FAQs

Chiropractic care is a medical practice that focuses on the spine, central nervous system, and joints in the body. Dr. Robert Arne is a compassionate and dedicated chiropractic internist who specializes in diagnosis, corrective, and preventative care with a focus on natural medicine, injury treatment, and wellness care for patients of all ages. Your chiropractor uses specialized techniques called chiropractic adjustments or spinal manipulations to restore alignment to the spine to treat musculoskeletal issues and support the healthy function of the nervous system and the body as a whole.

Check out our recent blog article that explores: 5 Reasons to Visit the Chiropractor.

A chiropractic adjustment is a highly safe, localized, and controlled manipulation of spinal vertebrae and joints in the body, which is a simple yet effective outpatient treatment performed in our office. Chiropractic adjustments mobilize joints, thereby restoring the proper function, mobility, and range of motion in a specific area(s) of the body while reducing pain, inflammation, and other symptoms. Your chiropractor may also implement soft tissue manipulation of the muscles and supportive tissues, as well as traction, hot and cold therapy, ultrasound, electric muscle stimulation, assisted stretches, and other modalities.

Every patient experiences their adjustment differently, but generally speaking, there is little to no pain when you receive an adjustment. Because Dr. Arne is working with the joints in the body, you may feel a popping or cracking sensation, but this is completely normal. You should not experience intense pain during your adjustment, although it is normal to have a minor ache or soreness after a visit as the body settles back into place. This minor discomfort is often described as feeling like the soreness you may experience after an intense workout or physical activity.

There are many benefits you can look forward to with regular chiropractic treatments. Here are some of the top health and wellness benefits:

Whether you have acute pain or chronic pain, there are simple tips and remedies you can follow to help relieve your symptoms through self-care practices.

Acute Pain

• Don’t ignore the symptoms. If you’re experiencing acute pain, reach out to your Littleton chiropractor to schedule an appointment to treat your acute pain.
• Practice the RICE Method: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation.
  • Rest the injured area to prevent secondary injuries.
  • Apply ice or a cold compress (ice packs, frozen veggies, frozen water bottle, etc.) to the affected area to reduce swelling and inflammation.
  • Compress the area to stabilize, support, and limit swelling with a wrap.
  • Elevate the area above the heart to reduce swelling and inflammation.

• Hydrate to ensure your tissues get oxygen and nutrients to stimulate healing.
• Limit intense physical activity to give your body a chance to heal.

Chronic Pain

• Keep moving to strengthen your muscles and joints. Exercise, even light, low-impact exercise such as walking, riding a bike, or rowing, stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers.
• As long as there is no inflammation, apply heat (a hot pack, heating pad, or hot bath) to soothe tense, tight, sore muscles and joints. If you’re unsure, use ice instead.
• Stretch regularly to keep your muscles, tissues, and joints limber and flexible to fight chronic tension and pain.
• Apply topical pain relievers such as Biofreeze, Sombra, or take a more natural approach using essential oils. Lavender, peppermint, rosemary, and wintergreen have pain-relieving properties to temporarily relieve pain such as joint pain, muscle aches, and headaches.
• Adjust your diet to reduce your intake of inflammatory foods, beverages, and ingredients. Substitute these foods that are high in sugar, calories, and saturated fats with foods that fight inflammation such as berries, whole grains, and leafy greens.
• Wear comfortable shoes that support your lower back, hips, knees, and ankles to keep chronic back pain at bay.
• Visit your chiropractor regularly to manage chronic pain naturally with chiropractic care, natural medicine, acupuncture, and massage therapy.

To put it quite simply, yes, it can be bad to crack your own back. When it happens naturally when stretching or moving in certain ways, that is usually just fine. However, people who crack their back on their own — and who do so frequently — could develop what is called hypermobility, meaning your tissues have lost their natural ability to “hold things in place,” so to speak. When you’re ready for an adjustment, it’s best to connect with your chiropractor for the safest, most effective method.

Check out our recent blog article that explores this topic in greater detail.

Yes, absolutely! When you have neck or back pain, exercise can trigger the release of endorphins to naturally relieve pain. What’s more, stretching and light exercise can help strengthen your core, support a healthy posture, and strengthen muscles, bones, and joints to prevent injury.

While this is true, you don’t want to over-do it. Start with light exercises such as walking 3-5 days a week for 30 minutes, take a 20-minute bike ride, or go for a swim.

Read our recent article that explores: 3 Low-Impact Exercises for Back Pain and tips to keep in mind when exercising with back pain.

Neck pain is one of the most common types of pain affecting people of all ages. Neck pain is caused by injury (whiplash for instance), muscle strain, bulging or herniated discs, arthritis, stress, repetitive motions, occupation, various health conditions, and even the simplest of movements.

Common Symptoms of Neck Pain

• Mild, moderate, or severe neck pain
• Soreness, stiffness, and tenderness
• Reduced range of motion
• Numbness and tingling down one or both arms
• Headache starting at the base of the skull
• Tension in the neck, upper back, and shoulders
• Sleep disruptions

Lower back pain is another common musculoskeletal issue that can be caused by stress, muscle strain, heavy or awkward lifting, bulging or herniated discs, arthritis, trauma, prolonged sitting or standing, health conditions like sciatica, and other triggers.

Common Symptoms of Lower Back Pain

• Pain ranging from a dull ache to sharp, shooting pain
• Pain that radiates down your leg (sciatic nerve pain)
• Pain is intensified when standing, walking, bending, or lifting
• Muscle ache and spasms
• Tightness and tension
• Limited range of motion
• Weakness and fatigue

Lower back pain is another common musculoskeletal issue that can be caused by stress, muscle strain, heavy or awkward lifting, bulging or herniated discs, arthritis, trauma, prolonged sitting or standing, health conditions like sciatica, and other triggers.

Common Symptoms of Lower Back Pain

• Pain ranging from a dull ache to sharp, shooting pain
• Pain that radiates down your leg (sciatic nerve pain)
• Pain is intensified when standing, walking, bending, or lifting
• Muscle ache and spasms
• Tightness and tension
• Limited range of motion
• Weakness and fatigue

Ways to Relieve Lower Back Pain/Sciatica

• • Practice good posture when sitting, standing, and lifting.
  • Walk to relieve pain and discomfort.
  • Stretch to increase flexibility and range of motion.
  • Exercise to strengthen your core muscles and supportive tissues.
  • Use ice and heat to alleviate pain and inflammation and soothe tight, tense muscles.
  • Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on the lumbar spine and hips.