As we get older, staying healthy and active becomes more important than ever. Even though your muscles and bones may not be as strong as they once were, you can still enjoy a full, normal life taking part in the activities that you enjoy. Unfortunately, many seniors experience problems such as chronic pain and other physical issues caused by age-related deterioration of the body. The good news is that chiropractic care offers numerous benefits for the aging population, from a reduced risk of falls to enhanced mobility. Here are some of these benefits.

Pain Relief

Chiropractic care is an extremely safe and effective way to treat the pain that can accompany many age-related spinal conditions. One reason that this therapy is so effective is that chronic pain is often related to abnormalities of the spine itself or the surrounding soft tissues. Chiropractors are trained specifically to identify and treat spine misalignments to address their effect on the body. In addition to causing a range of unpleasant side effects, pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs simply mask painful symptoms. Chiropractic care treats the underlying issue, reducing the need for such medications.

Improved Range of Motion

Chiropractic care is known to increase the range of motion, not only in the spine but in the extremities as well. Maximizing a person’s range of motion improves their quality of life in many ways. For example, an improved range of motion may mean the ability to garden without pain, bend down to pick up grandchildren or play golf with the guys again. In many cases, patients experience an increased range of motion immediately following their chiropractic treatments. Incidentally, many pro sports teams have their own chiropractors for this very reason.

Reduced Fall Risk

Falls that result in injuries are extremely common among older individuals. In fact, according to the CDC, 30 million adults fall every year, leading to some 30,000 deaths. One out of every five falls results in a serious injury, and 300,000 adults are hospitalized each year for hip fractures. More than 95 % of these hip fractures are caused by falling. Chiropractic care can reduce these risks through the administration of chiropractic adjustments that normalize the cervical spine. Chiropractors can also prescribe specific exercises and stretches designed to boost strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, and mobility.

Reduced Primary Care Costs

Receiving regular chiropractic treatments can help seniors cut down on the number of primary care visits they’ll need, reducing overall healthcare costs. Furthermore, chiropractic care may even help keep patients out of nursing homes for longer by improving strength, mobility, and overall well-being. People who receive chiropractic care are more likely to be active, less likely to be hospitalized, and less likely to require full-time care in a nursing home.

At Redefine Healthcare, we offer a range of chiropractic services, pain management, physical therapy, sports medicine, and more. We happily accept Medicare and help many elderly individuals regain their independence and quality of life. With chiropractic services now available in both our Paterson and Edison facilities, it is easier to get the care you or a loved one deserves. Contact us today for a consultation and to get moving!

The post Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Seniors appeared first on NJ's Top Orthopedic Spine & Pain Management Center.

If you experience knee pain, you may assume that you have a knee problem – but that’s not always the case. While a knee condition may indeed cause knee pain, it may also be caused by a problem with your back, such as a pinched nerve or a disc protrusion. The lower back contains nerves that transmit sensation to the legs and feet.

On occasion, an injury or simply age can cause the discs in this area to press on these nerves. This compression can cause the nerves to send out pain signals, resulting in pain in the lower back itself – or along the nerve pathways in the legs, knees, ankles, and even feet. Your physician can diagnose the cause of your back or knee pain and help determine what treatments will be right for you. Some of the possibilities include:

1. Physical Therapy

Working with a physical therapist includes identifying the cause of your pain and designing treatments to address the underlying cause and provide effective relief. In general, when you arrive for your physical therapy appointment, you can expect consultation and an exam to evaluate your gait, any abnormalities in your bones or joints, your range of motion, your strength, your balance, and any signs of injury. Then, your physical therapist will prescribe a treatment plan tailored to your needs that may include exercises, stretches, and other therapies such as massage or the application of heat or ice.

2. Chiropractic Manipulation

Another possible path to relief is chiropractic care. A chiropractor may help treat the underlying issues that are causing your discomfort using chiropractic techniques designed to alleviate pain and help improve your overall health. Typically, a chiropractor will have a variety of possible angles of approach to treating pain, from applying ice to reduce inflammation to using massage techniques to increase range of motion to using chiropractic manipulation to help mobilize areas of restricted movement.

3. Spinal Cord Stimulators

If you are experiencing back pain or knee pain that originates in the back, then a spinal cord stimulator might be a good option for you. Spinal cord stimulation is often used when non-surgical pain relief measures have been unsuccessful. This treatment can be used to address many different types of chronic pain, including back pain, post-surgical pain, and more. Spinal cord stimulation is often a good choice for patients who have not had good results from medications and other minimally invasive therapies and those without psychiatric disorders, which can reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.

4. Medication

There is a range of medications that can help treat back and knee pain. These drugs are often used with other treatments such as physical therapy or chiropractic treatments to achieve optimal relief. Medication options include:

• NSAIDs are frequently the first line of defense when it comes to back and knee pain. These drugs help decrease inflammation and, therefore, pain.
• Opioids may be an option in patients with severe pain that does not respond to other treatments. These drugs are generally safe when used for short periods.
• Muscle relaxants. Muscle relaxants are available by prescription and reduce pain by affecting the central nervous system. This type of medication usually causes drowsiness.
• Even if you aren’t depressed, antidepressants may help relieve your pain. Some research has shown that certain antidepressants are effective in reducing chronic pain.

Redefine Healthcare is a Tier-One, In-Network provider comprised of top-rated, board-certified physicians specializing in minimally invasive procedures that afford patients a pain-free lifestyle without surgery. Four minimally invasive ways Redefine Healthcare can treat back pain are:

1. Epidural Steroid Injections: There’s a reason epidural steroid injections are the most commonly administered injection; they effectively relieve back pain. As the name indicates, a steroid is injected into the epidural region of the spine. Epidural injections can be used to treat sciatica, spinal stenosis, spondylolysis, or disc herniation.
2. Radiofrequency Ablation: This safe and effective treatment for back pain utilizes a radio wave to send an electric current that heats nerve tissue, effectively numbing the pain receptors of the nerve.
3. Facet Joint Injections: The facet joints are small joints along the spine that help provide stability and mobility and can become painful from arthritis or injury. The steroid medication injected into the facet joints can relieve pain, allowing the patient to endure a physical therapy or rehabilitation routine better.
4. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: Used by professional athletes, PRP Therapy involves placing a blood sample from the patient into a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets in the blood by separating them from the plasma. The PRP injected into the pain area is meant to encourage more efficient healing, attributed to the healing and clotting properties of the concentrated platelets.

At Redefine Healthcare, we focus on non-invasive and minimally invasive treatments for back and knee pain of all types. Contact us today for a consultation to learn more about your options.

The post 4 Treatment Options for Back and Knee Pain appeared first on NJ's Top Orthopedic Spine & Pain Management Center.

When February rolls in each year, our thoughts often jump to love. Valentine’s Day conjures some of our earliest memories of love, from drawing shapes on red paper in kindergarten to a fluttering heart in anticipation of a first date.

Fast-forward to adulthood, and hearts still dominate the second month of the year. We continue to give our hearts away, but as we age, we focus on nurturing the hearts inside our bodies so that we can be there for our loved ones in the years to come.

Here are a few things to know during American Heart Month.

Heart Disease

Heart disease is the number-one cause of death in the United States with one in three people dying from complications each year. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of heart attacks and the most common reason for fatalities.

Prevention

A healthy lifestyle holds tremendous value in preventing heart disease, and there are many ways to become healthier. By making some or all the choices below, you can keep your blood pressure and cholesterol in check and lower the chances that you’ll experience heart problems.

• Smoking is harmful to your heart. Avoiding the habit is an excellent first step to a healthier lifestyle.
• Become physically active every day. Walk more and avoid the elevator by choosing the stairs.
• Reduce your weight, especially if you are living with obesity.
• Manage your stress. Practicing meditation or yoga can help to keep your thoughts calm.
• Limit your alcohol consumption. Avoid that second or third drink for better health.

Spinal Care

Did you know that spinal care also offers a pathway to fighting heart disease?

New studies are linking heart health to spinal care. The vertebrae that make up the spine house neural pathways that support almost every system in our body. If one path isn’t functioning correctly, the resulting imbalance may affect the health of other parts of our bodies, particularly the cardiovascular system.

One controlled study explored the connection between high blood pressure and the health of the spine. Participants had hypertension but refrained from taking medication beginning a month before the eight-week study. One group in the study received chiropractic manipulation, and the other group didn’t. The results at the end of the study revealed a significant reduction in blood pressure amongst participants who received the chiropractic manipulations.

Why Spinal Care Affects the Health of the Heart

An aligned spine encourages the body to balance its physiology naturally. When the neurological structures in the spine are in harmony, patients tend to experience improvements as these adjustments reduce nerve interference.

Spinal care may also impact a person experiencing heart palpitations. If the spine is out of alignment, it puts pressure on the body’s nerves, which in turn stimulates the sympathetic nervous system to release stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. Stress is a significant cause of heart palpitations.

Chronic stress drives a lot of inflammation in the body, and too much inflammation speeds up the aging process, which raises your risk for heart disease.

Staying Healthy

We can’t control which genes we receive at birth or our predisposition to specific health issues. We can, however, make healthy lifestyle choices to help prevent health-related issues from becoming problematic.

If we throw away the cigarettes, avoid excess drinking, and start walking every day, we may add more years to our life. The fresh air that we inhale as we walk will reduce stress, help lower our blood pressure, and encourage us to maintain a healthy weight.

Thanks to modern research, we have an additional tool to stay healthy: when you visit us to align your spine, you can help reduce inflammation throughout your system and decrease the stress hormones released into your body.

You’ve got years ahead to give your heart to the ones you love. Let us be your partner in keeping your heart healthy.

The post American Heart Month: The Importance of Spinal Care for a Healthy Heart appeared first on NJ's Top Orthopedic Spine & Pain Management Center.

Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine that typically occurs just before puberty during a growth spurt. The cause of scoliosis is usually unknown. While most cases are mild, scoliosis can be disabling in some people. June is Scoliosis Awareness Month, a great time for education about early detection of this prevalent disease through a campaign that unites patients, families, doctors, and institutions affected by scoliosis.

At Redefine Healthcare, we’d like to highlight some of the services that we provide to help people with scoliosis. Here are four pain management treatments that improve comfort and quality of life for those afflicted with scoliosis.

Nerve Blocks

Nerve blocks are medications injected onto or near nerves; these medications may be steroids, local anesthetics, or narcotics. There are many different types of nerve blocks including facet joint blocks, medial blocks, peripheral nerve blocks, selective nerve root blocks, sympathetic nerve blocks, epidural steroid injections, sacroiliac joint injections, and radiofrequency nerve ablation. Ablation is similar to a nerve block or joint injection, except that in ablation, your care provider will use two needles–one in each nerve of the facet joint. We can help you determine which type of nerve block may work best for your condition and tailor a treatment plan just for you.

Spinal Cord Stimulation

A newer treatment is available for people dealing with pain from damaged spinal nerves. Spinal cord stimulation involves placing electrical wires along the back of the spinal cord. These wires are connected to a small stimulator box, which is placed under the skin and controlled via a handheld remote control. When activated, the stimulator delivers mild electrical impulses near the spine. Similar to a pacemaker, this device works by interrupting pain signals traveling between the spinal cord and the brain.

Medications

There are many different medications to help relieve the pain stemming from scoliosis. A wide variety of drugs on the market right now can significantly reduce pain, from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (such as ibuprofen and naproxen) to opioids (such as oxycodone and morphine) and nerve pain agents (such as gabapentin and pregabalin).

When they are prescribed by a doctor and used only as directed, medications can go a long way toward relieving a patient’s pain short term. However, that doesn’t mean that controlling pain with medication is a simple matter: many of these drugs can be addictive and may become less effective at fighting pain over time.

Surgery

When less-invasive methods of pain relief have been ineffective, surgery may be an option. Surgery is usually recommended when pain is severe and cannot be managed with other treatments or when the spinal cord or nerve roots have become irritated and surgery is essential to prevent the loss of bodily functions. Your doctor can recommend procedures such as decompression surgery or decompression with fusion to help relieve symptoms and improve your quality of life.

If you have scoliosis and want to explore your pain relief options, don’t hesitate to contact us for a consultation.

The post Four Pain Management Treatments That Can Help Scoliosis appeared first on NJ's Top Orthopedic Spine & Pain Management Center.

Redefine Healthcare announced that they will offer sacroiliac joint injections to provide relief from sciatica symptoms and lower back pain associated with sacroiliac joint dysfunction. These joints are located next to the spine, connecting the hip on each side with the sacrum. When one of these joints becomes inflamed or otherwise damaged, it can be painful.

A sacroiliac joint injection can help diagnose the reason for the patient’s pain and to provide pain relief. These two actions may be separated into an infusion that’s purely diagnostic or purely therapeutic, but it’s also possible to combine them into one injection.

Diagnostic Sacroiliac Joint Injections

A diagnostic injection can be used to confirm suspected dysfunction in the sacroiliac joint. The sacroiliac joint is numbed with a local anesthetic before the dose is given under x-ray guidance to ensure accuracy. Once the numbing medication has been injected, the patient will attempt to reproduce their pain symptoms by performing activities that typically cause pain. If the patient experiences significant pain relief during this time, then the doctor will make a tentative diagnosis of sacroiliac joint dysfunction. If a second test confirms the first diagnosis, then the doctor will recommend treatment.

Therapeutic Sacroiliac Injections

Doctors perform therapeutic sacroiliac injections to relieve the pain associated with sacroiliac joint dysfunction. The injection is performed the same way as a diagnostic injection, except that it includes an anti-inflammatory medication along with the numbing medicine to provide superior pain relief. If the patient’s pain relief is long-lasting after this injection, then they may begin physical therapy to reduce pain even further and help the patient regain their previous levels of activity. These injections may be repeated several times per year to maintain the same level of pain relief and normal function of the joint.

What To Expect After Treatment

One of the best things about sacroiliac joint injections is that they provide effective pain relief without opioid pain medications and significant downtime. In general, patients may experience mild soreness at the injection site for a couple of days. Ice or heat may help. Some patients notice that their pain decreases immediately; in others, pain decreases gradually over several days. Once the numbing medicine wears off, patients may experience increased pain; if this happens, they should limit activities and take prescribed pain medication for the first 24 hours, and this increased pain should subside. Patients may receive a pain log to keep track of their pain for the first two weeks after the procedure. Tracking this information and sharing it with your doctor help them determine the best next steps in your treatment plan.

About Redefine Healthcare

Redefine Healthcare provides a range of services including physical therapy, chiropractic, and sports medicine to treat issues such as back pain, joint pain, injuries, and more. The Redefine team is led by premier board-certified specialists who prioritize patient care. Contact Redefine Healthcare today if you think sacroiliac joint injections might be right for you or would like to schedule a consultation.

The post Redefine Healthcare Offering Sacroiliac Joint Injections appeared first on NJ's Top Orthopedic Spine & Pain Management Center.

If you have a chronic pain condition such as fibromyalgia, your symptoms can be exacerbated by cold weather. Winter temperatures affect pain in several ways. First, patients tend to spend more time staying warm indoors, and this decrease in activity may increase stiffness and fatigue. Muscle tightness and spasms also become more likely. Another factor that can play a role is overly sensitive nerves that may react unpleasantly to even small temperature fluctuations. Whatever the reason, many people report an increase in their pain during the colder months. Here are five tips to help you get relief when temperatures plummet.

Dress In Layers

Dressing appropriately is your first line of defense against the cold. Wear clothes that fit loosely and comfortably but are substantial enough to trap heat. You can also add layers such as wool underwear, sweaters, socks, gloves, and scarves to help keep yourself as warm as possible without sacrificing mobility or having to crank up the thermostat.

Keep Moving

It may be tempting to curl up under a pile of blankets and watch TV, but long periods of inactivity will only aggravate your pain. Staying active does two essential things: first, it helps you stay warm, thereby fighting pain naturally. Second, it keeps your muscles from becoming tight and your joints from becoming stiff. Stretch, walk, and do whatever exercises you can to keep your body moving regularly.

Pay Attention To Your Diet

You can help fight pain-causing inflammation with a nutritious, whole-foods diet. Eating plenty of foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats will ensure that you are doing everything you can to bolster your immune system. Aim to have lots of different colors on your plates for the broadest range of vitamins. For added protection, use plenty of cumin and turmeric in your food and reap the anti-inflammatory benefits of these spices.

Apply Heat (In Moderation)

Warm packs and heating pads can relieve pain in cold, stiff joints. However, use caution. Many people have fallen asleep and ended up with severe burns on their skin. In general, you should use heat for no more than 20 minutes at a time (10 if you have neuropathies such as those caused by diabetes). Also, make sure that your doctor knows that you are using heat and agrees that it’s safe for you.

Skip The Nightcaps

It may seem like an alcoholic beverage or two warms you up, but that toasty feeling is misleading. Alcohol causes your blood vessels to dilate, allowing your body to lose heat. Instead of wine or liquor, reach for hot herbal tea or soup to warm you from the inside out and help you relax, sleep better, and enjoy significant pain relief.

At Redefine Healthcare, we see many patients with chronic pain conditions and are familiar with how cold weather can affect pain. If you are struggling with illness, contact us today for a consultation. We’ll help determine the cause of your pain and a treatment plan to get you feeling better.

The post Five Ways to Handle Your Chronic Pain This Winter appeared first on NJ's Top Orthopedic Spine & Pain Management Center.

If you are experiencing ankle or foot pain, one common culprit is ankle tendonitis. Your leg, ankle, and foot muscles are connected to the bone with tendons. Tendonitis is inflammation of a tendon. This condition often causes pain that worsens with activity and goes away with rest. There are different types of ankle tendonitis including Achilles tendonitis, peroneal tendinosis, and flexor tendonitis. In most cases, symptoms disappear with a few weeks of self-care.

Causes of Ankle Tendonitis

There are several different known causes of ankle tendonitis. Some of the things that increase your chances of developing the condition include:

• Overuse. Overuse is the most common cause of ankle tendonitis. An increase in physical activity from walking to competitive sports can cause the tendon to become overly stretched or even torn slightly.
• Trauma. A sudden, strenuous movement such as jumping can injure the tendon and cause inflammation and pain. Long-term rubbing against an ill-fitting shoe can also harm the tendon.
• Abnormal foot structure. Issues with foot structure such as high arches or flat feet can create muscle imbalances that put excess stress on the tendons.
• Certain medical conditions. A condition that causes general inflammation such as gout, rheumatoid arthritis, or spondyloarthropathy can also cause inflammation of the tendons in the ankle.

Symptoms

Typical symptoms of ankle tendonitis include pain and sometimes swelling during physical activity or movements that stretch the affected tendon. Rest usually relieves the pain, but the area may remain tender to the touch. Many people notice that the pain is most noticeable when they first begin an activity. It may go away but then return as you continue the activity. Swelling isn’t a common symptom, but it does occur in some patients. You may also notice that your ankle and foot feel stiff.

Treatment

Self-care measures may be enough to help your ankle heal. These include resting the ankle, applying cold compresses, using ankle support, and taking anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen. However, if these do not relieve your symptoms, see a healthcare provider to rule out more serious problems such as a fracture or ruptured tendon. You may need a different type of treatment such as a boot or cast to immobilize the ankle, anti-inflammatory drugs, or physical therapy. In some cases, surgery may be indicated.

Prevention

You may not always be able to prevent ankle tendonitis, but there are some things you can do to minimize your chances of experiencing it. First, be sure to do some gentle foot and ankle stretching exercises before beginning your workout, as tight muscles add excess strain to your tendons. Also, always wear properly fitting shoes in good condition and avoid using worn-out shoes with little support or cushion. Finally, anytime you begin a new sport or activity, start slowly and increase your intensity and duration gradually.

If you are experiencing pain in your ankle or foot, take it as a sign that your body needs rest and recuperation. If your symptoms do not disappear with self-care, contact Redefine Healthcare to schedule an appointment to find the underlying cause of your pain and find a solution.

The post Topic of the Month: Ankle Tendonitis appeared first on NJ's Top Orthopedic Spine & Pain Management Center.