Saturday, February 1, 2025

Symptoms of TMJ Disorders

Ann Arbor Chiropractor, Chiropractor Ann Arbor
How can you tell if you might have an issue with TMJ?

TMJ disorders can present a variety of symptoms, including:

  • Jaw Pain or Tenderness: Often localized around the joint or extending to the face.
  • Difficulty or Discomfort When Chewing: Pain or a sensation of tightness while eating or speaking.
  • Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty opening or closing the mouth fully.
  • Clicking or Popping Sounds: Noises when opening or closing the jaw, sometimes accompanied by discomfort.
  • Locking of the Jaw: Episodes where the jaw becomes stuck open or closed.
  • Headaches or Ear Pain: Radiating pain that can mimic migraines or ear infections.


Talk with an Ann Arbor-Based Chiropractor


TMJ is a secondary condition that a structural chiropractor can help by addressing TMJ joint alignment and underlying displacements of the spine. For more information, call our Ann Arbor chiropractor’s office at (734) 221-0362 or submit a contact form. Remember, talking to Dr. Gessert is never a commitment!

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Treating Whiplash


Car accidents are unfortunately common, with the average driver experiencing one every 18 years. While the risk of fatality is lower with all the safety measures of modern cars, there’s a significant chance of bodily injury, such as whiplash. 

Treating Whiplash Injuries


If there are no fractures in the spine, a detailed evaluation—including X-rays and possibly an MRI—can assess the damage. Treatments often include:
Neck Pain Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor Neck Pain

  • Chiropractic adjustments
  • Stretching and therapeutic exercises
  • Ice therapy and traction to correct spinal alignment

Chiropractic care is particularly effective for soft tissue injuries like ligament sprains and spinal disc issues. A 2012 review on whiplash epidemiology explains that manual therapy combined with exercise is among the best noninvasive treatments for whiplash.


Treat Neck Pain from Whiplash with an Ann Arbor Chiropractor


Pivotal Chiropractic provides a type of chiropractic care called “specific structural correction,” which focuses on correcting structural issues with the spine, which in turn can help you recover from secondary conditions caused by those issues.

Remember, talking to Dr. Gessert is never a commitment. To set up a complimentary consultation or just ask a question, call (734) 221-0362 or submit a contact form.

Wednesday, January 1, 2025

What is Whiplash?

Neck Pain Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor Neck Pain
You’ve probably heard of whiplash, but what exactly is it?

Whiplash, known in the medical field as Cervical Acceleration-Deceleration Syndrome, occurs when the head and neck are jerked rapidly forward and backward, often during car accidents. This movement can damage the neck’s vertebrae, discs, muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves, and, in severe cases, the spinal cord.

According to Dr. Arthur Croft, an expert in whiplash injuries, approximately 3 million cases occur annually in the U.S. Symptoms might not appear immediately, and can range from mild neck pain to severe disability. Up to 40–50% of whiplash cases result in chronic pain, which can impact quality of life for years.

Symptoms of whiplash can include:

  • Neck and back pain
  • Dizziness or loss of balance
  • Headaches and visual disturbances
  • Weakness, numbness, or tingling in extremities


Treat Neck Pain from Whiplash with an Ann Arbor Chiropractor


Pivotal Chiropractic provides a type of chiropractic care called “specific structural correction,” which focuses on correcting structural issues with the spine, which in turn can help you recover from secondary conditions caused by those issues. If you’re in Ann Arbor and experiencing neck pain, our office can help you recover.

Remember, talking to Dr. Gessert is never a commitment. To set up a complimentary consultation or just ask a question, call (734) 221-0362 or submit a contact form.

Sunday, December 15, 2024

Preventing Low Back Pain

Low Back Pain Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor Low Back Pain
What can you to do prevent low back pain?

Here are six simple steps you can take:

  1. Maintain Good Posture: Sit and stand up straight, and avoid slouching.
  2. Lift Properly: Bend your knees, not your back, when lifting heavy objects.
  3. Exercise Regularly: Strength training and stretching can help strengthen your back muscles.
  4. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight can put extra strain on your back.
  5. Ergonomic Workplace: Ensure your workspace is set up to minimize strain on your back.
  6. Manage Stress: Stress can exacerbate back pain. Practice relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation.


Near Ann Arbor and Need Help with Lower Back Pain?


Getting adjusted by a chiropractor can not only ease existing lower back pain, but also prevent it from returning. If you’re in the Ann Arbor area and struggling with low back pain, call (734) 221-0362 or submit a contact form!

Sunday, December 1, 2024

Causes of Low Back Pain

Low Back Pain Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor Low Back Pain
Do you struggle with low back pain?

Here are six common causes:

  1. Muscle Strain: Overexertion, poor posture, or sudden movements can strain the muscles in your lower back, leading to pain and stiffness.
  2. Ligament Sprains: These connective tissues can be injured due to sudden twisting or lifting heavy objects.
  3. Disc Problems: The discs between your vertebrae can become herniated or degenerate, causing pain and nerve compression.
  4. Arthritis: Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, can affect the spine and lead to low back pain, especially in older adults.
  5. Poor Posture: Slouching or sitting for long periods without proper back support can strain your back muscles and ligaments.
  6. Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as kidney stones, infections, or fibromyalgia, can cause low back pain.


Near Ann Arbor and Need Help with Lower Back Pain?


Getting adjusted by a chiropractor can not only ease existing lower back pain, but also prevent it from returning. If you’re in the Ann Arbor area and struggling with low back pain, call (734) 221-0362 or submit a contact form!

Friday, November 1, 2024

Symptoms of Sciatica

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How can you tell if you have Sciatica?

The hallmark symptom of Sciatica is a sharp, shooting pain that travels from the lower back down the leg. 

Other symptoms may include:

  • Numbness or tingling in the leg
  • Muscle weakness in the affected leg
  • Difficulty moving the leg or foot
  • Pain that worsens with prolonged sitting or sudden movements

The pain itself can vary – it can be a constant throbbing pain that doesn’t let up, or it can be mild. It can flare up for a short period of time and go away, then return days, weeks, or months later. You may notice your pain improve with a change of position, such as laying down or leaning to one side. For some, the pain can be so bad that sitting, standing, bending over, and lying down are nearly impossible. 

In most cases, Sciatica resolves with conservative treatments like rest, chiropractic therapy, and pain management, though very severe cases may require surgical intervention.


Manage Sciatica in Ann Arbor


If you live near Ann Arbor and struggle with Sciatica, you can find relief with help from Dr. Gessert! Whether you have questions or are ready to book a complimentary consultation, you can call (734) 221-0362 or contact us on our website.

Causes of Sciatica

Sciatica Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor Sciatica
You may have heard of a spine condition called “Sciatica,” but what actually causes it?

Sciatica is most commonly caused by a herniated disc, bone spur, or narrowing of the spine (spinal stenosis) that compresses part of the nerve. This compression leads to inflammation, pain, and often some numbness in the affected leg. Other causes can include injury, tumors pressing on the nerve, or even prolonged sitting.

It is estimated that 40% of people will experience Sciatica pain at some point in their lifetime. Often the pain can be disabling; Sciatica accounts for more work loss than low back pain alone.


Manage Sciatica in Ann Arbor


If you live near Ann Arbor and struggle with Sciatica, you can find relief with help from Dr. Gessert! Whether you have questions or are ready to book a complimentary consultation, you can call (734) 221-0362 or contact us on our website.