OTHER CONDITIONS

Different types of headaches have different causes. Common headache types we treat include cervicogenic headaches originating from neck dysfunction or misalignment, tension headaches from muscle tightness in the neck and upper back, migraines which can be triggered by spinal misalignment and muscle tension, occipital neuralgia from irritation of nerves at the base of the skull, and cluster headaches which may respond to upper cervical adjustments. Contributing factors include poor posture, especially forward head position, jaw problems (TMJ dysfunction), stress and muscle tension, whiplash or previous neck injuries, and trigger points in neck and shoulder muscles.

Research shows that up to 70% of headaches are cervicogenic—meaning they originate from the neck. Misalignments in the upper cervical spine, muscle tension, and nerve irritation can all refer pain into the head. When we correct these underlying issues, the headaches often improve dramatically or disappear entirely.

After determining what type of headache you have and what's causing it, we create a targeted plan that may include upper cervical chiropractic adjustments using gentle, precise techniques, soft tissue therapy addressing trigger points in neck and shoulder muscles, postural correction to reduce forward head position and neck strain, stress management and relaxation techniques, laser therapy to reduce inflammation in irritated tissues, and lifestyle modifications including ergonomic changes and hydration strategies.

Many patients notice a reduction in headache frequency and intensity within 2-4 weeks of treatment. Some experience immediate relief after their first adjustment. Chronic headache sufferers may require 6-8 weeks of care to see maximum improvement. Our goal is to reduce your headache frequency, intensity, and duration while decreasing your need for medication.

The exact cause of fibromyalgia isn't fully understood, but it involves problems with how the brain and nervous system process pain signals. Common contributing factors include previous physical trauma or injury, emotional stress or PTSD, infections triggering symptom onset, genetics and family history, hormonal imbalances, and sleep disturbances creating a pain-fatigue cycle. Fibromyalgia is more common in women and often develops between ages 30-50.

Fibromyalgia requires a gentle, comprehensive approach. We create a personalized plan that may include very gentle chiropractic adjustments to reduce nervous system stress without aggravating symptoms, low-level laser therapy to reduce pain and inflammation, gentle stretching and movement to prevent stiffness without causing flare-ups, nutritional counseling focusing on anti-inflammatory diet and sleep support, stress management techniques to reduce pain amplification, sleep hygiene education to improve restorative rest, and pacing strategies to balance activity with recovery.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that typically requires ongoing management. While we can't cure it, many patients experience meaningful improvement in pain levels, energy, and function. Treatment focuses on reducing symptom severity and improving your ability to participate in daily activities.

Improvement with fibromyalgia is typically gradual. You may notice small gains in pain levels or energy within 4-6 weeks, with continued improvement over several months. Some days will be better than others—this is normal with fibromyalgia. We'll work with you to develop strategies for managing flare-ups and maintaining your progress.

Sports injuries can be acute (sudden) or chronic (overuse). Common types we treat include ankle and knee sprains from twisting or impact, muscle strains in hamstrings, quadriceps, or calves, shoulder injuries from throwing, swimming, or overhead sports, lower back pain from golf, gymnastics, or weight lifting, tennis or golfer's elbow from repetitive arm motions, shin splints from running or jumping, rotator cuff injuries from baseball, volleyball, or swimming, and stress fractures from overtraining without adequate recovery.

We understand that athletes need to return to their sport safely and quickly. Your treatment plan may include chiropractic adjustments to restore proper joint mechanics and alignment, sports-specific rehabilitation exercises to rebuild strength and function, proprioceptive training to restore balance and coordination, laser therapy to accelerate tissue healing and reduce downtime, taping and bracing for support during recovery and return to play, movement analysis to identify and correct faulty mechanics causing injury, and progressive return-to-sport protocols ensuring safe reintegration.

We work closely with Tarpon Springs area schools, coaches, and athletic departments. We're experienced in treating young athletes and understand the unique pressures and demands they face. We also provide sports physicals and pre-season screening to identify potential injury risks.

Beyond treating current injuries, we focus on preventing future ones through proper warm-up and stretching protocols, strength training for vulnerable areas, technique analysis and correction, adequate recovery and rest strategies, and addressing muscle imbalances before they cause problems.

Recovery time depends on the type and severity of your injury. Minor strains may respond within 2-3 weeks, while more significant injuries may require 6-12 weeks. We'll provide a realistic timeline and work with your coach to manage your return to play safely.

Dizziness and vertigo can have many causes. Types we commonly treat include cervicogenic dizziness from neck dysfunction or misalignment, BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo) from displaced crystals in the inner ear, post-concussion dizziness following head injury, vestibular dysfunction affecting balance organs, and dizziness related to upper cervical misalignment affecting blood flow. Less common causes requiring medical referral include Meniere's disease, labyrinthitis, or neurological conditions.

Your neck contains important receptors that help your brain know where your head is in space. When the upper cervical spine is misaligned or not moving properly, these receptors send faulty information to your brain, causing dizziness. This is cervicogenic dizziness, and it responds very well to chiropractic care.

After determining the type and cause of your dizziness through examination and specialized testing, we create a targeted plan that may include upper cervical adjustments to restore proper neck alignment and function, Epley or other repositioning maneuvers for BPPV, vestibular rehabilitation exercises to retrain your balance system, soft tissue therapy for tight neck muscles affecting balance receptors, visual and proprioceptive exercises to improve spatial orientation, and gradual exposure to movements that trigger symptoms (under supervision).

We can treat many causes of dizziness, but some require medical evaluation. We'll refer you to appropriate specialists if your dizziness is accompanied by severe headache, vision changes, difficulty speaking, weakness or numbness, hearing loss, or if it doesn't respond to our treatment.

BPPV often resolves within 1-3 treatments with repositioning maneuvers. Cervicogenic dizziness typically improves within 4-6 weeks of treatment. Vestibular rehabilitation may take 6-12 weeks depending on severity. Many patients notice improvement after their first few visits.

The plantar fascia supports the arch of your foot and absorbs shock when you walk. It becomes inflamed due to excessive standing or walking, especially on hard surfaces, running or jumping activities with inadequate footwear, being overweight increasing stress on the feet, tight calf muscles pulling on the heel, high arches or flat feet altering foot mechanics, wearing unsupportive shoes or going barefoot frequently, and misalignment in ankles, knees, or hips causing compensatory foot stress.

Plantar fasciitis is rarely just a foot problem. Problems in your hips, knees, or ankles can alter how your foot strikes the ground, placing abnormal stress on the plantar fascia. We examine your entire lower extremity to identify and correct these contributing factors.

We create a comprehensive plan that addresses both your foot and any contributing factors from other areas, which may include chiropractic adjustments to feet, ankles, knees, and hips to restore proper alignment, soft tissue therapy including Graston technique for plantar fascia adhesions, laser therapy to reduce inflammation and promote tissue healing, custom orthotics or arch supports when indicated, stretching protocols for calf muscles and plantar fascia, strengthening exercises for intrinsic foot muscles, gait analysis and correction to address walking patterns causing excessive stress, and footwear recommendations for proper support.

Once your plantar fasciitis heals, we'll teach you how to prevent recurrence through proper footwear selection, pre-activity stretching, maintaining healthy weight, gradual increase in activity levels, and addressing any biomechanical issues in your feet or legs.

Plantar fasciitis can be stubborn and requires consistent treatment and home care. Most patients notice improvement within 4-6 weeks, with significant relief by 8-12 weeks. Chronic cases may take longer. Morning heel pain typically improves first, followed by all-day symptoms.