Sprain / Strain Treatment Omaha

Imagine being outside. Maybe you’re walking or running on a nature path; or you could be doing some yard work. While this is going on, you step onto a rock and end up rolling your ankle. You stop what you’re doing, sit down, and examine your ankle to see if there’s any swelling. There doesn’t seem to be anything wrong, but you know you may have just sprained your ankle.

Now, imagine the same scenario. This time, you feel pain in your back. You think about how and what may have caused your back to be in pain. It could be from carrying the ladder back to the garage; or when you were moving those heavy boxes off and on the shelves. Regardless, you are in pain, and you realize you might have strained those back muscles. 

Here at Diamond Chiropractic, we are exceptional when it comes to sprains and strains. We help patients alleviate pain caused by sprains and strains, and any of their symptoms. Regardless if you have had it for a while, and it’s just getting worse (we call that chronic), or “I just woke up with it” (we call that acute), our Chiropractor in Omaha has the answer and the treatment for you.

Differences Between Sprains & Strains

You may be thinking, “Hold on…there’s a difference between a sprain and a strain?” The answer is yes; sprains and strains can cause the same amount of pain, and have some similar symptoms, but there are some differences between the two.

Sprains occur when a ligament is pulled, stretched, or damaged in the affected joint; or, when a joint is in an abnormal position. Signs of a sprain include pain, bruising and swelling, stiffness and/or tenderness in the joint, and inability to use that joint. The most common sprains happen in the ankles, especially if a patient “rolls” their ankle while walking/running.

Strains, however, occur if a muscle or tendon is twisted or pulled. These can appear unexpectedly, or they can develop within a few days or weeks, making it difficult to determine the exact cause behind it. While strains, like sprains, result in pain and swelling, other symptoms to look for include any muscle spasms, cramping, and any difficulty in moving the muscle/tendon.

Both can lead to joint instability, or even disability, along with muscle weakness. If the injury is serious, or not looked at over time, patients may suffer from a muscle or ligament tear, and they may need rehabilitation for the affected joint.

What Causes Sprains & Strains

When it comes to what causes sprains and/or strains, the cases can vary. Car accidents. Falls. Sports injuries. Overexertion, or repetitive motions. Keep in mind, though, that sprains and strains are caused by different actions, and they affect different areas of the body.

Auto accidents can cause sprains and strains for all involved. A common injury associated with these cases, resulting in neck strains and sprains, is whiplash. In addition, most patients involved in auto accidents experience muscle pain and soreness, which can worsen over time if not treated.

Sports injuries are another type of cause for sprains and strains. Athletes and other active individuals are aware of their chances of being injured, of experiencing sprains and strains, due to the amount of time spent engaged in sports. Cases of a sprained ankle, or a strained muscle, are commonplace because of overexertion, falls or hits, and even poor or improper conditioning. To prevent this from happening often, active patients should remember to warm up beforehand, along with not overdoing it and lifting with their legs. Another helpful action would be to stretch before and after exercising.

In general, work and any repetitive movement/action can cause sprains and strains. A patient doesn’t have to play a sport, or get involved in an auto accident, to suffer a sprain or strain. Any repetitive motion from a job or hobby can cause a muscle strain. Falling or twisting in the wrong direction can lead to sprains and strains, as well. These injuries are unavoidable; however, there are ways to decrease the likelihood of suffering from sprains and strains.

Are There Common Areas on the Body for Sprains/Strains?

Depending on what area is affected, sprains and strains are common in certain parts of the body. The problem is, though, both conditions have similar symptoms, which can cause confusion as to what exactly the patient is dealing with.

The most common areas that are sprained are ankles, knees, wrists, and fingers. This is typically due to a fall, or if these joints are twisted suddenly. While some sprains heal with time, and ice, others may not. Remember, a sprain is associated with any trauma to a ligament; with enough stretching or tearing, the affected ligament, in addition to the affected joint, can make it almost impossible to move effectively.

In contrast, strains are typically associated with pain in the back, shoulder, and hamstring. These areas are affected by overexertion or repetitive movement. Several examples include lifting very heavy items, playing sports, work, and performing a highly intensive exercise routine. Posture does play a role in everyday activities, so patients may need to evaluate how they are sitting/ standing at work, when lifting objects, or when playing their favorite sports. 

Sprains/ Strains Treatment at Diamond Chiropractic

At Diamond Chiropractic in Omaha, our chiropractor will perform an examination, take x-rays, and evaluate your posture to determine the cause and location of your sprain/strain. After comparing the findings and confirming the diagnosis, our chiropractor will develop a treatment plan to help alleviate your symptoms, heal the pain, and provide you with recommendations to lower your risk for possible re-occurrences.

Spinal Adjustments

Our doctor will realign the vertebrae in the affected area to increase your range of motion and alleviate the pain on the spinal nerves. Symptoms resulting from the pain, from other nerves in the affected area, may begin to decrease as well.

Intersegmental Traction

Intersegmental traction involves the use of a special chiropractic table. This specific table includes rollers that will roll along the sides of the spinal column, allowing blood to flow through the tight muscles and ligaments. As this occurs, the muscles and ligaments loosen up and relax more; in addition, your spine will become more mobile. This type of treatment is effective with alleviating pain from sprains and strains.

Acupuncture

Electro-therapy, or acupuncture, is effective with sprains and strains, and their symptoms. Patients will notice, after several treatments, the pain in the injured area(s) begin to decrease. In addition, they will start to see more mobility come back to their spine and other affected areas of the body.

Lifestyle Advice

With any injury, whether to the back, neck, or extremity, the last thing you want to do is make the pain worse. The same idea applies to handling sprains and strains. Our advice is designed to help you perform everyday tasks and responsibilities safely. We focus on healing and relief from sprains and strains, not aggravating the pain further.

Contact Our Omaha Chiropractor for Sprains & Strains

To get started with chiropractic care for your sprain and/or strain, choose our Omaha, NE chiropractor today. Diamond Chiropractic Omaha South is currently accepting new patients of all ages. Call our office today. When it comes to sprains and strains, get relief NOW & FAST.