What is Myofascial Pain?

Myofascial Pain (aka Myofascial dysfunction) is caused by focal areas of hypersensitivity (trigger points) that develop in muscle tissue. Muscle pain may be caused by trauma, injury, poor posture, stress/anxiety (leading to high levels of muscle tension), overuse, or immobility. Myofascial pain can develop in any muscle, and pain may be felt in the jaw, neck, back, pelvis, upper extremity or lower extremity. Persistent myofascial pain may lead to weakness (due to muscle underuse), migraine, TMJ dysfunction and difficulty sleeping. Long term and wide-spread myofascial pain may develop into fibromyalgia in certain individuals.

What is Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction?

The Sacroiliac Joints (SIJ) are large joints at the bottom of the spine that connect the sacrum and ilium (pelvic bones).  Dysfunction of these joints commonly causes low back pain. The pain caused by dysfunction can range from mild to debilitating. Symptoms of SIJ dysfunction include low back and buttock pain which may radiate down the back of the thighs (but not generally below the knee). The pain is often described as sharp and stabbing and is generally worse with movement. The most common trigger for SIJ dysfunction is minor trauma (generally caused by bending or lifting). Due to ligament laxity caused by hormonal changes, pregnant women often suffer from this condition.

What is Facet Joint Dysfunction?

Facet joints are relatively tiny joints which join vertebrae and allow for motion of the spine. Joint dysfunction occurs when a joint becomes fixed and painful; this can happen anywhere in the spine (neck, midback, low back). Generally, you’ll experience reduced range of motion and pain in the region of the joint. Often, muscle spasm or guarding is also present. Additionally, specific pain referral patterns are often found. In certain individuals, joint dysfunction has a propensity to recur.

What is Lumbar Disc Derangement?

The intervertebral disc is the connective tissue between the vertebrae (bones of the spinal column). The disc is composed of a nucleus pulposus (gelatinous material at the center of the disc) which is surrounded by annular fibers. Lumbar Disc Derangement (otherwise known as discogenic pain) is a condition of the low back where the disc becomes painful. Lumbar Disc Derangement is thought to be caused by multiple small tears that develop in the disc; nuclear material seeps out into these tears and irritates the nerve endings in the outer portion of the disc.

What is Lumbar Spinal Stenosis?

The word stenosis is a term used by medical professionals to describe an abnormal narrowing. Spinal stenosis indicates there is an abnormal narrowing in the spine which may or may not be causing impingement on the spinal cord or your nerves and possibly low back pain. There are several reasons why this narrowing occurs, and the chiropractors at LVC will investigate the root cause. Although this condition is most commonly seen in older individuals, occasionally it occurs in young people.  If you have spinal stenosis, the symptoms you are most likely experiencing include low back pain and leg pain which generally get worse when walking and become improved when you sit or flex forward. If you extend your back, pain usually increases.

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What a Patient Needs to Know

There are three phases of Chiropractic Care which include Care of Acute Conditions, Care of Chronic/Recurrent Conditions and Care for Wellness. As our patient, you will be placed into one of these three categories. At different times during the course of your care at Lehigh Valley Chiropractic, you may enter different phases. As always, if you have any questions regarding your care, please do not hesitate to speak with a staff member.

1. Care of Acute Conditions

While in this phase, you are dealing with pain, dysfunction and/or disability. Our goal is to decrease your discomfort and enable you to enjoy your favorite activities. At first, you may need more care, more often; but over time, your visits to our office will become less frequent. If you have an insurance policy that includes chiropractic, your insurance should cover this phase of care.

2. Care of Chronic/Recurrent Conditions

You are in this phase for one of two reasons. One— you have an illness or injury that is not expected to completely resolve, but with the help of chiropractic care, you will continue to improve. Two—your body is stabilized and balanced with chiropractic care, but when you don’t have chiropractic, your condition deteriorates. If you have an insurance policy that includes chiropractic care, your insurance may cover this phase; however, it is important to note that many insurers do not cover maintenance care and consider the treatment for chronic/recurrent conditions as “not medically necessary.” If we are in-network with your plan, we don’t make the rules, but we do have to play by them. Here are the goals of this phase of care:

• Supporting your highest achievable level of function
• Minimizing or controlling your pain
• Stabilizing any injured or weakened areas
• Enabling you to engage in your activities of daily living
• Reducing your reliance on medication
• Minimizing the frequency or duration of an exacerbation (worsening of your symptoms)
• Minimizing further disability
• Enabling you to work and stay active

3. Care for Wellness

Our number one priority is your vitality and wellness. We want to optimize your levels of function and enable you to live your best life. Our strategies for wellness care include a combination of Adjustments, Active Release Technique™, Myofascial Release, Exercise, Nutrition and Lifestyle Coaching. With a chiropractic approach, we want to see you achieve your highest potential. It is rare that insurance companies share our passion for your well-being. Generally, this phase of care is not a covered service.

Reference

1. Consensus Terminology for Stages of Care: Acute, Chronic, Recurrent and Wellness J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2010 (Jul); 33 (6): 458–463

Lehigh Valley Health Network Credentials
Lehigh Valley Chiropractic, PC Chiropractors

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE.

Bethlehem, PA October 9, 2008/PRNewswire via PRweb-Lehigh Valley Chiropractic, PC of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania announced today its affiliation with Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network.  As the only chiropractic practice on the campus of Lehigh Valley Hospital Muhlenberg and one of the few chiropractic practices in the country to be affiliated with a hospital, Lehigh Valley Chiropractic offers patients a unique opportunity to experience the positive results of chiropractic care in an integrated setting. Under the direction of Scott Bentson, D.C., M.S. and Kristen Bentson D.C., M.S., Lehigh Valley Chiropractic offers non-surgical and drug-free methods for pain management.

There is a growing demand for an integrative model. Well-known health institutions are now embracing “alternative” methods. Strategies such as chiropractic, nutrition, acupuncture and biofeedback continue to increase in popularity as patients shy away from invasive procedures and pharmaceuticals.

Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network is one of several hospitals nationwide to credential chiropractors. Greenwich Hospital Center for Integrative Medicine, Brigham and Women’s (a teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School), and the National Naval Medical Center are examples of hospitals offering integrative options including chiropractic.

As Clinical Director, Dr. Scott Bentson specializes in non-surgical management of musculoskeletal conditions with a focus on spine pain. With a Masters degree in biomedical engineering and with past experience working as a research engineer, Dr. Bentson delivers the best in evidence-based care. He successfully manages conditions such as back pain, neck pain, carpal tunnel, tennis and golfer’s elbow, upper and lower extremity pain and headaches. “The evidence is clear,” said Dr. Bentson. “Chiropractic management of spine pain is the best option for most patients.” He went on to comment, “Often patients are told they need invasive procedures; however, in many cases, conservative management is best. We have saved patients from having to undergo surgical procedures.”

In the ever changing environment of healthcare, this innovative chiropractic practice institutes the best in integrated medicine.

For more information contact:

Lehigh Valley Chiropractic, PC
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
T: 610-868-6800
F: 610-868-6806
info@lehighvalleychiropractic.com
LehighValleyChiropractic.com

Dr Kristen Bentson of Lehigh Valley Chiropractic has created YouAnew Lifestyle Nutrition to accomodate the growing demands of a food-based, whole foods nutrition program.

Many conditions may be improved by nutritional strategies. Whether you are struggling with weight management, looking to improve your health or interested in strategies for prevention, you will be provided with a specialized nutrition plan. Although most (if not all) of your dietary requirements can be met by eating a balanced diet, there are certain instances where supplements may improve your quality of life. Schedule a consultation with Dr Kristen Bentson at YouAnew Lifestyle Nutrition to improve you health and eat to live well.

Here are a few of the conditions that may positively respond to nutritional strategies:

• Celiac Disease
• Metabolic Syndrome
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome
• High Cholesterol
• Hypertension
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Diabetes
• Reactive Hypoglycemia
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Fibromyalgia
• Food Intolerances

The doctors of Lehigh Valley Chiropractic make every effort to collaborate with other members of your healthcare team. We aim to provide each patient individualized health care with an integrative approach.