The Initial Exam
Dr. Nencheck treats numerous conditions related to the biomechanics of the spine and/or extremities.
Every patient receives a thorough medical history review and full physical examination which includes specific orthopedic, neurological, and chiropractic tests to properly diagnose their condition.
When necessary, X-rays or an MRI may be utilized to further asses their condition.
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Below are the wide variety of conditions Dr. Nencheck treats.
Conditions We Treat
A Personal Approach
Neck & Lower Back Pain
Chiropractic care is most closely associated with the treatment of pain, discomfort, and loss of mobility related to spinal facet ("Z") joints.
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When these joints become restricted (from trauma, posture, or repetitive motions) they can negatively affect spinal biomechanics. When this happens it can lead to muscle spasm and other soft tissue injuries, spinal nerve dysfunction, spinal disc injuries, and joint capsular issues.
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Many studies have concluded that manual therapies commonly used by chiropractors are generally effective for the treatment of lower back pain and neck pain, among other conditions listed within this section.
Mid-Back & Rib Pain
Joint restriction in the mid-back may cause imbalances in the muscles and nerves associated with the ribs, contributing to rib pain. The ribs are connected to the mid-back by two separate joints.
The most effective treatment if there is a segment restricted in the mid-back is spinal manipulation (a specific chiropractic adjustment), which will allow the segment to move better, leading to a decrease in pain.
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Mid-back and rib pain can also be caused by organs under your ribs like kidney stones, gallbladder pain, or lung disease. This is why Dr. Nencheck performs a thorough physical examination to come up with a working diagnosis to rule out these issues.
Intervertebral Disc Issues
Intervertebral discs, the cartilage located between each vertebra, are a vital part of a properly functioning spine. Think of them as a jelly donut. The outer portion is fibrous and the inner portion is more fluid-like.
Discs act as shock absorbers, allow proper movement of the individual vertebrae, and create the spacing necessary for the spinal nerves to exit from the spinal cord. Since weight-bearing cartilage has very little blood supply, movement is required to supply the disc its nutrients and allow for waste products to exit. This process allows the discs to repair themselves and maintain their shape.
If a disc begins to degenerate, the outer portion (annulus fibrosus) will weaken and allow the inner portion (nucleus pulposus) to bulge. Further breakdown of the disc may result in a herniated disc, where the jelly-like contents of the disc rupture and may even leak out and press on the spinal nerve roots leading to a radiculopathy (pinched nerve root).
Dr. Nencheck has specialized training and equipment for treating these types of spinal issues.
Headaches
There are many types of headaches including migraines, ocular migraines, cluster, tension-type, and cervicogenic. Headaches have a variety of causes such as diet, hormonal changes, stress, allergies, and cervical (neck) spinal joint restriction (cervicogenic). Chiropractic primarily treats headaches that are cervicogenic in nature; that is, they are cause by joint dysfunction of the cervical spine.
Spinal manipulation, has been shown to be more effective than other treatments such as medication and physical therapy. Why? Medication and physical therapy may help with the pain temporarily, but they do not address the root cause of cervicogenic headaches.
Peripheral Nerve Entrapments & Double Crush Syndrome
Peripheral nerve entrapment syndrome is a condition caused by the persistent application of pressure to a nerve beyond the spinal nerve roots.
Symptoms include pain, numbness and tingling, and muscle weakness. The distribution of symptoms depends upon the nerve affected.
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Double crush syndrome is a distinct compression at two or more locations along the course of a peripheral nerve that can coexist and synergistically increase symptom intensity. An example of this is when the median nerve is irritated in the wrist AND the neck.
In addition, dissatisfaction after treatment at one site may be the result of persistent pathology at another site along a peripheral nerve. This can happen in both the upper and lower extremities.
Chiropractic care can help with these syndromes by addressing the site(s) of compression with specific non-invasive manual therapies and rehab exercises.
Shoulder & Elbow Pain
The shoulder joint is naturally an unstable joint in the body as it is a very shallow joint. The shoulder has a tendency to drop downward and rotate internally which typically results in pain, and a restricted range of motion. This places undue stress upon the soft tissue elements surrounding the joint. This can result in impingement syndrome, tendonitis, bursitis, and more. Adjustments of the shoulder joint can restore an appropriate range of motion and decrease pain in the shoulder. An appropriate rehab protocol is essential for most shoulder pathologies to resolve.
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The elbow is a complex joint which involves three different bones, the humerus, ulna, and radius. Rotational joint dysfunction of the radial head can create discomfort leading to tendonitis/tendonosis (Golfer's or Tennis Elbow). Appropriate adjustments and rehab exercises can help to decrease symptoms and prevent a reoccurrence.
Hand & Wrist Pain
Hand and wrist pain is often caused by sprains or fractures from sudden injuries. But wrist pain can also result from long-term problems, such as repetitive stress, arthritis, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
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Chiropractic care is helpful in keeping the joints of the hand and wrist mobile. An active rehab exercise protocol and other physiotherapies (e.g. laser/ultrasound) may be helpful as well.
Hip & Knee Pain
In certain cases, lumbar/pelvic (lower back) joint dysfunction and altered biomechanics can lead to hip and knee pain. A decrease in the joint space in the hip joint tends to cause pain and discomfort. A decrease in range of motion and an altered walking pattern is commonly displayed as well. Specific hip adjustments used to increase the joint space and improve mobility can release the pressure upon the joint and reduce pain.
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The knee is the most commonly injured area involving athletics (especially in women). There are various causes to knee pain, such as meniscus injuries, sprain/strains, ligament injuries, arthritis, patellar tracking disorders and rotations of the fibula to name a few. Specific adjustments to the knee and/or fibula can provide relief resulting from arthritis, patellar tracking disorders, and joint dysfunction of the fibula.
Foot & Ankle pain
The foot is comprised of many individual bones and joints. If only one of these joints is dysfunctional, pain and discomfort can result which can affect gait mechanics. Altered gait mechanics can lead to further issues with time and can affect the entire kinetic chain which in turn can cause lower back, hip, and knee pain.
The foot also contains ligaments and muscular attachments which are directly affected by these dysfunctional joints. Slip and falls, athletics, traumas, sprain/strains, can lead to dysfunctional joints in the foot. Proper adjustments to correct joint function in the foot can decrease pain.
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An active rehab exercise protocol and other physiotherapies may be helpful in the treatment plan as well.
Pregnancy
At Rehab Chiropractic Network, we treat many pregnant patients. During the third trimester of pregnancy, rapid weight gain and hormonal influences on the ligaments of the body may create instability in the lower back (lumbar spine) which can cause compression upon the lumbar nerves. Women who have had little or no previous back pain may find themselves dealing with constant lower back pain and/or sciatica.
Since expecting mothers are advised not to take any pain medication, gentle chiropractic care is a safe and highly effective solution to their problem. Our clinic utilizes a specific therapy method which slowly and gently reduces the compression of these nerves and helps to decrease their pain.
Sports Injury
Dr. Nencheck has ample experience dealing with sport injuries, both personally and professionally. Working with Rutgers football student athletes, he has been exposed to cutting-edge athletic treatment techniques and has acquired the knowledge to determine which of these techniques are appropriate for the specific athlete in need.
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At Rehab Chiropractic Network, we take the time to understand the root of your problem to provide the best and most effective treatment. With cutting-edge equipment and dedicated care, you’ll be taking your first steps towards your recovery.
Chronic Pain
Our approach at Rehab Chiropractic Network is to treat the whole body, not just an isolated injury. We offer a variety of personalized, one-on-one treatments to ensure our patients’ long-term health and wellness.