Cervicogenic Headaches

Pain in the head can be caused by dysfunction in the spinal column. At the Central Virginia Chiropractic Center in Lynchburg, we use safe, comfortable treatments for headaches that originate from elsewhere in the body, including those that originate in the neck. These are called cervicogenic or cervical headaches.

There are different kinds of headaches that can be related to tension in the neck. Cervicogenic headaches are those which are first felt in the back of the head and then radiate outward. They are often felt on just one side and are associated with difficulty turning the head, although they tend to occur after the head has been still for a long time. Some people also become especially sensitive to bright lights and loud noise.

When a patient comes to us suffering from what sounds like a cervicogenic headache, we’ll run imaging tests in an attempt to learn more about the cause. There could be tumors or an infection in the spine, but the problem is often a pinched nerve or damaged disc. We can help to fix these problems with treatments such as spinal adjustments and physical therapy and can ease the pain with cryotherapy.

Dr. Darlene Holland operates Central Virginia Chiropractic Center, Inc. at 7327 Timberlake Rd, Lynchburg, Virginia, 24502. To schedule an appointment, visit Central Virginia Chiropractic or call 434-237-0413.

 

Spinal Anatomy

The guiding principle at the Central Virginia Chiropractic Center is that patient pain can be relieved by freeing up misaligned joints and bones. In order for patients to understand and comply with their treatment, it is important for them to feel they have an understanding of it. That’s why we’re supplying this run-down of spinal anatomy.

The “backbone” actually consists of dozens of vertebrae. At its lowest part are two groups of vertebrae, the sacrum and coccyx, which are fused together. The other twenty-four vertebrae are separated by spongy, shock-absorbing discs, with the exception of the two at the top, which control head movements. The top seven vertebrae are the cervical bones, or neck bones. There are twelve thoracic vertebrae which make up the upper back, and five lumbar vertebrae which make up the lower back. Vertebrae have an arch-shaped ridge protruding from their backs. The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves which runs through the canal made by these arches.

When the spinal cord is compressed, the body is adversely affected. Nerves to other parts of the body branch off from the spinal cord, so a problem in the spine could also cause problems in a different part of the body. Inflammation and breaks in the discs separating the vertebrae can also cause back pain.

Dr. Darlene Holland operates Central Virginia Chiropractic Center, Inc. at 7327 Timberlake Rd, Lynchburg, Virginia, 24502. To schedule an appointment, visit Central Virginia Chiropractic or call 434-237-0413.

 

Acute Pain

Most of us are no strangers to pain. After all, pain is a part of life. Acute pain lets you know that you’ve been hurt and usually doesn’t last long. Acute pain lasts less than 3 to 6 months but this is still a long time to suffer. If you experience ongoing pain related to your soft tissues or muscle groups, schedule a consultation with Dr. Darlene Holland, D.C. of Central Virginia Chiropractic Center, Inc.

The main characteristic of acute pain is that it doesn’t last long. For example, if you burn yourself on the stove, the pain usually lasts up to a few days, if not a few hours. When the injury heals and you continue having pain beyond the time of expected recovery, that is when pain becomes chronic and that is what you want to avoid. Dr. Darlene Holland D.C. will be able to diagnose the cause of your pain and discuss treatment options with you.

If you have questions or concerns regarding acute pain management, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.centralvachiro.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Darlene Holland, D.C. of Central Virginia Chiropractic Center, Inc. in Lynchburg, VA, call 434-237-0413.

Characteristics of Chronic Pain

If you suffer from a condition such as arthritis or perhaps you’ve been injured in a sport or an auto accident, you may feel pain as a sting, a burn, a tingle, or an ache. When this pain lasts for weeks or months, it’s important to seek treatment before it lasts for years. Dr. Darlene Holland, D.C. of Central Virginia Chiropractic Center, Inc. can treat chronic pain and get you comfortably back on your feet.

Chronic pain may range from mild to severe and common conditions that cause it are past injuries, surgeries, migraines, or nerve damage. The pain may feel like a dull ache, throbbing, burning, soreness, or stiffness. If chronic pain is left untreated, the problem will only get worse over time and this may lead to more invasive treatment. If you experience pain that lasts more than one week, give us a call to discuss your treatment options.

If you have questions or concerns regarding chronic pain management, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.centralvachiro.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Darlene Holland, D.C. of Central Virginia Chiropractic Center, Inc. in Lynchburg, VA, call 434-237-0413.

Reasons for Shoulder Pain

If you have limited mobility in your shoulder, Dr. Darlene Holland, D.C. of Central Virginia Chiropractic Center, Inc. can offer a variety of treatment options to increase your range-of-motion and restore the shoulder back to its normal function.  If your arms feel weak, or it becomes difficult to get dressed in the morning, it’s best to rule out any underlying conditions, such as frozen shoulder, bursitis, or a rotator cuff tear.

Anyone can injure his or her shoulder by performing manual labor, playing sports, or by repetitive movement. The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint that has three man bones. When these bones experience trauma, it may become painful and may cause the shoulder to become stiff. In many cases, you can treat shoulder pain at home, but when it becomes chronic, it’s time to seek treatment from Dr. Holland.

If you have questions or concerns regarding shoulder pain management, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.centralvachiro.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Darlene Holland, D.C. of Central Virginia Chiropractic Center, Inc. in Lynchburg, VA, call 434-237-0413.

Auto Accidents and Chiropractic Treatment

When someone is involved in a car accident that isn’t a major collision, it may seem more like a nuisance than trauma.  We typically worry more about being late for work or an insurance claim, and don’t always stop to assess what damage may have been done to our bodies. At Central Virginia Chiropractic Center, Inc., we know some drivers and passengers feel the effects of whiplash injuries immediately following an accident, while others may walk away not feeling injured and experience pain later. This is why Dr. Darlene Holland, D.C. should always be seen for evaluation.

Whiplash occurs when a person’s head moves backward and then forward very suddenly with great force, causing the tendons and ligaments in your neck to tear. The most common site of pain and stiffness for passengers involved in an accident are the neck and back.  A chiropractor can evaluate these injuries, as well as treat damage to both hard and soft tissue. Depending on a patient’s evaluation the chiropractor may perform an adjustment or assign exercises to help heal a particular injury.  If you have been involved in a car accident of any severity, please contact us. 

To learn more about all the services we provide, visit www.centralvachiro.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Darlene Holland, D.C. of Central Virginia Chiropractic Center, Inc. in Lynchburg, VA, call 434-237-0413.

Common Causes of Neck Pain

Neck pain can stem from a variety of causes – sleeping in the wrong position, whiplash from an automobile accident or a slipped disc. It’s important for Dr. Darlene Holland, D.C. of Central Virginia Chiropractic Center, Inc. to correctly diagnose your neck pain, so she can develop an individualized treatment plan to provide you with relief. If you experience a dull aching that is persistent in your neck area, schedule a consultation, today.

Neck pain may be worsened by a sudden movement of the neck, or by turning the head in a certain direction. Depending on the cause, a person may feel numbness, tingling, tenderness, or a sharp-shooting pain in the area. Because the neck is the ultimate network of nerves, bones, joints, and muscles directed by the brain and the spinal cord, you should never let neck pain go untreated. Address the issue before it gets worse.

If you have questions or concerns regarding neck pain management, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.centralvachiro.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Darlene Holland, D.C. of Central Virginia Chiropractic Center, Inc. in Lynchburg, VA, call 434-237-0413.