Symmetry Health Chiropractic

Symmetry Health Chiropractic Center Helping with TMJ

If you are suffering from temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), you are not alone. In the United States alone, 10 million people suffer from it. Some think it is pain they must learn to deal with while others find some relief from self-care. What are the symptoms of TMJ, and how should they be handled? Are there any natural ways to care for this condition?

Is it TMJ?

TMJ comes from the temporomandibular joint that connects the lower jaw to the head and allows people to make facial expressions, chew, and talk. The symptoms are:

Pain that comes from the jaw area, neck, or face
A grating, clicking, or popping sound that happens with jaw movement
The top and bottom teeth do not line up properly (not because of orthodontic problems)
Jaw muscles that become stiff
Inability to move the jaw easily

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and TMJ download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.

At-Home Remedies for TMJ

Some suggestions to ease the pain of TMJ when it flares up are:

Cut back on stress: Jaw pain has been linked to stress. Employing stress-relieving techniques may help with pain.
Do some stretching: Gently stretching the jaw can restore the ability to move the jaw better.
Eat soft foods: This allows time for the jaw to recover.
Limit wide jaw movements: Avoid singing and similar activities for some time.
Ice it: Use an ice pack covered with a towel to reduce swelling.

Seek Professional Help for TMJ

Here at our Cedar Park, Texas office, we help our TMJ patients cope with their pain by addressing what may be the root cause: a misalignment in the upper bones of the neck. If the atlas or axis (the top two bones of the spine) are out of place by just ¼ of a millimeter, they can be placing pressure on the brainstem, causing it to send improper signals. This can lead to jaw and facial pain. We use a gentle method to correct this problem and often see positive results in our patients.

To schedule a complimentary consultation call our Cedar Park, TX office at 512-331-7422 You can also click the button below.

The Connection Between Migraines and Neck Pain

It is a common complaint of those suffering from migraines to have neck pain accompanying it. Research reported on by the National Headache Foundation revealed that 38% of migraine sufferers also had neck pain either before or after a migraine. And, 31% report having neck pain at the same time as a migraine. This means overall, 69% of those with migraines also have neck pain.

Reasons for Neck Pain

Neck pain can be caused by tightness in the muscles of the neck and shoulder that can negatively affect the nerves of the upper cervical spine. This is called a cervicogenic headache. Something causes the nerves to get stimulated and as they reach up into the head and become irritated, thus causing migraines. The tight muscles of the neck and shoulders can be stress-related, either emotional or physical.

One’s environment can play a big role in causing stress. Some suggestions to keep anxiety at a minimum are:

Spend time doing something enjoyable
Make time to relax and have some quiet
Eat a healthy, balanced diet
Do exercises that reduce stress – breathing exercises are helpful
Deal positively with stress as often as possible

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and migraines download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.

Finding Long-Lasting Help for Migraines

The above-mentioned ideas may be helpful, but sometimes more is needed to help alleviate migraines. The next step may be to consult an upper cervical chiropractic professional. We understand that the root cause of migraines must be addressed to find relief. This often comes in the form of a misaligned atlas bone.

The atlas is the top bone of the spine and, if out of place, can interrupt signals being sent via the brainstem between the brain and body. The brainstem is part of the central nervous system and, if it malfunctions, all sorts of problems in the body can develop.

We use a gentle method to help the atlas bone realign naturally. This restores communication and may be the answer to long-term migraine relief. Some see their migraines go away entirely.

To schedule a complimentary consultation call our Cedar Park, TX office at 512-331-7422 You can also click the button below.

Relieving Sciatica Through Proper Spinal Alignment

The pain of sciatica can be anywhere from mild to severe and is quite unpleasant. It is most often due to pressure being put on the sciatic nerve that travels from the lumbar spine through the buttocks and branches off into each leg. What are some common symptoms one experiences with sciatica?

A sensation of pins and needles or burning and tingling usually in one leg only
Pain in the area of the buttocks that feels more intense upon standing, sitting, or squatting
Numbness, difficulty with movement, and weakness in the leg and possibly the foot

What Causes Sciatica?

Spinal problems – cancer, arthritis, or inflammation
Increased weight due to pregnancy or obesity
Injury to the muscles
Poor posture
Issues with the discs of the back

What’s the Next Step?

Most people start out by visiting a primary care doctor. It is often recommended that they try one of the following:

Over-the-counter medication, such as NSAIDs
Epidural steroids
Muscle relaxers

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and back pain download our complimentary e-book Natural and Drug-Free Ways to End Your Back Pain and Sciatica by clicking the image below.

While these have been shown to provide temporary relief, they are accompanied by harmful side effects, and they do not address the underlying cause of sciatica. Therefore, it is likely to return. A connection has been noted by professionals between improper spinal alignment and the pain of sciatica. Having the spine in optimum working order is a must to avoid sciatica and other health problems related to bad posture.

How Does NUCCA Help Sciatica?

One may wonder why correcting the bones of the neck can lead to healing in the lower back. This is due to the fact that it only takes a misalignment of ¼ of a millimeter in one of the top two bones of the neck to wreak havoc on the entire spine. The rest of the spine must compensate for this misalignment. That means the spine may move out of alignment and create pressure on the sciatic nerve.

Here at Symmetry Health Chiropractic, we use a gentle method to help the bones move back into place. The body can then begin to repair the damage, and many patients report seeing improvement in their sciatica.

To schedule a complimentary consultation call our Cedar Park, TX office at 512-331-7422 You can also click the button below.

Tackling Migraines Through Proper Spinal Alignment

It may be hard to tell if someone is having a migraine or another kind of a headache. Therefore, we are going to take a look at some of the common symptoms of migraines and where to find a natural, long-lasting solution for migraines and other headache types.

Is It a Migraine?

Here are some things to watch out for if a person suspects he is having a migraine:

Aura: While this does not occur in all people with migraines, for those who have it, it is often a visual disturbance of some sort – flashing light, seeing spots, or blind spots – occurring 5 to 20 minutes before the onset of head pain
Affects one side of the head (sometimes): Migraines often occur with single-sided pain. If one has a feeling of a vice-like grip on both sides of the head, he may have a tension headache.
Throbbing or pounding pain: Usually the pain is moderate to severe and can cause one to have to lie down until it passes, interfering with daily routines.
Nausea and/or vomiting
Sensitivity to light, sound, and odors

When one goes to his primary care physician for help with migraines he will more-than-likely be told to do the following:

Take an over-the-counter or prescription pain medication
Use a journal to track and then avoid possible triggers
Eat on a regular basis so as not to let blood sugar get low
Get sufficient rest
Reduce stress

While these are all great ideas to have fewer migraines and cope with them when one hits, wouldn’t it be better to find out what is causing them and correct this problem?

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and migraines download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.

Caring for Migraines the Natural Way in Cedar Park, Texas

It has been observed that a misalignment in the bones of the upper neck – the C1 or C2 vertebra – can be the cause of migraines and other types of headaches. If these bones are out of place by just a ¼ of a millimeter, they can stress the brainstem and lead to migraine headaches.

Here at Symmetry Health Chiropractic Center, we have been trained to find these tiny misalignments and correct them by using a gentle method. This leads many to see fewer and less intense migraines, while others see them go away completely after only a few visits.

To schedule a complimentary consultation call our Cedar Park, TX office at 512-331-7422 You can also click the button below.

An Uncommon & Effective Sciatica Solution in Cedar Park, TX

Sciatica is a common condition that is characterized by pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the largest and longest nerve in the body. It branches from nerves in the lower back and from there, travels down through the hips, buttocks, and back of each leg.

There can be a number of reasons why the sciatic nerve can become irritated and cause you pain or discomfort. The more common reasons include lumbar disc degeneration, narrowing of the spinal canal, or piriformis syndrome.
To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and back pain download our complimentary e-book Natural and Drug-Free Ways to End Your Back Pain and Sciatica by clicking the image below.

The Sciatic Nerve and the Neck

The uncommon approach that has seen much success in addressing sciatica is upper cervical chiropractic care. With upper cervical care, we address misalignments that occur at the very top of the spine at its most freely movable segments, the atlas (C1) and axis (C2). These vertebrae support the weight of the head as well as protect the brainstem, a critical part of our central nervous system.

When the head is carried off center because of an upper cervical misalignment, the rest of the body must compensate for this. To correct for a head that is not being supported properly, the shoulders and hips will become uneven, and this will create an imbalance in how your weight is carried. This can cause a tremendous amount of stress and strain on the lower back, and can also create unequal muscle tension from left to right. Unequal muscle tension can cause low back spasms and can ultimately put pressure on the sciatic nerve that travels from the lower back, down through the buttocks and back of each leg.

While it may seem logical on the surface that the problem is in the lower back since that’s where the pain is, the primary source of the problem is actually a neck issue. By correcting the original cause, the compensations throughout the rest of the spine are reduced, relieving pressure on the sciatic nerve and bringing much-needed relief.
To schedule a complimentary consultation call our Cedar Park, TX office at 512-331-7422 You can also click the button below.

How Cedar Park, TX Residents Are Regaining Balance After Vertigo

When one experiences a vertigo attack, it can be extremely frightening. He may feel as if the room around him or the things in it are spinning and many have a hard time maintaining balance. Vertigo episodes are often accompanied by:

Nausea and/or vomiting
Sweating
Tinnitus – ringing in the ears
Headaches

In order to understand why vertigo happens, it is important to understand how the balance system of the body works. The brain receives signals about where the body is located in its environment from the inner ear, the eyes, and sensors located in the body’s joints. If one of these systems is not working properly, the others will take over and try to compensate. However, if vertigo occurs, something may be causing these signals to become distorted and send false information to the brain about the body’s position.
To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and vertigo download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.

Vertigo and Improper Spinal Alignment

One thing connected to the onset of vertigo is a misalignment in the upper bones of the neck. If this misalignment causes a disturbance in the signals that are being relayed to the brain, vertigo can ensue. Here at Symmetry Health Chiropractic Center, we examine the connection between the upper bones of the neck – the C1 and C2 vertebrae – and the nerves because we recognize this may be the very thing that is causing a problem in the signals going to the brain. The C1 (atlas) is very susceptible to misalignment due to simple trips and falls, mild trauma, or daily wear and tear.

We use a gentle procedure to help the bones move back into proper place without forcing or cracking the spine. Once this issue is corrected, pressure is relieved from the brainstem, and proper signals can once again begin flowing to and from the brain and body. This is often all that is needed to see an improvement in or elimination of vertigo symptoms. To schedule a complimentary consultation call our Cedar Park, TX office at 512-331-7422 You can also click the button below.

Misalignments in the Neck Linked to Vertigo

Vertigo is the sensation that a person or the things around him are spinning. It often hits suddenly with no previous warning and can cause a person to have to lie down until the feeling passes. It may disturb one’s entire day and can cause a person to live in fear of when the next episode will strike.

What are some factors that may make one more susceptible to vertigo?

Medications for depression and high blood pressure, among others, have vertigo as a side effect
Heart problems such as heart disease and hypertension
An ear infection
Trauma, such as a concussion or whiplash, that affects the head or neck

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and vertigo download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.

How Spinal Misalignments Cause Vertigo

One may find it odd to think that a misalignment of the neck can lead to symptoms of vertigo. However, more and more research is leading scientists and doctors to agree that there is a strong link to vertigo and an atlas misalignment. One particular case tells the story of a 23-year-old woman who had experienced a concussion followed by episodes of vertigo. After two months of upper cervical chiropractic care and only one adjustment to her atlas, she was greatly improved. In fact, she saw her vertigo go away completely.

Upper cervical chiropractors are specifically trained to find and correct problems with the atlas. At Symmetry Health Chiropractic Center, we use an extremely gentle technique called NUCCA that does not require popping or twisting the neck or spine. Rather, NUCCA adjustments encourage the bones to move back into their natural position on their own. The body then takes over by healing the damage incurred from the misalignment. This can reduce pressure on the brainstem and restore proper communication to and from the brain and body. Once this is done, many patients see their vertigo go away or at least improve significantly. To schedule a complimentary consultation call our Cedar Park, TX office at 512-331-7422 You can also click the button below.

TMJ Problems and Neck Problems – Are They Related?

Your jaw joint, or TMJ, is one of the more complex joints in the body. It acts as both a hinge to open and shut, as well as being able to glide from side to side. Apart from the joint itself, there is a disc within the joint and many muscles connected to the jaw that work to control its movements. Problems with jaw function can arise from any of these parts of the jaw, and the array of symptoms can include:

Jaw pain or tenderness
Earaches
Difficulty with chewing or talking
Aching pains in the face
Headaches
Neck pain

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and TMJ download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.

Common Treatment Options for TMJ Pain

Most often, TMJ treatments are either recommended by a doctor or dentist. Pain relievers, muscle relaxants, and anti-inflammatories are all common medications used. Dentists might also recommend special mouth guards to help with pain and to protect teeth from those who grind or clench. In very severe cases of TMJ, some patients are recommended for surgery to address problems within the joint.

How Upper Cervical Chiropractic Can Help

A possibility for a natural solution lies in upper cervical chiropractic care. Upper cervical care focuses on the uppermost vertebra in the neck, the atlas. The atlas actually sits in very close proximity to the jaw joints on either side of the face. Even a slight misalignment of the atlas can affect the resting position of the jaw and can also cause uneven tightening of the muscles of the face. This can result in pain, discomfort, and dysfunction of the jaw. Because of this misalignment, people may also experience neck pain in conjunction with their jaw problem.

If you are suffering from TMJ pain or dysfunction, come see us at Symmetry Health Chiropractic Center for a no-obligation consultation. Something as simple and gentle as getting your atlas realigned can help you to experience relief and regain your normal jaw function.
To schedule a complimentary consultation call our Cedar Park, TX office at 512-331-7422 You can also click the button below.

A Natural Solution for TMJ Syndrome

The abbreviation TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint and is made up of the jaw bone, the articular disc, and the temporal bone. TMJ syndrome is known for clicking in the jaw, muscle strain headaches, and painful chewing. The following are some common reasons TMJ pain occurs:

Degenerative joint disease: This happens after the TMJ has been misaligned for a long period of time and arthritic changes have begun to take place.
Myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome: Increased muscle tension and spasms result in TMJ issues.
Internal derangement: This occurs when there is a mechanical issue in the joint – usually with the location of the articulating disc.

What are some common ways to care for TMJ?

Wearing a splint
Ice
NSAID pain relievers
Surgery

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and TMJ download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.

How Upper Cervical Chiropractic Helps TMJ

When dealing with TMJ, it is vital to find the root cause. This is often linked to a misalignment in the upper bones of the neck. The spinal cord has the responsibility of sending messages to and from the brain and body. Keeping the spinal cord in good working order is extremely important to the proper function of the body. If a misalignment has occurred in the top bone of the spine – the atlas or C1 – pressure is created on the spinal cord. The result of this is that the messages being sent are now hindered. This can cause pain in the head or face, muscle tension, and other symptoms of TMJ.

By using a specific technique that was developed specifically to care for this bone, upper cervical chiropractors can provide help for those suffering from TMJ. The method is extremely gentle and is directed toward correcting the specific bone that is out of alignment. When this is accomplished, stress on the spinal cord is eliminated, restoring communication within the body. But does it really work?

A 35-year-old man was suffering from TMJ pain and had problems opening his jaw. After seeking the care of an upper cervical chiropractor, he could open his jaw and the muscle tenderness in his face went away. We try to produce similar results for our patients.
To schedule a complimentary consultation call our Cedar Park, TX office at 512-331-7422 You can also click the button below.

Unhealthy Sleep Patterns Related to Migraines

Migraines can be incapacitating to those who suffer from them. They can disrupt one’s life and interfere with normal daily activities. This is true whether they occur occasionally or on a more regular basis. The majority of people are aware of certain food triggers. What some do not realize is that poor sleep habits can also contribute to the onset of a migraine, and this is a far more common trigger than any food or drink. Developing good, consistent sleep patterns can help one experience fewer, less intense migraines.

Why Does Sleep Matter for Migraines?

If one is not sleeping well, neurotransmitters – serotonin and dopamine to be precise – are not in proper balance, leading to migraine headaches. Drifting into REM sleep (the deepest stage of sleep) is when serotonin and dopamine are created. Therefore, studies reveal that improper amounts of sleep hinder the production of these neurotransmitters creating the right environment for more frequent and severe migraines to occur.

It is the endocrine system that is responsible for producing dopamine and serotonin. The nervous system controls the endocrine system and, in turn, coordinates the proper function of all systems within the body. If a misalignment has occurred in one of the top bones of the neck, undue pressure is placed on the brainstem, creating improper signals being sent to and from the brain affecting the nervous system.

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and migraines download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.

Relieving Migraines Naturally in Cedar Park, Texas

At Symmetry Health Chiropractic Center, we use a specialized technique to examine the top two bones of the upper neck closely. If a misalignment – also called a subluxation – is present here, it can be the underlying cause of migraine headaches. We then employ a gentle, precise method that encourages the bones to move back into place without the force of popping or twisting the spine. This allows the body to take over and repair any damage done to muscles or tissue. Migraines have been seen to lessen in intensity after just a couple of adjustments. Some see them go away completely once the spine is in proper alignment.
To schedule a complimentary consultation call our Cedar Park, TX office at 512-331-7422 You can also click the button below.