Headaches that result from neck pain are not pleasant at all and make it difficult for you to participate in daily activities as usual. Concentrating or moving your head becomes tough as the pain across the temples and forehead combined with stiffness in the neck complicates the problem. It is best to seek medical attention to learn about the possible causes of headaches and how they can be treated.

Dr. Eric Freeman is an experienced and board-certified physician at Redefine Healthcare, New Jersey’s premier pain management practice. He has been treating patients suffering from neck pain, headache, and spine problems for years. He comes up with the latest therapies and techniques to ease your discomfort successfully.

Headaches are the most common complaint among youngsters as well as adults. A dull ache or feeling of tightness that creeps up the neck and across the forehead is the most annoying thing that can cause a lot of discomfort and affect your routine life.

Multiple factors can trigger a headache, depending on its type. In some cases, a headache may also result from neck pain.

What Does Neck Pain Cause Headaches?

Many people experience neck pain with a headache. As the neck and head are closely related, any pain or unusual movement in the neck can lead to pain in the head too. The connection between the two depends on the cause of the neck pain and the type of headache you experience. A variety of conditions, such as stress, illness, and infection, can cause neck pain.

Understanding how these issues are connected makes it easy to see how headaches caused by neck pain can be relieved and prevented.

What Causes Neck Pain?

The neck is a collection of structures that joins the head to the shoulders and chest. It is made up of several bones, muscles, blood vessels, lymphatics, and other connective tissues that support the weight of the head and allow nerves to travel from the spine to the brain.

If any part of the neck sustains injury or strain, it can result in pain and discomfort. The bony part of the neck is also referred to as the cervical spine.

Some common causes of neck pain are:

• Leaning forward or craning your neck for long periods while driving a car if the seat is too far back or too low results in stress on the neck.
• Eye strain from prolonged driving, writing, reading, or looking at a computer can directly contribute to discomfort in the neck.
• Looking at the phone with your head down and shoulders stooped all the time puts more pressure and weight on the neck curve, which can lead to muscle strain.
• Sitting in front of the computer or a desk all day long can lead to neck and upper back pain.
• If the computer monitor is too low or too high, you may end up straining your neck to see clearly, which results in putting more pressure on the muscles and tendons.
• If you slouch or slump when sitting or standing, the extra pressure on the neck can cause pain.
• Sleeping on the stomach can put a lot of strain on the spine when you turn the neck to one side while sleeping and arch your back.
• Any injury or trauma to the neck can cause lingering stiffness and pain, particularly when the neck is jerked forward and backward suddenly.

Neck pain is rarely a symptom of a more serious problem unless you have been in a car accident or fallen from a height. Neck pain accompanied by numbness, pain that shoots down into a shoulder or down an arm, or inability to move your head indicates a serious condition and must be checked by a doctor.

How Headaches and Neck Pain Are Related?

Headaches and neck pain are closely related. Persistent neck tension or pain can lead to different types of headaches that affect your routine life and ability to function normally.  In some cases, pain in the neck causes headaches while in some cases, muscles located at the base of the skull and the top of the neck lead to pain in the head.

Sometimes, neck pain can also be a symptom of certain types of headaches.

Types of Headaches Caused by Neck Pain

Treating headaches caused by neck pain becomes easy if you know the types of issues or disorders neck discomfort can lead to. A headache resulting from neck pain may be one of the following:

Cervicogenic Headache

It is a classic example of referred pain. The pain occurs in the neck but it is felt in the head. Many people develop cervicogenic headaches after an injury that causes whiplash or as a result of a pinched nerve in the neck. Arthritis, neck sprains, or a neck fracture can also lead to cervicogenic headaches. At times, your sleep position and your posture at work might also trigger this type of headache.

Symptoms of cervicogenic headaches differ from other types of headaches.

They include:

• Pain on one side of the head
• Pain that begins at the bottom of the skulls and travels up to one side of the head
• Stiffness in the neck
• Discomfort when you turn your neck from one side or the other
• Pain around one eye
• Pain when you cough or sneeze

If cervicogenic headaches are not treated timely, they can occur frequently and cause severe pain. It is essential to seek medical attention to determine the causes of pain and find the best way to treat it.

Occipital Neuralgia

This type of headache is triggered by a pinched nerve in the neck. An injury to the neck, tightness in the muscles, or an arthritis-like condition can cause a pinched nerve.

Symptoms of the occipital nerve include:

• Stabbing and sharp pain shooting through the occipital nerve
• Pain similar to an electric shock
• Pain at the back of the skull
• Pain with neck movement
• Pain behind one of the eyes
• Sensitivity in the scalp that often makes it difficult to put the head down on a pillow

Occipital neuralgia is relatively rare, but it is often confused with migraine as both share some symptoms. If you experience shooting pain across your scalp or skill, consult a doctor to have it accurately diagnosed and treated.

Types of Headaches That Lead to Neck Pain

Just as pain in the neck causes headaches, there are times when headaches can also cause pain in the neck. Some types of headaches that are also associated with neck pain include:

Tension Headaches

Tension headache is the most common problem that can cause pain in the neck. While the exact causes of tension headaches are not known, they seem to be related to stress. People with high-stress levels are known to suffer from tension headaches more.

Symptoms of tension headaches include:

• Feeling as if a ball is squeezing around the forehead, putting pressure on the head
• Pain all over the head and not just to one side
• Pain in the back of the neck and shoulders

The suboccipital muscles, found in the neck become inflamed and tender when someone has a tension headache, resulting in neck pain. Poor posture and repetitive movements can also lead to tension headaches. There are two types of tension headaches. Episodic headaches often develop as a result of stress, but they ease up when the stressful situation is over. Chronic headaches occur frequently and sometimes daily if they are not addressed timely.

Migraines

Migraines are a common type of headache that affects a large population all over the world. It is a type of neurological headache that causes throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head and in some cases neck too, which often becomes debilitating, affecting daily routines.

Symptoms of migraine include:

• Moderate to severe pain in the head and neck
• Nausea
• Body ache
• Sensitivity to light or sound

Healthcare professionals are not sure if neck pain triggers migraines or if it is a symptom of migraine, as it begins at the same time as the headache.

Top Tips for Relieving Headaches Caused by Neck Pain

Once you have identified the cause of your headaches and neck pain, it is time to focus on easing the pain and finding relief from discomfort. Certain at-home remedies and self-care treatments can help you relieve headaches caused by neck pain.

Some top tips for getting rid of headaches include:

Improve Your Workplace Ergonomics

You can ease and prevent your headache from being caused by neck pain by adjusting the way you sit at your desk and work. A poor posture or unsuitable position can put strain and pressure on the neck and head, resulting in pain. It is essential to adjust the height of your monitor so that you look at it directly instead of looking up and down.

Make sure to choose a chair that is the appropriate height for you. Your feet should rest flat on the floor when you sit, and the knees should be a few inches from the edge of the chair. If you have to look down at the paper while sitting, consider getting a stand to hold the documents at eye level so that you don’t have to bend your neck.

Focus on Your Posture

Your posture affects the way your neck moves and feels. If you slouch too much, you end up putting a lot of extra weight on the head and neck, and it will eventually lead to pain and discomfort.

The first step towards improving your neck pain-related headache is focusing on your posture and how you can improve it. When you stand, notice the angle of your back, neck, and shoulders. Try to stand up as tall and straight as possible. It means pulling the stomach in and pushing your shoulders back slightly, straightening the spine. Level your head in a way as if you are balancing a book on it.

Maintaining a good posture is very important when you are sitting, whether it is at a desk, at a table, or watching TV. When you sit, keep something behind your back for support to prevent slumping forward.

Improve Your Quality of Sleep

Sleeping better means changing the position you lay in and making sure you get a good night’s rest. It is important to have proper support for your neck and head as you sleep. You may have to lay on your back or side and use a pillow that provides support to keep your head level. If your head dips or stays low while you are sleeping, chances are that you will wake up with pain in the neck or head.

Lack of sleep or poor quality sleep can aggravate existing headaches or lead to chronic headaches in the long run. One way to ensure you get enough sleep is to create a schedule for yourself. Make a point to go to bed and get up at the same time each day and try to do something relaxing before turning it in so that your body is ready for sleep. On the flip side, research also suggests that sleeping too much can cause tension headaches or worsen them.

Exercise More

Physical activity can help reduce neck pain and the headaches that it causes. Some exercises are better for relieving headaches as they focus on calming the body and increasing overall wellness. Choose low-impact activities such as yoga or gentle stretching as they are good for relieving minor to moderate aches and pains. A light cardio routine such as taking a walk can also ease tension in the neck or head that turns painful.

Heading out in fresh air also gives you a chance to enjoy nature and sunlight, reduces your stress levels, and prevents such headaches. Consult a physical therapist if you are not sure about which type of exercise would work best for you.

Go For a Massage

Massage can help to relax the neck muscles that may be causing pain in the head. A good massage can ease muscle strain and tension, depending on the type of massage you choose.

Apply firm but gentle pressure on your temples or forehead with your fingertips. Massaging the back of your neck may also relieve the discomfort and help you feel better, especially when the tensed muscles are making it difficult to function normally.

You can book a massage session with a licensed and experienced therapist for professional assistance. The massage therapist recommends a customized treatment plan that includes neck stimulating exercises, manual therapy, and other techniques that strengthen the muscles supporting the neck and back to prevent pain. The therapist targets specific points around the neck and head and appropriately stimulates scalp muscles and tender nodules in the neck to relieve tension.

Manage Your Stress

Headaches are often caused by triggers such as increased levels of anxiety and stress.  If your chronic headaches are being caused by neck pain associated with stress, finding ways to keep your stress levels down can improve your pain over time. You can manage your stress by practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, massage, exercises, certain yoga poses, and meditation. Such activities also promote the release of the body’s feel-good hormones, endorphins that can help you relax.

Make some time to do things you enjoy, such as taking up a hobby to keep stress away. Set boundaries in your personal and professional life and learn to say no to unnecessary pressure, delegate tasks you cannot handle, or reschedule meetings and you will be able to manage stress effectively. Focusing on what you need to do and how or what you have accomplished is also an effective way to control things and prevent stress.

Try Heat and Cold Therapies

Depending on the type of headache you are suffering from, heat or cold therapy may ease your pain. Tension headaches are caused by constriction of blood vessels. This condition can be relieved by placing a warm cloth or heating pad on the back of the neck. Taking a hot shower may also ease the pain while offering a relaxed feeling. Heat therapy improves circulation, promotes blood flow to the affected area, and soothes discomfort.

Ice therapy is also effective in alleviating neck and head pain. Cold decreases blood flow and reduces muscle spasms and inflammation, easing the pain. People suffering from migraines report that ice packs bring more relief than hot packs. Cooling sheet gels and cooling eye masks can also serve the same purpose.

You can also alternate between cold and heat therapy to see which offers better relief. Limit application to 15 minutes with at least two hours of rest in between. Always wrap the heat or ice pack in a towel or layer of clothing to prevent skin damage.

When to See a Doctor for Your Pain?

If your neck pain is resulting from an injury such as a motor vehicle accident, diving accident, or a fall, it is best to seek medical attention immediately.

Call your doctor in case of the following:

• Your neck pain is severe
• Your neck pain does not go away despite trying home remedies and self-care treatments
• The pain is radiating down the arms or legs
• The pain is causing headache, numbness, weakness, or tingling

Visit Redefine Healthcare to figure out the best ways for relieving headaches caused by neck pain. Dr. Eric Freeman is a pain management and rehabilitation specialist and helps you understand the connection between pain in the neck and headaches. He focuses on your symptoms and their causes to address the source of pain. He also comes up with advanced non-invasive treatment options to ease neck pain and other head, back, and spine conditions associated with it. You can look forward to comprehensive, highest-quality healthcare with top-rated specialists who make sure you are back to your routine within no time.  

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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!

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Redefine Healthcare is excited to announce our new physical therapist, Dr. Bhumi Patel, PT, DPT as our newest addition to the Physical Therapy Division.

Educational Background

While Dr. Bhumi Patel is Redefine Healthcare’s new physical therapist, she is not new to the world of physical therapy. Dr. Bhumi Patel received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Seton Hall University in New Jersey with a bachelor’s degree in Biology. She is certified in Blood Flor Restriction Training and LSVT-BIG Program. Dr. Patel has worked in a variety of settings including home-care and outpatient clinics, with prior internships as a student in sub-acute rehab and acute hospital care. She is also a member of the American Physical Therapy Association.

Specialties

By incorporating evidence-based literature into her treatment program, Dr. Patel strives to keep her patients engaged and active in the community. Aside from treating musculoskeletal and spine disorders, Dr. Patel has a special interest in vestibular rehabilitation. With a passion for movement science, Dr. Patel has been treating patients with orthopedic, neurologic, gait, and balance diagnoses at Redefine Healthcare. Dr. Patel believes in providing excellent care to her patients with empathy and compassion to help them reach their functional goals in their recovery process. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and spending time with her family, hiking, and traveling.

If you would like more information about our new physical therapist or Physical Therapy Division, please contact us at (732) 313-2610.

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Redefine Healthcare would like to wish you well during these difficult times. We understand that our patients still need care and will thus be keeping our doors open. We would like to assure you that we are following all preparedness and prevention guidelines established by the CDC to protect our patients and staff. Our patient’s health and wellness are our utmost priority.

Additionally, we are now offering Telemedicine Pain Management appointments to patients who might not feel comfortable coming into the office. During these telemedicine appointments, one of our board-certified physicians will conduct a thorough screening of your symptoms over the phone. To the best of their ability, they will then suggest an appropriate coarse of action for you.

We wish you all safe and well.

Please call Redefine Healthcare at (732) 313-2610 for the most up-to-date news on the status of our practice or to schedule your appointment.

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Physical medicine and rehabilitation, or PM&R, is not a well-known specialty, but it packs a powerful punch for those who benefit from it.

What Is PM&R?

In the simplest terms, PM&R is a specialty in medicine that helps to restore functionality to people who are living with a disability due to a disease, a disorder, or an injury. A PM&R physician oversees multidisciplinary care avenues that address the patient’s physical, emotional, medical, vocational, and social needs.

A PM&R physician, or a physiatrist, addresses more than the pain associated with a disability. While doctors may prescribe medication to mask the pain, a PM&R doctor treats the whole person by collaborating with a variety of health care professionals to design a holistic program that includes physical therapy, stretching exercises, massage, and medicine for short-term relief.

Who Should See a PM&R Physician?

Anyone who wants treatment for conditions that affect the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons may benefit from PM&R support. Here are examples of when you should consider seeing a PM&R physician:

• An accident left you with limited function or pain.
• You are recovering from the effects of a stroke or other types of nerve damage.
• You experience chronic pain from a stress injury or arthritis, or you have back problems that continue for more than three months.
• An illness has diminished your ability to move easily.

How a Physiatrist Treats Your Condition

A physiatrist will tailor a plan to address the specific needs of your ailment. For example, if you have chronic neck pain, there are short-term and long-term options and medical procedures to help. For short-term pain relief, engage in massage and stretching—a doctor may also prescribe medication to lessen your discomfort. Your doctor could prescribe strengthening exercises to prevent future pain. If surgery is necessary, he or she will work with your surgeon before and after the procedure.

A PM&R physician determines realistic goals, finds relief for your pain, and works with you to achieve success in rehabilitation and exercise programs. Your physiatrist is there when you have setbacks and will reassess a new strategy, make changes, and create new goals so that you never feel alone in your quest for improvement.

Benefits of Rehabilitation

Disabilities are typically not curable but improving the lifestyle of someone with a disability is vital in maintaining their sense of well-being. Rehabilitation doesn’t reverse or undo the damage, but it does restore a person’s bodily functions in a positive direction. A patient will find that they improve in the following ways:

• Treatments help to prevent complications from the disability.
• Function improves, allowing for greater movement in the areas reduced by the disability.
• Tools allow the patient to adapt to their environment.
• Coaching the patient as well as the family helps them to adapt to changes in lifestyle and mentality.

If you can perform an activity after rehabilitation that was impossible before, the psychological impact is enormous. The mental effects of returning to work after a successful rehabilitation process can also be immensely encouraging.

By visiting us and seeing a PM&R physician, you will be on your way to functioning at your highest level. Contact us today to partner with a physiatrist for a treatment plan tailored specifically for you.

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Great news!

Beginning this March, Redefine Healthcare will now be offering Chiropractic treatment at our Edison location. If you live near Edison, your drive to access excellent chiropractic services will be a lot shorter—but drive safely! The after-effects of a car accident represent one of the leading reasons why people visit their chiropractor’s office. We are an excellent resource for addressing pain management and building strength to decrease recovery time after an accident occurs.

For most people, pain is inevitable at some point in their lives, but taking preventive measures increases the likelihood of recovering more quickly or avoiding injury altogether.

Prevention

Your spinal health is vital to your productive and active lifestyle. Taking preventative steps increases your ability to build strength and flexibility.

• Preventive chiropractic care increases your range of motion by boosting flexibility. When your muscles and joints are tight, you are at an increased risk of straining them, even during your light daily routines. Adjustments improve your joints’ ability to move so that your muscles can do their work.
• Your spine supports your body. A chiropractor’s adjustment will improve your posture, which has a direct effect on the neck, back, and leg areas. The more you stand or sit up straight, the less likely it is that you’ll experience minor aches and pains.
• Have you noticed minor pain? You may think that it isn’t worth addressing unless it worsens, but focusing on the issue earlier means that you can stop it before it becomes problematic.

You can stay one step ahead of aches and pains if you visit our offices as a preventive gift to yourself. If you do face a sports injury or find yourself rear-ended in an automobile accident, you will have a stronger and more flexible body to begin the healing process with as you pursue care.

Car Accidents

No amount of prevention can protect you from another person rear-ending you in an auto accident. The good news is that chiropractors are an excellent resource to address these kinds of injuries.

When someone hits your car from behind, forces measuring thousands of pounds impact your supporting tissues around the spine and neck. These tissues, ligaments, and vertebral discs stretch and tear, disrupting your joints. Spinal shifting and misalignment add up to the potential for a lot of aches and pains.

Pain from a car accident may not appear for days or even weeks after the accident. Pain medication does a satisfying job at masking the pain. However, a chiropractor will get to the underlying injury, whether it is a spinal issue or whiplash.

The Long-Term Solution to Managing Pain

Chiropractic care will address lost mobility after an injury. Adjustment relieves the pressure on the nerves and muscles as it realigns the spine. There are times when the pain goes away immediately upon alignment. Corrective exercises increase the body’s full range of motion, relieving even more pain.

Your long-term solution to supporting your body’s natural healing process begins with that first drive to your chiropractor’s office. Contact us today to schedule an appointment to relieve pain and build a healthier spinal structure to prepare for the unexpected.

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Redefine Healthcare wishes you a Happy New Year! To start the new year off, we are excited to announce the opening of our newest office locations in West Caldwell and Teaneck. In addition to our Union, Edison, Clifton, and Paterson locations Redefine Healthcare looks forward to treating even more patients in Teaneck and West Caldwell by providing relief and guidance to those suffering from chronic pain.

It is our pleasure to have Dr. Christine Pfisterer join our team of dedicated providers, led by Dr. Eric Freeman. As of January 1^st, 2020, Dr. Pfisterer is offering interventional pain management treatments in both Teaneck and Paterson. Having completed her residency at UMDNJ-Newark, Dr. Pfisterer is board-certified and fellowship-trained in Pain Medicine, as well as Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Located at 870 Palisade Ave, Suite 205 in Teaneck, Dr. Pfisterer has been in practice for 6 years and is excited to be a 100 % in-network provider under Redefine Healthcare.

Additionally, Redefine Healthcare’s West Caldwell office is offering sports medicine and interventional pain management treatments under the care of our existing providers. Located at 185 Fairfield Ave #2A, the West Caldwell office opened up under Redefine Healthcare on November 1^st, 2019.

As always, our new locations in Teaneck and West Caldwell will continue Redefine Healthcare’s mission of redefining care one patient at a time. If you or someone you know suffers from a pain condition, call (732) 479-8530 to schedule an appointment.

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Redefine Healthcare is pleased to announce that they will now offer same-day interventional spine procedures at their four NJ locations. These procedures include:

Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency ablation is a pain-relief procedure involving an electrical current that heats a targeted area of nerve tissue to decrease pain signals from that area. Pain relief from this procedure typically lasts anywhere from six to 12 months. Occasionally, a patient will experience pain relief that lasts for years. Conditions radiofrequency ablation can help include chronic neck or lower back pain as well as joint pain caused by arthritis. Good candidates for this procedure are at least 18 years of age and have been experiencing chronic lower back or neck pain for at least three to six months.

Sympathetic Blocks

Sympathetic blocks work by diagnosing and treating pain caused by the sympathetic nerves. These nerves (part of the sympathetic nervous system) are located on both sides of the spinal column and help control the organs by regulating heart rate, blood flow, and other basic functions. They can also carry pain signals from the peripheral tissues. Symptoms of problems with the sympathetic nerves include pain, swelling, sweating, and changes in color. Sympathetic blocks, as the name suggests, blocks these pain signals and help the patient feel better.

Medial Branch Blocks

The medial branch nerves feed out from the spine’s facet joints and deliver pain signals to the brain. Medial branch blocks are procedures in which an anesthetic is injected to a targeted location in a facet joint. Some patients experience immediate pain relief; when this happens, it can be determined that the facet joint was the source of the pain, making this a diagnostic procedure as well. This procedure is often used with success after the patient has already tried other facet joint injections.

Spinal Cord Stimulator

A spinal cord stimulator is a device that the physician implants in the back to relieve chronic pain. This device sends electrical pulses that interfere with the existing pain-producing nerve impulses. Spinal cord stimulators are often used to treat pain associated with sciatica, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, failed back surgery syndrome, and degenerative disc disease. Your physician may perform a trial procedure to monitor the outcome for a few days to ensure success before recommending a permanent neuro-stimulator.

Epidural Lysis Of Adhesions

Epidural Lysis of adhesions is a procedure used to remove scar tissue in the epidural area. This area is a thin space between the protective layers around the spinal cord and the spinal column inside. The epidural space is padded by fat tissue, blood vessels, and nerve roots and runs the whole length of the spine. Scar tissue and adhesions can cause pain by restricting the natural movement of the local nerves. During this procedure, a mixture of local anesthetics and steroids is injected into the area to reduce inflammation and provide significant pain relief.

If you think these procedures may be right for you, or you’re experiencing chronic back pain, contact Redefine Healthcare today for an appointment.

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Redefine Healthcare is pleased to announce that they will be offering chiropractic treatments at their four New Jersey locations.

Many people with back pain seek chiropractic treatment as a means of holistic pain relief. This form of therapy can help with back pain caused by overuse, sports injuries, accidents, muscle strains, and more. Other reasons for seeking chiropractic care include neck, arm, and leg pain or headaches.

Understanding Chiropractic Care

Chiropractors focus on aligning the musculoskeletal structures of the body by using hands-on spinal manipulation and other treatments. The theory behind chiropractic care is that having the spine appropriately aligned helps enable the body to heal itself. Often, this can occur without medication or surgery. According to Redefine Healthcare sources, chiropractic manipulation can restore mobility to stiff or injured joints after a repetitive stress injury or a traumatic event such as a fall.

Redefine Healthcare can treat several conditions including injuries or illnesses involving the back, shoulders, neck, elbows, hips, ankles, and feet. Chiropractic services focus on manual manipulation of the spine to treat lower back pain. During a chiropractic adjustment, the practitioner identifies and manipulates the vertebrae that exhibit abnormal movement patterns or lack robust functionality. The goals include improving function, increasing the range of motion, and reducing pain.

Chiropractors are healthcare providers that specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions with an emphasis on manual manipulation or adjustment of the spine. A spokesperson for Redefine Healthcare explains, “The goal of chiropractic care is to reduce pain and improve function. We also work to educate patients on ways to look after their health with ergonomics, exercises, and other therapies.”

A typical chiropractic adjustment involves a short-lever, high-velocity arm thrust applied to a vertebra; patients often notice an audible release of oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide. This releases pressure in the joint and brings about a sensation of relief. Occasionally, patients experience mild discomfort, but this discomfort lasts for only a brief time, and most patients are happy with the results of their treatment. Some people see their chiropractor exclusively, and others combine the treatment with conventional medical treatment for a powerful healing combination.”

Types of Chiropractic Treatments

According to Redefine Healthcare, the diversified chiropractic technique may be the most popular type of adjustment used by chiropractors. It is the technique a chiropractor is most likely to use when a patient complains of pain from which they need immediate relief. The diversified method is a way of adjusting a disc herniation, which can cause many cases of neck or back pain. As a patient, you will likely receive this technique if you are experiencing “popping” joints as it can help restore them to normal function.

The Gonstead adjustment is one of the most common techniques used by chiropractors, explains a Redefine Healthcare rep. This technique is used to diagnose and treat a range of issues. For example, if a patient has chronic back pain, the chiropractor will aim to locate the problem area along the spine and make the appropriate adjustments. The Gonstead adjustment involves a thorough analysis of the spine and then realigns it accordingly, decreasing or even eliminating inflammation and pain in the region.

The Logan method of chiropractic care is one of the lowest-force techniques available. The Logan technique emphasizes spinal and pelvic distortions and misalignments that affect the structures of the spine. The gentle pressure used in this method can help realign the bones on the spine, a Redefine Healthcare spokesperson explains: “It is also particularly effective at relieving headaches and migraines. It can release stress and tension and restore balance to the entire body. It can also be used to help manage certain conditions such as scoliosis, pregnancy discomfort, and chronic spine conditions.”

Benefits of Chiropractic Treatments

Chiropractic care is considered a safe and effective treatment for many types of back pain, neck pain, and headaches. As a Redefine Healthcare spokesperson explains, “Chiropractic treatments are great for both chronic and acute pain conditions. Even patients with fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis often get excellent results. We also see patients with sciatica, hip pain, scoliosis, and a range of other conditions that all respond favorably to chiropractic treatments.”

Another essential thing to understand about chiropractic care is that it treats the cause of the problem–not just the symptoms. “So many chronic pain patients take medications that mask symptoms rather than treating them,” says Redefine Healthcare. “By contrast, chiropractors work to treat the cause of the pain, which naturally alleviates symptoms. This type of care is a drug-free alternative for many people with pain who wish to decrease or eliminate the pain medications they take that have potentially harmful side effects.”

Chiropractors focus on more than just short-term treatment. A Redefine Healthcare spokesperson says, “Chiropractors help in more ways than just spinal manipulation. We look after the whole person and can advise patients on issues such as nutrition and exercise, which are both essential components of a healthy lifestyle. We help many of our patients with exercises for them to do at home that is designed to treat their specific pain condition, offering them the best odds of recovery.”

About Redefine Healthcare

Redefine Healthcare is a treatment center offering a wide range of services including physical therapy, sports medicine, health and wellness initiatives, medical marijuana, and chiropractic treatments. Your practitioner will conduct a thorough evaluation to identify the best type of care for you and will discuss your options with you at the first visit so that you’ll know you’re getting the best possible care. For comprehensive, cutting-edge care, call Redefine Healthcare at (732) 906-9600 or fill out their convenient online appointment request form today.

The post Redefine Healthcare Offering Chiropractic Treatments appeared first on NJ's Top Orthopedic Spine & Pain Management Center.

Redefine Healthcare is pleased to announce that they will now offer Botox injections at their four New Jersey locations. This is exciting news, as Botox offers incredible advantages to people living with chronic pain. When most people hear the word “Botox,” they automatically think of erasing the signs of aging. However, Botox can also help relieve various pain disorders such as chronic neck pain, especially when combined with physical therapy.

Botox is a form of botulinum toxin type A. This toxin has been used for a long time to relax muscles and relieve uncontrolled muscle contractions. However, in recent years, it has come to be known mainly as a cosmetic treatment that reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on the face. Researchers now know that this purified form of the toxin has medical benefits as well.

Botox Injections for Neck Pain

Research has found patients report significantly lower pain levels when using Botox in conjunction with physical therapy. This exciting discovery means that many people living with chronic pain that hasn’t responded to other measures may now find some relief. Patients often report that Botox makes a significant difference in their pain levels. And that they would be willing to try it again in the future for another pain condition.

Botox provides pain relief that lasts around three to six months, depending on the disorder causing the pain. It is useful for a variety of muscle-related conditions such as spasticity and cervical dystonia. Chronic neck pain conditions can lead to stiff, damaged muscles. One reason Botox may be so useful when combined with physical therapy is that it relaxes the muscles before treatment. This maximizes the potential for healing, pain relief, repair and rehabilitation of the injured or damaged muscle tissue, and strengthening of muscles that have been weakened by spasms.

Using Botox injections as an enhancement to physical therapy methods is generally preferable to oral pain medications. Its effects are local. Also, it does not have the same side effects as many oral pain medications, such as drowsiness, fatigue, dizziness, or the potential for addiction. Besides chronic neck pain, Botox injections are also useful for migraines, headaches, myofascial pain, and nerve disorders that result in blepharospasm (tight involuntary closure of the eyelids).

How Botox Injections Work

Botox works by blocking the release of acetylcholine, a substance that binds to its receptor and causes muscle contractions. When acetylcholine is prevented from being released, it allows the muscle to relax. Botox is administered via injection directly to the site being treated.

Patients typically feel pain relief about a week after treatment. After several months, therapies may need to be repeated; most patients receive Botox four times a year for ongoing assistance. Long-term Botox injection therapy is safe and effective. However, as the injections relax the muscles enough to make physical therapy easier, patients may find they no longer need their Botox injection treatments.

Contact Redefine Healthcare today to learn more or book a consultation.

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