Health Made Easy Dr. Jason Jones

Chronic fatigue is a debilitating chronic condition characterized by extreme physical and mental tiredness, which does not subside even after sleeping or resting. The severe fatigue can last for over six months. 
There is no known test for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and its diagnosis is based on a patient's symptoms after ruling out other conditions with similar symptoms, like depression, sleep disorder, or anemia. The unfortunate thing is that there is no proven cure for CFS, and most treatment only focuses on symptom relief. However, the good news is that natural remedies can help boost your energy from CFS symptoms. 
How can I Combat Chronic Fatigue and Regain Energy?
Although it may be complicated and overwhelming to cope with CFS, the following are some of the tips and strategies that can help you navigate and combat the illness and regain energy.
Practice Good Sleep Hygiene: Start by improving your sleep quality by establishing a consistent sleep schedule, avoiding stimulants before bedtime, and creating a comfortable sleep environment to help you get enough rest and reduce fatigue.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity is a significant risk factor for CFS. Losing weight through exercise and a healthy diet can help improve sleep quality.
Avoid Alcohol and Sedatives: These substances can affect the quality of sleep that you get, resulting in CFS.  
Elevate your Mood: Mental health is essential in elevating CFS, refocusing, and paying attention to the things that bring you joy. Instead of looking for information about CFS that inflicts more fear, you can divert your attention to exciting things that can help elevate or improve your mood, like physical activities. 
Engage in Exciting Activities: Allow yourself to be carried away or absorbed in any activity you choose. Finding flow is effective in helping people recover from CFS and depression after allowing themselves to be immersed in the activities that interest them. Doing the things that bring you joy and fun speeds up the healing and recovery.
Brain retraining: Retraining your brain can entail following a systematic plan, compass, and road map to alleviate the symptoms of CFS and regain energy. CFS makes you feel overwhelmed and overloaded; thus, the essence of brain retraining programs toward recovery is to relieve such burdens. Although the retraining may take time, the resulting change is incredible in managing CFS and regaining energy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT helps with energy management, where you receive advice on how to best utilize your energy without worsening your CFS symptoms. In one study, standard CBT was an effective intervention for improving physical functioning and alleviating the aviation symptoms of CFS.
Seeking CFS Support!
Remember, it’s okay to seek professional help; everyone needs a helping hand once in a while. If you would like a more detailed explanation of CFS, its symptoms and treatment, and support in managing CFS and regaining energy, we recommend talking to Dr. Jason Jones at our Chiropractic office in Elizabeth 
 

If you have ever experienced chronic pain you know firsthand how difficult it can be to get a good night’s sleep. Sleep and pain appear to have a bidirectional relationship. For instance, many people say that their painful symptoms tend to be alleviated after a better night’s sleep. Therefore, if you are living with chronic pain, prioritizing sleep may significantly help in recovery.
What is Pain?
Pain is an unpleasant sensation that we experience when nerve receptors send a signal to the brain telling us something is wrong. Pain can be acute or chronic.
Acute pain refers to pain that lasts for a short time, such as a broken bone that eventually heals. Chronic pain refers to recurring pain or pain that lasts for longer than a few months, such as lower back pain, arthritis, recurrent headaches, cancer pain, or fibromyalgia.
Effects of Poor Sleep on Body Pain
There is an unquestionable link between sleep and pain, with research evidence showing that the effect of sleep on pain may be even stronger than the effect of pain on sleep.
Researchers found that poor sleep causes low levels of a neurotransmitter called N-arachidonoyl dopamine (NADA) within an area of the brain called the thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN), resulting in heightened pain sensitivity, medically known as hyperalgesia.
The researchers explained that short sleep times, poor sleep quality, and fragmented sleep often cause increased sensitivity to pain in chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
People with sleep problems also appear to be at a higher risk of eventually developing conditions like migraines and fibromyalgia.
Sleep and pain appear to share similar pathways and neurotransmitters. Therefore, sleep deprivation affects the release of essential neurotransmitters and hormones involved in pain regulation, such as serotonin and cortisol, contributing to increased pain sensitivity.
Lack of sleep can also cause inflammation in the body, which will often result in muscle aches and pains and can exacerbate inflammatory conditions like arthritis.
Discover how improving your sleep can reduce body pain
Sleep quality and pain sensitivity have a significant correlation. Good sleep quality can help decrease pain sensitivity. Adequate sleep is essential for maintaining healthy pain processing in the brain reducing the risk of chronic pain conditions.
Sleeping better also helps the brain with its painkilling capabilities. Sleep is considered a natural analgesic that can help manage and lower pain.
During sleep, the brain undergoes important restorative processes necessary for pain modulation, reducing the risk of chronic pain conditions.
Therefore, addressing sleep quality can lead to better patient outcomes with reduced pain levels, improved physical function, and better mental health outcomes.
Contact Us for a Chiropractic Appointment
If muscle and joint pains are making it difficult for you to enjoy adequate sleep, chiropractic may help.
Your chiropractor will use a range of techniques, including massage, heat application, joint mobilization, exercises, and advice to improve circulation and healing in the affected areas and relieve muscle and joint pains.
Contact 252-335-2225 to schedule a visit with Dr. Jason B. Jones - 706 W. Ehringhaus Street - Elizabeth City, NC 27909.

Do your achy joints become more painful in cold weather? Well, you are not alone. Many people complain that during cold weather, especially during late fall and winter, they experience joint pain, especially in the hips, knees, and ankles. The question that arises then, is what is the cause of joint pain in the cold? To answer your questions, we have explored the scientific reasons for this kind of pain and given you applicable tips to help manage joint pain during colder months. Have a look!
Why Joint Pain Occurs Due To Cold Weather
Scientific evidence shows that joint pain feels worse in cold weather. When it is cold outside, nerves and blood vessels constrict in the arms and legs, decreasing blood flow and circulation to keep our inner core, heart, and organs, warmer. This causes our joints to become more stiff and painful.
A drop in atmospheric or barometric pressure may also increase joint pain for some people. Atmospheric or barometric pressure refers to the weightiness of air and decreases in cold weather. This drop in barometric pressure may cause your soft tissues to swell and put pressure on your joints, causing your nerves to transmit increased pain signals.
 Also, when it is cold outside, people move around or exercise less, which can lead to a loss of muscle strength and flexibility and, therefore, more joint pain.
Another theory suggests that synovial fluid inside your joints thickens in cold temperatures, causing joint stiffness and pain in cold weather.
Tips to manage joint pain during colder months
Although the cold weather may make your joint pain feel worse, there are some things you can do that can help. Have a glance!
Dress warmly: Layer clothing to stay warm and reduce exposure to the cold whether you are indoors or outdoors. Consider thermal underwear to protect your hips and knees, and insulated gloves to keep your hands and fingers warm. Also, don’t forget warm boots with good tread to prevent falls. While in the house, keep yourself warm and cozy. Regular exercise: It helps build up muscle and bone strength to help protect your joints. It also promotes better mobility by keeping your joints and muscles from becoming stiff. If you exercise outdoors, be sure to dress appropriately and stretch afterward. Maintain your weight: Cold and blustery outside can be tempting to coil up in a coach with a warm blanket enjoying your favorite snack and coffee. Pair these situations together, and you get weight gain. Unfortunately, weight gain puts added stress on already painful joints. It’s important to eat a balanced diet with a good check of fruits and veggies, and lean proteins to help maintain weight and promote joint health. Besides keeping your weight in check, it also ensures your joints are getting the vitamins and minerals they need to stay strong. For achy joints, try incorporating foods that naturally contain anti-inflammatory properties like avocado, oily fish, nuts, garlic, and berries, to help reduce pain. Also, avoid unhealthy choices, such as processed foods, which can cause inflammation.
Stay hydrated: The cold weather can easily tempt you to assume you do not need to take plenty of water. But remember, just because you are not hot and sweaty doesn’t mean that you are not losing fluids. Dehydration can increase sensitivity to aches and pain, reduce joint fluid lubrication, and cause muscle cramping. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids, including water, naturally flavored water, or fruit juice. Warm soup and flavored tea also help with hydration.
If you find that cold weather significantly impacts your joint pain, speak to Dr. Jason Jones at our Chiropractic office in Elizabeth City, NC. You will get a proper diagnosis and a guide on developing a personalized treatment plan. 

Sciatica refers to the nerve pain resulting from an injury or irritation to your sciatic nerve. Sciatica is not a condition, but rather a symptom of another problem involving the sciatic nerve. 
The sciatic nerve is the longest and widest nerve in the human body. It runs from the lower back, through the buttocks, and down the legs, ending just below the knee.
The sciatic nerve controls several muscles in the lower legs and supplies sensation to the skin of the foot and the majority of the lower leg.
Causes of Sciatica
Sciatic nerve pain is often a result of a herniated disk in the spine. Other causes include bone spurs on the lower back bones, tumors, or nerves affected by another health issue.
Symptoms of Sciatica
Sciatica symptoms include:
Pain: Sciatica pain is a result of pressure exalted on the affected nerve. Most people who have experienced sciatica pain describe it as burning or like an electric shock. The pain often shoots or radiates down the leg on the affected side. Numbness and tingling: It occurs when you can’t feel sensations on the skin in the affected areas of your back or leg. The numbness usually happens when you wake up or sit in one position for a long time. Muscle weakness: This is a more severe symptom. It means that muscle command signals are having trouble reaching their destinations in your back or legs. Urinary incontinence or fecal incontinence: This is a very severe symptom. It means that signals that control your bladder and bowels are not reaching their destinations. Risk Factors for Sciatica
The common risk factors for sciatica include:
History of back pain: A history of back pain or problems with the back may increase one’s risk of sciatica. Having excess weight or obesity: The more weight you have, the more your back muscles have to work to support the body weight. That can lead to back strains, pain, and other issues. Your job: Jobs that require heavy lifting, a lot of bending, or prolonged sitting without proper back support may increase your risk of lower back problems. Physical inactivity: Sitting for long periods and a lack of physical activity can increase the risk of sciatica. Normal wear-and-tear: As we get older, wear-and-tear is normal, especially on the spine which can lead to pinched nerves, herniated disks, and other conditions that increase the risk of sciatica. How to Manage Sciatica Symptoms Effectively
Depending on the cause, milder cases of sciatica usually get better with self-treatment. Some of the applicable self-treatment include:
Stretching and physical activity help strengthen the core muscles and reduce back pain. A home remedy that targets the use of ice during the first 1-2 days when pain first begins. Another practical home remedy is applying a heat pack to the area if the pain persists longer than 2 days. Chronic sciatica pain can effectively be treated through chiropractic adjustments. Chiropractors use a special method called spinal manipulations where they gently move the vertebrae and joints back where they should be, using quick and soft thrusts. The adjustments and movements aim to fix the spine’s alignment, reducing pressure on the sciatic nerve for pain relief and allowing the body to recover. When the joint or vertebra returns to its proper place, inflammation decreases, and the healing starts.
Are you experiencing chronic sciatica pain? Start your chiropractic care today! Call 252-335-2225 to schedule a visit with Dr. Jason B. Jones - 706 W. Ehringhaus Street - Elizabeth City, NC 27909.

We all have experienced stress at one point in our lives. But, not everyone experiences it in the same way. Stress indeed takes a toll on our minds, but did you know that sometimes physical symptoms are your body’s way of telling you that your brain is under too much stress?
 Stress and chronic pain have a complex relationship. At times, physical symptoms are not caused by any illness. Stress could be the underlying problem that needs to be addressed. Prolonged or unmanaged stress can wreak havoc on your body, resulting in body pains, aches, and other symptoms.
Understanding how stress can translate into physical pain.
When we experience stress, the body releases hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. Adrenaline initiates the “fight or flight” response that leads to increased blood supply and tightened muscles in preparation for reacting to the stressor. Cortisol shuts down systems that aren’t essential for fight or flight, such as the digestive and reproductive systems.
When the stress is gone, the body automatically resumes normal operation. But if you regularly feel stressed out, overexposure to adrenaline and cortisol can lead to muscle tension, aches and spasms. With time, stress also impacts the nervous system. Frequent pain signals sent to the brain causes it to start processing pain even when there are fewer stimuli. Ideally, the body becomes more sensitive to pain.
Common Physical Manifestations of Stress
At times you may not know that you are stressed but your body could be sending you signs that it’s time to address your stress. Some of the physical manifestations of stress to look out for include:
Muscle aches and pains When you experience stress, your muscles tend to tense up. As a result, you may experience pain, tightness, or soreness in your muscles, as well as spasms of pain. This may lead to flare-ups of symptoms of arthritis, fibromyalgia, and other conditions because stress lowers your threshold for pain. When that stress is managed, your muscles release the tension.
Gut discomfort Have you ever experienced a stomachache from being so stressed out? While stress can have a real impact on your digestive system. It can range from simple symptoms like pain, constipation, gas, and diarrhea to more complex conditions like acid reflux and irritable bowel syndrome. This is because, when you are stressed, you may tend to eat more or less, which can lead to unhealthy diets affecting your gut.
Shoulders, head, and jaw pain Stress can affect your body through the tension triangle, which includes your shoulders, head, and jaw. Stress can trigger tension headaches, tightness in the neck and jaw, and knots and spasms in your neck and shoulders.
Reproductive health Ever wonder why your period might sometimes skip a month or come a week later? Or why you are experiencing decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and irregular menstrual cycles. There can be a range of reasons for this, but stress can be a contributing factor. Over time, stress disrupts the body’s hormonal balance resulting in irregularities.
Skin and hair Your skin and hair are also not immune to the effects of stress. If you have a skin condition like eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea, stress can make it worse. It can also lead to hives and itchiness, excessive sweating, and hair loss.
When to seek help
Practicing self-care is always a good strategy. But at times, you may need more support. If something doesn’t feel right or you have questions about how to manage stress in positive ways, talk to Dr. Jason Jones at our Chiropractic office in Elizabeth City, NC. 
 

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that affects one of the primary nerves in the wrist area. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway surrounded by bones and ligaments on the palm side of the hand. The leading cause of carpal tunnel syndrome is extra pressure on the median nerve at the wrist inside the tunnel. The extra pressure can come from swelling or inflammation of the contents inside the tunnel. Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms include wrist pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness.
To better understand carpal tunnel syndrome and how to ease it, it’s essential to start by understanding the risk factors that increase the chances of irritation or damage to the median nerve. They include:
Anatomic factors: When you have a wrist fracture or dislocation or arthritis that deforms the small bones in the wrist, you may experience an alteration in the space within the carpal tunnel and put pressure on the median nerve. Similarly, people who have smaller carpal tunnels are more susceptible to carpal tunnel syndrome.   Gender: Women are more prone to carpal tunnel syndrome as compared to men. This is because women have a relatively more minor carpal tunnel area than men. Inflammatory conditions: People with rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions that have inflammatory components are more susceptible to carpal tunnel syndrome. This is because they affect the lining around the tendons in the wrist and put pressure on the median nerve. Nerve-damaging conditions: Certain chronic diseases like diabetes increase the risk of nerve damage, including damage to the median nerve. Obesity: Being obese increases the risk factor for carpal tunnel syndrome. Body fluid changes: Fluid retention may increase pressure within the carpal tunnel, irritating the median nerve. It is prevalent during pregnancy and menopause. Workplace factors: Working with vibrating tools that require prolonged or repetitive wrist flexing may create harmful pressure on the median nerve, especially when working in cold environments. Easing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Although there are no proven strategies to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome, you can apply various measures to help ease and minimize pressure on the hands and wrists. These methods are approved by chiropractic care. Have a look!
Reduce your force and relax your grip: If your work involves typing using a keyboard, hit the keys softly. Consider using a big pen with an oversized, soft grip adapter and free-flowing ink when engaged in prolonged handwriting. Keyboard and mouse position: Avoid bending your wrist up or down. Ensure you maintain a relaxed middle position by keeping your keyboard at elbow height or slightly lower.Also ensure that your mouse is in a comfortable position to avoid straining your wrist. Improve your posture: Poor posture affects the wrists, fingers and hands. Ensure you are comfortable and not straining. Keep your hands warm: Cold environments may trigger your hands to hurt more. Try to control the temperatures by wearing warm gloves. Physical therapy: It helps strengthen muscles around your wrist and increase flexibility. It’s essential to ensure you get diagnoses and treatment to avoid permanent damage to your median nerve. Our chiropractic treatment will walk with you through the carpal tunnel syndrome recovery journey and offer therapy sessions and the best guide. Our professional chiropractors will focus on gentle manipulation of the wrist and elbow to help ease the pain.
To get more details on our chiropractic practices focused on carpal tunnel syndrome, contact Dr. Jason Jones at our Chiropractic office in Elizabeth City, NC.