Chiropractic + Wellness

Introduction

The spine is essential for maintaining our upright posture and allowing us to move without pain. The cervical, thoracic, and lumbar sections support different body areas. However, environmental factors and pathogens can cause musculoskeletal pain, leading to spine misalignment and stress on the surrounding muscles and nerve roots. Non-surgical treatments like IDD therapy can help realign the spine and relieve pain. We utilize and incorporate valuable information about our patients to certified medical providers using non-surgical treatments like IDD therapy to alleviate pain associated with musculoskeletal pain along the spine. We encourage and refer patients to associated medical providers based on their findings while supporting that education is a remarkable and fantastic way to ask our providers the essential questions at the patient’s acknowledgment. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., comprises this information as an educational service. Disclaimer

The Pathological Effects Of Musculoskeletal Pain On The Spine

Are you experiencing muscle pain in various parts of your body? Do you feel stiffness in your back, neck, hips, or shoulders? Or are you experiencing localized pain in a specific area? These are common symptoms of musculoskeletal pain, which affects the spine. Unfortunately, research studies reveal that musculoskeletal pain is a leading cause of long-term suffering, disability, and decreased productivity. This type of pain can strain the surrounding muscles in the upper and lower body, affect joints, and cause overlapping risk factors that make diagnosis challenging. Research studies also suggest that musculoskeletal pain can arise from different structures, leading to local or central sensitization and correlating pain intensity and duration.

Did you know that musculoskeletal pain can have pathological effects on the spine? Research studies revealed that the musculoskeletal system significantly impacts the central nervous system regarding pain. This means that when pain occurs in a certain area, neuron signals are sent to the brain, increasing sensitivity markers to that location. In the case of a traumatic spinal cord injury, these signals can become chaotic, leading to additional risk factors for the muscles surrounding the spine. This can result in musculoskeletal pain, which may cause referred pain in other body parts. Additionally, research has indicated that severe pathologies associated with the central nervous system can also lead to musculoskeletal pain. This is because the brain’s neuron signals alert the immune system that something is wrong and needs immediate attention.

General Disclaimer *

The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*

email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com

Licensed in: Texas & New Mexico*

Internal injuries occur under the skin and muscle tissues. Internal organ damage occurs when an organ's structure becomes altered or begins to malfunction and can be brought on by trauma or disease. Sympathetic nerves send and receive messages, including pain signals, from the brain through the spinal cord. Chiropractors understand the spine and internal organ connection. For example, the splanchnic nerves connect to the stomach, originating between thoracic vertebra six and ten.

Internal Organ Damage

Blunt Trauma

• Blunt trauma/Non-penetrating trauma happens when a forceful impact strikes the body.
• A car accident, hard fall, or getting hit by a dull object qualifies as blunt trauma.
• Blunt trauma can rupture the blood vessels and organs.
• Organs most likely to experience damage include the spleen and liver.

Penetrating Trauma

• Penetrating trauma happens when an object enters the body.
• The object can bruise, slice, and pierce organs.
• Internal bleeding can occur if blood vessels are torn or cut.

Organs fall into two categories:

Solid Organs

The solid organs contain organ tissue throughout and include the following:

• Liver
• Spleen
• Kidneys
• Pancreas
• When solid organs go through trauma, they can rupture and/or develop hematomas.
• A hematoma is when blood vessels rupture and blood collects inside the organ.

Hollow Organs

The hollow organs have an organ wall that surrounds an empty/hollow space that includes:

• Stomach
• Intestines
• Colon
• Bladder
• Ureters
• Hollow organs that experience trauma can tear the walls and allow material to leak out.
• This leakage can cause peritonitis and sepsis.
• Individuals can also develop hematomas with blood collecting in the organ wall.

Thoracic Spine

The thoracic spine is the most interconnected with the internal organs and includes:

• T2 - the chest, heart, and blood vessels.
• T4 - the gallbladder, tendons, and ligaments.
• T6 - the stomach and pancreas.
• T10 - the kidneys.

Lumbar Spine

The lumbar spine is connected to the lower organs.

• L1 is connected to the large intestine.
• Issues with L1 might be indicated by constipation or diarrhea.
• L3 Is connected to the bladder, uterus in women, and prostate in men.
• Painful menstruation or impotence could indicate problems.

Organ Damage Effects

 Internal bleeding is the most immediate issue arising from internal organ damage.

• Bleeding can lead to shock as blood volume drops.
• It can also form hematomas in the organs.
• Internal bleeding can also occur after less severe trauma and/or be delayed for hours or days.
• After the individual is stabilized, localized symptoms can appear.
• Damaged organs can become inflamed and swell, causing abdominal compartment syndrome.
• Compartment syndrome occurs when swelling restricts blood circulation to and from the organ to the circulatory and nervous systems, causing pain and further damage to the organ tissues.
• If circulation is not restored, the organs may fail.
• Severe swelling of the organs can cause heart and lung problems, as the swollen organs leave no room for the lungs to expand or for the heart to pump blood.

Emergency Treatment and Rehabilitation

Blunt force injuries that produce significant organ impact, bleeding, and penetrating injuries may require surgery to repair or remove damaged organs. Doctors may keep the injured individual under observation for minor internal bleeding to see if surgery is needed. Minor internal bleeding often heals on its own without surgery. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic offer rehabilitation after surgery as a thorough way to expedite healing and recovery.

• Chiropractic manages pain without medications that can interfere with the ability to perform simple tasks.
• The body's functions and biochemical responses from the trauma and surgery are addressed.
• Inflammation and swelling are alleviated, and prevention is done through adjustments, massage, diet, and health coaching.

Severe Back Pain Chiropractic

General Disclaimer *

The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and directly or indirectly support our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has reasonably attempted to provide supportive citations and identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.

We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*

email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com

Licensed in: Texas & New Mexico*

References

Iheozor-Ejiofor, Zipporah, et al. "Negative pressure wound therapy for open traumatic wounds." The Cochrane database of systematic reviews vol. 7,7 CD012522. 3 Jul. 2018, doi:10.1002/14651858.CD012522.pub2

McCausland C, Sajjad H. Anatomy, Back, Splanchnic Nerve. [Updated 2021 Aug 11]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549856/

Newman RK, Dayal N, Dominique E. Abdominal Compartment Syndrome. [Updated 2022 Apr 21]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430932/

Risselada, Marije. "Perforating Cervical, Thoracic, and Abdominal Wounds." The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice vol. 47,6 (2017): 1135-1148. doi:10.1016/j.cvsm.2017.06.002

Shaheen, Aisha W et al. "Abdominal compartment syndrome in trauma patients: New insights for predicting outcomes." Journal of emergencies, trauma, and shock vol. 9,2 (2016): 53-7. doi:10.4103/0974-2700.179452

Sikka, Rishi. "Unsuspected internal organ traumatic injuries." Emergency medicine clinics of North America vol. 22,4 (2004): 1067-80. doi:10.1016/j.emc.2004.05.006

Maintaining the body's musculoskeletal system and keeping it strong can be done through chiropractic and by managing general overall health. This system includes the:

• Bones
• Muscles
• Tendons
• Ligaments
• Soft tissues

These all work together to support the body’s weight and allow for movement. Injuries, disease, and aging can cause stiffness, pain, and other issues with mobility, function that can lead to various conditions and/or disease.

The musculoskeletal system

The skeleton provides the framework for the muscles and other soft tissues. Working together, they support the body’s weight, help to maintain proper posture and the ability for movement. Various disorders and conditions can lead to problems with the musculoskeletal system. This includes:

• Aging
• Injuries
• Congenital anomalies (congenital disabilities)
• Disease
• All can cause pain and limit movement.

Focusing on overall health and maintaining it will keep the system in top form. This is done by:

• Eating a healthy balanced diet
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Regular physical activity/exercise
• Chiropractic support will take the body to optimal health levels.

How does the system work?

The nervous system is the body’s central command center. It controls voluntary muscle movements. Voluntary muscles are controlled intentionally. Large muscle groups are utilized to do activities like lifting a large object. Smaller groups are used for movements, like pressing a button. Movement/motion occurs when:

• The nervous system, which includes the brain and nerves, transmits a signal to activate the skeletal/voluntary muscles.
• The muscle fibers contract/tense in response to the signal.
• When the muscle activates, it pulls on the tendon.
• Tendons attach muscles to bones.
• The tendon pulls the bone, generating movement.
• For the muscle to relax, the nervous system sends another signal.
• This signal triggers the muscle/s to relax/deactivate.
• The relaxed muscle releases tension
• The bone is moved to a resting position.

System Parts

The musculoskeletal system functions to help stand, sit, walk, run and move in general. The adult body has 206 bones and more than 600 muscles. These are connected by ligaments, tendons, and soft tissues. The parts of the system are:

Bones

Bones support the body, protect organs and tissues, store calcium, fat and produce blood cells.

• A bone’s outside shell encapsulates a spongy center.
• Bones provide structure and form to the body.
• They work with the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissues to help with movement.

Cartilage

This is a type of connective tissue.

• Cartilage provides cushion to the bones inside the joints, along the spine, and ribcage.
• It is firm and rubbery.
• It protects bones from rubbing against each other.
• It is also found in the nose, ears, pelvis, and lungs.

Joints

Bones come together and form joints.

• Some have a large range of motion, for example, the ball-and-socket shoulder joint.
• Others, like the knee, allow bones to move back and forth but do not rotate.

Muscles

Every muscle is made of thousands of fibers.

• The muscles allow the body to move, sit upright, and remain still.
• Some muscles help with running, dancing, and lifting.
• Others are for writing, fastening something, talking, and swallowing.

Ligaments

• Ligaments are made of tough collagen fibers
• They connect the bones and provide stability to the joints.

Tendons

• Tendons connect the muscles to the bones.
• They are made of fibrous tissue and collagen
• They are tough but not as stretchable.

Conditions and disorders

Various conditions can cause problems with the musculoskeletal system. They can affect the way an individual moves. The most common causes of inflammation, pain, and mobility issues are:

Aging

• With the natural aging process, bones lose density.
• Less-dense bones can lead to osteoporosis and bone fractures/broken bones.
• As the body ages, muscles lose their mass, and cartilage starts to wear down.
• This can lead to pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion.
• After an injury, an individual might not heal as quickly.

Arthritis

Pain, inflammation, and joint stiffness are the result of arthritis.

• Older individuals are more likely to develop osteoarthritis. This is from the cartilage inside the joints breaking down. However, the condition can affect individuals of all ages.
• Other types of arthritis also cause pain and inflammation. This includes:
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Gout

Back problems

• Back pain and muscle spasms can result from muscle strains or injuries, for example, a herniated disc.
• Some conditions like spinal stenosis and scoliosis can cause structural problems in the back.
• This can lead to pain and limited mobility.

Cancer

• Different types of cancer affect the musculoskeletal system, for example, bone cancer.
• Tumors that grow in connective tissue known as sarcomas can cause pain and mobility problems.

Congenital abnormalities

Congenital abnormalities can affect the body’s structure, function, and appearance. For example, clubfoot is a common musculoskeletal condition that babies can be born with. It causes stiffness and reduces the range of motion.

Disease

A wide range of diseases can affect bones, muscles, and connective tissues functionality.

• For example, osteonecrosis causes the bones to deteriorate and the cells to die.
• Other disorders, like fibrous dysplasia and brittle bone disease, cause the bones to fracture/break easily.
• Conditions that affect the skeletal muscles are known as myopathies include types of muscular dystrophy.

Injuries

• All types of injuries can affect bones, muscles, cartilage, and connective tissues.
• Injuries can occur from repetitive overuse. Examples include:
• Carpal tunnel syndrome, Bursitis, and Tendinitis
• Sprains
• Muscle tears
• Broken bones
• Injuries to the tendons, ligaments and other soft tissues can lead to chronic conditions.

Maintaining musculoskeletal health

• Recommended ways of maintaining a healthy musculoskeletal system are to keep the bones and muscles healthy by getting:

Regular physical activity and exercise

• This includes weight-bearing exercises combined with cardiovascular activities. Strengthening the muscles will support the joints and protect/prevent damage.

Proper sleep

• This is so the bones and muscles can recover and rebuild.

Maintain a healthy weight

• Added weight places pressure on the bones and joints.
• This causes various health problems.
• If there is added weight, it is recommended to consult a health coach and nutritionist about a personalized weight-loss plan.
• They can help make healthy food choices that will make for strong bones and include anti-inflammation foods.

Quit tobacco use

• Smoking decreases blood flow in the body.
• The bones, muscles, and soft tissues need proper blood circulation to maintain health.

Regular chiropractic adjustments

• Adjustments will help maintain the body's balance and alignment.
• This, along with recommended stretches and exercises, will take the body to optimal health.

Healthy Body Composition

Bodyweight Squat

This is one of the best strength exercises for building general functional low body strength. The muscle groups that get worked include the:

• Quadriceps
• Hamstrings
• Glutes
• Deep abdominals
• Hip abductors
• Hip rotators

Squats work almost every muscle in the legs. This also builds core strength to help with everyday movements like pushing, pulling, and lifting. There is no need to load added weight on the back to benefit from this exercise. Using the body's weight is a perfect workout. This can be done with several variations once strength is built up. The objective is to focus on strict form for maximum effectiveness.

• The feet should be shoulder-width apart.
• Bend at the hips
• Don’t let the knees go past the toes.
• Lower the body until the thighs are parallel to the floor

General Disclaimer *

The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.

We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*

email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com

Licensed in: Texas & New Mexico*

References

American Chiropractic Association. Back Pain Facts and Statistics. Accessed 1/5/2021.

Arthritis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed 1/5/2021.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Arthritis-Related Statistics. Accessed 1/5/2021.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders & Ergonomics. Accessed 1/5/2021.

Merck Manuals. Effects of Aging on the Musculoskeletal System. Accessed 1/5/2021.

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Healthy Muscles Matter. Accessed 1/5/2021.

The legs are important for standing and motion. Various problems can affect any part, including the bones, tendons, joints, blood vessels, and connective tissues of the entire leg, foot, ankle, knee, or hip. Common problems include unbalanced/unevenness, muscle sprains and strains, joint dislocations, nerve compression, and fractures. These issues can benefit from chiropractic leg adjustments to relieve the symptoms, realign the body, restore mobility, strengthen the muscles, and prevent further complications.

Leg Adjustments

The legs are composed of two major sections: upper and lower. The ball-and-socket hip joint connects the upper portion, with only one bone comprising the upper leg, the femur, the largest bone in the body. The lower leg goes from the knee to the ankle and is composed of two bones, the fibula, and the tibia.

• The tibia makes up the knee together with the base of the femur.
• The fibula starts from the knee joint and is connected to the tibia.

Muscles

The leg muscles support standing and sitting, carry the body's weight, and provide movement. Several muscles in the upper and lower legs work together to enable walking, running, jumping, flexing, and pointing the toes.

Upper Leg

The upper leg muscles support the body's weight and movement. Their jobs include:

• Anterior muscles: These muscles stabilize the body and help with balance. They also allow:
• Bending and extension of the knees.
• Flexion of the thigh at the hip joints.
• Rotation of the legs at the hips.
• Medial muscles assist in hip adduction - moving the leg toward the body's center. They also allow flexion, extension, and rotation of the thigh.
• Posterior muscles help move the leg from front to back and rotate at the hip socket.

Lower Leg

• Anterior muscles are in the front/anterior part of the lower leg and help lift and lower the foot and toe extension. 
• Lateral muscles run outside the lower leg and stabilize the foot when walking or running. They also allow side-to-side movement.
• Posterior muscles: These muscles are in the back of the lower leg. Some are superficial (close to the skin surface), and some sit deeper inside the leg. They help:
• Flex and point the toes.
• Jump, run and push off.
• Lock and unlock the knee.
• Maintain a healthy posture by stabilizing the legs.
• Stand up straight by supporting the arch of the feet.

Causes

There are different causes of leg discomfort symptoms. Age, work, physical activity, sports, and misalignments can all cause leg issues to develop.

Musculoskeletal

• Musculoskeletal system injuries, conditions, and disorders are related to the bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This includes bruising, tendonitis, muscle strain, overuse, and fractures can all lead to musculoskeletal issues.

Neurological

• Neurological symptoms are related to a problem with the nerves and the nervous system. Damaged and pinched nerves can contribute to leg issues.

Vascular

• If there are blood vessel issues, it can also lead to leg symptoms. Depending on the cause, leg symptoms can vary from moderate to severe and may be non-stop or come and go.

Symptoms

Symptoms typically include:

• Muscle weakness.
• Muscle stiffness.
• Muscle tightness.
• A feeling of tiredness and heaviness in the legs.
• Decreased range of motion.
• Difficulty in walking or moving the legs.
• Leg cramps.
• Tenderness.
• Pain that may be dull or sharp.
• Pain that gets worse as time goes on.
• Bruising.
• Swelling.
• Tingling sensations.
• Numbness.
• Complete loss of sensation.
• Edema - fluid retention.
• Physical deformity of the legs.

Chiropractic Adjustments

Chiropractic care is a proven way of reducing swelling and discomfort throughout the body. Chiropractic leg adjustments help release restrictions and misalignments. This results in increased mobility of the joints, decreased inflammation, and improved function. A chiropractic adjustment on the leg is known as a long-axis distraction adjustment. This adjustment is designed to open the affected joint in the direction the chiropractor pulls. They can adjust their contact to open the femur from the acetabulum of the pelvis, the knee joint, the ankle joints, and the low back. This encourages proper joint space and motion in the affected areas, promoting healthy movement and space and allowing more nutrient flow and pressure removal from the surrounding nerves to help with symptom relief.

Hip Long Axis Distraction

General Disclaimer *

The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and directly or indirectly support our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has reasonably attempted to provide supportive citations and identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.

We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, don't hesitate to get in touch with Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*

email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com

Licensed in: Texas & New Mexico*

References

Binstead JT, Munjal A, Varacallo M. Anatomy, Bony Pelvis, and Lower Limb, Calf. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459362/) [Updated 2020 Aug 22]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan-. Accessed 12/29/2021.

Eid K, Tafas E, Mylonas K, Angelopoulos P, Tsepis E, Fousekis K. Treatment of the trunk and lower extremities with Ergon® IASTM technique can increase hamstrings flexibility in amateur athletes: A randomized control study. Phys Ther Sport. 2017;28:e12. doi:10.1016/J.PTSP.2017.08.038

Jeno SH, Schindler GS. Anatomy, Bony Pelvis, and Lower Limb, Thigh Adductor Magnus Muscles. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534842/) [Updated 2020 Aug 10]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan-. Accessed 12/29/2021.

McGee S. Stance and gait. In: McGee S. Evidence-Based Physical Diagnosis. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2012:chap 6.

Ransom AL, Sinkler MA, Nallamothu SV. Anatomy, Bony Pelvis, and Lower Limb, Femoral Muscles. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK500008/) [Updated 2020 Oct 30]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan-. Accessed 12/29/2021.

Thompson PD Nutt JG. Gait disorders. In: Daroff RB, Fenichel GM, Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC. Bradley's Neurology in Clinical Practice. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2012:chap 22.

Young G. Leg cramps (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4429847/) BMJ Clinical Evidence. 2015 May 13;2015:1113. Accessed 12/29/2021.

Back pain usually comes from lifting an object the wrong way or awkwardly moving the body, injuring the spinal structures or muscles. However, sometimes it could be signs/symptoms of a more serious medical condition. The back pain could be caused by:

• Kidney stones or infection
• Urinary tract infection - UTI
• Pancreatitis

How to know when the root cause of back pain is from something else in the body? There are two types of pain that pain specialists look at. These are visceral pain and somatic pain. Visceral pain comes from damage or injury to the organs or organ tissues. This internal pain can radiate to the spine from conditions like:

• Pancreatitis
• Ulcerative colitis
• Crohn's disease
• Gall stones
• Cancers
• Kidney pain
• Urinary tract infections

Somatic pain is injury or damage to the muscles, skin, and soft tissues. It can be caused by:

• Regular wear and tear
• Aging
• Injury
• Sedentary lifestyle

However, visceral pain can cause somatic/bodily pain to flare up. The stress the body is going through because of the medical condition can cause inflammation.

Kidney Infections and Stones

The kidneys are located in the rear of the body toward the middle of the back. The kidneys:

• Filter waste products from the body
• Regulate bodily fluids
• Perform other vital functions.

Kidney infections and kidney stones can easily mimic a sprain or strain in the back. Infections or stones can also present with other symptoms like:

• Fever
• Nausea
• Malaise
• Burning sensation when urinating.
• The pain feels like it's higher and deeper in the back compared to musculoskeletal low back pain.
• Side and groin pain could accompany the back pain.
• The pain does not go away after shifting positions or lying down.

Urinary Tract Infection UTI

Upper urinary tract infections in the kidneys or ureters can cause back pain. Upper UTIs happen when a lower UTI in the bladder or urethra goes unnoticed or does not respond to antibiotic treatment. Infections can occur at any age, with women and older men being more susceptible. The pain usually presents in the lower back and groin area. Other possible symptoms include:

• Pain in the back, sides of the lower abdomen between the lower ribs and hips.
• Fever
• Vomiting
• Frequent urination in small amounts
• Burning during urination
• Strong urge to urinate
• Foul-smelling urine
• Cloudy urine
• Fatigue.

The pain can feel like:

• Cramping pain
• Pressure
• Soreness

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, the long flat organ located in the upper abdomen behind the stomach. It assists digestion and sugar management. The American Pancreatic Association reports acute pancreatitis can make individuals feel sick with moderate to severe abdominal pain that can radiate to the back and often worsens after eating. The pain is felt in the upper to middle back. Other possible symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain that radiates to the back
• Abdominal pain after eating
• Fever
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Tenderness in the abdomen

The pain can feel like ​a pulled muscle or joint pain that increases and decreases at first and then strengthens after eating or lying down.

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases IBD

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are inflammatory bowel diseases not to be confused with irritable bowel syndrome.

• Ulcerative colitis affects the colon.
• Inflamed intestinal areas characterize Crohn's disease.
• Both can cause spreading back pain.

A study found 25% of individuals with IBD have chronic back pain. Other possible symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain and cramps
• Urgent need for bowel movements
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Rectal bleeding
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss

The pain can feel mild or severe, like a cramp in the lower abdomen around the low back. It can present in cycles as a flare-up, then goes away. It's essential to read the body's warning signs and not push through the pain or ignore it. If any back pain goes on for more than a week, consult a doctor or chiropractor for a thorough examination. A pain specialist could be recommended if there is chronic back pain from a severe medical condition. A primary doctor or specialist helps keep the medical condition in check, while a pain specialist and/or chiropractor can alleviate chronic musculoskeletal pain from inflammation, irritation, and overstimulated nerves.

Body Composition

Personalized Lifestyle Medicine

Personalized lifestyle medicine develops customized treatment/health plans to fit the individual. It includes:

• Research on how the body works as an integrated system.
• Combines new technology approaches in medicine.
• The relationship between nutrients and gene expression.
• Life and behavioral sciences.

Nutrigenomics testing helps individuals understand the influence of dietary components on their genes, which can help prevent the development of certain chronic diseases.

General Disclaimer *

The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.

We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*

email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com

Licensed in: Texas & New Mexico*

References

American Pancreatic Association (Pancreapedia). (2015). Pathogenesis and Treatment of Pain in Chronic Pancreatitis. https://pancreapedia.org/reviews/pathogenesis-and-treatment-of-pain-in-chronic-pancreatitis

American College of Rheumatology. (2019). The U.S. Prevalence of Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Associated Axial Pain: Data from the National Health & Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). https://acrabstracts.org/abstract/the-us-prevalence-of-inflammatory-bowel-disease-and-associated-axial-pain-data-from-the-national-health-nutrition-examination-survey-nhanes/

5 Ways to Use Kinesiotape for Pregnant Women

Women often seek out chiropractic care during their pregnancies. One of the main reasons for this is that if they are having musculoskeletal pain, their Obstetrician or Midwife generally has very limited options for conventional medical treatment. They are less likely to prescribe medication, which presents an amazing opportunity for us as chiropractors. What initially began as a strange combination of a sports certification and a prenatal/pediatric certification has created a successful and in-demand niche for us. For the most part, I cannot imagine treating prenatal patients without having the sports background. First, most women at some point in their lives have been or currently are an athlete. And second, one of the most common complaints women have during pregnancy is myofascial pain, and who better to treat that than a sports chiropractor? Here are 5 common and easy-to-treat complaints during pregnancy:

One: Pubic Bone Pain

This pain is very common during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Women will often describe it as exquisitely tender, worse with rolling over in bed at night, walking or climbing stairs. Conventional medical opinion is that the ligaments during pregnancy are much more relaxed (due to the hormone, relaxin) causing separation of the pubic symphysis and thus inflammation and pain. Sports chiropractors are uniquely qualified to assess this joint, and the common causes of pain can include:

1. Adductor hypertonicity easily addressed with myofascial release or techniques such as Graston, which can be done over leggings or on skin.

2. SI Joint fixation or Pubic Symphysis fixation. While I am generally a diversified adjuster, an activator adjustment to the superior or more-tender pubic rami will go a long way in terms of providing relief. I strongly discourage any audible manipulation of the pubic symphysis.

3. Kinesiology taping of a “RockTape Baby Belt” or modified version of this can provide significant relief and is much more comfortable than a pelvic support belt.

4. Using an ice pack for 15 minutes prior to going to bed at night will decrease pain and inflammation while sleeping.

Two: Rib Pain

Rib pain, especially in the lower and floating ribs, is common as the weight of the abdomen is pulling on the oblique abdominal muscles and their attachments at the ribs. Adjusting the ribs at the thoracic spine and incorporating myofascial release or Graston Technique will work quickly (often in just 1 treatment). Finish up with a few strips of kinesiology tape and your patient will feel significantly better.

Three: Upper Abdominal Numbness

Upper abdominal numbness is a common symptom during the later stage of pregnancy. It often presents as numbness but can also be painful and worse with sitting. One of the easiest ways to provide relief is with one simple strip of kinesiology tape over the top of the abdomen directly under the rib cage.

Four: Swelling in the arms and legs

Swelling in the arms and legs is very common and can lead to numbness, tingling or pain. Before beginning treatment, be sure to assess if the swelling in the feet is significant and test for pitting edema which can be a warning sign of preeclampsia. This can be corroborated with a high blood pressure reading and is very dangerous. Two very effective sports techniques for use with lower extremity swelling include 1. NormaTec PULSE Recovery System which is not contraindicated in pregnancy. Patients can do a few 20-30 minutes sessions per week to promote circulation and decrease swelling. 2. Kinesiology taping for edema on the ankles.

Five: Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain in pregnancy is very common. Evaluating a pregnant patient prone is very easy if you have pregnancy cushion that sits on top of your table. If you do not, you can evaluate the lower back in the seated or side lying position. Lower back pain can generally be addressed with diversified adjustments (without any rotation as to not stress the abdomen). In addition, the Webster Technique for pregnancy is a valuable tool for assessing and treating lower back pain during all stages of pregnancy. There are also valuable kinesiology tape applications for lower back pain, RockTape features a pregnancy taping pdf online. In addition, there are no contraindications to using the Graston Technique to address myofascial pain in the lower back.

Most of the taping techniques discussed above can be done by patients themselves after a one-time demonstration. Have an assistant or patient’s family member take a video of the application for reference at home. Many sports chiropractic techniques can be used very effectively on prenatal patients.