Arm & Leg Pain Treatment

Arm & Leg Pain Q&A

What are the most common causes of arm and leg pain?

You may be surprised to learn that a lot of arm and leg pain is caused by “referred pain,” when pain in one part of the body moves to another. Many times, we discover the root cause of our patients arm and leg pain is nerve irritation at the spine. Sciatica is a good example of this. Sciatica occurs when the vertebrae or discs are out of position and the spaces between nerves are narrowed. This irritation of the nerve produces pain down its entire path. Arthritis, vertebral subluxations, bursitis, tendinitis, and frozen shoulder are some of the most common causes of pain.

The most common causes of arm and leg pain include:

• Arthritis: Inflammation of the joints, which can lead to pain, stiffness, and swelling.
• Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae, which are small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joints.
• Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons, which are the cords of tissue that attach muscles to bones.
• Frozen shoulder: Pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint.
• Peripheral artery disease (PAD): This is a condition that causes narrowing of the arteries in the arms and legs, which can lead to pain, numbness, and weakness.
• Diabetic neuropathy: A complication of diabetes that can cause nerve damage, which usually leads to pain, numbness, and tingling in the arms and legs.
• Sciatica: Pain that radiates from the lower back down the back of one or both legs.
• Referred pain: This is pain that occurs in one area of the body but is caused by an injury or condition in another area.

What are the symptoms of arm and leg pain?

The symptoms of arm and leg pain can vary depending on the underlying cause. However, some common symptoms include:

• Pain: Sharp, dull, or aching. It can be constant or intermittent.
• Stiffness: The affected area may feel stiff or have a loss of mobility..
• Swelling
• Weakness
• Numbness
• Tingling

What are the treatments for arm and leg pain?

The treatment for arm and leg pain will depend on the underlying cause and if the diagnosis requires medical attention. However, some holistic treatments include:

• Rest
• Ice
• Heat
• Over-the-counter pain medication: Over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help to relieve pain.
• Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help to improve range of motion, strength, and flexibility in the affected area.
• Chiropractic Care

What are specific chiropractic methods used to treat arm and leg pain?

The vast majority of reported arm and leg pain is a result of misalignment (subluxations) of the vertebrae in the neck and lower back. These bones or discs can cause irritation to the surrounding tissues and nerves when they are out of alignment and have reduced mobility. Chiropractic treatment applies a variety of techniques to adjust the spine and improve its alignment. By adjusting the spine, our chiropractor can relieve pressure on these tissues and improve pain and function. The following techniques are used most often:

Chiropractic Adjustment

Chiropractic adjustments can realign your spine or other parts of the body, reduce tension, and alleviate discomfort due to arm and leg pain. Chiropractic treatments Dr. Gailes offers at Indian Harbor Chiropractic include motion palpation, spinal adjustments, activator application, drop table care, and neuromuscular therapy to provide complete arm and leg pain relief.

Spinal manipulation therapy (SMT)

Spinal manipulation is a technique where Dr. Gailes will apply a controlled thrust to a joint of the spine. This motion moves the joint more than it would on its own. SMT is actually a collection of techniques which include massage or mobilization of soft tissue, adjustment of spinal subluxations, trigger point therapy, cross-friction massage, active release therapy, and mechanical traction on an area of the spine or on an extremity.

Myofascial release

This technique uses gentle pressure to release tension in the muscles and fascia, relieving pain and improving range of motion.

Activator techniques

These adjustments use a small, handheld instrument to deliver low-force impulses at specific points.

What are some other chiropractic treatments used to treat arm and leg pain?

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)

TENS sends electrical pulses through the skin to start your body's own painkillers. The electrical pulses can release endorphins and other substances to stop pain signals in the brain. TENS can reduce pain. Tens also works on muscles and causes muscle contractions by stimulating α-motor neurons. It is highly effective in improving muscle function, strengthening muscles, and improving joint range of motion.

Massage Therapy

Dr. Gailes may use massage therapy with a variety of techniques to manipulate the soft tissues of the body, including the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This can help to reduce muscle tension, improve range of motion, and promote circulation.

Class IV Laser therapy

Dr. Gailes is currently the only chiropractor in Greenwich, CT offering Class IV Laser Therapy. Dr. Gailes uses chiropractic adjustments and laser therapy to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions and speed up recovery times for all types of injuries. Laser therapy will reduce pain by over 50% in three to four treatments and can complement chiropractic adjustments or be used as an independent form of treatment.

Begin with chiropractic care today

For complete arm and leg pain relief call the Indian Harbor Chiropractic office or schedule an appointment online today.