A very common condition that is seen in Charge into Health Family Chiropractic is knee pain and dysfunction. Knee pain is seen primarily in two different groups of people: athletes/active people and the elderly.
This pain can be attained instantly or over time, and can cause issues with your ability to participate in work, household and recreational activities. When knee pain is noted, there is a possibility that there are issues below in the ankles/feet and above in the hips/pelvis. This is due to compensation in the body. Our natural tendency is always to lean away from the pain, which often causes issues in the knee joint itself. In athletes and “weekend warriors,” constant overuse due to playing sports or exercise can cause trauma and pain to the knee, while the elderly usually experience pain due to arthritis.
Types of Knee Pain:
- Poor spinal alignment
- Changes in weight bearing, overcompensation
- Major traumas such as slips, falls and sports injuries
- Prolonged sitting
- Age
- Lack of muscle strength
- Poor flexibility
- Excessive weight
- Repetitive use
- Underlying disease or pathology (rare)
What is the most common cause of Knee Pain?
Once any major trauma such as an ACL tear or underlying disease is ruled out, the most common cause of knee pain is mechanical in nature. Other than a major trauma due to an injury or slips and falls, the most common cause of knee pain is changes in low back, pelvis and hip posture.
A lack of balance changes how the person distributes weight. Over time, there will be a preference to one side, which will cause excessive weight bearing onto the knee joints and will cause pain eventually if this goes unaddressed. This is often a result of poor posture and spinal alignment.
How Chiropractic helps people with Knee Pain?
At Charge into Health Family Chiropractic, we look for the cause of knee pain, not just the pain itself. We do this by analyzing issues regarding the entire body, not just at the site of the injury. There can be several issues which are contributing to your current condition, so it is of the utmost importance that we provide an accurate diagnosis.
During this examination process, we will perform a variety of exams which include, but are not limited to: orthopedic, neurological, and muscle tests to find the cause of the problem. Once I have all of this information, you will be adjusted the same day. If we cannot adjust you, then you will be referred for X-Rays or MRIs to see what is going on with the joints of your Knee.
From here, we will create a personalized plan to aid in your natural recovery without the need for drugs or surgery. The treatment will include spinal adjustments, muscle work, at home exercises, Kinesio taping, Electrical Stimulation, and lifestyle recommendations.
We will also be looking at any other factors which might have led to the injury and will help you make the modifications necessary to quicken your recovery and prevent further injury!