x a day for 15-20 minutes. Do not put the ice directly on the skin, use a towel. Therapeutic ice packs can cause burns if not used properly. Hot baths with Epsom salts is okay to relieve soreness. After the first 2-3 days, use a contrast therapy of ice 15 min., heat 15 min., ice 15 min. 3x a day. Also, during the entire time, avoid sitting for extended periods. Walk and do light stretches, but not to the point of sharp pain. If this does not seem to show signs of improvement after the first 2 days, see your chiropractor.

Chiropractic care has proven to be very effective with sciatica. It is commonly caused by two conditions that sometimes occur at the same time but not often, lumbopelvic misalignment and/or a disc problem. The sciatic nerve is formed by 5 spinal nerves, 2 from the lumbar spine and 3 from the sacrum (tailbone). Chiropractic treatment can alleviate the pain and keep it under control. Once the condition is under control it is possible it can flare up on occasions but usually one or two follow up treatments will take care of it.

I believe you will have better results with chiropractic. Massage is an adjunct to chiropractic treatment for lower back pain. Massage alone, in my opinion, will not provide the long-lasting results that you are looking for.

No.

No one is too young for chiropractic care. It is the best time to have regular chiropractic check-ups. My youngest patient was less than 3 weeks old.

Yes. Chiropractic manipulation can be helpful in relieving the symptoms. Spondylitis is a term that is sometimes used when all other findings are negative. A general diagnosis for inflammation of the spine. Chiropractic in conjunction with myofascial release and stretching exercises can result in satisfying results.

Yes. SI joint pain is the result of joint fixation (loss of normal motion). Chiropractic manipulation to increase mobilization is very effective.

Chiropractic is very effective in treating sciatica which is a very common side affect of pregnancy. During pregnancy the alignment of the lumbar spine and pelvic area are altered due to increased forward weight bearing. Because of this certain joints, specifically the sacroiliacs, become subluxated (fixated) and lose normal mobility. This in turn increases tension of the piriformis muscle under which the sciatic nerve courses down into the leg. Chiropractic manipulation to the sacroiliac joints to increase their mobility releases this tension therefore relieving the sciatica. You must be patient. Depending on the longevity of your condition it may take several treatments to obtain substantial relief.

Three things. One is a lift brace which is specifically made for use on the job. You can find them online, Lowes or Home Depot. If not used correctly it will have an adverse affect and make your back weaker in the long run. It has suspenders and 2 closures. The first is like a cumber bun on a tux. Only secure it like a belt, not tight. The second involves 2 elastic bands, one on each side. When you get ready to lift pull those 2 tight and secure them in the front. Once you finish lifting loosen them. If you do not follow this procedure to use it correctly your back muscles will become weaker and dependent on the brace. Second, use your legs and not your back. If you have ever watched professional weight lifters they square their legs up under them before they lift. Third, do not bend your back when setting the weight down, use your legs and squat. This will be difficult at first until your legs become stronger. Also, because you have not been using your legs there will be some cramping for a couple of weeks, especially at night. Get some pediolyte popsicles and eat one twice a day to replace electrolytes in your body. Dill pickles, bananas and oranges are also helpful for a snack during your break at work.

Chiropractors have a great reputation and success with auto accident injuries. Even though you didn't break anything the G forces a body sustains from these types of accidents not only strains muscles and ligaments, it also disrupts the normal biomechanical workings of the spine. It will only get worse the longer it remains unattended and the longer it will take to get better.

Chiropractors treat herniated discs with traction of the lower back in conjunction with spinal manipulation. We have had good results also using spinal decompression.

Yes they can. Numerous studies have shown chiropractic adjustments to be more effective and less costly than other types of treatment. Medications are just treating the symptoms and not the cause. Chiropractors are sympathetic to the patient's pain but they look for the cause. Correct the cause relieve the symptom.

The main side effect to an adjustment is muscle soreness, which only lasts for a short time. Also, with the initial week or two of treatment, some conditions seem to become a little worse before they get better, which is normal. Most pain comes from nerve irritation, which reduces function. Once that function begins to return, there may be that type of reaction. If you have ever had your leg go to sleep, it doesn't work until it wakes up and the waking-up process can be slightly painful.

It is possible depending on where on the spine the adjustment was made. I would immediately go back to my chiropractor and inform him of what is going on.

This can be caused by irregular bowel movements. Normal is at least once a day. I have seen through my practice that irritation to the 1st, 2nd or 3rd lumbar nerve can cause this because that is the nerve control for the large intestine. That being the case a chiropractor can help.

You may have a floater. A piece of cartilage that has broken loose and moves around. See an orthopedic.

Definitely. I am a migraine survivor. Haven't had one in over 40 years since I started having chiropractic care. That is one thing that got me interested in becoming one.

Definitely. Used to have them myself until I sought chiropractic treatment. No migraines for 40+ years.

Yes, it can be a chronic reoccurring condition but it is controllable with regular chiropractic care. I was in your situation as a young college student. Once I started seeing my chiropractor and followed his instructions I have experienced maybe a dozen episodes over the last 40+ years and they were all relieved in less than 2 hours after a chiropractic manipulation.

Did you injure that ankle in the past? It could be weakness and instability of the ligaments. Also, it could be lack of good support. Go to www.footlevelers.com and look for a chiropractor that uses their product. Custom made orthotics may be your answer.