Our office is dedicated to not just alleviating pain but also educating our patients about the fascinating world of pain science. In this article, we'll delve deep into the mechanisms of pain, the differences between various types of pain, and how our treatments align with the latest evidence-based practices.
Mechanical Pain vs. Chemical (Inflammatory) Mediated Pain
Pain can be broadly classified into two categories: mechanical and chemical/inflammatory mediated. Mechanical pain often stems from issues like joint dysfunction, muscle strains, or ligament sprains. This is where our expertise shines, as providers specializing in manipulation, exercise, and rehabilitation excel in treating such conditions. Our Certified McKenzie Method practitioner, Dr. Lund, utilizes his expertise to assess and treat mechanical pain effectively.
On the other hand, chemical or inflammatory mediated pain involves processes like inflammation, nerve sensitization, or biochemical changes within the body. This type of pain often responds well to modalities like Class IV laser therapy and dry needling, which we frequently employ with great success.
Dr. Lund's certification in the McKenzie Method enables us to precisely assess and treat mechanical pain in various areas of the body. For instance, most knee issues benefit from extension movements, while neck and lower back pain often improve with retraction (double chins or chin-in movements) and extension (press ups or bending backwards) movements as well. By mechanically classifying joint pain, we can identify directional-based movements to improve one's condition regardless of the joint affected.
Evidence-Based Treatment Timelines
At our office, we follow evidence-based treatment timelines to ensure optimal outcomes for our patients. Research suggests that it takes approximately 4-6 weeks to induce tissue changes, and a quality trial of care typically involves two visits per week for three weeks. This approach allows sufficient time for the body to respond to treatment and promotes long-lasting relief.
Mechanical Pain Reasons in Major Joints
Let's explore the common causes of mechanical pain in major joints:
Cervical Spine: Mechanical pain in the neck often arises from poor posture, repetitive movements, or cervical disc degeneration.
Lumbar Spine: Issues like disc herniation, facet joint dysfunction, or muscle imbalances can lead to mechanical low back pain.
Shoulders: Rotator cuff injuries, impingement syndrome, or instability can cause mechanical shoulder pain.
Elbows: Overuse injuries, such as tennis or golfer's elbow, are common sources of mechanical pain in the elbows.
Wrists: Carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, or wrist sprains contribute to mechanical wrist pain.
Hips: Mechanical hip pain may result from hip osteoarthritis, bursitis, or muscle imbalances.
Knees: Issues like meniscus tears, ligament sprains, or patellofemoral pain syndrome often manifest as mechanical knee pain.
Ankles: Sprains, Achilles tendinitis, or instability are frequent causes of mechanical ankle pain.
It's important to note that spine-related issues can refer pain to all these regions. For example, a herniated disc in the lumbar spine can cause sciatica, resulting in pain radiating down the leg. Pain felt in the shoulder blade region is commonly referred from the joints of the lower neck and typically presents with reduced range of motion in the neck as well.
Imaging and CCGPP Guidelines
Contrary to popular belief, imaging is not always necessary for diagnosing mechanical pain and very rarely on a first visit without trauma or red flags. Our approach and common treatment plan outlined above aligns with the Clinical Compass Guidelines for Chiropractic, a gold standard in the field, which emphasize a thorough clinical assessment to guide treatment decisions. Over the past two years our average acute patient case is 5.3 visits with 81% improvement in 30 days.
A thorough understanding of pain science is crucial for effective management of musculoskeletal conditions. By integrating evidence-based practices, such as the McKenzie Method and modalities like laser therapy and dry needling, we empower and teach our patients to achieve lasting relief and optimal function. Remember, pain is complex, but with the right knowledge and treatment approach, we can navigate through it successfully.
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